San Diego Family Law Blog

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Contentious Divorce Cases

Contentious divorce cases tend to be emotionally charged legal battles involving complex issues, such as property division, child custody, and spousal support. In contentious divorce cases, expert witnesses play a major role in providing specialized knowledge or opinions on complex issues, such as property valuation, child custody, or financial matters. Their expertise can significantly influence the court’s decision.read more

Hidden Gems: Finding Hidden Assets During Property Division

In California, community property division is designed to ensure a fair distribution of assets acquired during the marriage. The underlying principle is to promote fairness by providing both parties with an equal share of the marital estate. However, this process can be complicated when hidden assets come into play, disrupting the intended fairness.read more

Amelia Mattis Featured in Forbes Magazine’s “San Diego Leaders in Law”

In a recent feature in Forbes magazine’s “San Diego Leaders in Law,” Amelia Mattis, the founder and managing attorney of Mattis Law, A.P.C., takes center stage. The article, aptly titled “Changing the Family Narrative,” sheds light on Mattis’ pivotal role in bringing hope and resolution to clients navigating the emotionally charged realms of child custody and divorce.read more

Postnuptial Agreements: For After You’ve Already Said “I Do”

You have probably heard of a prenuptial agreement—but what about a postnuptial agreement? In the world of California family law, postnuptial agreements are gaining recognition and importance for couples who want to navigate the complexities of marriage with clear financial expectations. Understanding the role of postnuptial agreements in marital relationships is crucial for anyone seeking to fortify their union in the face of financial uncertainties.read more

The Impact of Divorce on Children During the Holidays

The holiday season is considered a time of joy, family, and celebration. However, for families navigating the challenges of divorce, the holidays can bring unique difficulties, especially for the children involved.

The emotional impact of divorce on children during the holidays is significant for many families. Such families can benefit from further education on how the holidays affect the emotions of children, as well as practical tips for co-parenting and legal considerations for custody arrangements.read more

Congratulations to Our 2023 Making Waves Scholarship Winner

Our inaugural Mattis Law Making Waves $500 college scholarship was a smashing success, and we are proud to announce that it’s going to become an annual event. Reading essays submitted by current and future college students from all over California was a wonderful experience for us. We learned so much about today’s students and the goals they have for the future. Their words have inspired us and reaffirmed our faith in humanity.read more

Our 2023 Making Waves Scholarship Finalists

We’ve had a wonderful time reading all the essays submitted by the entrants of our 2023 Mattis Law Making Waves Scholarship. Our essay prompt asked current and aspiring college students to tell us how they intend to apply themselves while seeking higher education, and we also wanted to know about the future activities they are most looking forward to.read more

Tuition and Other College-Related Divorce Considerations

Divorce can be a challenging and emotional process, especially when children are involved. Beyond the immediate concerns, parents must also consider their children’s future, including their education. Effectively addressing college-related divorce considerations requires ensuring a child’s educational needs are met by addressing these issues in divorce agreements.read more

Splitting Winter Break Custody for Separated Parents

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and family togetherness. However, for separated parents, navigating winter break custody arrangements can be a complex and emotionally charged task. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential considerations for creating harmonious winter break custody plans, highlighting the importance of meticulous planning and effective communication to ensure a smooth holiday season for the children involved.read more

Navigating Emotional Challenges of Grandparent Custody Cases

Grandparent custody cases typically involve a unique set of circumstances. These may involve the grandparents needing to step in as legal guardians for their grandchildren. Emotional issues may arise, such as sorrow due to the need to intervene, anxieties regarding the legal proceedings, and guilt stemming from strained family relationships.read more