About Elyse B. Butler

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 LEGAL SPECIALTIES

• Family Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, 2014

HONORS AND AWARDS

• Lead Counsel Rated and Verified, California, Thomson Reuters

• “10 Best” Attorneys – Under 40, California, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

• “10 Best” in Client Satisfaction, California, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

• Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Recipient

• Expert Network Distinguished Lawyer, Recipient

• Finance Monthly Magazine Legal Awards, Recipient

• Who's Who, Recipient

• Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Best of the Best Attorneys

• America's Most Honored Professionals – Top 10%, the American Registry

• Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine

• Top 100 Lawyer, the National Advocates

• Client Distinction Award, Lawyers.com and Martindale.com

• Noticed, Recipient

• Lawyers of Distinction, Distinguished Member Recipient

• Women in Law Awards, Lawyer Magazine

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

• San Diego County Bar Association, Family Law Section

• San Diego County 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

 

Awards

Reviews for Elyse B.

Have you consulted or hired this lawyer?

Leave a review about your experience with this lawyer.

Write a Review

Overall Rating
Showing 1-10 of 51 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
86%
4 stars
12%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
2%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
4.9
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
4.7
Family Law
Posted by Mat
January 18, 2026
Hired Attorney

From the initial consultation through the completion of services, the Butler Law team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise. My team—Alexandra Fetter, Mallory Baldassini, Emma Goode, Chelsea Flamenco, Devon Fisher, and Sara Dorworth—worked seamlessly together, and every interaction reflected a consistent awareness of my case status, outstanding responsiveness, and clear communication. Regardless of who I spoke with, I always felt informed and supported. The billing process was equally impressive—thorough, transparent, and easy to track—providing full confidence in every charge.

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
January 12, 2026
Hired Attorney

Sara Dorworth is heading up my case and, needless to say, there are a lot moving parts. Sara has been brilliant. Other attorneys I’ve hired to modify my custody orders just seem to react and play defense. Sara has an actual strategy. And it’s a sound one. Her forward-thinkingness, and her knack for communicating have changed my outlook on a situation that, for far too long, felt intractable. This is a small family firm that doesn’t traffic in bravado, or pass themselves off as some kind of emotional support group. They just do their job (well), they look at every angle. They’re pragmatic. The way they conduct themselves cannot fail to make you feel “seen.” As a divorced dad many miles from my daughter, Sara and Emma have given genuine peace of mind. Zero BS: That was the vibe I got from my consultation with Elyse. And the team she assembled confirmed my hunch. They’re also the most affordable firm in SD I consulted. Go figure. I’m so lucky I found them.

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
October 06, 2025
Hired Attorney

During my intake staff answered most of my questions and made me feel comfortable. They take their time to answer all your questions. I highly recommend this firm. Great customer service always with a positive attitude and outlook.

Family Law
Posted by anonymous
September 11, 2025
Hired Attorney

My experience with Butler Law, PC was very positive. They were professional, responsive, and easy to communicate with throughout the process. I appreciated their clear guidance and steady support during a difficult time, and I would recommend their services to others seeking family law assistance.

Family Law
Posted by Nathan
September 09, 2025
Hired Attorney

Sara at Butler Law was amazing to work with on my prenup. She made the whole process simple and stress free, and explained everything in plain english. Super responsive and detail oriented but also very approachable. I felt confident the whole way thru. Highly recomend!

Family Law
Posted by Kaelyn
June 12, 2025
Hired Attorney

Hiring Butler Law firm was the best decision with my current situation. Not only did they give me peace of mind ,but their dedication to the case and understanding of situations is amazing. I was skeptical about going to another county to hire an attorney,but the cost to the amount of work they do for you and your case is well worth it. I feel less stressed and can finally relax a little because I know I am backed by an amazing firm.

 
Family Law
Posted by Kevin
March 07, 2025
Hired Attorney

I was looking for an attorney within a 3 week short time period I found Butler Law, they took on my case and they were very hospitable. Alexandrea was the person to handle my case, short out to her for winning my TRO case.

Family Law
Posted by Marc
January 27, 2025
Hired Attorney

Butler Law, PC exceeded all my expectations during one of the most difficult times in my life. Their professionalism, experience, and intelligence truly set them apart. From the very beginning, they approached my case with a clear strategy, communicated every step of the process, and ensured I felt supported and informed along the way. Sara, Veronica, Mallory, and Alexandra were an absolute dream team—compassionate, efficient, and respectful in every interaction. They brought a level of care and dedication that made a challenging situation much more manageable. I can’t thank Butler Law enough for handling my case so wonderfully. If you’re looking for a firm that combines expertise with empathy, look no further. I highly recommend them!

 
Family Law
Posted by Alejandra
December 18, 2024
Hired Attorney

This attorney's office, their entire staff and team has been nothing but phenomenal. They are not only realistic in telling you the truth of your situation, what an uphill battle it may be but they never stop believing in you nor fighting for you. They will argue your case with their whole heart because they truly believe in their clients. If you want attorneys to have your back 100% of the way and never making you feel like you're alone, this office is the place to go. Not only did our family win such an extremely difficult case but had it not been for their extremely hard work, we would've never been able to. Their belief in the people they represent, time and effort is put into every single case they have and I would recommend this law firm to everyone I know who needs it.

 
Family Law
Posted by Zachary
November 22, 2024
Hired Attorney

I live out of state from where my case was assigned. Elyse and her team answered my call when I needed legal help with family law. I had never used a lawyer before, but they made the entire process as easy as they possibly could. They answered any questions I had about the case and prepared me for each step along the way. I never felt I wasn't listened to or heard when dealing with their office. If I had a question, it was always answered in a timely manner. I am sure they have several cases they work on, but I never felt like just a number to them. It was great being represented by a team that was organized and dedicated to my case. I would highly recommend their services to anyone else needing family law services.

 

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law 1
    • Paternity
  • Other 7
    • Divorce & Legal Separation
    • Child Custody & Visitation
    • Child & Spousal Support
    • Property Division
    • Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders
    • Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
    • Post-Judgment Modifications

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    2008, California
    2008, Illinois
    U.S. District Court Southern District of California
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    California Western School of Law
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Arizona State University
    B.A.
    Journalism and Mass Communication specializing in Media Analysis and Criticism from the college of Public Programs, summa cum laude
    Legal Certifications
    Certified Family Law Specialist, Certified by the California State Board of Legal Specialization.

Contact Elyse B. Butler

Share Holder at Butler Law, PC
4.8
133 reviews

501 W Broadway, Ste. 1400San Diego, CA 92101U.S.A.

Show on map
Office Hours:
  • Monday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tuesday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wednesday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thursday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Friday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Case type is required.
I am is required.
First name is required.
Last name is required.
A valid zip code is required.
Country is required.
State is required.
A valid city is required.
A valid email address is required.
A valid phone number is required.
Message is required.
0/1000 characters

By clicking the Submit button, you agree to the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms and Privacy Policy. You also consent to be contacted at the phone number you provided, including by autodials, text messages and/or pre-recorded calls, from Lawyers.com and its affiliates and from or on behalf of attorneys you request or contact through this site. Consent is not a condition of purchase.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Emails sent through this site do not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent though this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. See Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Thank you! Your message has been successfully sent.

For your records, a copy of this email has been sent to test@test.com.

Summary of Your Message
Case Type:
I am a/an:
First Name:
Last Name:
City:
Zip Code or Postal Code:
State:
Country:
Phone Number:
Message:

Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, Elyse B. Butler has a 4.9 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.