Michael Linardi

Contact
Phone: 951-339-3826
Office: 401 West A Street, San Diego, CA 92101

Schedule a Case Evaluation

Michael Linardi is an Associate Attorney at Reel Fathers Rights in San Diego, California, where his practice focuses on representing men and fathers in California Family Courts. Admitted to the State Bar of California in 2002 and to the New York State Bar in 2010, he has practiced law in California since 2002 and represents fathers in San Diego County in child custody, divorce, child support, paternity, and domestic violence matters, and in cases involving Child Protective Services. He is certified as a Child Welfare Law Specialist by the National Association of Counsel for Children.

About Michael Linardi

Michael Linardi represents fathers whose time with their children is at risk. He handles child custody, divorce, child support, paternity, and domestic violence cases. A large part of his work involves fathers facing Child Protective Services allegations and juvenile dependency cases. These cases can begin with a referral or an investigation and can lead to a court case over whether a child may stay in the home. Michael helps fathers understand each stage of that process and protect their parental rights in both family court and dependency court.

Michael was admitted to the State Bar of California in 2002 after earning his J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. From 2003 through 2008 he was a staff attorney and then supervising attorney at Sacramento Child Advocates, where he represented children and served as guardian ad litem in dependency proceedings. From 2008 through 2014 he represented children for The Legal Aid Society in the Bronx, and he was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2010. He later worked as an agency attorney in child welfare, adoption, and termination of parental rights proceedings in New York. From 2017 through 2022 he managed mediation and intake at the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center in Texas, and from 2022 through June 2026 he served as an Assistant County Attorney with the Westchester County Attorney’s Office in New York. In 2007 the National Association of Counsel for Children certified him as a Child Welfare Law Specialist.

Michael knows how child welfare agencies and dependency courts work because he has represented both children and child welfare agencies. He uses that knowledge to help fathers respond to allegations, meet the requirements of a case plan, and present a clear record to the court. His mediation background helps him look for workable agreements when both parents are willing. Michael works from the San Diego office, one of eleven Reel Fathers Rights offices throughout California.

Representative Matters

Michael Linardi has represented clients in the following types of family law and dependency matters:

• Responses to Child Protective Services allegations and dependency referrals
• Juvenile dependency proceedings involving allegations of child abuse or neglect
• Child welfare investigations affecting a father’s custody or visitation
• Termination of parental rights and adoption proceedings
• Child custody and visitation disputes
• Petitions to establish paternity
• Requests to establish and modify child support
• Domestic violence restraining order hearings

Every family law matter is decided on its own facts. Past matters do not guarantee a similar outcome in any other case.

Courts Where Michael Linardi Appears

Michael Linardi represents fathers in the family courts of San Diego County. He works from the Reel Fathers Rights San Diego office and represents fathers in San Diego in custody, support, paternity, and dependency matters.

In San Diego County, family law cases are heard at the Central Courthouse, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101; the East County Regional Center, 250 East Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92020; the South County Regional Center, 500 Third Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910; and the North County Regional Center, 325 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081.

Certifications

Child Welfare Law Specialist, certified by the National Association of Counsel for Children, 2007

Languages

English

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Linardi

What types of cases does Michael Linardi handle?

Michael Linardi practices family law at Reel Fathers Rights, representing men and fathers in child custody, divorce, child support, paternity, and domestic violence cases. A large part of his work involves fathers facing Child Protective Services allegations and juvenile dependency cases.

Is Michael Linardi licensed to practice in California?

Yes. Michael Linardi has been licensed by the State Bar of California since 2002 and has practiced law in California since then, Bar No. 219598. He has also been admitted in New York since 2010. He earned his J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

Which courts does Michael Linardi appear in?

Michael Linardi appears in family court in San Diego County. San Diego County family law cases are heard at the Central Courthouse in San Diego, the East County Regional Center in El Cajon, the South County Regional Center in Chula Vista, and the North County Regional Center in Vista.

Is Michael Linardi a Child Welfare Law Specialist?

Yes. Michael Linardi was certified as a Child Welfare Law Specialist by the National Association of Counsel for Children in 2007. This is not a State Bar of California family law specialty.

Can Michael Linardi help a father with a CPS investigation?

Yes. Michael Linardi represents fathers facing Child Protective Services allegations, dependency referrals, and juvenile dependency cases. He has represented both children and child welfare agencies in these matters.

Does Michael Linardi offer free consultations?

Yes. Reel Fathers Rights offers a free case evaluation for fathers facing divorce, custody, support, or restraining order matters. Call 951-339-3826 or request a case evaluation online.

Contact Michael Linardi

Michael Linardi works out of the Reel Fathers Rights San Diego office, 401 West A Street, San Diego, CA 92101. Call 951-339-3826 or request a free case evaluation online.