San Diego Family Law Blog
How to Limit Contact With Your Ex-Spouse After Divorce in San Diego
Managing your life after divorce can be emotionally challenging, especially if your former spouse was abusive, controlling, or continues to engage in conflict. For many people in California, establishing strong post-divorce boundaries is essential not just for peace of mind, but for personal safety and the well-being of their children.read more
How Long Does It Take to Get Divorced in San Diego? Timeline & Tips
If you are contemplating divorce, or if you have already begun the process, you might be wondering how long it’s going to take. There are a number of factors that could influence the timeline for completing a divorce.
While an uncontested divorce can take around 6 to 12 months, contested divorces often last well over a year, especially when custody, property, or support issues are involved.read more
How Custody Affects Your Ability to Make Medical Decisions for Your Child
Divorce or separation can raise a lot of serious issues for parents, and one of the most important questions that has to be addressed is who gets to make medical decisions for your child. Whether the issue involves vaccinations, surgery, medications, or mental health treatment, your legal rights will depend on the type of custody arrangement you have.read more
Co-Parenting Strategies for LGBTQ+ Families Post-Divorce
Going through divorce can be difficult for any family. But LGBTQ+ parents may face additional considerations. Issues like child custody, parental rights, and post-divorce parenting plans can be challenging, especially in cases involving non-biological or non-adoptive parents.read more
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.
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What Counts as an Emergency in San Diego Child Custody Cases?
Child custody issues are often emotionally charged, but not every conflict qualifies as a legal emergency. If you believe your child is in immediate danger or at risk of being removed from the state without permission, you may need to act quickly. But it’s important to remember that in California, emergency child custody orders are only granted in certain urgent situations.read more
Understanding Child Support Obligations for Special Needs Children in California
Raising a child with special needs comes with unique challenges, and those challenges don’t disappear during or after a divorce. In California, the law recognizes that children with disabilities may require ongoing support beyond typical childhood years, as well as financial resources far beyond what’s outlined in standard child support formulas.read more
A Marriage and Family Law Attorney’s Guide to Custody for Unmarried Parents in La Jolla
When a relationship between unmarried parents ends, questions around custody, parenting time, and paternity rights can get complicated. Unmarried parents face different legal steps than married couples when it comes to establishing custody.read more
A Lawyer’s Guide to Navigating Mandatory Custody Mediation in San Diego
When parents argue about custody issues, it’s hard on everyone involved, especially the children. To help resolve these disputes, courts in San Diego County require parents to participate in custody mediation through Family Court Services (FCS) before appearing in front of a judge. This process is unlike mediation in many other jurisdictions; it’s mandatory, ordered by the court, and it plays an important role in the court’s decision. read more
How Stepparent Adoption Affects Grandparent Visitation Rights
When a stepparent decides to adopt a child, one area that can be deeply affected is the status of grandparent visitation rights. There have been cases in California where stepparent adoption has led to the termination of existing visitation rights for grandparents. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we guide families through difficult legal issues related to custody, parenting rights, and adoption.
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