Oceanside Family Matters. When It Really Matters.

Family Law Attorneys in Oceanside, CA

Caring & Strategic Counsel for Families in North San Diego County

Whether you’re filing for a divorce, modifying a child custody order, or enforcing a prenuptial agreement, securing legal representation is critical to safeguarding your rights in family court. At Burke & Domercq, our skilled family lawyers have decades of experience representing couples and families in Oceanside and the surrounding areas.

Our nationally recognized attorneys have a deep understanding of California law and a proven track record of results in North San Diego County. Our firm takes pride in delivering caring and tailored counsel during life’s toughest seasons. From your initial case evaluation to the final outcome, you can trust Burke & Domercq to give your case the time and personalized attention it deserves.

If you’re preparing for a family law dispute in Oceanside, our lawyers can help you safeguard your family’s future. Contact us online to request a case evaluation.

What Is Family Law?

Family law is a legal practice area that focuses on family-related issues. It aims to resolve disputes and define legal rights within families by covering topics like divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, and more.

At Burke & Domercq, we understand the heavy emotional and financial toll that comes with family law proceedings. Our advocates are dedicated to helping you turn the page to a brighter chapter by providing the empathetic and high-quality representation you deserve.

Types of Family Law Disputes We Handle

Divorce & Legal Separation

Filing for a divorce or legal separation can be complex and emotionally taxing. From high-asset dissolutions to LGBT divorces, our attorneys are well-versed in divorce laws to guide your steps with wisdom and care while protecting your rights from start to finish.

Child Custody

From parental alienation to relocation and move-away cases, our attorneys have extensive knowledge of child custody and visitation in North San Diego County. Whether you’re modifying a parenting plan or enforcing a current order, we can help you pursue a favorable outcome that meets your child’s unique needs.

Child Support

Our attorneys have an in-depth knowledge of child support laws to help couples secure, modify, and enforce child support orders in family court. From calculating payments to addressing underpayment or non-payment, our goal is to equip your child with the financial support they need to thrive.

Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders

Our firm understands the urgency of domestic violence disputes. Whether you’re seeking a restraining order against an abusive spouse or defending against false allegations, we can work diligently to protect your safety and reputation while advocating for the just result you deserve.

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

From drafting legally sound prenups to enforcing postnuptial agreements, our lawyers can help you safeguard your hard-earned assets and financial future by reviewing all contractual terms with a practiced legal eye and providing legal guidance tailored to your unique situation.

Property Division

Our attorneys help couples navigate the legal intricacies of property division under the community property rule. From retirement benefits to business shares, our firm is dedicated to protecting what is rightfully yours in family court.

Spousal Support

Whether you’re seeking alimony or fighting against overpayment, our firm is committed to helping clients obtain fair and reasonable spousal support orders. From temporary orders to long-term modifications, we can fight tirelessly for a fair outcome.

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in California?

California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that couples aren’t required to prove wrongdoing to end their marriage. Instead, there are two primary grounds for divorce: irreconcilable differences and permanent legal incapacity to make decisions (Cal. Fam. Code § 2310).

“Irreconcilable differences” is the most common ground for divorce that refers to an irremediable breakdown of the marriage. Our lawyers are knowledgeable about these legal complexities to help you determine the appropriate ground for divorce and file your petition correctly and on time.

How Is Property Divided in a Divorce?

California follows the community property rule, meaning that family courts seek to divide all marital property (“community property”) equally between couples. This includes all assets and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of which spouse owns them (Cal. Fam. Code § 760). However, there can be exceptions to this rule, such as inheritances and gifts received by one spouse. Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of these complexities to help you pursue a fair division of marital assets.

What Factors Influence Child Custody Decisions?

While any divorce can be stressful, it can be especially overwhelming for parents. In California, family courts are obligated to prioritize the best interests of the child during child custody determinations (Cal. Fam. Code § 3020) and may consider various factors to determine child custody, visitation, and parenting time.

Some influencing factors in child custody cases include the child's age and health, the quality of each parent-child relationship, the ability of each parent to care for the child, any history of domestic violence or abuse, the child’s preference (if age-appropriate), and the child’s ties to their school, home, and community.

How Is Child Support Calculated in a Divorce?

In California, child support is determined using the statewide uniform guideline (Cal. Fam. Code § 4055). The formula considers several key factors, including:

Each parent’s income, including wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and other earnings.
The amount of time each parent spends with the child.
Parental filing status and exemptions.
Other financial obligations, such as existing child support orders or spousal support payments.

The goal of child support is to ensure that both parents contribute fairly to the child’s financial needs. Our firm can help you navigate the complexities of the calculation process and pursue a fair resolution based on your specific circumstances.

What Courthouse Should I Visit to File for Divorce in Oceanside?

To file for divorce in Oceanside, you can visit the San Diego Superior Court’s North County Regional Center located at 325 South Melrose, Vista, CA 92081. The facility is open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Monday-Friday. You can also reach them by calling (760) 201-8600 ext. 140 on weekdays between 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM.

What Are the Directions to the North County Regional Center I-15?

If you’re preparing to visit the North County Regional Center via Interstate 15, take Highway 78 west to Vista Village Drive (approximately 12 miles). Exit and turn left at Vista Village Drive, then turn right on Hacienda. Turn left on South Melrose and proceed approximately 1/8 mile to County Complex Way, then turn right into the courthouse.

How Can a Family Lawyer Help?

Regardless of your legal situation, consulting a trusted family law attorney is paramount to protecting your finances and future. A qualified lawyer can offer sound counsel tailored to your unique circumstances while protecting your rights throughout the process.

At Burke & Domercq, our goal is to advocate for sustainable solutions that benefit your family’s long-term health and well-being. From avoiding costly litigation through divorce mediation to negotiating a fair settlement, you can trust us to represent your best interests from start to finish.

Put Decades of Experience on Your Side with Burke & Domercq

Navigating family law matters can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. If you’re preparing for a family law dispute, having confidence in your legal representation is crucial to protect your rights and emotional health. This is where a compassionate and knowledgeable family law attorney can make all the difference.

Since 2002, our lawyers have been dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of our clients and their families in Oceanside and the surrounding areas. As an AAML fellow, our firm has proven expertise and professionalism in family law, giving you peace of mind that your family’s future is in trusted hands.

If you’re preparing for family law proceedings, choose an award-winning firm with decades of experience. Call (760) 766-2284 to schedule a consultation.

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Our Testimonials

Serving clients in Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Oceanside and Vista and throughout North County San Diego.

"Pierre is, without a doubt, the only attorney in Southern California I trust with any family law matter."
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.
"Pierre Domercq is an outstanding communicator."
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.
"They handled my case with a high degree of honest professionalism and attention to detail with as good of a result as could be expected in my case."
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.
"I highly recommend Pierre Domercq. He has helped me twice with legal guidance. He is extremely personable, intelligent and dedicated to his clients."
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.
"I have been a client for 5 years and have full trust in the advice that Pierre provides me and he has never steered me wrong."
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
"Pierre and his team are impeccably professional. He helped increase the time with my kids and am forever grateful."
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.
"(Rebecca) was there to answer and assured me of the process."
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.
"His skill as an attorney was impressive. Highly recommend."
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.

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