Burgos Santoyo Smith, Inc

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Burgos Santoyo Smith, Inc Our firm was founded with the premise to help families get past divorce visualizing the future.

⚖️Your resource for all things divorce & family law in San Diego & Southern California
📲(833) 931-1615
🖥️Visit us at BSSLegal.com

If you believe a judge made a legal error in your family law case, you may have grounds to seek a second look - but unde...
10/23/2026

If you believe a judge made a legal error in your family law case, you may have grounds to seek a second look - but understanding how the appeal process works is critical before moving forward.

Here is the breakdown for this week’s FAQ Friday:

What Is an Appeal?
An appeal is not a re-trial or an opportunity to present new evidence, call new witnesses, or re-argue your case. Instead, an appellate court reviews the trial court records to determine whether the judge made a harmful legal error or abused their discretion when applying California law.

Strict Deadlines (Jurisdictional Timelines)
In California family law cases, appeal deadlines are strictly enforced:
➤ The 60-Day Rule: In most cases, a formal Notice of Appeal must be filed within 60 days after you are served with the "Notice of Entry" of judgment or a file-stamped copy of the order.
➤ The 180-Day Rule: If no formal notice of entry or file-stamped copy was served, you generally have up to 180 days from the date the order was entered.
➤Missing this statutory deadline forfeits your legal right to appeal.

Common Grounds for a Family Law Appeal
➤ Legal Error: The trial judge incorrectly interpreted or misapplied the law.
➤ Abuse of Discretion: The court's decision was unsupported by the evidence presented at the trial.

Key Takeaway: An appeal evaluates whether the judge made a legal mistake, not whether you disliked the outcome. Because appeal timelines are strict and unforgiving, acting quickly to review your court order is essential.

Have questions about your court order or judgment? Every situation is unique. Call our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.


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10/22/2026

Motion to approve this energy in the office. 💼💃

Just two legal assistants turning our office into a dance floor. No further questions!


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Disclaimer: The information provided in this video/post does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this video/post are for general informational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction regarding your specific legal matter.

Pumpkin patches, warm c***r, and messy carving sessions on the kitchen table - fall is officially in full swing. 🍂✨Wishi...
10/21/2026

Pumpkin patches, warm c***r, and messy carving sessions on the kitchen table - fall is officially in full swing. 🍂✨

Wishing you a cozy season filled with fun fall traditions with the people who matter most. Whether you’re heading out to pick pumpkins this weekend, enjoying those cooler autumn evenings, or baking seasonal treats, we hope your fall is off to a great start! 🎃🌾

What’s your family’s favorite fall tradition?


Legal Advertisement by Burgos Santoyo Smith, Inc.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this video/post does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this video/post are for general informational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction regarding your specific legal matter.

10/19/2026

When life changes, having the right team by your side makes all the difference.

As a boutique family law practice, we do things a little differently. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions because your family isn't just another case file to us. Before we talk legal strategy, we sit down to truly listen to you - your goals, your peace of mind, and what matters most to your future.

We frame our entire approach around your unique needs, walking beside you every step of the way with clarity, care, and dedicated support. We’re truly looking forward to helping you navigate this next chapter!

▶ Watch the video to see why we might be the attorneys you’ve been looking for.

If this sounds like the right fit for you and your family, give our office a call today at (833) 931-1615 to schedule a confidential consultation. We’re here and ready to help!


Legal Advertisement by Burgos Santoyo Smith, Inc.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this video/post does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this video/post are for general informational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction regarding your specific legal matter.

Once a child support order is entered, it isn't set in stone forever - and understanding when and how it can be adjusted...
10/16/2026

Once a child support order is entered, it isn't set in stone forever - and understanding when and how it can be adjusted is key to protecting your financial rights.

Here is the breakdown for this week’s FAQ Friday:

The Core Rule (Changed Circumstances)
In California, either parent can request a modification to an existing child support order if there has been a significant change in circumstances since the last order was issued.

Common Reasons for a Modification
A court will consider adjusting child support payments for several key reasons, including:
➤ Income Changes: A substantial increase or decrease in either parent’s earnings (due to job loss, promotion, or career shift).
➤ Parenting-Time Shifts: A significant change in the physical custody schedule or amount of time the child spends with each parent.
➤ Child’s Evolving Needs: New expenses related to health insurance, medical care, daycare, or educational needs.
➤ Family Size Changes: Either parent having another child from a different relationship.

Key Takeaway: Child support orders do not adjust automatically. The court cannot change support retroactively before your filing date, so filing a formal motion as soon as circumstances change is critical.

Have questions about your child support? Every situation is unique. Call our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.


Legal Advertisement by Burgos Santoyo Smith, Inc.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this video/post does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this video/post are for general informational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction regarding your specific legal matter.

10/15/2026

Always there for each other, no matter what!


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Disclaimer: The information provided in this video/post does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this video/post are for general informational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction regarding your specific legal matter.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Leaving an abusive situation requires careful planning, deep courage, and ...
10/14/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Leaving an abusive situation requires careful planning, deep courage, and the right legal support. 💜

Domestic abuse isn’t always physical - it often manifests as severe emotional intimidation, financial deprivation, or coercive control. Knowing your legal rights can help protect both you and your children.

Check out the graphics in this post to learn how to identify non-physical abuse, create a safety plan, and learn about available, helpful resources.

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

For legal help, reach out to our team today.
You don't have to navigate this transition alone.


Legal Advertisement by Burgos Santoyo Smith, Inc.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this video/post does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this video/post are for general informational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction regarding your specific legal matter.

10/13/2026

Think hitting the 10-year marriage mark guarantees lifetime alimony? Think again! 🚫💍

Many people believe that reaching a 10-year anniversary automatically entitles a lower-earning spouse to permanent spousal support payments. In reality, California’s 10-year rule simply classifies marriage as one of "long duration".

While this means the court retains indefinite jurisdiction over spousal support - rather than applying a rigid end date - it does not guarantee lifetime checks.
➤ Goal of Self-Sufficiency: Courts expect supported spouses to make reasonable efforts to become financially independent over time.
➤ Retained Jurisdiction: The court keeps the power to modify, reduce, or terminate support as circumstances change (e.g., job changes, retirement, or cohabitation).
➤ Automatic End Points: Support typically terminates upon the remarriage of the receiving spouse or the death of either party.

⚖️ Have questions about how spousal support duration is determined in your case? Burgos Santoyo Smith Family Law Firm is here to give you professional guidance. Schedule a confidential consultation with our family law team today.
🌐 www.bsslegal.com
📞 (833) 931-1615

👉 Follow us for truth-bombs on divorce, custody, family law, and the fun moments in-between.


Legal Advertisement by Burgos Santoyo Smith, Inc.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this video/post does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this video/post are for general informational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction regarding your specific legal matter.

Legal Advertisement by Burgos Santoyo Smith, Inc. Disclaimer: The information provided in this video/post does...
10/10/2026


Legal Advertisement by Burgos Santoyo Smith, Inc.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this video/post does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this video/post are for general informational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction regarding your specific legal matter.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in California? ⏱️ In California, there is no one-size-fits-all timeline for ending a marria...
10/09/2026

How Long Does a Divorce Take in California? ⏱️

In California, there is no one-size-fits-all timeline for ending a marriage - and understanding the key factors involved helps set realistic expectations from day one.

Here is the breakdown for this week’s FAQ Friday:

The Absolute Minimum (The 6-Month Rule)
By California law, the court cannot finalize a divorce any earlier than six months and one day from the date the Respondent is officially served with divorce papers. Even if both spouses agree on every detail on Day 1, this waiting period is mandatory.

Factors That Impact Your Actual Timeline
➢ While six months is the statutory minimum, many cases take longer depending on several variables:
➢ Level of Agreement: Uncontested divorces resolve much faster than contested cases that require court intervention.
➢ Complex Issues: Disputes over child custody, spousal support, high-value assets, or business valuations add processing time.
➢ Discovery & Financial Disclosures: Gathering and exchanging complete financial records can take weeks or months.
➢ Party Participation & Negotiation: Productive communication accelerates the process, while delays or unresponsiveness from either side extend it.

Key Takeaway: The six-month clock starts when papers are served, not when you decide to file. Your actual timeline depends heavily on how complex your case is and whether issues can be resolved out of court.

Have questions about your timeline? Every situation is unique. Call our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.


Legal Advertisement by Burgos Santoyo Smith, Inc.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this video/post does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this video/post are for general informational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction regarding your specific legal matter.

Address

2667 Camino Del Rio S, Suite 108
San Diego, CA
92108

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+18339301615

Website

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