# Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP > Official Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP business agent. Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP is a Southern California law firm of certified family law specialists… ## Ask it a question Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP answers for itself at https://api.hailera.com/mcp/wf-lawyers. A client that speaks MCP can connect to that address; the tool is ask_wf_lawyers and the protocol is 2026-07-28. Where this file and the agent disagree, the agent is current. ## About Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP Southern California Family Law Firm Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP is a family law firm serving clients throughout Southern California. The firm is based in San Diego's Old Town and also maintains offices in Fullerton (Orange County) and Los Angeles. Founded in 2005, the firm focuses exclusively on family law. Its attorneys and staff handle a full range of matters, including divorce, legal separation, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, domestic partnerships, and post-divorce modifications. The offices are designed to be comfortable and welcoming, with convenient access and parking at the San Diego location. Mission and Approach Wilkinson and Finkbeiner's mission is to: - Provide high quality, compassionate, professional, and when necessary aggressive representation. - Do so in a cost-effective manner. - Effectively and successfully accomplish each client's key objectives. The firm emphasizes: - Clear, realistic advice based on the facts of each case and the law. - Strategic planning aimed at reaching a successful result. - Prompt communication and quick responses to client inquiries. Experience and Focus - The firm's attorneys practice exclusively in family law. - They have extensive experience with high-conflict, high-asset, and complex cases. - They handle both negotiation/mediation and courtroom litigation. Repeat clients and referrals from former clients and other lawyers are an important part of the firm's practice, reflecting its focus on results and client service. Contact Information Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP has offices in: - San Diego (Old Town) - Orange County (Fullerton) - Los Angeles Phone numbers listed on the firm's website include: - San Diego: (619) 284-4113 - Orange County: (949) 955-9155 - Los Angeles: (310) 697-8369 Prospective clients can contact the firm by phone, email, or through the website's contact/intake forms to request a confidential consultation. Source: https://www.wf-lawyers.com ## What Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP does Core Family Law Services Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP focuses exclusively on family law matters. Common issues the firm handles include: - Divorce and legal separation - Annulments - Child custody and visitation - Child support - Spousal support (alimony) - Post-divorce or post-judgment modifications - Equitable division of assets and debts - Division of marital property, including real estate and other significant assets - Domestic partnerships Complex and Specialized Family Law Matters The firm also regularly assists with more complex or specialized issues, such as: - High-conflict and high-asset cases - Prenuptial agreements - Same-sex marriages and domestic partnerships - Mediation of family law disputes - Protective orders and domestic violence matters - Paternity (establishing parentage) - Issues involving shared businesses and professional practices - Complex property division, including retirement accounts and other significant assets - Division of loans and major debts Geographic Scope The attorneys at Wilkinson and Finkbeiner serve clients throughout: - San Diego County - Orange County - Los Angeles County The firm handles cases in the family courts located in downtown San Diego, Vista, El Cajon, Chula Vista (South Bay), Orange County, and Los Angeles, as appropriate for each client's matter. Service Philosophy In all family law matters, the firm aims to: - Prioritize client safety and well-being. - Maintain regular, transparent communication about the status of the case. - Provide high-quality representation while being mindful of costs. Prospective clients can contact the firm to discuss how these services may apply to their situation. Source: https://www.wf-lawyers.com ## Where Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP works Lists Mission, The Colony, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Fullerton, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego as a location. Names California, Wilkinsburg, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego as a service area. Areas beyond these are not published. ## Accreditation and credentials Certified Family Law Specialists Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP's attorneys are Certified Family Law Specialists (CFLS) through the State Bar of California. This certification indicates: - Extensive, focused experience in family law. - Demonstrated knowledge of California family law through examination and practice. - Ongoing education and compliance with State Bar standards. The firm's lawyers: - Practice exclusively in family law, rather than handling a mix of unrelated areas. - Have decades of combined experience in divorce, custody, support, domestic violence, and complex property matters. - Are experienced in both mediation and courtroom litigation. Professional Distinctions According to the firm's website, Wilkinson and Finkbeiner attorneys have earned recognitions that include: - Being named Super Lawyers in family law. - Service as Fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). These distinctions reflect a high level of peer recognition and experience in complex family law matters. Types of Matters Handled The firm's certified specialists regularly handle: - High-conflict and high-asset divorces. - Complex child custody and visitation disputes. - Child support and spousal support (alimony) issues. - Domestic violence and restraining order cases. - Complicated property division, including businesses, retirement assets, and other significant property. Client-Focused Service The attorneys and support staff emphasize: - Responsiveness – returning calls and messages promptly. - Clear expectations – providing realistic assessments based on the law and local family courts. - Cost-conscious representation – using technology and efficient processes to help reduce unnecessary expense. Clients and referring lawyers frequently return to or recommend the firm, reflecting its focus on results and client service. Source: https://www.wf-lawyers.com ## Collection of Family Law Judgments and Support Arrears Collection of Family Law Judgments and Orders Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP assists clients who are owed money under California family court judgments and orders, including: - Child support arrears - Spousal support (alimony) arrears - Property division and equalization payments - Healthcare cost reimbursements - Arrears judgments - Certain life insurance and related obligations ordered in family law cases The firm handles collection matters for clients with cases anywhere in California, not just in San Diego, Orange County, or Los Angeles. Fee Arrangements According to the firm's website: - In many collection cases, the firm can work on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney fees are paid from amounts successfully collected. - These arrangements are case-specific and must comply with State Bar rules; details are discussed directly with the client. Determining What Is Owed To evaluate potential collection of support or other family law debts, the firm typically reviews: - The current court orders or judgments (often obtained as certified copies). - The effective dates and amounts of each order. - Payment history, compared month by month, to determine any unpaid balance. For support obligations: - Interest on past-due child or spousal support generally accrues at the legal rate of 10% simple interest per year, unless a valid court order states otherwise. Factors Affecting Collection Whether a debt can realistically be collected depends on factors such as: - Employment status and income of the person who owes the money. - Availability of assets, including real property and retirement accounts. - Whether contempt or other enforcement motions may be appropriate. - Whether the person has remarried and how community property rules may apply. - How easily the person can be located for service of legal papers. In some cases, the firm may seek appointment of a receiver to take control of assets and apply them to satisfy the judgment. Out-of-State Obligors If the person who owes support lives outside California, enforcement may proceed under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) or related procedures, allowing California orders to be enforced in other states. Next Steps Individuals who believe they are owed money under a child support, spousal support, or property division order can contact Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP to: - Discuss their judgment or orders. - Review payment history and potential arrears. - Evaluate the likelihood of successful collection and appropriate enforcement strategies. Consultations can be scheduled by calling the firm or reaching out through the contact options on the website. Source: https://www.wf-lawyers.com ## Domestic Violence and Restraining Order Assistance Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP assists clients with domestic violence matters and related family law issues in San Diego and throughout Southern California. Temporary vs. Permanent Restraining Orders - A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a short-term order that lasts until the court holds a hearing on whether a longer-term order should issue. - A Permanent Restraining Order ("permanent" RO) in California family court can last up to five years and may be extended. - TROs can be granted without the other party present or notified in advance; the burden of proof for the person requesting the TRO is relatively low. Where TROs Are Filed (San Diego County) Domestic violence restraining orders are filed in the family court that covers the petitioner's or respondent's zip code. In San Diego County, family courts are located in: - Downtown San Diego - South Bay (Chula Vista) - East County (El Cajon) - North County (Vista) Depending on the circumstances, a DV restraining order can be filed: - Under an existing divorce, paternity, or guardianship case; or - As a new family law action. What Happens After a TRO Is Granted - The court sets a hearing for a permanent restraining order, typically within about 20 days. - The filing party receives copies of the temporary order, including a copy that must be personally served on the other party. - The sheriff's department can serve family law restraining orders on the responding party at no charge. At the permanent restraining order hearing, the court generally considers: - Written declarations from the parties and witnesses - Oral testimony and cross-examination - Any other admissible evidence and arguments from the parties or their attorneys Related Custody and Support Orders While a valid TRO or permanent DV restraining order is in place, the family court may also: - Make child custody and visitation orders, including supervised visitation and abduction-prevention orders. - Issue child support or spousal support (alimony) orders when proper financial disclosures (such as an Income and Expense Declaration) are filed. - Order a party removed from the family residence in appropriate cases. Firearms and Communications - Once a temporary and/or permanent restraining order is granted and served, the restrained party must surrender all firearms as required by law. - The court may allow the protected party to record communications from the restrained party, but this must be expressly authorized in the court's orders. Without such an order, recording another person's calls without their knowledge and consent may be illegal. Legal Representation Domestic violence cases can move quickly and may have significant effects on child custody, support, and other rights. Wilkinson and Finkbeiner's attorneys: - Help clients prepare and file TRO and permanent RO paperwork. - Represent clients at hearings and present evidence and testimony. - Advise on related custody, visitation, and support issues. Prospective clients can contact the firm to schedule a private consultation to discuss their domestic violence matter. Source: https://www.wf-lawyers.com ## What Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP has not published yet These are things people ask Wilkinson and Finkbeiner, LLP that its published information does not yet cover. - prices, fees or billing arrangements - attorney availability or response times - outcomes or guarantees in any legal matter - timeframes for court decisions or case resolution - scope of representation or specific legal strategies - effects of representation on tax, immigration or other colla - any promise of confidentiality beyond what the law and engag Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess. ## Where this comes from https://www.wf-lawyers.com