Atty. Michael J. Haapala

Atty. Michael J. Haapala

Michael J. Haapala is the managing partner of Des Jardins & Haapala.

Orange Orange 30 yrs experience 30 year
Call (657) 933-4558 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Michael J. Haapala at a glance

Michael J. Haapala is a Partner based in Orange, California, practicing at Des Jardins & Haapala. They have 30+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1996. Their practice focuses on family law. Admitted to practice in California (1996) and U.S. District Court, Central District of California (1999). Educated at Western State University College of Law, Fullerton, California (J.D., 1996) and California State Polytechnic University (B.S. Business, 1993). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Serands clients in Orange, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Michael J. Haapala is the managing partner of Des Jardins & Haapala
  • He is a prominent Orange County attorney, with extensive experience in all areas of family law practice and litigation
  • Mr. Haapala was admitted to the California State Bar in 1996, and practiced in the area of family law exclusively for nearly twenty years
  • In 2005, Mr. Haapala became a Certified Specialist in Family Law, an achievement reserved for a small percentage of attorneys with extensive experience in their field, who meet the strict demands laid out by the State bar, and demonstrate success in their area of expertise
  • Mr. Haapala is admitted to practice law in all State and Federal Courts in California
  • Mr. Haapala is an active member of the Orange County Bar Association, and annually presents seminars on Family Law topics to his peers
  • Mr. Haapala was named a Super Lawyer several times over the past few years
  • Mr. Haapala has successfully litigated and/or settled hundreds of cases involving issues of child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence, fiduciary duties, complex, as well as routine, property division issues and attorney fees
  • Mr. Haapala drafted numerous premarital, marital, and postnuptial agreements
  • Mr. Haapala was born in Ohio, and raised in Orange County, graduating from El Modena High School
  • Mr. Haapala obtained his Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration from California State Polytecnic University in 1993, and obtained his Juris Doctor from Western State University in 1996, graduating with scholastic merit
  • Certified Legal Specialties • Family Law, California State Bar - Board of Legal Specialization, 2005 Professional Associations and Memberships • Orange County Bar Association - Family Law Section (former Director at Large, Executive Committee) • California State Bar Classes/Seminars • Speaker, Annual Case Reviews

Practice Areas Explained

Michael J. Haapala's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael J. Haapala handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Michael J. Haapala is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Orange are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Orange or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michael J. Haapala

Where is Michael J. Haapala's law office located?
Michael J. Haapala's law practice is located in Orange, California. The firm is Des Jardins & Haapala. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael J. Haapala handle?
Michael J. Haapala focuses on family law. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Michael J. Haapala practiced law?
Michael J. Haapala has 30+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1996.
Where did Michael J. Haapala go to law school?
Michael J. Haapala earned their education at (J.D., 1996); (B.S. Business, 1993).
How can I contact Michael J. Haapala for a consultation?
You can contact Michael J. Haapala directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Michael J. Haapala received?
Michael J. Haapala's notable recognition includes: Peer Reviewed.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
Western State University College of Law, Fullerton, California
- 1996
B.S. Business
California State Polytechnic University
- 1993

Awards

Peer Reviewed

Bar Admissions

California
Admitted: 1996
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Admitted: 1999

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