Maria Rogova Family Law - San Diego Divorce Attorney

Maria Rogova Family Law - San Diego Divorce Attorney San Diego Divorce and Family Law Attorney (English/Russian)

08/28/2026

One of the most frightening situations after a separation: your ex-partner doesn't return the children after their parenting time.

The first question I ask: is there an active custody order?

If there is — and it spells out the return schedule — the other party is in violation of a court order. That gives you concrete legal leverage.

If there isn't already a custody order—and that's more common—we can file a motion for custody or, when the circumstances allow it, an emergency request (ex parte). This is an urgent request asking the judge for a temporary order when there are concerns about a child's safety or well-being.

Ex parte isn't a tool for ordinary disagreements. The court needs to see real risk or immediate harm. But when children aren't returned and contact is cut off, this might be the right path.

If you're in that situation right now, don't wait. Call 619-737-3919. The first consultation is complimentary.

08/26/2026

“It's better to stay quiet than argue.” In the moment — sure, maybe. But over years of marriage, this works against you.

When you constantly hold back what's actually bothering you, it doesn't go anywhere. It builds. And at some point it shows up in small things — irritation, distance, coldness. And then — in my office.

As a divorce attorney, I see this over and over. People don't come to divorce because of one big fight. They come after ten years of silence about the things they should have talked about when they were happening.

The law doesn't resolve accumulated resentment. It only divides property and sets custody and support. Everything else — what you didn't say to each other over the years — stays with you.

If your marriage is already at that point and you're weighing your options, call 619-737-3919. The first consultation is complimentary.

08/24/2026

If you're already in a new relationship while your divorce isn't finalized, the smartest thing you can do is keep that new partner away from the children and the other party.

Bringing a third person into a divorce almost always doubles the cost. The conflict escalates, emotions go to a new level, and what could have been settled quietly starts going through court.

From a legal standpoint, a new partner can become relevant in a custody case. The court's focus isn't on your dating life, it's on the child's well-being and whether the new relationship affects the safety, stability, and overall environment in which the child is being raised.

Moving on is fine. But until the divorce is finalized, keep the two lives separate. It will save you money, peace of mind, and often, your relationship with your kids.

If you have questions about divorce or custody, call 619-737-3919. The first consultation is complimentary.

08/22/2026

I hear this advice all the time: get a prenup before the wedding. But people rarely understand what a prenup actually does, and what it doesn't.

A prenup does three things.

First, it defines what stays separate property. A business, investments, real estate, and etc. Without an agreement, those lines blur over time, especially in long marriages.

Second, it creates predictability. Divorce is expensive largely because of uncertainty. When the outcome is predictable, there's less reason to fight.

Thir, it protects negotiating position when there's an imbalance between the parties. When one spouse owns a company or expects a large inheritance, the agreement closes off future disputes before they start.

What a prenup doesn't do.

It doesn't guarantee you won't fight during a divorce. People can still challenge the agreement and fight over what isn't in it.

And it doesn't save a bad marriage. A prenup isn't relationship insurance, it's a legal tool for managing financial risk. That's all it is.

If you have questions about prenups, call 619-737-3919. The first consultation is complimentary.

08/20/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about family court is that if you're telling the truth, you'll win. That's not how it works. The court doesn't decide cases based on what you know happened, it decides cases based on the evidence that is properly admitted into the record. I've seen people walk into court with photos, text messages, emails, and documents that clearly supported their case, yet they still lost. Not because they weren't telling the truth, but because they didn't know how to get that evidence in front of the judge. The other side had an attorney who understood the rules of evidence and courtroom procedure. That's the uncomfortable reality of family law: the truth alone isn't enough. If your evidence isn't presented and admitted correctly, the judge may not be able to consider it, no matter how compelling it is. In the courtroom, evidence that isn't admitted is, for all practical purposes, evidence that doesn't exist.

If you're preparing a case and aren't sure how to protect your position, call 619-737-3919. The first consultation is complimentary.

08/18/2026

Every marriage has an ending. That's not cynicism, it's reality. It ends in one of three ways: the death of a spouse, nullity, or divorce. Marriage is more than a promise between two people, it's also a legal contract that creates rights, responsibilities, and financial consequences. That's why family law exists. Prenuptial agreements, property agreements, and estate planning aren't signs that you expect the marriage to fail. They're signs that you understand every marriage eventually comes to an end and that it's far easier to make fair decisions while you still trust and care for each other than when emotions have been replaced by conflict. No one gets married expecting the relationship to end, but the couples who plan for every possibility often protect themselves, their children, and their future from unnecessary hardship. Preparing for the end of a legal relationship isn't planning for failure, it's planning responsibly for life's only certainty.

If you have questions about prenups or property division, call 619-737-3919. The first consultation is complimentary.

08/16/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about family court is that if you're telling the truth, you'll win. That's not how it works. The court doesn't decide cases based on what you know happened, it decides cases based on the evidence that is properly admitted into the record. I've seen people walk into court with photos, text messages, emails, and documents that clearly supported their case, yet they still lost. Not because they weren't telling the truth, but because they didn't know how to get that evidence in front of the judge. The other side had an attorney who understood the rules of evidence and courtroom procedure. That's the uncomfortable reality of family law: the truth alone isn't enough. If your evidence isn't presented and admitted correctly, the judge may not be able to consider it, no matter how compelling it is. In the courtroom, evidence that isn't admitted is, for all practical purposes, evidence that doesn't exist.

If you're preparing a case and aren't sure how to protect your position, call 619-737-3919. The first consultation is complimentary.

06/29/2026

If you’re in the process of divorce and looking for an attorney, here are the steps I recommend:
1. Do your research. Google potential attorneys, read their bios, check reviews, and learn about their experience.
2. Take advantage of free consultations. Most family law attorneys offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation. Use this to evaluate them and ask your questions.
3. Schedule multiple consultations. Aim for at least three, five is even better, so you can compare approaches, personalities, and expertise.
4. Be prepared. Treat the consultation seriously: be in a quiet place, not driving, and have your questions ready. This shows the attorney that you take your case seriously and helps you get the most out of the meeting.
5. Find the right fit. Just because an attorney is right for one person doesn’t mean they’re right for you. Attorneys have different approaches, knowledge, and energy. You need someone you click with, as this person will be working with you for 1–2 years or sometimes even longer.
It’s okay to move on if the first attorney isn’t the right fit. Consult the second, the third, and choose wisely.
If you’re going through a divorce or dealing with any family law matter and want to determine whether I might be a good fit for your case, call 619-737-3919 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

06/27/2026

This is one of the most common questions I hear in my practice: “At what age does my child get to make their own choices?” Many parents assume there’s a magic number, like 12 or 13—but the reality is far more nuanced, and the court evaluates each case individually.
From a legal standpoint, fighting over a 17-year-old in court is often a waste of time and resources unless there’s evidence that one parent is manipulating, bribing, or otherwise undermining the child’s relationship with the other parent. Judges pay close attention to these behaviors, and demonstrating that the child is being influenced or coerced can significantly affect custody decisions.
What matters most is showing the court that you are acting in the child’s best interest, complying with agreements, and fostering a healthy relationship. How you engage with your child and respond to manipulation can carry far more weight than simply trying to control their feelings.
If you’re navigating a custody dispute or concerned about parental manipulation affecting a judge’s decision, call 619-737-3919. The first consultation is complimentary.

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1901 1st Avenue, Ste 301
San Diego, CA
92101

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Tuesday 8:30am - 6pm
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Thursday 8:30am - 6pm
Friday 8:30am - 6pm

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+16197373919

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