Are there legal protections for couples who live together in California? The patterns of relationships in the past 20 years has substantially changed from the traditional rules of the past. The days of attending school, getting a job, getting married, buying a home, starting a family and working to retirement have substantially changed. Many couples today prefer to live together…
Family Law
Changes in San Diego Family Lifestyles
How are changes in San Diego family lifestyles affecting family law and divorce? As Millennials and Baby Boomers age the “traditional family” stereotype is continually changing. The legal challenges which arise from changes in San Diego family lifestyles require significant reflection. A recent study has shown the actual divorce rate for all marriages presently stands near 40%. One reason: it…
How is a Beloved Pet Handled in a San Diego Divorce
While child custody and parenting time may the most contentious issues in many divorce cases, how is a beloved pet handled in a San Diego divorce can be quite a complex question as well. This is especially true for couples without children, gray divorces or when the family pet is a centerpiece of family life. It may be reassuring for…
Three Continuing Impacts of COVID-19 on Family Law in Carlsbad
There are three primary continuing impacts of COVID-19 on Family Law in Carlsbad: child custody and parenting time, the decision to divorce as well as issues of support. Perhaps one of the greatest challenges of COVID-19 has been the impact on existing child custody and parenting time agreements and orders. The demands of closed schools, remote learning or partial schedules…
What Are My Legal Rights as a Father in a San Diego Family Law Case?
We are often asked “What are my legal rights as a father?” in a San Diego family law case. There is a national law firm who markets “Father’s Rights.” The fact of the legal matter in California is this: Under California family law a “father” has exactly precisely the same rights when it comes to divorce, child custody and parenting…
When Do You Need a Family Law Lawyer?
What is “Family Law” and when do you need a family law lawyer? Here in California, Family Law generally applies to the types of cases heard by our Family Court. The most common cases are a divorce or the modification of orders issued by the Family Court. Family Court also extends to issues associated with domestic violence, restraining orders and…
Prenuptial Agreements are a Valuable Legal Tool
Prenuptial agreements are a valuable legal tool for protecting assets, intellectual property and existing financial interests prior to entering into a marriage. This is especially true for people who own their own business or are part of a professional practice. Prenuptial agreements have gotten a bad reputation over the years. TV, movies and other dramas falsely portray them as manipulative…
Pre-Planning Before a Second Marriage in San Diego
Why is pre-planning before a second marriage in San Diego an important process? How can the Certified Family Law Specialists at Burke & Domercq work with you to protect your interests as you consider a new marriage? Remarriage and blended families are much more common these days here in San Diego and across the nation. What legal issues are important…
Many Millennials Seeking Prenuptial Agreements
Is it a surprise to you that the trend of many millennials seeking prenuptial agreements has changed what was once an almost “taboo” subject? 10 years ago, few California couples wanted to “discuss the potential end of their marriage” before they even exchange their vows. However, a prenuptial agreement requires exactly that type of important discussion. Prenups allow people who…
Wishing You a Peaceful and Happy Thanksgiving
Burke & Domercq, APC wishes all in Carlsbad and North County San Diego a peaceful and Happy Thanksgiving. The holidays are a time of year when families draw together in gratitude for their blessings and to share time with one another. It is also, unfortunately, a season when the cracks in a relationship can become even more apparent. Historical data…