Business Details
15 Years
experience
Experienced Family Law Attorneys in Santa Maria
At Comstock & Wagner, we are dedicated to providing skilled and compassionate family law services across California's Central Coast. Our firm was founded in 2011 with a commitment to resolving complex family law matters through personalized attention and legal expertise. As board-certified California family law specialists, we maintain rigorous professional standards through ongoing education and practical experience. Our attorneys have collectively handled thousands of family law cases, earning respect in local courts and the legal community.We prioritize client needs by offering evening and weekend appointments, bilingual communication in English and Spanish, and prompt responses to inquiries. Our practice focuses exclusively on family law, allowing us to develop specialized knowledge in divorce, custody, support, and related matters that general practitioners cannot match. We believe every family law case deserves individualized attention, not routine processing, and work diligently to achieve favorable outcomes while minimizing stress for our clients.
Services
Divorce Representation
Child Custody
Child Support
Spousal Support
Property Division
Restraining Orders
Prenuptial Agreements
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- Exclusive focus on California family law matters
- Board-certified specialists with proven expertise
- Personalized attention from experienced attorneys
- Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends
- Bilingual services in English and Spanish
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Saved my family
Skilled negotiator
Compassionate service
Zealous advocate
Understanding of divorce law
Services
Divorce Representation
Our board-certified attorneys guide clients through California's divorce process with expertise and compassion. We handle all aspects including asset division, spousal support, and child custody arrangements. With extensive courtroom experience and negotiation skills, we protect your interests while minimizing conflict. Our focused practice ensures deep understanding of evolving family law precedents.
Child Custody
We advocate for custody arrangements that prioritize children's well-being while protecting parental rights. Our specialists handle complex cases involving relocation, military divorces, and special needs children. With knowledge of local court tendencies and mediation expertise, we create workable parenting plans tailored to each family's unique circumstances.
Spousal Support
Our attorneys navigate California's complex spousal support guidelines to achieve fair outcomes. We handle temporary and long-term support calculations, modifications due to changed circumstances, and enforcement of existing orders. Our experience with high-income cases ensures proper consideration of all financial factors.
Prenuptial Agreements
We draft and review enforceable prenuptial agreements that protect assets while fostering marital communication. Our attorneys ensure compliance with California's Uniform Prenuptial Agreements Act and address complex issues like business interests and inheritance rights. We also handle postnuptial agreements and related litigation.
Child Support
Our specialists calculate child support according to California's statewide guidelines while addressing unique circumstances. We handle modifications for changed income, enforcement of existing orders, and complex cases involving self-employed parents. Our goal ensures children's financial needs are met while maintaining fairness for both parties.
People
Marie Comstock
Managing Partner
Co-founder of Comstock & Wagner with over 15 years of family law experience. Specializes in complex divorce cases and child custody matters. Committed to compassionate representation while maintaining courtroom effectiveness.
Stephen A. Wagner
Partner
Board-certified specialist with extensive trial experience. Focuses on spousal support and high-asset divorce cases. Combines legal expertise with teaching experience to explain complex matters clearly.
Robert W. Armstrong
Associate Attorney
Handles diverse family law matters with emphasis on child custody and domestic violence cases. Brings organizational leadership background to strategic case management.
Michael T. Gazell
Associate Attorney
Specializes in property division and support calculations. Focuses on achieving practical solutions for clients while preparing for potential litigation.
John Hinden
Attorney
Veteran practitioner with 40+ years of Central Coast experience. Handles complex family law matters with particular expertise in long-term marriage dissolutions.
Questions
How long does a California divorce take?
Minimum six months from filing to finalization, with most cases taking longer depending on complexity and court schedules.
What are California's divorce residency requirements?
Six months state residency and three months county residency required before filing for divorce.
How is child custody determined?
Based on the child's best interests, considering factors like parental relationships, stability, and child's preferences when appropriate.
How is child support calculated?
Using statewide guidelines considering both parents' incomes and custody arrangements, with potential adjustments for special circumstances.
Can I get spousal support?
Available when one spouse needs financial assistance post-divorce, determined by factors including marriage duration and standard of living.
What is a summary dissolution?
Simplified divorce process for couples married under five years with no children and limited assets, taking at least six months.
