San Diego Family Law Blog
What Parental Presumption Means for Your Case
Parental presumption is a legal doctrine that is significant in California custody cases. It is presumed to be in a child’s best interests to have frequent and continuing contact with both parents unless evidence indicates otherwise. Parental presumption is based on California Family Code Section 3011. This law outlines the factors courts must consider in determining the best interests of the child.read more
How to Tell Your Children You’re Getting Divorced
In a divorce involving children, telling the kids can be one of the most difficult parts. Nevertheless, it must be done, and it is critical to handle the conversation with care and sensitivity. It is important to choose the right time and setting to break the news to your children. Pick a time when they are well rested, well fed, and not preoccupied with other activities. Talk to your kids in a quiet and private setting where they can feel free to express their feelings.read more
Splitting Custody During School Breaks
For divorced parents, splitting time with a child during school breaks can be challenging. Both parents want to spend time with a child, so how do they decide who can take them on vacation or sign them up for camp? These are issues that should be planned in advance to avoid conflict so parents and their children know what to expect. Keep reading to find out how to effectively split custody during your child’s school breaks.read more
Minor’s Counsel 101
Minors usually do not testify in child custody cases in California. Instead of having children speak in court or directly to a judge, the court may appoint an attorney to represent the child’s interests in a family law case. Minor’s counsel is designed to provide a neutral voice for the child without pressuring the child to favor one parent over another or in any way compromising the well-being of the child.read more
Settling School Choice Disagreements for Divorcees
If you are in the middle of a divorce and have children, there is a good chance of a dispute between you and your spouse. The areas of conflict often include whether the children will continue to attend the same school or if a change is necessary. Resolving this matter amicably is crucial for the well-being of your children, so you should consider hiring a skilled San Diego family law attorney as soon as possible to help you navigate your case. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., our top-tier firm is prepared to provide the guidance you need.read more
Mattis Law 2023 Making Waves Scholarship
Living in San Diego is really wonderful. The weather is amazing, there are countless things to do, and the people here are so warm and friendly. At Mattis Law, we’re grateful for everything we’ve achieved, and we feel fortunate to be able to give back to the local community. That’s why we’re pleased to announce our 2023 Making Waves Scholarship.
Our $500 Making Waves scholarship is open to high school seniors in San Diego County who are planning to pursue a four-year college degree and current college students who graduated from a San Diego County high school.
How to Fight a Child Protective Services Decision
Child Protective Services (CPS) is under the California Department of Social Services. It is the state’s intervention system to stop child abuse and neglect. The goal of CPS is to ensure that children are safe in their homes and to find new solutions for children who are unsafe. CPS is required to act on any report it receives of suspected child abuse or neglect. It will investigate, intervene as needed, and provide whatever services the child needs to be safe.read more
How Piqui’s Law Affects Custody Hearings
California SB 616 is known as Piqui’s Law. It was passed unanimously by the State Assembly in August 2022. This bill is designed to protect innocent children from domestic violence and child abuse during custody disputes. It was named in honor of a five-year-old boy named Piqui who was murdered by his father in Los Angeles during a custody dispute in 2017. Piqui’s mother, Ana Estevez, reportedly fought hard in family court to protect her child from her abusive ex-husband, but the court refused to stop visitation.read more
The Impact of School Changes on Child Visitation Schedules
School schedules can change for a variety of reasons. If you have a visitation agreement with a co-parent in place, you may need to make changes to the agreement to accommodate changes in your child’s school schedule and extracurricular activities. Co-parents should agree on changes to parenting time (visitation) arrangements. Our San Diego family law attorney can help you create a flexible parenting time agreement that will work for you, your co-parent, and your child.read more
What Visitation Agreements Mean to Your Kids
In California, visitation is called parenting time. In a divorce or child custody matter, a document called a parenting plan contains orders regarding legal and physical custody of children, as well as parenting time. Although the parties can reach an agreement out of court, parenting plans must be in the best interests of the child. As part of the plan, it is important for the child’s well-being to have a visitation agreement in place.read more