About Vanessa Peake

Meet Vanessa Peake

Vanessa Peake brings more than a decade of legal experience and a deeply personal connection to the families she serves. Born and raised in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Vanessa immigrated to the United States in 2005 with a determination to build a new life while embracing the English language and American culture. In 2008, she and her husband, Jonathan, settled in New Mexico, where they started their family and their law practice.

Her path to becoming a family law attorney wasn't conventional, but was driven by purpose. After earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of New Mexico magna cum laude, Vanessa pursued her Juris Doctor at the UNM School of Law. But it was her time as a prosecutor at the District Attorney's Office in the Second Judicial District that shaped her calling. There, she prosecuted DWI cases and tirelessly advocated for victims of domestic violence, experiences that opened her eyes to the profound emotional and psychological challenges families face during legal crises.

From Prosecutor to Advocate for Families

Vanessa's background in psychology and her firsthand experience working with domestic violence survivors gave her a unique perspective on family law. She saw how the legal system could either empower people or compound their trauma, and she chose to dedicate her career to the former.

As the former legal director of New Mexico's largest domestic violence non-profit organization, Vanessa helped countless victims secure divorces, custody arrangements, and restraining orders. She understands the fear, uncertainty, and courage it takes to seek legal protection. She knows what it means to rebuild after a crisis.

Today, Vanessa focuses exclusively on family law, bringing that same fierce advocacy and psychological insight to every case. Whether handling child custody disputes, divorce proceedings, restraining orders, or serving as a Guardian ad Litem for children and vulnerable individuals, she approaches each situation with both strategic legal skill and genuine human empathy.

Bilingual Advocacy for Central New Mexico Families

As one of the few Spanish-speaking family law attorneys in New Mexico, Vanessa serves a community that often faces additional barriers in accessing legal representation. Her bilingual practice ensures that Spanish-speaking families receive clear, culturally sensitive guidance during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

She represents families throughout Bernalillo County (including Albuquerque), Sandoval County (Rio Rancho), Santa Fe County (including Los Alamos), Valencia County (Los Lunas), and the surrounding areas of Central New Mexico.

A Personal Approach to Family Law

Vanessa doesn't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every family has its own story, its own challenges, and its own definition of what a successful outcome looks like. She takes the time to listen, to understand not just the legal issues but the people behind them.

Her clients describe her as direct, communicative, and unwavering in her commitment to achieving the right result. She doesn't sugarcoat difficult realities, but she also doesn't back down when advocating for her clients' interests. Whether through mediation or courtroom litigation, Vanessa fights to protect what matters most — your children, your safety, your future.

Areas of Focus

Vanessa handles a full range of family law matters, with particular emphasis on:

• Child Custody & Visitation — Protecting parental rights and children's wellbeing
• Guardian ad Litem Services — Serving as a voice for children and vulnerable individuals, particularly in Spanish-speaking families
• Family Mediation — Resolving disputes through collaborative problem-solving
• Divorce — Guiding clients through contested and uncontested divorce proceedings
• Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders — Providing immediate protection for victims of abuse
• Child Support — Establishing and enforcing fair support obligations
• Kinship Guardianship — Helping relatives gain legal authority to care for children or vulnerable adults

Education & Professional Background

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — University of New Mexico, magna cum laude
• Former Prosecutor — Second Judicial District Attorney's Office‍
• Juris Doctor — University of New Mexico School of Law‍
• Former Legal Director — New Mexico's largest domestic violence non-profit organization‍
• Member — State Bar of New Mexico

Why Families Choose Vanessa

When you work with Vanessa, you're not just getting an attorney, but gaining an advocate who understands the emotional weight of family law matters. She's walked alongside domestic violence survivors, guided parents through custody battles, and helped families find their footing during divorce. She knows that behind every legal document is a person who deserves respect, clarity, and fighting representation.

Vanessa's bilingual practice, combined with her background in psychology and years of courtroom experience, makes her uniquely qualified to serve the diverse families of Central New Mexico. Whether your case requires negotiation or aggressive litigation, she has the skill set and the heart to see you through.