Amelia Mattis Teaches Other Lawyers About Soberlink as Part of Minors Counsel Training
On November 14, 2025, Amelia Mattis had the honor of making a presentation about Soberlink, a leading alcohol monitoring technology, at the San Diego Family Law Bar Association’s annual Minors Counsel Training. Amelia’s Soberlink session was part of an intensive educational program that is required for attorneys seeking appointment as Minors Counsel in California.
Amelia Mattis is a marriage and family law attorney who focuses on custody issues in San Diego at Mattis Law, A.P.C. For Amelia, being chosen as a presenter provided a meaningful opportunity to help elevate the standards of child advocacy across San Diego County.
As an attorney dedicated to protecting children and strengthening families, contributing to this training reflects her commitment to ensuring that the lawyers responsible for representing vulnerable children are fully equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need.
What It Means to Be Appointed Minors Counsel
In California, Minors Counsel is an attorney appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child in custody or visitation proceedings. Their job is not to advocate for either parent – it’s to be the child’s voice in the courtroom.
Under Family Code §3150 and California Rules of Court, Rule 5.242, Minors Counsel must:
- Interview the child, parents, and relevant providers
- Review school and medical records
- Assess safety concerns, including abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or substance misuse
- Present the child’s perspective when appropriate
- Make recommendations that support the child’s long-term well-being
Because this role has immense responsibility, the state imposes strict qualification and training standards.
Qualifications Required for Appointment as Minors Counsel
To serve as Minors Counsel, an attorney must meet extensive professional criteria, including:
General Requirements
- Active membership in the State Bar of California
- Professional liability insurance
- Demonstrated experience in custody cases
Initial Education & Training
Attorneys must complete 12 hours of specialized training covering:
- Child development
- Communicating effectively with children
- Identifying signs of abuse, neglect, or substance misuse
- Understanding cultural and gender-specific issues
- Working with multidisciplinary experts
- Laws and procedures surrounding custody and visitation
Annual Training
To remain eligible for appointment, attorneys must complete 8 hours of continuing education every year, which can include training like the session Amelia helped to present.
A Significant Honor for Mattis Law, A.P.C.
Minors Counsel plays a crucial role in family law by representing children who often cannot speak for themselves. When the San Diego Family Law Bar Association selects presenters, it looks for attorneys who demonstrate deep, impeccable ethics, and the ability to educate and guide other professionals.
Amelia’s invitation to present signifies:
- Recognition of her experience in complex custody matters
- Trust in her knowledge of alcohol monitoring technology
- Respect for her ability to teach other lawyers handling high-stakes cases
- Acknowledgment of her leadership within the San Diego family law community
By presenting on Soberlink, Amelia contributed to the continuing education of attorneys who protect children’s best interests in some of the most sensitive and emotionally charged legal disputes.
What Is Soberlink?
Soberlink is a professional-grade alcohol monitoring system widely used in family law cases involving concerns about alcohol misuse. It integrates:
- A high-accuracy breathalyzer
- Facial recognition to verify identity
- Wireless data transmission
- Instant, court-admissible reporting
Soberlink helps ensure that custody and visitation occur safely by allowing a parent to demonstrate sobriety in real time. This transparency reduces conflict, supports compliance with parenting plans, and provides peace of mind to the courts, co-parents, and children.
Amelia Mattis Is a Certified Soberlink Attorney
Amelia is a certified Soberlink attorney in San Diego, which means she is trained in:
- Understanding the technology
- Interpreting data and reports
- Incorporating monitoring into custody agreements
- Presenting results in hearings or negotiations
Amelia uses this knowledge to benefit the families she serves by offering fair and effective solutions that protect children.
Why Alcohol Monitoring Matters in Custody Cases
Alcohol-related custody disputes can escalate quickly. Even unproven allegations may result in limited or supervised visitation until the court feels confident the child is safe.
Soberlink helps by providing:
- Transparency: Objective, verifiable proof of sobriety
- Consistency: Clear testing schedules and reliable patterns
- Trust-building: Reducing fear and tension between co-parents
- Child-centered outcomes: Ensuring safe and stable parenting time
This tool is far less disruptive than supervised visitation and gives families a path forward built on accountability rather than suspicion.
A Resource for the Legal Community and for Families
Through her Soberlink certification and leadership in Minors Counsel training, Amelia has shown a continued commitment to both the legal profession and the families she serves. Her work helps:
- Protect vulnerable children
- Support parents committed to sobriety
- Reduce unnecessary conflict
- Create safer, more sustainable custody arrangements
Families navigating alcohol-related custody issues deserve an attorney who understands these complexities inside and out and Amelia Mattis offers exactly that.
Speak with a Trusted San Diego Custody Attorney Today
If you are going though divorce, or if you have any questions about child custody matters in San Diego, contact Mattis Law, A.P.C. for a free consultation
Amelia Mattis has been named as a Top 10 Family Law Attorney in California by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys and she has been recognized as Lawyer of the Year by the American Institute of Legal Professionals.
Call (858) 328-4400 to learn more about how we can help your family thrive.