Our San Diego attorneys take the time to get to know you, understand your goals, and deliver strategic support from start to finish. With 20+ years combined experience, we’ll help you achieve the best possible outcome—not just for this case, but for the life you’re building ahead.
Elena worked 10 years in corporate law before discovering her passion for family law through a pro bono guardianship case. Her analytical skills from the business world prove invaluable when handling complex financial matters, from tracing hidden assets to evaluating businesses.
Elena’s litigation experience ranges from jury trials and multi-day custody hearings to complex financial discovery motions and emergency orders. She’s earned two Wiley W. Manuel Awards for her extensive pro bono work and serves as a volunteer interpreter for the Casa Cornelia Law Center Victims of Crime Program.
Having also experienced divorce personally, Elena brings both professional expertise and genuine care to every case. Clients value her straightforward but strategic approach, describing her as a strong, reliable, and honest advocate.
Phoenix Coverley is an experienced family law attorney and native San Diegan. She graduated from Point Loma High School, then attended UC Davis for her undergraduate education. She went on to earn a master’s in special education from San Jose State University and a law degree from The Monterey College of Law. She has been practicing law since 2011 in the areas of immigration, disability, divorce and family law. Prior to practicing law, Phoenix worked as a special education teacher and administrator in the public school system.
Phoenix brings extensive experience mediating settlements and litigating all family law matters, including child custody, visitation, child and spousal support, division of marital assets and debts.
When she’s not practicing family law, Phoenix enjoys teaching, surfing and writing poetry. Phoenix has been a professor of law and writing at The San Diego University of Integrative Studies since 2011. Phoenix prides herself on being a strong communicator who is client focused. Clients describe her as knowledgeable, empathetic and trustworthy. In particular, clients commend her ability to provide direct and honest communication. Phoenix takes pride in advocating for her clients and helping them come to a reasonable resolution of family law matters.
Matt Ryan is our senior paralegal. For the past 13 years, Matt has worked exclusively in family law honing his paralegal skills and gaining knowledge of the San Diego Family Court system along the way. He enjoys the fast-paced and challenging nature of divorce and family law litigation.
Matt values the opportunity his job provides to help people work through a very difficult time in their life. He is a great asset to our firm and our clients, who consistently praise his professionalism, attention to detail, strong communication skills, responsiveness, and deep familiarity with California family law and court procedures.
When Matt is not at the office, he enjoys spending time with his daughter and their dog, exploring North County and spending time with his extended family.
Maria Nelyubina supports the firm’s attorneys with financial analysis and investigation essential in cases involving division of complex assets, business-owner income analysis and tracing issues. She assists with financial discovery, income and expense analysis, asset and debt summaries, document review and trial preparation.
Maria’s strong background in finance and unparallel attention to detail are great assets to the firm.
Maria lives in Carmel Valley with her husband and two children. In her free time, Maria enjoys active sports and traveling.
Veronika graduated from Santa Fe Christian at the top of her class and will be attending UCLA in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology. She has experience working in the legal field, as well as attended government and public policy oriented programs to further her knowledge in law and civic-engagement.
Veronika brings professionalism, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic to every task she takes on. She is passionate about learning and is committed to serving clients with care and integrity as she prepares for her future in law, healthcare, or public service.
Gina Asaro is a San Diego native who has worked in Family Law for over 25 years. Gina finds it rewarding to help people navigate what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Gina has a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and a JD from Western Sierra School of Law.
Outside of work, Gina enjoys surfing, playing with their pug, and spending time with family and friends.
Accusations of domestic violence can affect your access to your children and your daily life. These situations require immediate action, strong defence, and a clear strategy to protect your rights.
When financial information isn't fully disclosed, it's impossible to reach a fair resolution. Hidden assets and unreported income make an already difficult process even more complex.
Ongoing conflict takes a toll on everyone, especially children. When communication breaks down and every interaction becomes a dispute, it can feel like there is no way out.
For many years, Elena Smolina has successfully guided clients through their most challenging problems. We will help you to:
We work to secure fair asset division and support arrangements.
We develop custody strategies that prioritize your children's wellbeing while protecting your parental rights.
We provide clear guidance at every step, so you understand your options and feel in control.
Here’s how we work with you from start to finish:
Our team is here to help you build the future you and your family deserve.
Schedule your consultation today to ask any pressing questions and get concrete next steps for your case.
“A year from now you may wish you had started today.”
