San Diego Family Law Blog

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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Top Co-Parenting Schedules for Toddlers in San Diego

Creating the right toddler parenting plan is one of the most challenging aspects of co-parenting after a divorce or separation. Toddlers thrive on routine, predictability, and secure attachments, which can make structuring shared parenting time especially delicate during these early years.
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6 Steps to Help Your Child Through a Divorce in San Diego

Divorce can feel overwhelming for parents, and it’s disorienting for your children. As a San Diego divorce lawyer with a strong focus on child custody, Amelia J. Mattis understands that when you separate from a spouse, your child’s emotional well-being must be a top priority.
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How to Tell Your Spouse You Want a Divorce — A Compassionate San Diego Guide

Telling your spouse you want a divorce may be one of the most difficult conversations you’ll ever have. Knowing how to approach this moment requires preparation. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we help San Diego residents take their first steps toward separation with dignity and foresight.
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San Diego Custody Modification Laws: What Qualifies as a Change?

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

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

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

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

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?

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