Maria Estela De Orduña, ‘Estela’, is a distinguished family law attorney licensed in both California and Mexico. With nearly two decades of experience in international family law, she expertly navigates complex legal matters, including cross-border asset division and the enforcement of foreign custody and support orders. Recognized for her excellence in the field, she was honored with the Best Family Law in San Diego award by the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Estela is highly skilled in strategic divorce planning, handling intricate property division, disclosure requirements, and custody and visitation matters. She also lends her expertise to the U.S. Department of State’s International Parental Abduction Unit(s) on select cases. Her practice extends to addressing complex jurisdictional challenges in divorce and child custody disputes, as well as advocating for clients in domestic violence matters. Additionally, she collaborates with immigration attorneys on family law cases involving VAWA and U Visa applications.

She earned her LL.M. from the University of San Diego in 2002, following the completion of her Juris Doctor at Iberoamericana University in 1990. Her commitment to clients and exceptional legal acumen have earned her numerous accolades, including the California State Bar’s Wiley W. Manuel Award for outstanding community service. She has also been named a San Diego Super Lawyer (2021–2025), received the Platinum Client Champion Award from Martindale-Hubbell, and was recognized as a Top 10 Best California Family Law Attorney by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.

In 2022, Estela was voted one of the Top 100 Leaders in the Law by the San Diego Business Journal. As a proud member of the San Diego County Bar Association, she remains dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation and achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients.