Anna S. Encinias is an exceptionally talented attorney with a deep passion for family law.
Anna S. Encinias has been with Contreras Law Firm since 2014 and is now a partner, overseeing the firm’s entire family law department. For more than a decade, she has dedicated her career to guiding clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives with compassion, precision, and unwavering advocacy.
Recognized by the State Bar of California as a Certified Family Law Specialist—an achievement held by only a small percentage of attorneys—Ms. Encinias brings exceptional expertise to every case she handles. She has extensive courtroom experience and is widely respected by judges for her work ethic, meticulous preparation, and poised presentation. Always prepared and on top of every detail, she consistently earns the confidence of both the bench and her clients.
Ms. Encinias is a strong litigator who has successfully handled countless trials, including cases involving millions of dollars at stake. She thrives in the courtroom and has built a reputation for delivering results in high-conflict and high-value cases. Yet she is also candid with her clients about the realities of trial—the costs, risks, and emotional toll involved. Because of this, she is a strong advocate for private mediation.She understands that mediation can save clients significant money, achieve quicker resolution, and minimize the stress that divorce and custody disputes so often bring. This balanced perspective make sher both a fearless trial lawyer and a practical, trusted advisor.
Deeply committed to ongoing professional growth, Ms. Encinias is consistently invited to and attends continuing education programs and seminars alongside judges and other top attorneys. This active involvement makes her a pillar in the San Diego legal community and ensures that she is always up to date with the latest developments in family law. She understands that outcomes often vary depending on the judge assigned to a case. By knowing the judges, studying their tendencies, and staying connected with the legal community, Ms. Encinias makes strategic decisions tailored to the courtroom she is in. She knows that litigation success is not only about the facts—it is about how those facts are presented.
She has a proven track record in complex family law matters, including custody disputes, visitation schedules, financial and property division, and cross-border or high-asset litigation. Known for her organizational skills and attention to detail, she efficiently navigates intricate legal processes to secure favorable results. When settlement is possible, she fosters open communication to reach practical solutions—but when trial is necessary, she is a formidable advocate in court.
In addition to her legal prowess, Ms. Encinias’ fluency in both English and Spanish enables her to communicate effectively with a diverse range of clients.
Her responsiveness and accessibility are hallmarks of her practice. Clients know they can rely on her to promptly address concerns, provide clear guidance, and deliver the reassurance needed during stressful times. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is able to serve a diverse range of families and ensure that no detail is lost in translation.
Outside the courtroom, Ms. Encinias is devoted to her role as a mother to her son and embraces the importance of balance in her personal life. She enjoys traveling, exploring new destinations, and staying active through regular workouts, which reinforce the energy and resilience she brings to her practice.
As a partner and leader at Contreras Law Firm, Anna S. Encinias is an indispensable asset to the firm and a trusted advocate for families navigating the most challenging legal disputes. Her passion for family law, combined with her expertise, courtroom success, strategic insight, and reputation as a leader in the legal community, make her one of the most respected family law attorneys in San Diego.
Notable Case Victories
- Custody Battle & Parental Alienation: Represented a father initially facing a restraining order and supervised visitation due to the mother’s efforts to alienate the children. Through uncovering lies, coaching, and manipulation, Anna obtained nearly 50/50 custody, removal of supervised visits, termination of the restraining order, and sanctions against both the mother and her attorney.
- Business Divorce & Asset Recovery: Represented a wife whose husband ousted her from their jointly owned business, whilehiding money and delaying the process. Secured exceptional results, including significantspousal support, her portion of the business and ultimately100% of the marital home.
- Challenging Custody Recommendations: In a case where Family Court Services recommended 50/50 custody, Anna presented persuasive arguments that ultimately secured her client primary custody, with the otherparent limited to daytime visits.
- Domestic Violence Restraining Orders: Successfully obtained and defended against countless DVROs, protecting clients andensuring fair outcomes in highly contentious situations.
- Prenuptial Agreements–“The Queen of Prenups”: At Contreras Law Firm, Anna is known as the “Queen of Prenups.” She not only enjoys handling them but excels in drafting and negotiating both straightforward and highly complex agreements—including those involving multiple issues and professional athletes with variable, contract-dependent incomes.