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Carlsbad Family Law Attorney

Do You Need a Proven Carlsbad Family Law Lawyer?

Family law covers serious issues, such as divorce, dealing with child custody or visitation issues, and managing the division of shared assets.

At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we offer compassionate and effective legal representation to help you and your family strive. Firm founder Amelia Mattis has a track record of providing honest legal advice, skillful negotiation, and aggressive advocacy.

We can help protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones.

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Contact Our Trusted Family Law Attorney Today

Mattis Law, A.P.C., is committed to making your legal journey as manageable and informed as possible. Call our law firm at (858) 328-4400 to speak with our dedicated Carlsbad family law attorney. Let us help you protect what matters most.

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Why Choose Us Over Other Family Law Lawyers in Carlsbad?

Here's why Amelia Mattis stands out:

  • Chosen Lawyer of the Year by the American Institute of Legal Professionals.
  • Recognized as a Rising Star by San Diego Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.
  • Selected by Expertise.com as one of the Best Divorce Lawyers in San Diego.
  • Named one of 10 Best Female Attorneys in California by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.
  • Named a Top 10 Family Law Attorney in California by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.
  • Selected as one of the TOP 40 UNDER 40 in California by the American Academy of Attorneys (AAOA).

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Family Law Practice Areas We Offer in Carlsbad

Divorce and Legal Separation

  • Contested and uncontested divorces
  • Legal separation for couples not ready to divorce
  • Division of assets and debts

Child Custody and Visitation

  • Establishing custody and visitation orders
  • Modifications of existing custody arrangements
  • Relocation (move-away) cases
  • Parenting plans and co-parenting agreements

Custody and Children With Special Needs

Child and Spousal Support

  • Calculating temporary and permanent child support
  • Determining spousal support (alimony)
  • Modifying support due to life changes

Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders

  • Protective orders for victims of domestic abuse
  • Defending against false allegations
  • Emergency and long-term restraining orders

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

  • Drafting enforceable prenuptial and postnuptial contracts
  • Protecting individual and family assets

Property Division

  • Community vs. separate property disputes
  • Division of complex marital estates
  • Business valuation and retirement accounts

Paternity and Parental Rights

  • Establishing or contesting paternity
  • Securing parental rights and visitation
  • Navigating unmarried parent disputes

Grandparents’ Rights

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Family Lawyer in Carlsbad – The Support and Guidance You Need

Navigating a divorce is one of life’s most difficult challenges, even when the two parties are generally amicable. When marriage dissolution is contentious, it can threaten your way of life, child custody, and the critical financial matters surrounding spousal support. Your family lawyer can guide you through every phase of the situation, collaborating closely with you to pursue the most positive outcome.

At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we take on complex family law cases that other firms may refuse to take. We are proud to have achieved an excellent record in cases of parental alienation, move-away cases, and high-asset cases.

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California Law: Property Division

California is a “community property” state. All assets gained during the marriage are equally owned by the two spouses and must be divided equally. This aspect of the law can become very complex in high-asset cases where the former partners owned several properties, businesses, stock and retirement accounts, works of art, expensive jewelry, and other assets. Even in a less complex case, property division must be managed with exceptional legal skill.

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California Law: Child Custody After Divorce

When a married couple with children gets divorced in Carlsbad, the issue of custody must be resolved, along with the responsibilities of each parent. It is far better to negotiate these issues outside of court, when possible, but if a resolution can’t be reached, you need to be confident that your family law attorney is accomplished, highly professional, and respected in the legal community. The outcome of a contentious child custody case will, at large, be the result of the skills of your lawyer.

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The Best Interests of the Children

All decisions made in court are based on what is believed to be in the “best interests of the child,” and generally, the court wants to see both parents involved in the raising of children. However, several issues can affect how this decision is made, including parental alienation, drug or alcohol abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and others. Ensure you have the protection provided by a talented, successful family lawyer if you or your children have been impacted by any of these factors.

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California No-Fault Divorce and Child Custody

You do not have to have a reason to seek a divorce in California, where “no-fault” divorce is extremely common. When a divorce petition is filed, for former partners with children, child custody must be addressed. The two general types of child custody are:

  • Legal custody: Legal custody refers to which parent (or both) makes the critical decisions regarding the welfare of the child, including healthcare, education, and even religion.
  • Physical custody: This refers to where the children live. It may be joint legal custody with two homes, and shared time in various ways with a parenting plan that must be approved by the court, or sole custody, which is less common. Primary physical custody means the child spends the majority of time with one parent, with visitation with the other.

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How the Court Decides

The Court may award joint legal custody, in which both parents have the responsibility to make decisions in the child’s life, but physical custody is awarded to one parent for most of the time. Every case is unique, and how the facts are presented in mediation or in court can have a significant impact on these decisions.

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Other Locations We Serve

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Contact a Dedicated Carlsbad Family Law Lawyer

If you have a family law matter of concern in Carlsbad, CA, call (858) 328-4400 today to get in contact with Amelia at Mattis Law, A.P.C., to discuss your case.

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Past Client Testimonials

“Was Always Very Prepared In Court” - Anonymous (5-Star Avvo Review)

Ms. Mattis is an excellent family law attorney. I highly recommend her for custody and move-away cases. She paid close attention to details and was always very prepared in court. Thank you so much for helping my family through a difficult time.

“I Felt Very Confident In Her Representing Me” - John (5-Star Avvo Review)

Attorney Amelia Mattis was highly attuned to my child custody concerns. She prepared me for my Family Court Services Mediation, and when our mediation date arrived, I could tell I was much more prepared than the other side, and it showed in the report we received. I felt very confident in her representing me in the most sensitive and important matters of my rights to my children.

“Great Litigator/Attorney” - Isaac (5-Star Avvo Review)

Amelia Mattis is a great litigator/attorney and knowledgeable. She helped me throughout this process and responded to my concerns.

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About Our Firm Founder & Lead Attorney

Amelia Jane Mattis

Bar Number: 299801

Education: J.D., Thomas Jefferson School of Law (cum laude); B.A., University of San Diego (summa cum laude)

Amelia Jane Mattis is the founder and managing attorney at Mattis Law, A.P.C. Her legal practice is dedicated exclusively to family law, with a particular focus on high-conflict custody cases, domestic violence matters, and complex property division. She is known for her balanced approach, fiercely protecting her clients in court while fostering resolution and cooperation outside it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is child custody determined in Carlsbad courts?

Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, taking into account factors such as the child's health, safety, relationship with each parent, and parental stability.

Can child custody or support orders be modified?

Yes, if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as relocation, income change, or parenting concerns, you can petition the court for modification.

What happens if my ex violates a custody or visitation order?

You can file an enforcement action with the court, as repeated violations can lead to contempt proceedings or changes in custody.

How is spousal support calculated?

California courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, income disparity, standard of living during the marriage, and each party’s ability to become self-supporting.

Do I need a lawyer to draft a prenuptial agreement in California?

Yes, each party must be represented by independent counsel for the agreement to be enforceable under California law.

Can I get a restraining order immediately?

In cases of immediate danger, San Diego courts can issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) the same day. A hearing will follow within 21 days for a long-term order.

How long does a typical divorce take in California?

The minimum waiting period is six months, but the duration can be longer depending on the complexity and whether the divorce is contested.

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Mattis Law, A.P.C.
7730 Herschel Avenue
Suite N
La Jolla, California 92037

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(858) 328-4400