Reviews

I would never recommend this law firm to anyone needing help with family court. This is the first and only time I have ever needed a private attorney, but the representation was a joke. My attorney let me lose custody to a self-represented man who was documented lying and then literally told me that there "was no justice in family court". I do not know if it is normal to not receive responses to emails that contain TIME SENSITIVE QUESTIONS for weeks at a time from a lawyer, but this is how it has been since the beginning. Sometimes they'll respond within a business day or two, other times they won't respond at all or it will be at least a week or more. I was assigned to another lawyer once this attorney left the firm, and then when I still hadn't received the documents I needed, I find out that I have been assigned to yet another attorney who I was completely unaware of. Incompetent is the word that comes to mind. I paid a retainer fee, and now owe several thousand dollars to a law firm that has DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING FOR ME. NOTHING. I cannot believe that I paid someone to help serve JUSTICE and that IS NOT WHAT HAPPENED.

Mr. Van Thiel wrote a letter for me that worked like a charm on my ex-husband. It was a simple intake process and got me the results I wanted, so I'd definitely recommend hiring him to someone with ex-spouse issues.

I've spent 2 days trying to get assistance for a trust and probate issue. And while they weren't the law specialist I was looking for the werw kind enough to take 5 minutes to point me in the right direction. They did a lot more for me than The Law Center in Encinitas, who heard me out for 15 seconds interrupted me and essentially said they didn't have the time and hung up.

Worst service ever by Bonny, they keep transferring me from person to person. Shot out to the owner mike fischer for getting back to me on the same day to resolve this matter really appreciated your professionalism.

Great setting. Great wait staff.

Save yourself and do not go here!! We went to court and the lawyer said 2 sentences! He did not advocate for me or my case. I had to email one time and ask them to take my case seriously cause I felt like they were not. They don’t care about you, it’s all about the money. I also paid my balance in full and one day later I all of a sudden owe more money. They are horrible, just look on Yelp! Don’t waste your money here find a better lawyer.

Called in today to see if I could speak to the lawyer about a potential case. The lady who answered the phone was beyond rude and told me that the attorney couldn’t help me since I didn’t have permission from the other party. (That is not true!) as I was trying to explain to her that it wasn’t true she hung up on me. So I’ll just take my business elsewhere. Thank you for treating people kindly 🙄😊

Craig Van Thiel recently represented my ex-wife as we re-negotiated custody and support. I actually filed to rep myself, simply asking for an increase to 50/50 custody and guideline child support. It was that simple. My ex-wife hired Mr. Van Thiel, which then led me to hire an attorney as well. Mr. Van Thiel submitted ridiculous exhibits including photos of people gambling in Las Vegas, that were not even me. He also submitted photos of my wife walking through the common areas of the Forum shops (not inside stores) and told the court I should pay his client more since my wife shops at fancy boutiques. It was ridiculous, hearsay, unfounded and unsubstantiated and not effective. Mr. Van Thiel called our son by the wrong name throughout the entire first court hearing. It was very uncomfortable to watch him call our son Andrew, by the name Matthew repeatedly for almost 2 hours.. over and over. I can't imagine how I'd feel if he were my attorney did that! Furthermore, he repeatedly disregarded the judges requests. For example, at the first of two live hearings, we were issued a second court date three weeks after the first. The judge was new (Torres) and took it under review since he wanted time to make sure he was making a decision fair to both parties. The judge specifically told both attorneys to submit three disomasters ONLY. He specifically said he did NOT want further arguments about why mom or dad should have this or that, as he had enough information to make the decision. In court at the second hearing, Mr. Van Thiel did exactly what the judge asked him NOT to do. Which is sanctionable. My attorneys respected not only the judge, but her attorney Mr. Van Thiel, my ex-wife and her new boyfriend. From our end there were no character assassination attempts, no defaming or slandering her character, and no attacking of her new significant other. My attorneys and I decided to stay 100% high road and class. From Mr. Van Thiel, it was quite the opposite. If you want an attorney that attacks the other parent of your children, he's your guy. But watch out. That most likely will come back at you. Behaving that way just makes matters worse. And, that is this guy's style. It is my belief that our case went as long as it did, and cost as much as it did (probably 4 years at SDSU) because of Mr. Van Thiel. Throughout the entire case, he inflamed, attacked and misbehaved. He did nothing to try and bring my ex-wife and I to common ground. For Mr. Van Thiel, it is all about keeping the conflict going, it is all about money, and how long he can keep you arguing and litigating to line his pockets. He's slimy. He either lies to the judge, takes terrible notes, or has a poor memory. He also manipulates everything he writes by using generalities, inaccuracies, exaggerations and things that didn't even happen in court. He's either shady, or not very bright. His attempts to assassinate my character, and that of my wife (whose been my son's stepmom for almost 4 years) didn't work. Nor did his sanctionable antics that continued through the end of our case. Thankfully, my ex-wife and I began communicating well, and co-parenting wonderfully. She and my wife were able to meet three times to hash things out so everyone walked away at peace and able to get along. We now share custody and equal support of our child. My ex and my wife even gave each other a hug. Today they communicate often and well. It was taking the matter back into our own hands that helped us resolve things in a way we were all at peace with. And, so we could avoid a final litigation date, and the heavy expenses of that preparation and appearance. My wife and my ex drafted the final agreement, which was submitted and finalized by the judge. Our story ended well. Happier than we could have imagined. But not because of Mr. Van Thiel. He was the one standing right in the way. Custody of your child is no joke. Choose wisely. And take the high road, it will pay you back in good things!

Craig Van Thiel and staff were absolutely amazing to work with during my divorce. Craig was extremely knowledgeable and quite supportive during such a challenging time. I can't recommend a better Family Law attorney.

Helped me with my juvenile court case in my teens. Michael's a great guy and an excellent attorney.