Family Law Attorney in Newport Beach
Newport Beach Family Law Since 2005. Board-Certified Specialists, 100+ Years of Experience.
At Burch Shepard Family Law Group, family law is all we do. Since 2005, our board-certified family law specialists have represented Newport Beach residents and families throughout Orange County in divorce, custody, support, property division, and every related matter that follows. With over 100 years of combined attorney experience and an exclusive focus on family law, we direct every resource toward one area of law: yours.
Our attorneys are experienced in both alternative dispute resolution and litigation. Whether your matter can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, or whether it requires a full hearing before the Orange County Superior Court, we’re prepared to represent you at every stage. Family law filings in Newport Beach are processed at the Lamoreaux Justice Center, with hearings accessible at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.
Call us at (949) 565-4158 or schedule a consultation with a Newport Beach family law attorney today.Burch Shepard Family Law Group can help you navigate many different issues affecting your family, including:
Our Services
Why Choose Burch Shepard Family Law Group?
-
Committed To Our Clients
-
Dedicated To Obtaining Real Results
-
100+ Years Of Collective Experience
-
Specialized Knowledge
How Our Family Lawyers Approach Your Case
Family law is personal. Every custody dispute, every property question, every support calculation carries real consequences for you and your children. Our attorneys treat each matter that way: with strategy tailored to your circumstances and representation that holds up whether we’re at the negotiating table or before a judge.
If you are dealing with any of the following, call our legal team for guidance.
- Streamlining Your Divorce Process. The divorce process requires certain steps to be followed; otherwise, there can be delays. We keep your matter moving as efficiently as possible while advocating for your interests on the property, support, and custody questions that must be resolved.
- Child Custody and Visitation Strategies. Parents often have very different views on what’s best for their children. Our certified family law specialists develop custody and visitation strategies tailored to your family’s specific circumstances and argue your position effectively.
- Securing Fair Child Support. Both parents share a financial responsibility for their children. California has child support guidelines, but those guidelines aren’t the ceiling. Sound legal arguments can support outcomes beyond the standard formula when the facts warrant it.
- Equitable Division of Community Property. California is a community property state: assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally. But identifying what qualifies as community property, addressing commingled assets, and assigning accurate values often requires guidance that goes well beyond the basic formula.
- Creating Protective Prenuptial Agreements. A prenuptial agreement identifies each spouse’s separate property and establishes a clear financial foundation before marriage begins. Done well, it can reduce conflict and simplify resolution if the marriage doesn’t last.
- Advocating for Parental Rights. We help parents pursue or regain custody of their children, argue for non-parent custody when appropriate, and establish parentage through paternity actions. The parent-child relationship matters, and we work to protect it.
We take an aggressive yet nuanced approach to every case. Our lead attorneys hold certified family law specialist credentials from the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, reflecting a depth of knowledge that benefits clients in complex and high-stakes matters.
Whether you’re in the middle of a high-conflict divorce or need help preparing a prenuptial agreement before you marry, our Newport Beach family law attorneys are here for you. Contact us online or call us at (949) 565-4158 today. Virtual consultations are available.
California Family Law FAQ
-
What are the grounds for divorce in California?
In California, you can file for divorce based on irreconcilable differences or incurable insanity. Irreconcilable differences are the most common grounds for divorce and refer to the breakdown of the marriage with no possibility of reconciliation.
-
How is child custody determined in California?
Child custody in California is determined based on the best interests of the child. Factors such as the child's age, health, and relationship with each parent are considered. The court may also consider the child's preference if they are of sufficient age and maturity to express their wishes.
-
What is the process for obtaining a restraining order in California?
To obtain a restraining order in California, you must file a request with the court detailing the reasons for the order. If the judge finds that there is a sufficient basis for the restraining order, it will be issued. The restrained party will then be served with the order, and a hearing will be scheduled.
-
Can grandparents seek visitation rights in California?
Yes, under certain circumstances, grandparents in California can seek visitation rights. If the court determines that visitation is in the best interests of the child, it may grant grandparents the right to visitation, particularly if it is in the child's best interests.
-
What is the difference between legal separation and divorce in California?
Legal separation in California allows couples to live separately and address issues such as spousal support and child custody without officially ending the marriage. Divorce, on the other hand, legally terminates the marriage, allowing both parties to remarry and dividing assets and debts.
Board-Certified Family Law Specialists in Orange County
Burch Shepard Family Law Group is led by attorneys who are board-certified in family law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Achieving this credential requires passing rigorous examinations, completing ongoing continuing education, and maintaining a positive reputation among the judges and attorneys familiar with their work. It’s a distinction held by a small percentage of practicing family lawyers in California, and it reflects the knowledge our lead attorneys bring to complex divorce and family law matters.
Our recognition extends beyond certification. The firm has earned Super Lawyers recognition from 2015 through 2026 and Super Lawyers Rising Stars recognition from 2013 through 2018. We hold an A+ rating from the BBB and maintain memberships in the State Bar of California, the American Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association, and the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists. Clients have praised our team for professionalism, tenacity, honesty, and a genuine commitment to reducing the emotional burden of difficult legal proceedings.
Contact us to speak with a Newport Beach family law attorney about your situation. We offer consultations to help you get started.
Our Commitments to Every Client
- We approach your case with the same level of dedication regardless of its scope.
- We negotiate with creativity and common sense to pursue the results you want.
- We fight aggressively to protect and advance your interests.
- We strive to resolve your case in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
- We keep you informed about your case at all times.
- We return your phone calls as promptly as possible.
- We are forthright with you about the reasonableness and attainability of your goals.
- We treat you with honesty and utmost respect.
If you’re ready to speak with a family lawyer about your situation, we’re ready to listen. Call us at (949) 565-4158 or reach out online to schedule a consultation. Virtual consultations are available.