Family Law Attorneys in Vista, CA

Caring & Personalized Counsel for Families in North San Diego County

Whether you’re preparing for a divorce, complex property division, or other family law dispute, securing experienced representation from a skilled family law attorney is essential to obtaining a favorable outcome. At Burke & Domercq, our award-winning advocates have decades of experience representing couples and families in Vista and the surrounding areas. 

Our firm includes board-certified family lawyers with a winning track record of results in North San Diego County. We take pride in delivering robust representation during life’s most challenging seasons. Our goal is to protect your family’s future by guiding your steps with wisdom and care, empowering you to turn the page to a brighter chapter. When you partner with us, you can expect caring and personalized counsel from start to finish.

From divorce to child custody disputes, our firm can work diligently to protect your rights in Vista. Call (760) 766-2284 to schedule a consultation.

How We Help

At Burke & Domercq, we have decades of experience representing couples and families in a wide range of family law disputes. Common cases we handle in family court include: 

Divorce & Legal Separation 

Our attorneys represent couples undergoing all types of dissolutions, including annulments, military divorces, LGBT divorces, high-asset divorces, mediated divorces, and uncontested divorces. No matter your unique legal needs, we help you protect your future by providing sound counsel at every step. 

Child Custody 

Navigating custody disputes can be contentious and stressful for children and parents alike. Whether your case involves visitation, enforcement of custody, parental alienation, or parental relocation, our firm can advocate for your child’s best interests and work tirelessly to negotiate a parenting plan that prioritizes your family’s unique needs. 

Child Support 

We help couples secure, modify, and enforce child support orders that support their children’s evolving needs and provide the financial aid they deserve in North San Diego County. Our firm is well-versed in child support laws to assist with careful calculations while protecting your parental rights and adhering to state guidelines.

Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders 

We understand the urgency and sensitivity of domestic violence disputes. Whether you’re seeking a restraining order against a domestic abuser or defending against false allegations, our lawyers can help you prioritize the safety and well-being of your family by providing compassionate and tailored guidance. 

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements 

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can offer peace of mind and financial clarity for couples preparing to enter a marriage or file for a divorce. We help our clients draft and enforce premarital agreements to safeguard their financial futures and prevent disputes in the event of divorce or separation. 

Spousal Support (Alimony)                                            

From income disparities to the length of the marriage, family courts may evaluate various factors to determine spousal support in California. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of these legal nuances to negotiate fair terms and pursue a just outcome. 

Property Division 

Dividing marital property during a divorce can be complicated and nerve-racking. With so much at stake, securing experienced representation is critical to protecting your hard-earned assets and long-term security. We have an in-depth knowledge of community property laws to handle even the most complex disputes with wisdom and care. 

Is Property Split 50/50 in a California Divorce?

California is a community property state, meaning that family courts seek to divide jointly owned property (“community property”) equally between spouses in the event of a divorce. While the community property rule doesn’t guarantee a perfect 50/50 split, couples can typically expect to receive roughly half of all property and assets acquired during the marriage. However, separately owned property (such as gifts, inheritances, and any assets owned prior to the marriage) are not included in the community property division. 

How Is Child Custody Determined in California? 

Family courts are obligated to prioritize the best interests of the child during custody and visitation decisions (Cal. Fam. Code § 3020). Some potential influencing factors include the age and health of the child, the quality of the co-parenting relationship and each child-parent relationship, the child’s preference (if age-appropriate), any history of domestic violence or abuse, and the child’s ties to their school, home, and community. 

How Is Spousal Support Determined in San Diego County?

Spousal support or alimony refers to court-ordered financial support paid from one spouse to the other after a divorce. Family courts will evaluate what is just and reasonable when determining spousal support determinations, including the ability of the paying spouse to provide support while meeting their own financial needs. 

The amount and duration are determined based on several factors, including the length of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, any history of domestic violence or abuse, and each spouse's employability, earning capacity, education level, and contributions to the marriage (Cal. Fam. Code § 4320). 

Keep in mind that marital contributions aren’t limited to financial income, but also extend to homemaking, childcare, and stay-at-home parenting. Consulting a knowledgeable attorney is a must for obtaining clarity and peace of mind during spousal support determinations.