More Than an Attorney. A Guide Who's Been in the Room.
San Diego family law attorney. Bilingual. Honest. Prepared for whatever comes next.
California State Bar No. 283170 · Practicing since 2012
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Most people don't call a family law attorney because things are going well.
They call because something has shifted — a marriage ending, a custody arrangement falling apart, a safety issue that can't wait. They're stressed, confused, and often unsure who to trust.
I started practicing family law in 2012 because I believe people in those moments deserve straight answers, not sales pitches. I won't tell you what you want to hear. I'll tell you what the law actually allows — and then I'll help you figure out the best path forward from there.
How I Practice Law
Clarity Over Comfort
I don't sugarcoat legal realities. If something is going to be difficult, I'll tell you. If there's a simpler path, I'll recommend it. You deserve honest information — not false hope.
Communication, Always
Clients shouldn't have to chase their attorney. I keep you updated, explain what's happening, and make sure you understand your options every step of the way.
Resolve Fast, Fight When Needed
I'm not interested in billing for unnecessary conflict. If we can resolve your case through negotiation or agreement, I'll push for that. If we need to litigate, I'll show up prepared and ready.
Bilingual, Bicultural
I don't just speak Spanish — I understand the cultural context behind many of my clients' situations. That matters. Real trust requires more than translation.
About Ben Aguilar
I've been practicing family law in San Diego since 2012. Before that, I interned with the ACLU, worked on cases before the European Court of Human Rights in Moscow, and spent time in Spain learning how other legal systems approach justice. That breadth of experience shaped the way I think about the law — and the way I show up for my clients.
Today, my practice focuses on divorce, custody, domestic violence and restraining orders, and international abduction cases — including matters under the Hague Convention. I've also taught family law at California Western School of Law, serve as a consulting attorney for the Mexican Consulate in San Diego, and work as a County Hearing Officer — a role that puts me on the other side of the bench and sharpens how I build cases.
I'm not the attorney who makes big promises or goes quiet when things get complicated. I'm the attorney who reads what you send, tells you the truth, and shows up prepared.
Beyond the Courtroom
Family Law Professor
Adjunct Professor of Law
California Western School of Law
Taught family law in the Latin American Institute of Law and Justice — a master's program for licensed attorneys.
Mexican Consulate
Consulting Attorney
Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego
Provides legal advice and representation to Mexican nationals in family law matters — a role that deepens his cross-border expertise.
County Hearing Officer
Administrative Judge
County of San Diego
Conducts administrative appeals hearings and renders written decisions — experience that sharpens how he builds and presents cases.
Recognition & Awards
A few highlights from over a decade of practice:
| Year | Award | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | SD500 — Most Influential People in San Diego | San Diego Business Journal |
| 2025 | Nonprofit Board Leaders of Influence | San Diego Business Journal |
| 2024 | Latino Leaders of Influence | San Diego Business Journal |
| 2022 | Top 50 LGBTQ+ Leaders of Influence | San Diego Business Journal |
| 2021 | 40 Under 40 | San Diego Metro Magazine |
| 2018 | Super Lawyers Rising Star | Super Lawyers |
| 2016 | Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40 | National LGBT Bar Association |
| 2016 | On the Rise — Top 40 Young Lawyers | American Bar Association |
| 2016 | Best of the Bar | San Diego Business Journal |
| 2015 | Latino Impact Award | San Diego Magazine / Univision SD |
Community Leadership
Ben's commitment to his clients extends beyond the courtroom. He has served on the boards of some of San Diego's most respected legal, civil rights, and arts organizations.
Current
- ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties — Board of Directors
- Cygnet Theatre — Vice President
- Consulting Attorney, Mexican Consulate San Diego
- County Hearing Officer, County of San Diego
Past Roles
- San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association — Board President
- Tom Homann LGBT Law Association — Co-President
- National LGBT Bar Association — Board of Directors
- ABA House of Delegates — Delegate
- No Silence No Violence — Board of Directors
Education & Background
Legal Education
- J.D., Thomas Jefferson School of Law — San Diego, CA
- Study Abroad: International Law — Zhejiang University, China
- Study Abroad: International & Comparative Law — Moscow, Russia
Undergraduate
- B.A. Sociology, Minor in Education — UC Irvine
- Study Abroad — Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
Bar Admissions
- State of California
- United States District Courts of California
Early Career
- Legal Intern — ACLU San Diego
- Legal Intern — California Innocence Project
- Legal Intern — Centre for International Protection (Moscow)
- Legal Intern — Spain's Justice Department (Barcelona)
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're dealing with a divorce, custody dispute, restraining order, or international custody matter — let's talk. I'll give you straight answers and help you figure out what comes next.
Free consultation