Gordon D. Cruse 20YEARSAWARDED

Gordon D. Cruse

recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2008
Awarded Practice Areas
Family Law Family Law Mediation
Works at
Gordon D. Cruse APLC

1 Best Lawyers award

Gordon D. Cruse APLC logo

Biography

Gordon D. Cruse is a San Diego, California family law attorney and the founder of Gordon D. Cruse APLC. As a lifelong San Diego resident, he is committed to helping individuals and families address important legal matters close to home. With more than 40 years of experience, he has represented individuals, business professionals, military personnel, and others in a range of family law matters.

Mr. Cruse focuses his practice on family law, including divorce, child custody, support, property division, and other complex family-related disputes. He also provides Family Law Mediation services for individuals seeking a structured approach to resolving family law issues. His practice serves clients throughout San Diego County and surrounding communities.

Gordon D. Cruse is admitted to practice in all California state courts, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. His recognized practice areas include Family Law and Family Law Mediation.

Works at
Gordon D. Cruse APLC

1 Best Lawyers award

Gordon D. Cruse APLC logo

Locations

Languages

  • English

Education

  • University of California - San Diego, B.A.
  • Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Juris Doctor, graduated 1982

Bar Admissions

  • California, The State Bar of California

Affiliations

  • Family Law Matters - Special Master and Private Judge (1996)
  • California State Bar Practice Management and Family Law - Mentor (1994-1995)
  • Superior Court of California, County of San Diego - Judge Pro Tempore, Family Law (1993)
  • Superior Court of California, County of San Diego - Settlement Conference Judge, Family Law (1993)
  • San Diego County Bar Association - Client Relations Committee and Mandatory Fee Arbitration (Chair, 1990-1992)
  • San Diego County Bar Association - Family Law Section, Certified Family Law Specialists Executive Committee (1996-1999; 2000-2003; Chair, 2002)
  • State Bar of California - Family Law Executive Committee (1989-1995)
  • State Bar of California - Fee Arbitration Committee (1989)
  • State Bar of California - Certified Specialist in Family Law
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - Fellow
  • American College of Family Trial Lawyers - Diplomat
  • International Academy of Family Lawyers - Fellow

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Family Law Mediation Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2022 - Family Law Mediation Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2017 - Family Law Mediation Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Family Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Family Law Mediation, San Diego (2025)
  • Family Law Mediation, San Diego (2022)
  • Family Law Mediation, San Diego (2017)
  • Family Law, San Diego (2015)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 for work in:
  • Family Law
  • Family Law Mediation
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Family Law Arbitration
Awards:
  • Pro Bono Publico Distinguished Service Award

  • Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

  • Martindale-Hubbell™ AV® Preeminent Rated

  • Top Attorneys San Diego County, 2009

  • San Diego Super Lawyers®

  • An Avvo® Rating of 10.0 Superb

  • Wiley Manuel Award
  • Norby Award

Additional Information

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Case History

Cases
  • Marriage of Burtzloff
This case involved a billon dollar estate, multiple business entities located in multiple locations and the custody of two children.

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