Elyse B. Butler CFLS - San Diego, CA
Attorney at Butler Law, PC
Family Law Lawyers in San Diego, CA
501 W. Broadway Suite 1400 San Diego, CA 92101
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
18
Years
Experience
San Diego Family Law Lawyer
Updated: 05/19/2026
Areas of Practice
- Family Law
- Divorce
- Child Custody & Visitation
- Child & Spousal Support
- Property Division
- Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Post-Judgment Modifications
- Paternity
- Appeals
Attorney Information
Overview
Ms. Butler is a distinguished lawyer based in San Diego, California. She is Certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in Family Law; an accomplishment only approximately 5% of attorneys earn. She is also Verified by the Lead Counsel Review Board. As the founder of Butler Law, her client-focused approach to everything from property division to child custody and visitation has earned her recognition from Super Lawyers Magazine, the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, and the National Advocates. She has had the pleasure of representing NFL players, Grammy nominated musicians, and international CEOs.
In addition to her training and detailed knowledge of California law, Ms. Butler attributes her success over the years to her in-depth understanding of family dynamics and the long-term consequences of legal actions on family members. She recognizes both the emotional and the financial challenges that arise in difficult family matters, and as such works hard to achieve solutions that both meet individual goals and preserve relationships. Complex cases with international assets or child relocation (move-away) matters to countries outside the United States are those that truly remind her of why she practices family law.
To continue providing her clients with industry-leading service, she keeps her eye on prevailing trends within family law. She is passionate about providing families with much-needed assistance in finding peaceful solutions that maintain familial relationships as best as possible. Through compassionate, client-focused representation, along with creative legal strategies including collaborative divorce or mediation when appropriate, Ms. Butler does everything in her power to provide clients with resolutions that promise a bright future. However, for issues that cannot be settled, she is thoroughly skilled and versed in complex family law trials.
Ms. Butler earned her B.A. summa cum laude from Arizona State University. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor at California Western School of Law where she volunteered at the Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic and the Family Law Facilitator's Office. She also spent time clerking for the Honorable Robert C. Coates (ret.), further developing both her writing and legal skills by assisting in the legal research and drafting of Ending Chronic Homelessness in America's Major Cities: The Justice System Component (University of San Francisco Law Review, Fall 2007, Vol. 42.).
CERTIFIED FOR PUBLICATION COURT OF APPEAL, FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT DIVISION ONE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. APPEAL from an order of the Superior Court of San Diego County, Marcella O. McLaughlin, Judge. Reversed. L. R., in pro. per.; Elyse B. Butler for Appellant.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Lead Counsel Rated and Verified, California, Thomson Reuters, 2015-Present
- “10 Best” Attorneys – Under 40, California, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 2016-Present
- “10 Best” in Client Satisfaction, California, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 2016-Present
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2016 - 2018
- Expert Network Distinguished Lawyer, Recipient
- Finance Monthly Magazine Legal Awards, 2019 - Present
- Who’s Who, 2019 - Present
- Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Best of the Best Attorneys, 2019 - Present
- America’s Most Honored Professionals – Top 10%, the American Registry, 2018 - Present
- Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine, 2017 - Present
- America’s Most Honored Professionals, the American Registry, 2017 - Present
- Top 100 Lawyer, the National Advocates, 2016 - Present
- Client Distinction Award, Lawyers.com and Martindale.com, 2015 - Present
- Noticed, Recipient
- Lawyer Monthly Women in Law, Recipient
- Women in Law Awards, Lawyer Magazine, 2020
Other Sources of Feedback About Elyse B. Butler CFLS
Included on the 2018 San Diego Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2017 San Diego Super Lawyers list
- 2016 San Diego Super Lawyers list
Education
-
Legal Education
-
California Western School of Law,
San Diego,
California
J.D.
-
California Western School of Law,
San Diego,
California
-
Non Legal Education
-
Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
B.A.
Honors: Summa Cum Laude
Major: Justice Studies
-
Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Past Positions
- Honorable Robert C. Coates (ret.), Clerk
Languages
-
English (Primary)
Pro Bono Activities
- Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic, Volunteer
- Family Law Facilitator's Office, Volunteer
Published Works
Articles
-
Ending Chronic Homelessness in America’s Major Cities: The Justice System Component, The University of San Francisco Law Review, Fall, Vol. 42, 2007
Bar Admissions
- California
- Illinois
- U.S. District Court Southern District of California
Specialties and Certifications
- Family Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, 2014
Other Affiliations
- San Diego County Bar Association, Family Law Section
- San Diego Bar Association, LRIS Referral Member (Family Law)
- San Diego Family Law Bar Association, Member
- Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, Member
- California Lawyers Association, Family Law Section
Reviews
Customer Reviews for Elyse B. Butler CFLS
-
Verified ClientHired Attorney 2017I recommend Elyse Butler for the extraordinary work she did for my family and I. She was honest and straight forward from day one. From the minute i walked in the door the whole firm was helpful and comprehensive. I will go back at anytime with any family issue i have in the future because i know she is trust worthy and really professional.
-
Verified ClientHired Attorney 2017I vividly recall submitting an inquiry online for a consultation and I was impressed on how quickly I was contacted to discuss my child custody and support case . Out of all the attorneys I spoke to, Elyse Butler was the only one that truly listened and was very willing to take on my case which involved my special needs daughter. Elyse discussed all options gracefully and with transparency. She made herself available through various means and made sure I remained well informed of the process from beginning to end. I developed a level of trust and professionalism that is admirable and defines camaraderie. I express my deepest gratitude for the patience, knowledge and incredible work Elyse delivered throughout this legal tenure. I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart! Elyse and the Contreras Law firm sure know how to deliver and the customer service is exemplary!
Contact
501 W. Broadway
Suite 1400
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-514-3365
Fax: 619-330-8824
Email: Send a message
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