Joshua W. Martin

Joshua W. Martin is a Certified Specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. He primarily practices in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, but also represents clients in other counties throughout the state. Josh has significant experience and expertise in matters of dissolution and divorce, division of assets, child custody, child support, spousal support, restraining orders, and all other issues arising from and related to family law cases.

For many years, Josh and his staff have successfully resolved significant disputes over child custody and support, parenting plans, spousal support, validity of premarital and post-marital agreements, characterization of assets (separate or community), and post-decree issues, among many others. While zealously representing his clients' interests, Josh and his staff also strive to remain professional, compassionate, and efficient as they assist them through these most challenging experiences.

Prior to opening his own practice, Josh acquired extensive experience as a civil litigator with premier law firms in both California and in Utah. Josh's well-developed background in civil litigation is rare among family law practitioners and it provides him with a unique perspective in developing effective strategies to obtain the best possible results for his clients, whether by trial or by settlement.

Josh obtained his law degree from the University of Utah, where he made Law Review (first as a member, and then later as an editor). He also earned the William H. Leary Scholar designation for his outstanding academics at law school.

After graduating law school and passing the bar, Josh practiced as a civil litigator with the prestigious Burbidge law firm in Salt Lake City. At the Burbidge firm, Josh assisted in litigating multimillion dollar lawsuits involving commercial disputes, catastrophic personal injury, and claims of professional malpractice, among others.

After moving to California, Josh continued practicing civil litigation, associating for several years with the highly-regarded Sinsheimer law firm in San Luis Obispo. While at Sinsheimer, Josh successfully tried cases and prevailed on motions in both state and federal court over multiple and significant commercial and real estate disputes; he also handled substantial disputed matters through arbitration and mediation proceedings.

Josh has been recognized as one of the rising stars and leaders in the San Luis Obispo County business community by the San Luis Obispo Tribune (20 under 40) and by the Pacific Coast Business Times (40 under 40). He has served as Chair of the Young Lawyers Section of the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association; served two separate terms as Chair of the South County Chambers of Commerce; and is a graduate of Leadership SLO (Class 21).

Josh lives in Grover Beach, CA, with his wife, Bonnie Jo, their two boys, and their two dogs, Iris and Thunder. In his free time, Josh relaxes by reading, playing guitar, and spending time outdoors with his family. His family is active in pet rescue, education, and in community associations and activities.