Who We Are

David L. Burstein, Esq.
Attorney

David Burstein specializes in all aspects of contested family law litigation matters, with an impressive success rate in court. From highly contested child custody move-away hearings (which are considered the most difficult child custody cases) to complicated domestic violence restraining order trials and jurisdictional disputes, Mr. Burstein is the attorney you want by your side in a must-win situation.

His effective legal strategies, in-court demeanor, and ability to negotiate even the most difficult issues with opposing counsel make him an indispensable asset to any family law case.                     

Representative Cases

  • Successfully represented wife against husband’s request to set aside default entered against him, ultimately resulting in court’s award of entire marital residence to wife as part of final divorce judgment. (San Diego)
  • Successfully represented mother in highly contested move-away matter, involving multiple hearings and full evidentiary hearing. (Bakersfield)
  • Successfully represented father in highly contested move-away matter, involving multiple hearings and court-ordered child custody evaluation. (Orange)
  • Successfully represented father in highly contested child custody matter, involving a special needs child, numerous hearings, multiple court-ordered mediations, school evaluations, third-party private evaluations, and court-ordered child custody evaluation. (San Diego)
  • Successfully represented father against domestic violence restraining order alleging child molestation and spousal abuse, and involving trial with numerous law enforcement, Child Protective Services and physician witnesses. (Los Angeles)

Awards, Accolades, Publications

  • Selected as a 2020 Super Lawyers, Rising Star in Family Law, an honor reserved for the top 2.5% of all attorneys in California who exhibit excellence in their field.

Education

  • University of California, Hastings College of Law, JD
  • University of Redlands, Johnston College, BA

Bar Admissions

  • California State Bar, 2011
 
Areas of Expertise:
  • Division of assets and debts in divorce, including complex and mid- to high-net-worth valuations
  • Characterization of property as separate or community
  • Highly contested custody/visitation, including move-away and physical or substance abuse
  • Imputation and discovery of income for child and spousal support
  • Defending or obtaining restraining orders for domestic violence, harassment or stalking
  • Negotiation of prenuptial agreements
  • Contested temporary or permanent guardianship
  • Termination of parental rights for adoption
  • Marital settlement agreements
  • Modification or enforcement of family law orders
  • Set aside of divorce judgments