Reviews

Watching my sister-in-law go through a brutal divorce was heartbreaking, but Kathy at Minella Law Group was a game-changer. From day one, she was sharp, compassionate, and relentless in protecting my sister-in-law’s interests. While my ex-brother-in-law and his attorney played dirty, Kathy stayed tensteps ahead, shutting down their tactics and keeping things fair. Thanks to her expertise, the ultimate outcome was highly favorable to us, and we couldn’t be more satisfied with the results. If you need a powerhouse attorney who truly cares and delivers, Kathy is the one.

When I made the decision to divorce my husband of twenty-four years, I was terrified. In this marriage, I fulfilled a traditional role; I married at 18, and was a stay-at-home mom, raising our four children. My husband on the other hand, is college educated with an Engineering degree, and was able to focus on advancing in his career. Throughout the marriage, my husband was overly controlling, financially and emotionally abusive, as well as emotionally neglectful. The emotional neglect had especially taken a toll on our four children, and this is when I made the decision to start the divorce process. I interviewed six attorneys, but in the end chose Kathy. She was a very attentive listener, as well as empathetic to not only my situation, but that of my children too. I liked that she was straightforward with me on our initial call and gave me realistic expectations. I especially appreciated how well versed she was on the law. Divorce is a very scary process, and more so when dealing with a high conflict personality such as that of my husband. Kathy has helped me win regarding practically every issue we’ve had to go to court on. Early on, when my husband learned of my decision to divorce him, he retaliated against me and our children. When I told Kathy the emotional distress he was causing, especially on the children, she quickly came to our aide. In a week, she served my husband a temporary restraining order, as well as an additional order asking him to vacate the family home. When my husband would not provide regular financial support for the children and myself, Kathy requested the court grant me a wage garnishment— and it was approved. Thanks to her, my husband was also ordered to give me access to a physical credit card. Financial autonomy was something I never thought was achievable considering the severity of abuse in our relationship. As the divorce process continued, the temporary restraining order was about to expire; Kathy explained that I had enough evidence to ask for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order. At first, I was confused because my partner never hit me. Then, Kathy explained coercive control and how my situation fit the description of this part of the domestic violence umbrella. She did an outstanding job representing me during that trial and the court sided with me. Although my case is still outgoing, I recognize the preparation and organization Kathy and her team (Cassidy De Vito, Jasmin Dimson) have put into my case in order to attain these favorable results, which again, I never really thought would be granted. I am very appreciative to her and her team for being compassionate, supportive, understanding, and helping me win on almost every issue we’ve attended court for. As unfortunate as the circumstances are, Kathy has proven herself to be an outstanding lawyer.

Kathy did a superb job during my divorce. She was diligent and organized and mastered all the key legal points of the case. She did not run up the bill but was measured and fair every step of the way. She is connected to many of the family practice judges in San Diego and knows their likes and dislikes personally, so she can tailor her arguments and strategy appropriately. When the day came for the trial, she absolutely destroyed the other side. They lost on every singe point, and she put our side in the best negotiating position possible with all the leverage. We won. It was not even close. She was worth every dime. I recommend her without reservation.

This past year was honestly one of the roughest situations life could have thrown at me, but let me tell you how Kathy Minella and her AMAZING Team helped me breathe through Covid-19 like it didn’t exist. Kathy literally stepped in as my attorney on my family law case the night before my initial hearing, with no hesitation that with the little bit of evidence I had from past abuse spoke for itself. She is an organized, stress relieving, empowering Attorney that I would never have to think twice about recommending to someone. She made sure my story was heard and kicked ass on her first ever video trial!! Kathy Minella and her ENTIRE team never let me down! The constant communication between them and their clients was just a plus side of being able to have her with me every step of the way. I am forever grateful for this Angel:) Thank You So Much Minella Law Group for helping us keep our family safe!

Kathy and her team are truly top notch! I have to admit that my divorce case was not a walk in the park. I had been representing myself the first few months and no attorney could give me a straight answer on my very complicated case, leaving me feeling unsure of the murky waters ahead and no hope in getting a fair settlement. Kathy was open, honest, personable and most important of all, consistent. She didn't tell me what I wanted to hear like the other firms (and I talked to maybe 25+ attorneys)- she told me what I NEEDED to hear based on all the facts and what the most probable outcome would be according to Family Law. Her level-headed approach and "calm cool and collected" demeanor was key in dealing with my ex-husbands aggressive (dare I say, psycho) attorney. Kathy's team worked diligently to prepare my case and put together the most amazing, detailed responses with factual data. Her legal advice and knowledge is outstanding. She remained consistent to the end and I was able to get the outcome we discussed at our very first meeting. As someone who was going through divorce for the 1st time... it is very scary and you don't know what to expect. Kathy and her team put me at ease and treated me like a friend vs. just a client. There was no way I could have done that by myself or with anyone else representing me. Hiring Kathy is the best decision you could make.

I've been working with Kathy for over a year now and can't say how often I would (and have) recommend her. She's honest, an advocate and more importantly, hears what you want and will fight for it. She realistic, direct and answers her cell. My simple custody agreement turned into a mess and Kathy kept me level headed but never left me in the ring alone. If you want what's best for your family and an advocate for you, there's not a better family attorney out there.

Kathy and her office, specifically Matt Baker, have been phenomenal. I initially reached out to her when I was pregnant and she's been an invaluable resource since. Not only is she realistic and professional, she legitimately seems to care about me and my son. She's a talented attorney and a good person, I'd vouch for her 100% anyway.

I hired Kathy to help me with filing separation from my husband and to pursue a divorce. She was willing to travel over 3 hours to attend court in regards to custody and settlements. She did an outstanding job and not only was she competent and strong in front of the judge, but she always made me feel supported. I appreciated having her on my side of things and would recommend her to anyone who needs a family law attorney.

Kathy Minella is a brilliant lawyer!!! I'm glad that she handled my case in the Family Court of San Diego in December 2015. During this time, she has done a tremendous job, it is the most difficult case associated with the establishment of parental rights, custody and visitations. Also it includes questions of immigration and international law. When I met Kathy, I was a little nervous because of her young age, I thought whether she has enough knowledge and experience? But I was knocked out by her sincere interest and fast thinking and learning. And I was right by choosing her to represent me! Excellent professional knowledge, ability to remember the smallest details of a huge case, the ability to form a strategy and brilliant conducting of the 6-days of trial!!! That's what Kathy Minella has done for me! She defended the rights of my son, as he was her own. When it became necessary to involve consultants in specialized areas of finances and law - Kathy created a great team in a short time. And for all her merits and hard work, she costed me less than 3 previous attorneys (including the most famous), who only charged me and almost did not do anything. Kathy Minella, remember this name, she has a great future!

They did everything that I asked them to do. Everything to filing motions to taking care of all the paperwork. For me it was reassuring knowing they took the time to explain my options and what my best course of action is.

I came to Minella law group 2 years ago for a child support and custody case. I felt extremely confident and comfortable after my consultation that I knew I had to use Kathy. Here we are 2 years later and anything I've needed gets done, I get told exactly what's going to happen, always informed, and I've pretty much gotten everything I've asked for in front of the judge. I would highly recommend Kathy and her office in any of your family law needs.

This review for Kathy Minella of Minella Law Offices is long overdue. I contacted Ms. Minella in the middle of a very long divorce battle. I had to hire a new attorney as my original counsel was going out on maternity leave. The divorce should have been settled long before this period of time so hiring new counsel was very frustrating. Ms. Minella was recommended to me by my first attorney. When seeking new counsel, I required an attorney who was fair yet firm. In over a year and a half, very little had been accomplished in the divorce proceeding. The opposing counsel was very difficult to get a hold of and the settlement agreement was a constant point of contention. Ms. Minella sent out an email to the other counsel within days of initially speaking with me. She had reviewed quite a bit of information in a very short period of time and started working for me immediately. I was impressed with her knowledge of the case. It felt like she had been working for me the whole time. It goes without saying; divorces cases are extremely emotional and very difficult. Ms. Minella was able to keep me on track and temper my emotions through the entire proceeding. She was honest with me and always gave me the best advice. Contacting her offices was never a problem. More importantly, we never went to trial and ended up settling amicably. I would highly recommend hiring Kathy Minella for any of your family law needs.