San Diego Family Lawyers - Bringing Order to Chaos Since 1974

With decades of experience, our compassionate and skilled family law attorneys are here to guide and support you every step of the way—protecting your rights, your family, and your future. Our team serves clients throughout San Diego, Coronado, La Jolla, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, and beyond.

The Law Offices of Beatrice L. Snider, APC.
A San Diego Family Law Firm

The Law Offices of Beatrice L. Snider in San Diego, CA are solely devoted to family law. We have experienced attorneys that have helped countless families in San Diego when it comes to family law-related issues such as annulments, cohabitation agreements, post-nuptial and prenuptial agreements, legal separation agreements, same-sex partnership, domestic violence, mediation, paternity, child custody and visitation, divorce, child support, property distribution, high asset divorces, and spousal support.

Not only are our attorneys very knowledgeable and experienced, but they are also very hardworking and approachable. In the San Diego area, we are known for our expertise and integrity.

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WHY CHOOSE US

We Place a High Priority On Accolades and Experience in San Diego Family Law and Divorce

Our firm’s foundation began when Beatrice Snider became a Certified Family Law Specialist in 1980—one of only twelve attorneys to earn the designation that year. Christine Hayes Sickler joined in 1985, becoming a specialist by 1991 and later a shareholder and managing partner. Stephen R. Murphy joined the firm in 2013 and became a partner in Beatrice L. Snider Family Law Group, LLP in 2016, followed by Jessica B. Medina becoming a partner in 2021. With a team of highly skilled attorneys, we have grown into one of California’s largest firms dedicated exclusively to family law, a success made possible by our exceptional legal and support staff.

Team Approach

Our firm embodies a team approach when it comes to providing the highest level of service for our clients.

Our attorneys strive to negotiate a fair settlement whenever possible. In most cases, our cases are resolved without a costly trial. We always strive for a stress-free resolution not only for our clients but also for all parties involved.

Our attorneys know that there are certain cases that cannot be settled. In such instances, our attorneys are more than willing and fully able to litigate complex legal issues involving financial, property, support, and custody issues.

We place a high priority on client communication. Our attorneys know very well that clients would resolve legal matters in a civil and friendly way whenever possible, and we are committed to guiding them through the process with clarity, compassion, and strategic advocacy.

PRACTICE AREAS

Our Extensive Range of Legal Practice Areas

Providing compassionate and strategic legal guidance in family law matters to protect your rights and your family’s future.

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When it comes to resolving difficult child custody disputes, our San Diego child custody attorneys have decades of combined expertise. We guide our clients through challenging issues and strive to get the best possible solution for all parties involved.

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If you are facing a divorce, you may be feeling overwhelmed, especially if children are involved. Your biggest concern is likely how the divorce will impact your kids. As you navigate this tough time, the financial aspects – like child support – can feel like another heavy burden on top of everything else.

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Divorce may be a difficult process. Emotions are frequently heightened. It’s all too simple to become overwhelmed. Hiring an experienced, board-certified family law attorney to assist you with your divorce can make a significant impact. The Law Offices of Beatrice L. Snider, APC can assist you in thoroughly comprehending the divorce procedure and all legal choices available to you.

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Facing a domestic violence situation can be overwhelming, terrifying, and isolating for an individual or family. If you’re in San Diego and find yourself in need of legal support, know that you’re not alone. Our board-certified domestic violence attorneys are here to listen, advocate for your rights, and carefully guide you through every single step of the legal process.

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BLSAPC is the well-known spousal support lawyers in San Diego, having served the community for over 30 years. We have a team of experienced attorneys who understand the sensitive and often complex nature of these cases. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective representation to help our clients achieve the best possible outcomes in spousal support cases.

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Our board-certified, award-winning family law attorneys have decades of combined experience in dealing with even the most complex and contentious family law disputes. Our San Diego family law attorneys provide compassionate, expert counsel to provide legal counsel for child relocation issues.

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Our board-certified family law attorneys are expert in all aspects of California family law, providing decades of experience in our legal counsel for families facing legal issues around same-sex divorce and domestic partnerships, including domestic partnership termination in San Diego County Courts.

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At such a personal and emotional crossroads, the uncertainties surrounding paternity can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a mother seeking clarity or a father wanting to establish your rights, we understand that this is not just a legal matter – it’s about family, identity, and the well-being of your child.

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In high net worth San Diego divorce cases, matters involving the ownership of a business, and situations where one party may have a substantial separate property estate, there are frequently complex property division issues. 

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California court orders are binding for all parties, yet it’s not uncommon for one party or the other to refuse to comply with the terms of a family court order. Our experienced, board-certified family law attorneys can help represent you to make sure court orders are enforced.

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A prenuptial agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the financial and property rights of each spouse in the event of a divorce, legal separation, nullity, or death. It is typically created by couples before they get married and can cover issues such as asset division, spousal support, and the ownership of businesses or properties.

OUR TEAM

Meet Beatrice L. Snider

Ms. Snider moved to the U.S. from Sweden at age 10 and earned her Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in 1973. In 1974, she opened her own practice, specializing in family law. She became a Certified Family Law Specialist in 1980 and has since built one of California’s largest family law firms. Ms. Snider is a certified mediator and trained in Collaborative Divorce™.

OUR TEAM

Meet Hannah M. Hickman

Ms. Hickman graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona in December 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Studies and a Minor in Psychology. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in April 2020. During law school, Ms. Hickman was an active member of Pride Law, Pro Bono Honors Society, and a member of the American Bar Association Section of Family Law. Ms. Hickman was the 2020 recipient of the Antonyan Miranda LLP Family Law Scholarship and the 2020 San Diego County Volunteer of the Year Award

OUR TEAM

Meet Alexandria M. Jones

Ms. Jones graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Ms. Jones was a scholarship recipient of the Earl B. Gilliam Foundation in 2016. During law school, Alexandria conducted at internship at the Family Law Facilitator’s Office and was a legal research intern for Judge John Houston with the United States Southern District Court. Prior to joining the firm in 2021, Ms. Jones worked as a legal assistant in family law and paralegal at the District Attorneys’ Office appeals department.

OUR TEAM

Meet Jessica B. Medina

Ms. Medina graduated in 2008 from the University of California at Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with an emphasis in American Politics. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in April 2012. Following her graduation from California Western, Ms. Medina was hired as a law clerk with the firm and subsequently became an associate upon admission to the State Bar of California in December 2012.

OUR TEAM

Meet Stephen R. Murphy

Mr. Murphy obtained his Juris Doctorate from Western State University in 1984. In the beginning of his legal career, he was a sole practitioner handling primarily court-appointed and privately-retained criminal clientele. He subsequently became associated with a family law firm where, within four years, he received the training and experience that enabled him to become a Certified Family Law Specialist in 1994. Mr. Murphy joined our firm in 2013 and became a partner in Beatrice L. Snider Family Law Group, LLP, in 2016.

OUR TEAM

Meet Christine Hayes Sickler

Ms. Sickler obtained her Bachelor of Science from University of California at Los Angeles in 1973 and earned her Juris Doctorate from Hastings College of the Law (University of California) in 1976. Ms. Sickler was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1976 and Federal Bar (Southern District of California).

OUR TEAM

Meet John L. Romaker

Mr. Romaker obtained his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from California Western School of Law in 1988. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics/Political Science from University of Wisconsin – Madison. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1988. Mr. Romaker began serving the firm as “Of Counsel” in 2014. In addition to handling family law appeals, Mr. Romaker brings his vast experience in civil law to assist in the resolution or litigation of cross-over issues in complex family law matters without retaining additional outside counsel. On behalf of the firm, Mr. Romaker has assisted with complicated transactions involving wrongfully conveyed assets, asset purchase agreements, and commercial property sales.

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The Advantages of Partnering with The Law Offices of Beatrice L. Snider, APC

Achievements

Recognized Excellence & Trusted Results

Years of Legal Experience
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Among Our San Diego Family Law Attorneys

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Commitment to Integrity and Professionalism

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Who Are Board-Certified Family Law Specialists With The State Bar of California

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Beatrice Snider Was Selected to Super Lawyers for 2012 – 2025

AWARDS

Awards and Recognitions

Our firm is proud to be recognized for excellence in family law and client advocacy. We have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and have been named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers. We are also honored to be a 20-year member of ACFLS.

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Testimonials

Success Stories from Our Clients

"My wife hired Beatrice Snider and her team with wonderful results. She and her staff were experts in how she resolved complicated issues. Pat recommends this Law Firm to everyone! They went above and beyond with real helpful advice and handled a tough situation with professional care. With one of the largest and most diverse staffs in San Diego, they use a team approach to solve complex cases with reasonable fees. Thanks to all, you’re a wonderful team."
“I don’t think there’s a way to describe the stress that comes with going through the divorce process, including the follow up court proceedings after the divorce is final. In my case, your attorneys were always calm, professional and reassuring, and expeditiously helped me resolve my spousal support issue. Great team!“
“I would like to thank your family law firm for their excellent work on my case. They demonstrated knowledge, compassion, and toughness that resulted in a very positive outcome for me. Your firm has the intelligence, people skills, and experience to handle any complex case.“
“The only word that comes to mind to describe what my attorney and paralegal team worked so hard on is, BEAUTIFUL! You pulled ALL the pieces together, and there were many, and presented it so concisely and factually. Of course, the other side hit back with everything they’ve got, but my team didn’t let that take away from the supreme effort they put into my case then, and from the very beginning.“
“My divorce was extremely complex with a multitude of tax and legal issues. It was draining both emotionally and financially. My prior attorneys were incapable of handling my ex-husband. Thank God for this law firm. The Law Offices of Beatrice L. Snider were a formidable advocate for me. I highly recommend this law office for their professionalism and expertise. Their attention to detail is apparent from the minute you walk in the door of their warm and inviting office.“

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Explore and Discover Your Legal Options

We’re here to help—reach out today to schedule a consultation to discuss your family law needs.