San Diego Family Law Blog

Announcing Our 2024 Making Waves College Scholarship

Mattis Law, A.P.C. is a family law firm dedicated to serving clients in La Jolla and throughout San Diego. Every day, we help people secure a brighter future by working to protect families and children. To give something back to our community and students across California, we’re offering our $500 Making Waves Scholarship to a deserving student who is working to improve their life by pursuing a four-year college degree.read more

Debt Division in Divorce: Who Is Responsible for What?

Divorce is a complex process that involves the dissolution of not only emotional ties but also financial obligations between spouses. One crucial aspect often overshadowed is the division of debts. Understanding the implications of debt division is paramount for both parties involved, as it can impact their financial well-being post-divorce.read more

Multi-Household Upbringings and Special Needs Children

Parents of special needs children exhibit extraordinary dedication and love, navigating challenges with unwavering care and resilience, which deserves recognition and admiration. Unfortunately, divorce is also a reality for all parents, including special needs parents.read more

Understanding the Financial Aspects of Special Needs Custody

Divorce is a complex process that brings emotional and financial challenges, and when it involves children with special needs, the complexity intensifies. Special needs custody issues impact divorce proceedings by introducing complex considerations, including disagreements on diagnosis and treatment, financial planning for ongoing support, and addressing the child’s unique needs. Addressing these factors and navigating the divorce process often requires the specialized legal knowledge and assistance of an experienced San Diego child custody lawyer.read more

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