
North San Diego County Divorce Attorneys
Representing Divorcing Couples in Carlsbad & the Surrounding Areas
Filing for a divorce can be overwhelming and stressful, even for couples ending on amicable terms. With so much at stake, having confidence in your legal representation is crucial to achieving a favorable outcome. At Burke & Domercq, our divorce attorneys have a proven track record of results in family court.
If you’re preparing for a divorce in North San Diego County, put decades of experience on your side by partnering with our award-winning advocates. Our goal is to help you start a new chapter by providing strategic and compassionate counsel tailored to your legal needs. From complex property division to annulments, you can trust our firm to give your case the time and personalized attention it deserves.
Filing for divorce in Carlsbad or the surrounding area? Our divorce lawyers can help you pursue a favorable outcome. Contact us online to request a case evaluation.
What Are the Grounds for Divorce in California?
California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that couples aren’t required to prove marital fault to dissolve their marriage. Instead, there are two primary grounds for divorce (Cal. Fam. Code § 2310). These include:
- Irreconcilable differences. This refers to the permanent breakdown of the marriage.
- Permanent legal incapacity. This requires competent medical or psychiatric testimony that one spouse lacks the capacity for legal decision-making.
Am I Eligible to File for Divorce?
To file for divorce, you or your spouse 1.) must have resided in the state for at least six months and 2.) be a resident in the county where the divorce is going to be filed for at least three months prior to filing (Cal. Fam. Code § 2320).
California Divorce Laws
In California, a divorce is defined as the legal dissolution of a marriage. Below are some important state laws to understand before filing:
Property Division
California follows the community property rule, which states that all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered equally owned by both parties and subject to equal division during a divorce.
Spousal Support
Spousal support or alimony is court-ordered financial assistance paid to one spouse from the other. Family courts may consider various factors to determine the amount and duration, including the length of the marriage and each spouse’s earning capacity, employability, education level, age, and health.
Child Custody & Child Support
After a divorce, both parents are typically responsible for financially supporting their children. Family courts are obligated to prioritize the best interests of the child when determining child custody, visitation, child support, and parenting time.
Types of Divorces We Handle
Our attorneys are well-versed in California divorce laws to guide your steps with care and precision. We have a successful track record and extensive experience in a wide range of marriage dissolutions, including military divorces, LGBT divorces, and high-asset divorces. Whether you’re anticipating an amicable dissolution or contentious litigation, you can trust Burke & Domercq to protect your financial future.

Our Testimonials
Serving clients in Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Oceanside and Vista and throughout North County San Diego.
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Pierre and his staff, are without a doubt, the most effective and experienced law firm around. Pierre is known for attaining the clients desired results, and then some.- Ryan H.
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I mostly just wanted an outside 3rd party like Pierre to assure me that I was on the right track and he gave me that assurance. Thank you Pierre.- Paul H.
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Pierre has thorough knowledge of the law and he championed my case with determination and wisdom. He and his team treated me with kindness and saw me through one of the most difficult times in my life.- Lisa G.
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He has twice been able to steer me in a direction to avoid litigation. Not often you find and attorney with such ethics. Hopefully we never need his assistance again but if ever do, I know exactly where I would go.- Juan V.
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Pierre is intelligent, quick, and always one step ahead! His staff are dedicated to the cases they are working on and always make me feel like I am a priority.- Melissa
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His guidance is sound on all levels and although at times I did not like to hear the message, he was correct and based in logic and reality in difficult situations. He had phenomenal rapport with the family court system judges.- Jeremy R.
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Pierre is a wonderful attorney and has an amazing staff that supports him! He helped me in my divorce and got me more than I could have asked for. He made sure I wasn’t taken advantage of and made me feel so comfortable through out the process.- J. B.
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Pierre Domercq is an exceptional and skilled attorney. He provided sound counsel in my matter, and helped me to achieve my goals and a positive outcome.- Anjai P.


Meet Our Attorneys
Work With One Of The Most Skilled Family Law Firms In California
