Leslie L. Abrigo

Chula Vista

Leslie Abrigo brings personal understanding to her family law practice. Growing up with divorced parents and witnessing financial disparities firsthand influenced her career path and advocacy for equitable resolutions.

"I was drawn to family law because of its direct and profound impact on people's lives," Abrigo said. "Having grown up in a household where financial disparities between divorced parents were evident, I developed a deep understanding of how family law can shape the financial and emotional stability of individuals and children."

Her practice spans complex legal territories. In one significant case, she helped a client prove that an asset purchased during marriage was separate property, resulting in favorable outcomes, including sanctions and attorney's fees. The case required extensive financial tracing and knowledge of international asset classification laws.

"Family law is not just about legal disputes -- it's about restructuring lives, protecting assets and ensuring the well-being of children," Abrigo said.

Another notable case involved a move-away dispute with four children that resulted in split custody. This presented multiple challenges, including high-conflict litigation, multi-state jurisdictional issues, and even law enforcement intervention when one parent refused to return children from another state, Abrigo said.

"The move-away case was particularly challenging due to the high-conflict parenting nature of the parties and the opposing counsel's lack of client control, which led to unnecessary litigation and delays," she said. "At one point, one of the parents refused to return the children from another state requiring the assistance of law enforcement. The multi-state jurisdictional issues further complicated matters, as certain aspects of the case were litigated concurrently in different states, requiring precise legal strategy to avoid conflicting rulings."

Abrigo observes shifting trends in her field. Marriage rates are declining among younger generations, with those who marry more likely to seek prenuptial agreements.

As Abrigo explains, "Many Millennials and Gen Z are delaying or avoiding marriage altogether, often citing financial concerns, changing social norms, and the desire for personal autonomy."

This shift creates new legal landscapes. Marvin claims and cohabitation agreements become more relevant as unmarried couples accumulate shared assets, Abrigo said. Digital assets and cryptocurrency introduce new challenges in property division.

Lastly, she said, technology continues transforming the field through AI-driven legal services, blockchain-based smart contracts, and automated financial disclosures -- innovations that offer efficiency but raise concerns about privacy and security.