Serving San Jose and beyond Family Law Attorney San Jose

Very competent, experienced, fierce, and thoughtful Apr 30, 2026

Moksha Smith is a very competent, experienced, fierce, and thoughtful attorney. She helped me tremendously to navigate through the very difficult and complex legal process. I am very thankful and have a lot of respect for her work. I also want to thank Pam, who often miraculously got the last-minute work done, and the rest of the team. I highly recommend Moksha and her team!

Thomas Hsu

Genuine, Compassionate, and Fierce Mar 3, 2026

Moksha Smith is one of the most genuine and compassionate attorneys I know, yet she is equally fierce in determination. She is thoughtful and warm, and truly takes the time to listen. She is also incredibly driven and proactive, will stand her ground, and lead with heart, integrity, and strength. I highly recommend Moksha.

Dani Wolter, Top 2% Coldwell Banker Saratoga

Outstanding to Work With Jan 28, 2026

Claire Swann has been outstanding to work with. She is incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful, and consistently provides clear, strategic advice that gives real peace of mind. Claire is always responsive, answers calls promptly, and takes the time to make sure every question is fully addressed. Her professionalism and attention to detail truly set her apart. You can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and their outcomes. I highly recommend Claire to anyone looking for exceptional guidance.

Travis Conte

Happy With the Results and Support Dec 31, 2025

I worked with Magdalena Chattopadhya and the team of Magdalena Law Group for approximately a year. It was a challenging time, but I am happy with the results, the responsiveness and support of the team, and the masterful strategy advisements I was receiving. I would definitely work with them again and have since recommended Magdalena Law Group to others in need of a skilled family law attorney.

Moskit Woman

Amazing support and helpful in answering all of my questions Nov 11, 2025

Thank you, Moksha and MLG team, for the awesome support for my case! Amazing support and helpful in answering all of my questions and giving me feedback. Thank you!

Linda Shu

The MLG team is truly outstanding. Sep 19, 2025

The MLG team is truly outstanding. They have a skilled team of attorneys and legal staff who will advocate on their client’s behalf strategically and emphatically when needed. Their dedication and professionalism are evident from the beginning of the case. They understand the client’s needs and priorities then strategize accordingly. This review is based on a handful of weeks of interaction. With that in mind, the team at MLG has done an excellent job and delivered good results in a short time. I am sincerely grateful for their work and dedication. I wish I could be more explicit about what they have done but I cannot. I worked mainly with Ms. Smith, Ms. Chattopadhya, and Ms. Swann. The rest of their team was there to assist and help whenever and wherever they could, including Ms. Kostic, Ms. Glover, Ms. Yarisantos, and Ms. Agrawal. They all raise the bar with their communication and professionalism. They keep you posted and informed of all the developments of the case as early as possible. They also respond strategically in a timely manner as the case requires.

Mohammed Aabed

Outstanding Representation by Magdalena Jul 30, 2025

I am extremely grateful for the outstanding representation I received from Magdalena in my family law case. From our very first meeting, she demonstrated a deep understanding of the legal process and took the time to listen to every detail of my situation. Magdalena was always attentive, responsive, and made sure I felt heard and supported throughout the entire process. Magdalena's professionalism and dedication were evident in every interaction. She was always prepared, kept me informed at every stage, and explained complex legal matters in a way that was easy to understand. Magdalena’s strategic approach and attention to detail led to a successful outcome in my case, and I truly felt that she had my best interests at heart. I highly recommend Magdalena to anyone in need of a knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective family law attorney. Magdalena's expertise and genuine care made a difficult time much easier to navigate, and I couldn’t have asked for better representation.

Kelly Corona

Exceptional Legal Representation Jul 30, 2025

Magdalena and her team provided exceptional legal representation throughout my family law case, delivering results that exceeded my expectations. From the very beginning, Magdalena approached my case with confidence and expertise, making the entire process feel straightforward and manageable. Her ability to secure a strong, favorable outcome speaks volumes about her skill and dedication. A special mention goes to her assistant, Claire Swann, who consistently went above and beyond. Claire was always organized, responsive, and proactive—making sure every declaration I submitted was thoroughly supported with evidence for my upcoming hearings. Her attention to detail and commitment to my case gave me peace of mind during a stressful time. What truly sets Magdalena apart is her relentless advocacy for the truth and her unwavering commitment to protecting fathers' rights. She fought tirelessly to ensure my voice was heard and my relationship with my child was prioritized. I am deeply grateful for Magdalena and Claire's hard work and highly recommend their services to anyone seeking a family law attorney who genuinely cares and delivers results.

javier saucedo

Truly Impressive Dedication Jun 19, 2025

Ms. Moksha Smith, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the excellent work that you and your team have done on my case. Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to my case have been truly impressive. I want to especially thank you for the attention and care that you and your team, especially Ms. Megan, have shown me throughout the entire process. Your ability to explain complex legal details clearly and concisely has been invaluable. Their team has been very friendly and efficient throughout, and I am grateful for the way they have worked together to achieve a favorable outcome in my case. Please extend my thanks to your entire team for their hard work and dedication. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work with you.

Victor Hugo

Excellent Team Apr 18, 2025

Ms. Smith and team were excellent. I could not have had a better result than what they helped provide.

Dan Evans

They Got My Back Mar 5, 2025

I had a very bad case of family matter and Magdalena’s group got my back. Very pleased with all their effort and all their hard work and knowledge. Ms. Moksha, Claire, Lana, Megan, and Pamela made my life so much better. We had a very difficult case and they got through it!

Jr Gonzalez

The Best Lawyer I've Talked To Jan 15, 2025

I spoke to Lawyer Magdalena yesterday for almost an hour for a free consultation. She's very passionate/warm-hearted and put my situation into her shoes. She gave very clear advice and provided very detailed information about what needs to be done. She didn't rush throughout the consultation and took time with me. That's what matters most to the clients. Thank you, Lawyer Magdalena. I would give her 5 stars for the best lawyer that I've talked to.

Anh-Thu Nguyen

Broad Experience for Clients Oct 30, 2024

The thing I appreciate most about Magdalena attorney Moksha Smith is that she is able to bring her experience as a former prosecutor to both her criminal defense practice AND her family law practice. Many family law lawyers don't have experience trying criminal cases or appearing on probation matters. Her broad experience gives her a wide range of tools for her clients. I also found that she was friendly, approachable, and professional!

Justin Chou

Empathy, Expertise, and Advocacy Oct 24, 2024

Empathy, Expertise, and Exceptional Advocacy: I had consulted with a lot of other well-reviewed Bay Area attorneys, but very few of them could make informed and structured recommendations after consults. After my first consultation with Moksha Smith, I knew I would be in the hands of an empathetic, incredibly sharp, and domain expert attorney. From the moment I engaged Moksha Smith to represent me, I’ve felt a sense of reassurance and professionalism that instantly put me at ease during what is undoubtedly one of the most emotionally taxing periods of my life. Moksha Smith has not only demonstrated an in-depth understanding of law but also exhibited a remarkable level of empathy and compassion throughout the entire process. She takes the time to listen attentively to my concerns, addressing each one with patience and understanding. I tend to ramble on sometimes, but she has this amazing way of gently steering me back to what truly matters for the case. I felt genuinely cared for and supported every step of the way. MLG & team's attention to detail and expertise in strategy coupled with stellar teamwork and collaboration are just a few of the remarkable qualities that set them apart and make them truly exceptional. I am sure going forward their courtroom presence will be impressive, showcasing their persuasive advocacy skills and deep expertise in law to drive the best results for their clients. Thank you to the whole team for the countless hours, knowledge and expertise, efforts, and passion in your work. It is because of people like you that faith in the goodness of humanity is restored.

Shvetabh Mahajan

Outstanding Attorney and Team Jun 13, 2024

Magdalena is an outstanding attorney, and her team is equally impressive. I had the pleasure of working with Magdalena and her team, and their excellent legal service was invaluable. First and foremost, Magdalena is a formidable attorney in court. She prepares documents meticulously, presenting compelling arguments to the judges. She delves deeply into each case, thoroughly understanding the legal context. Her profound and broad knowledge, coupled with her team's support, ensures each case is well-prepared. Magdalena excels in arguing and proving her points, demonstrating exceptional communication skills, rhetorical prowess, and strategic timing. Additionally, Magdalena and her team excel in client communication and case preparation. They help clients deeply understand their cases, design effective strategies, and prepare meticulously for every court hearing. Magdalena takes the time to explain every point to her clients, ensuring they stay informed and aware of all potential outcomes. In my experience, few attorneys communicate as effectively with their clients as Magdalena. The work ethic of Magdalena and her team is incredible. They work overtime, ensuring no missed deadlines, procedural errors, or unprepared cases. Magdalena's dedication often sees her working extra hours to assist her clients. The team’s competence extends beyond legal expertise to all aspects of their work, including prompt communication, providing necessary information, and responding rapidly to client requests. I also worked with Moksha, another great attorney on her team. I wholeheartedly recommend Magdalena and her Law Group.

Andriy Lopatenko

Exceptional Service! May 31, 2024

Moksha Smith and the rest of the Magdalena Law team were exceptional! They provided excellent work and service. My case had a lot of evidence that they read through meticulously to put together the best case, which resulted in an outcome that exceeded my expectations. If I ever need representation again, they're the first team that I'm calling.

Jacqueline LaGrange

Excellence in Family Law Oct 6, 2023

Moksha Smith, Claire Swann, and The Magdalena Law Group is the excellence in family law. After I received my dissolution of marriage, I felt lost in a dark room not knowing where to start. I was recommended to The Magdalena Law Group, and they quickly set up an appointment with Moksha Smith. During the appointment, Moksha made me feel like I had somebody that will defend me. I hired The Magdalena Law Group to defend me during this process. Claire Swann is on top of all the legal paperwork that needs to be submitted. I’m truly grateful that Moksha, Claire, and The Magdalena Law Group are representing me during this process. I highly recommend The Magdalena Law Group because they defend their clients the right way and based on the law.

Gerardo Peinado

Magdalena Law Group is THE choice Sep 2, 2023

I contacted Magdalena Chattopadhya of Magdalena Law Group three years ago as I went about interviewing (5) separate law firms in the San Jose area. My effort was to replace my attorneys at the time related to my family law case that had been in effect for over 10 years. My case was related to a divorce in 2008 where my ex moved to CA and took our two boys with her. The divorce matter was resolved, but the custody disputes were ongoing and intense. We never went more than a year without being in the courtroom, where my ex-wife attempted over and over again to reduce my parenting time. When my boys wanted to come and live with me, it hit the fan and an Emergency Screening was ordered. Then, a Parenting Coordinator was assigned. Apparently, a Parenting Coordinator should generally work to reduce issues, but our assigned coordinator did not work fairly. I didn't know what to do and my current attorneys didn't have much to offer. I wanted someone to fiercely represent me and pursue what I knew was right! Magdalena jumped in and had to review over a decade of material and circumstances. I was constantly surprised by how much information she digested and knew without being prompted. Not only did she keep us out of the courtroom for the remainder of time left until my youngest turned 18, but she silenced the efforts of my ex-wife and her attorney and also silenced the Parenting Coordinator who, in my opinion, poorly handled the case and should not serve as such in good faith. Magdalena herself helped me to do exactly what was needed in order to prevail. Even when I would be exasperated over the ridiculousness and contentiousness of the PC, OP, and my ex-wife, she assured me that if I followed her counsel, we would prevail - and we did! Had I remained with my former counsel or selected anyone else, I could not imagine having survived the legal attacks as I did. If you're looking for someone who won't "blow sunshine" and, instead, give it to you straight and compel you to understand, Magdalena Law Group is THE choice. As an aside, everything with her office is smooth. Payments, documentation support, meetings, etc., - the team at Magdalena Law Group is smart, quick to act, and at your service, as they were at mine. I am beyond grateful for the services rendered and recommend Magdalena Law Group as they were the best family law representation I had - totaling 5 other firms!

Joe Beekman

They are amazing. Aug 30, 2023

Wow... I am impressed. What a wonderful team to deal with. They are amazing. They helped me so fast and got me in and out of court with my ex in two court dates. I have been going to court for over 6 years with my ex. I was referred to Magdalen Law Group by a good friend in June 2023. I was using someone else for years. I wish I knew this team years ago. They would have saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars. Yesterday they got the case with my ex dismissed. Now it's time for me to live my life with a big smile on my face, thanks to this wonderful team of lawyers. I would recommend this team to anyone that is fighting for what is right. Once again, thank you so much for everything you have done for me.

kevin shanahan

She is worth every penny! Aug 7, 2023

I’ve had a terrible experience with my former lawyer which made it hard for me to trust a new lawyer. I learned about Moksha Smith through a friend of ours. I was skeptical at first since my former lawyer gave me a really bad experience. Moksha was very understanding, I felt her compassion and dedication to our case. She knows exactly how the court works. She gave me the best advice to win that mediation which gives us a good chance to hopefully win our case. She eventually earned my trust due to her consistency, hard work, time and effort. She is worth every penny! I appreciate her responsiveness and for always keeping us updated. I also appreciate her patience and how she answered all our questions and concerns before the hearing. She cleaned up our former lawyer’s mess. I highly recommend Moksha. If you want someone who is accurate and realistic, Moksha Smith is the best lawyer to hire! She deserves more than 5 stars!

Colleen Ricafort

Give Them 100 Stars! Jul 13, 2023

I wish I could give them 100 stars! I am writing this review to express my utmost satisfaction with the exceptional legal services provided by Magdalena's Family Law Firm. I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have such an exceptional group of legal professionals by my side during this challenging family matter. Magdalena's team is undoubtedly a consummate expert in their field and deserves every accolade for their outstanding services. From the initial consultation and through the different difficult hearings of my case, Magdalena's team consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me and my family. Their profound knowledge of family law, coupled with their astute strategic thinking, proved to be instrumental in successfully navigating complex legal proceedings. Throughout my legal process, they have exhibited a remarkable level of professionalism, always making themselves available to address any concerns or questions I constantly have. Their exceptional communication skills are awesome. I am always well-informed about the progress of my case, leaving me with a sense of confidence and reassurance. What truly sets Magdalena's team apart is their empathetic and compassionate approach. PLEASE, do yourself a favor and hire them. Family matters can be emotionally charged, and they have displayed an extraordinary ability to balance the legal aspects while being sensitive to the human dynamics involved. Their genuine care and understanding fostered a trusting relationship, providing immense comfort during a challenging time. Believe me when I say that you will have THE BEST team on your side to get a fair outcome in your favor. Moksha Smith and Rutika were assigned to my case. They have been a blessing, and I cannot thank them enough for what we have accomplished so far. Furthermore, their attention to detail and meticulous preparation were on the dot. They left no stone unturned, meticulously helped me gather evidence, conduct thorough research, and devise effective strategies. Their courtroom presence was impressive, showcasing their persuasive advocacy skills and deep expertise in family law!! I was so proud of having Moksha represent me during a crucial hearing to set child/spousal support. I must also commend the entire team at Magdalena's for their professionalism and dedication. From the friendly receptionists to the knowledgeable paralegals, everyone I encountered was supportive and responsive, ensuring a seamless experience. In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Magdalena's Family Law Firm to anyone seeking a family lawyer. Their unparalleled expertise, combined with their compassionate approach, is truly making a significant difference in my case. With them by your side, you can rest assured that you have an exceptional legal partner who will fight diligently for your best interests. They are the epitome of excellence in the legal profession, and I am forever grateful for their invaluable support. Thank you, Team, for your exceptional service and unwavering dedication!! Moksha and Rutika (and Jasmine for keeping me on target), you ladies are the best!! YOU ROCK!! I appreciate your support in the upcoming hearings!! We got this :)

Will Cerrato

Exceptional Family Law Firm Jun 1, 2023

Moksha and the Magdalena law team was exceptional. They were very communicative about what they wanted and needed for my case. Anne, Jasmine, and Moksha were entirely helpful and made me feel at ease. Not once did I have to worry if they missed something. They never made any guarantees yet throughout my process, I felt at ease nonetheless. I'd highly, highly recommend this law firm specifically in Family Law if you need the help. It was money well spent.

Nick B

The Best Team at Magdalena Law Group May 15, 2023

Attorney Moksha Smith and her team are the best. Mrs. Smith always replies, texts me back, and emails me promptly when I have a question or concern. It’s very draining emotionally and just to know someone cares, listens, and has your back, really has made the difference. She is very compassionate, knowledgeable, and works extremely hard to make the experience less stressful. Thank you everyone at Magdalena Law Group!

Perla Ruelas

Reuniting me with my best friend Dec 16, 2022

I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to Moksha Smith and the entire Magdalena Law Team: Life brought me major obstacles, obstacles that ripped me apart on the inside. Obstacles that made me feel hopeless and alone. Fortunately, I came across Moksha Smith and I will always be thankful for the way she advocated for me and gave me a voice. I will always be thankful for the hard work she put into helping me find joy and meaning in life once again. Moksha Smith is a very compassionate individual, she’s walked my storm with me and passionately advocated for me. Ms. Smith has gone above and beyond to deliver her best work possible because she truly carries her client’s best interest at heart. She’s an over-achiever, challenges the system, and doesn’t take no for an answer. Ms. Smith is organized and champions criminal and family law. Due to her expertise in those fields, she has delivered outstanding outcomes in both criminal and family court. I felt an immediate connection with Ms. Smith because for once, somebody understood my story and was willing to advocate for me. Thank you: Moksha Smith, for guiding me and walking with me through one of the darkest times in my life. Most importantly, I will always be thankful for the hard work you put into reuniting me with my best friend, my son. Thank you: Jasmine Ly & Claire Swann, for being a great support and making everything run so smoothly. I understand it takes a lot of work to make dreams possible, so thank you! Thank you: Magdalena Law Group for the countless hours, resources, knowledge, efforts, & passion in your work. Thank You!

Bryant Avina

Trust in this firm hands down Aug 1, 2022

This review is long overdue. I can't thank Atty. Moksha Smith and the wonderful, compassionate, caring team at Magdalena Law Group enough. It's never easy going through something so life-changing and traumatic, but Atty. Smith and her team made it easier along the journey and the ultimate outcome. They take the time to listen, make themselves available, do all the legwork and upkeep of files, and they work with you on a plan that is achievable and favorable. The plan and process they set forth and the support they provided along the way helped me understand the legal process, which for many, like myself, is so confusing. You can definitely put your trust in this firm and their entire team hands down.

Bea Galan

Excellent Job Representing Me Jul 6, 2022

Magdalena and her team did an excellent job representing me. While she is extremely knowledgeable about the law - her superpower is her EQ skills. She is able to read people and situations extremely well and navigate accordingly. Her team is extremely responsive and very hardworking.

jena ghielmetti

Impeccable Understanding of the Law Jun 27, 2022

I’d like to express how vastly sensitive my case was. I had endured several contempt actions from my ex, general neglect of my children, and relentless harassment. Our previous attorney had to let go of my case, adding to my woes. I quickly had to get legal counsel, and I reached out to Magdalena Law Group to take up my case. She approached my case with the highest level of professionalism, thoroughness, and was honest enough to point out the hard facts, and where I was lacking in terms of my efforts. She knows her craft and walks the extra mile for you. Even with her busy schedule, she is always available and does her best when it's most needed. She helped me and my children seek appropriate counseling and therapy to deal with the situation. She was prompt enough to highlight the harassment from my ex, mental illness, and its impact on my children. She helped prove the fact that I was a victim of abuse for all those years. She has an impeccable understanding of the law and presented our case with case studies and judgments on similar cases in the past. This helped us win in what seemed like an impossible case to win. Thank you, Magdalena and team, for all the support and diligence!

S Kumar

Experienced and Communicative Attorney Jun 1, 2022

I had consulted with a couple of other well-reviewed SJ lawyers, but none of them could make informed recommendations at our 1-hour long, paid consults. After our first talk, I knew I would be in the hands of an experienced and communicative attorney. Moksha, Jasmine, and the team got me and my little family out of a rough spot legally. We didn't have a straightforward case, and we were prepared for a long fight, but Moksha found a relatively quick solution. If I ever need a family/marriage lawyer in future, I will come back to this team.

Alicia Hernandez

A Voice of Comfort and Reason Feb 4, 2022

Legal issues can be daunting. Often we are in need of representation when one is at their low, especially regarding matters that carry so much emotion. This was my state of mind while facing child custody proceedings and financial support struggles. When under the influence of such high stress and emotion, you need a clear-thinking representative that is capable of systematically engineering a plan of action. An attorney who can draw on years of experience and is able to lay out a roadmap. Only then can one begin to see a path toward liberation. What I have found is that it's best to get out in front, take it on and face the challenges with grit. If you procrastinate, you give others the ability to create the narrative and gain advantage. I found Magdalena to be a most wonderful advocate. She was a voice of comfort and reason within a very dynamic and emotional set of circumstances. I emerged from my case in a wonderful position, one that I thought was not possible. In that regard, my attorney outperformed my most optimistic expectations. When choosing an attorney, choose a pure professional. Magdalena and her team are certainly that!

Lance morrison

I rate them a 10/10 Feb 4, 2022

Thank you Magdalena Law Group, you guys are the best. I appreciate everything you guys have done for me. This law firm is by far the best, thank you. I would recommend this law firm; they get things done in a timely manner. They really care for their clients, and their work ethics show. I rate them a 10/10.

Michael Tran