Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, Department 11

Appointed By: Gov. Gavin C. Newsom

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel is a judge for the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court in California[1]. McDaniel was appointed to the bench by Governor Gavin Newsom on August 7, 2025, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Gayle Peron[1].

Before his appointment as a judge, McDaniel served as a court commissioner for the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court from 2022 to 2025[2]. He presided over a family law assignment that included domestic violence and child support calendars[2]. In early 2024, court materials listed him as supervising judge of the Family Law Division[3].

Educational background

McDaniel earned a B.S. in economics from California State University, Sacramento, in 2004[2]. At Santa Barbara College of Law, he completed a J.D. with High Honors in 2010[2]. While in law school, McDaniel interned with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office in 2009[2]. Before practicing law, he worked in the construction field and played poker professionally[2]. He was admitted to the State Bar of California (2010)[2].

Career history

After graduating from law school, McDaniel began his legal career as an associate at the Law Offices of William D. Ausman (2011 to 2013)[2]. In 2013, he opened the Law Office of Kenneth R. McDaniel as a sole practitioner and maintained that practice until 2019[2]. Alongside that work, he served as a panel attorney for the San Luis Obispo County Juvenile Dependency Panel from 2017 to 2019[2]. In 2019, McDaniel joined the Law Office of Stephen D. Hamilton as an associate and remained there until 2021[2]. Following that role, he resumed sole practice at the Law Office of Kenneth R. McDaniel (2021 to 2022)[2].

His memberships have included the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association[2].

Personal life

McDaniel's family has lived in southern San Luis Obispo County since the 1930s, and he was raised by multiple family members[2]. He was the first member of his extended family to attend a four-year college[2]. In discussing work in family court, McDaniel has said that his approach was informed by his own childhood experiences in dependency and custody proceedings[2]. McDaniel is registered as a Democrat[1].

References

[1] Governor of California Press Release (August 7, 2025)
[2] Daily Journal — Judicial Profile of Kenneth R. McDaniel
[3] San Luis Obispo County Superior Court — Standing Order

Recent Cases by Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel

Cara Garver vs. Nicky Hoyland

On October 21, 2026 a domestic violence case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Domestic Violence

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 24, 2026

Lauren Silva vs. Vicente Salmeron

On October 19, 2026 a divorce case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Divorce

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2026

April Sears vs. Suraj Kar

On October 13, 2026 a divorce case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

Oct 13, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Divorce

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

Mark Jaso vs. Jennifer Zagala Jaso

On October 12, 2026 a divorce with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

Oct 12, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Divorce With Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

Lia Bejar vs. Denisse De La Cruz

On October 11, 2026 a domestic violence case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

Oct 11, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Domestic Violence

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

Matthew Nash vs. Krista Fetterer

On October 8, 2026 a domestic violence case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

Oct 08, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Domestic Violence

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 10, 2026

Ashley Souza vs. Matthew Bishop

On October 6, 2026 a domestic violence with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

Oct 06, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Domestic Violence With Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 09, 2026

Zoe Pawelczak vs. Anthony Rosefeld

On October 5, 2026 a domestic violence case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

Oct 05, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Domestic Violence

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 09, 2026

In Re Marriage of: Toni Alvarado

On June 10, 2026 a summary dissolution case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

Jun 10, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Summary Dissolution

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 13, 2026

Lauren Wilson vs. Spencer Lawson

On June 10, 2026 a divorce case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

Jun 10, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Divorce

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 13, 2026

Jessica Nicoll vs. Michael Murawski

On June 10, 2026 a domestic violence case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

Jun 10, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Domestic Violence

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 13, 2026

Jon Estephan vs. Mary Estephan

On May 19, 2026 a divorce case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

May 19, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Divorce

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

May 21, 2026

Joseph Jacobs vs. Joan Sweeney

On May 18, 2026 a divorce case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

May 18, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Divorce

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

May 20, 2026

Timothy Krauk vs. Timothy Krauk

On May 14, 2026 a domestic violence case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

May 14, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Domestic Violence

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

May 16, 2026

In Re Marriage of: Erin Tracht

On May 12, 2026 a summary dissolution case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

May 12, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Summary Dissolution

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

May 15, 2026

Hannah Ippolito vs. Michael Ippolito

On May 12, 2026 a divorce with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

May 12, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Divorce With Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

May 14, 2026

Ruby Staver vs. Milton Staver

On May 11, 2026 a divorce case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

May 11, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Divorce

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

May 13, 2026

Riley Smith vs. Maria Dziaba

On May 5, 2026 a domestic violence case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

May 05, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Domestic Violence

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

May 07, 2026

Vorawan Wannalak vs. Michael Pellemeier

On May 4, 2026 a divorce case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

May 04, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Divorce

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

May 06, 2026

Julia MELLINGER vs. Mike MELLINGER

On May 4, 2026 a legal separation with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

May 04, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Legal Separation With Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

May 06, 2026

Jade Norman vs. Michael Macias

On May 4, 2026 a domestic violence with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

May 04, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Domestic Violence With Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

May 07, 2026

Arrow Grantham vs. Hayley Blackburn

On April 30, 2026 a divorce case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

Apr 30, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Divorce

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

May 04, 2026

Misti Simms vs. JAMES SIMMS

On April 30, 2026 a divorce with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

Apr 30, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Divorce With Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

May 04, 2026

Niki Johnson vs. Asaun Owen

On April 20, 2026 a domestic violence case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Judge Kenneth R. McDaniel presiding.

Filed

Apr 20, 2026

Judge

Hon. Kenneth R. McDaniel 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kenneth R. McDaniel

Court

SLO - San Luis Obispo - Family

County

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Domestic Violence

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 22, 2026

About

Kenneth R. McDaniel
Party Affiliation Democrat	Democrat
Current Appointment San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, Department 11	San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, Department 11
Education J.D., Santa Barbara College of Law - 2010 Bachelor's degree, California State University, Sacramento - 2004	J.D., Santa Barbara College of Law - 2010 Bachelor's degree, California State University, Sacramento - 2004
Official Website www.slo.courts.ca.gov	www.slo.courts.ca.gov

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	CA - San Luis Obispo County Superior Court
Clerk phone:	+1 (805) 706-3600

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Associate	Law Offices of William D. Ausman	San Luis Obispo County, California
Sole Practitioner	Private Practice	San Luis Obispo County, California
Panel Attorney	San Luis Obispo County Juvenile Dependency Panel	San Luis Obispo County, California
Associate	Law Office of Stephen D. Hamilton	San Luis Obispo County, California
Sole Practitioner	Private Practice	San Luis Obispo County, California
Commissioner	San Luis Obispo County Superior Court	San Luis Obispo County, California
Judge	San Luis Obispo County Superior Court	San Luis Obispo County, California