San Diego Family Law Blog

San Diego Custody Modification Laws: What Qualifies as a Change?

Posted by Mattis Law, A.P.C. on September 28, 2025 in Child Custody

Parenting plans created during divorce or legal separation are intended to provide stability for children and predictability for parents. But over time, changes in a child’s needs, a parent’s schedule, or other significant circumstances may require an update to a custody agreement.read more

When One Parent Opposes Grandparent Visits in San Diego

Posted by Mattis Law, A.P.C. on September 20, 2025 in Child Custody

Family relationships are complex, especially when they intersect with California custody laws. When a parent opposes grandparent visitation in San Diego, it creates legal and emotional tension that requires a careful balance between parental rights and the interests of the child.read more

Understanding the Impact of Troxel v. Granville on Grandparent Rights

Posted by Mattis Law, A.P.C. on September 10, 2025 in Child Custody

In family law, few cases have had as lasting an effect on the balance between parental rights and third-party interests as Troxel v. Granville. This 2000 U.S. Supreme Court decision reshaped the way courts approach grandparent visitation rights by affirming the fundamental liberty interest of parents to direct the upbringing of their children.

For grandparents in San Diego seeking visitation or custody, the Troxel v. Granville California impact continues to define legal boundaries.read more

How a Child’s Preference Impacts Custody in San Diego

Posted by Mattis Law, A.P.C. on September 5, 2025 in Child Custody

When families go through divorce or separation in California, one of the most sensitive  issues is child custody. In many cases, both parents want significant time with the child.

But what happens when the child has their own preference? In San Diego, courts consider a child’s wishes, but only under specific conditions outlined in California law. The child’s age and level of maturity are a major factor that courts take into account in these situations.read more

How to Rotate Holiday Parenting Time for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas in La Jolla: A Guide to Custody Schedules

Posted by Mattis Law, A.P.C. on August 30, 2025 in Child Custody

For many families, holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas carry special meaning. These traditions bring comfort, continuity, and joy for children. But when parents are separated or divorced, deciding how to share these holidays can be one of the most challenging parts of a custody arrangement.read more

What Happens When Divorced Parents Can’t Agree on a School in La Jolla?

Posted by Mattis Law, A.P.C. on August 25, 2025 in Child Custody

Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. Families weigh factors like academic reputation, extracurricular opportunities, and proximity to your home.

But for divorced parents, the decision can become complicated, especially when parents share legal custody. School disputes may come to a head right before critical enrollment deadlines for junior high or high school, leaving little time to resolve disagreements.read more

Supporting Families With Soberlink: How Certification Enhances Custody Cases

Posted by Mattis Law, A.P.C. on August 25, 2025 in Child Custody

Photo: soberlink.com

Child custody cases are some of the most emotionally charged matters in family law. When concerns about alcohol use are added into the equation, the stakes become even higher. Judges, attorneys, and families must balance the best interests of the child with fairness to the parent, while also ensuring that custody arrangements are safe and sustainable.read more

Creating a Long-Distance Co-Parenting Plan That Works

Posted by Mattis Law, A.P.C. on August 21, 2025 in Child Custody

Parenting after a separation is hard enough. But when one parent moves across the state—or even out of it—maintaining a healthy and consistent parenting relationship becomes even more complicated.

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Emergency Custody When a Parent Is Using Drugs in San Diego

Posted by Mattis Law, A.P.C. on August 17, 2025 in Child Custody

Courts in California prioritize the safety and well-being of children above all else. When a parent is using drugs and placing a child in danger—whether through neglect, impaired judgment, or unsafe living conditions—emergency legal action may be necessary.

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How to Enforce a Custody Order When the Other Parent Violates It

Posted by Mattis Law, A.P.C. on August 9, 2025 in Child Custody

Custody orders are legally binding judgments issued by a family court. A parent has the right to pursue legal remedies when the other parent refuses to follow the terms of an existing custody order, whether by denying parenting time or engaging in other forms of noncompliance.

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