About Magdalena Chattopadhya

Magdalena Chattopadhya, CFLS, CFLTA*, is the founder of Magdalena Law Group in San Jose, California, where she leads one of the region’s most respected family law practices. A Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and a Board-Certified Family Law Trial Advocate (CFLTA) by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, Ms. Chattopadhya is one of only a handful of attorneys in California to hold both distinctions — and the only one based in Santa Clara County.

Known for her strategic negotiation, courtroom strength, and compassionate advocacy, Magdalena brings decades of experience to helping clients resolve their most personal and financially complex family law matters. As a skilled mediator and litigator, she provides exceptional guidance across all aspects of divorce, custody, and family disputes, always with the goal of protecting her clients’ rights, their families, and their futures.

Practice Areas

• Divorce & Separation: Dissolution of marriage, legal separation, annulment, and domestic partnerships
• Property Division: Complex marital estates, business interests, and fiduciary duty claims
• Child Custody & Visitation: Parenting plans, move-away cases, and co-parenting agreements
• Support Matters: Child support, spousal support (alimony), and modifications
• Domestic Violence: Restraining orders and representation for survivors or those accused
• Enforcement & Modification: Enforcement of court orders, post-judgment issues

Why Clients Choose Magdalena

Clients describe Magdalena as professional, direct, and deeply compassionate. She blends strong courtroom advocacy with creative, cost-effective negotiation to achieve the best possible outcomes. Her commitment to client service extends beyond the law — she ensures every client feels heard, supported, and empowered throughout the legal process. Magdalena also brings a multicultural perspective to her practice, offering legal services in English, Polish, Hindi, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese.

Recognition & Trust Markers

• Super Lawyers® – Selected for excellence in family law
• Avvo Clients’ Choice Award
• Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Award
• Nation’s Top One Percent – National Association of Distinguished Counsel
• Expert Network Distinguished Lawyer
• Top 3 Divorce Lawyers in San Jose – Three Best Rated

Professional Memberships

• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS)
• Member, Santa Clara County Bar Association

Community Commitment

Magdalena and her team at Magdalena Law Group are active in community service and philanthropy, supporting causes such as food banks, domestic violence survivor programs, underprivileged children’s initiatives, and animal welfare. She is also a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, mentoring younger lawyers and building a multilingual, multicultural team to better serve California’s diverse communities.

Languages

English, Polish, Hindi, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese

Fantastic Lawyers Editorial

“As one of the very few attorneys in California certified in both Family Law Specialization and Trial Advocacy, Magdalena Chattopadhya represents the highest standard of family law excellence. Her balance of fierce advocacy, client compassion, and cross-cultural understanding has made her one of the most trusted divorce and family law attorneys in Santa Clara County.”

*CFLS: Certified Family Law Specialist | CFLTA: Certified Family Law Trial Advocate