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San Diego Divorce Attorney

Do You Need a Proven San Diego Divorce Attorney?

Divorce isn't just the end of your marriage—it’s a life-changing event. The divorce process will address major issues like child custody and visitation rights, child support, alimony payments, and the division of property and assets. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we understand the emotional toll divorce can take.

It’s important to find an attorney who will provide clarity. For example, you may be entering a high-asset divorce, and there could be financial issues involving business ownership, stock options, property, investments, or retirement accounts. You'll have to make some difficult decisions.

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Speak With a Trusted Divorce Attorney Today

It’s time to begin building a more secure future. Amelia Mattis at Mattis Law, A.P.C. provides strategic legal guidance and compassionate support every step of the way. Call (858) 328-4400 to learn more today.

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Why Choose Us Over Other San Diego Divorce Lawyers?

Here's why Amelia Mattis stands out:

  • 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.
  • 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 as one of the TOP 40 UNDER 40 in California by the American Academy of Attorneys (AAOA).

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a man and woman each holding a cup of coffee looking at each other

Understanding the California Divorce Process

Once you have determined the basis for your divorce and fulfilled the residency requirements, you can begin the process of separating your household and moving forward with your life. While each divorce situation is unique, there are common steps that happen during the divorce process:

  • Finances will have to be disclosed: You will have to share financial information like your income, expenses, debts, and assets.
  • Agreements will have to be made: No matter if your divorce will be mediated or taken to court, you'll have to decide how to divide property and assets with your ex-spouse.
  • Hearings might be needed: Your divorce will take time, so any decisions that need to be made before the divorce is finalized - like child custody issues - will require hearings. These hearings will establish temporary agreements to put in place before the divorce agreement is finalized.
  • You might go to court: If you can't work out your divorce agreement amicably, or mediation isn't for you, the court may need to make divorce decisions for you.
  • Your spouse might not respond to the divorce: Just because you file for divorce doesn't mean that you're automatically divorced. Your spouse has to file a response to your divorce filing. If he or she doesn’t respond to your divorce filing, a default hearing may be needed to start your divorce proceedings.
  • Your divorce isn't final yet: Your divorce is not official until six months after your spouse was delivered your divorce petition, and the Court has issued a Judgement of Dissolution of Marriage.

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Why You Should Avoid Filing for Divorce Yourself

While DIY divorces might appear cost-effective or simple, they often lead to costly mistakes, and unnecessary emotional stress. Here’s why representing yourself in a divorce can be risky:

Complex Legal Procedures

California's family law system includes intricate rules, strict deadlines, and mandatory disclosures. If you miss a deadline, submit an incorrect form, or fail to provide required documentation, your case could be delayed, dismissed, or decided unfavorably. A skilled divorce attorney ensures compliance with procedural requirements and avoids errors that could jeopardize your case.

Risk of Unfair Settlements

Without a legal advocate, you may agree to terms that are not in your best interest, such as unequal asset division, excessive spousal support obligations, or limited custody rights. Experienced divorce lawyers understand how to evaluate property, income, and parenting situations to negotiate fair outcomes based on California law.

Misunderstanding Community Property Laws

California is a community property state, which means that nearly all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are subject to equal division. However, distinguishing between separate and marital property is not always straightforward. An attorney helps identify and properly categorize assets—especially in cases involving businesses, retirement accounts, or shared real estate.

Child Custody & Support Complications

Child custody battles can be among the most emotionally taxing aspects of divorce. If you represent yourself, you may not know how to present evidence or arguments that align with the court's standards for determining the child’s best interest.

Additionally, calculating child support involves understanding the California Child Support Guidelines and ensuring accurate financial disclosures from both parties.

Unintended Tax Consequences

Decisions about spousal support, retirement account division (such as QDROs), and the sale or transfer of property can have significant tax implications. A divorce attorney works with tax professionals to structure settlements that minimize your tax liability and ensure long-term financial stability.

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About Our Lawyer

Amelia Jane Mattis

Amelia Jane Mattis (Bar Number: 299801) is the founder and managing attorney of Mattis Law, A.P.C. She has dedicated her legal career exclusively to family law. Amelia holds a Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of San Diego.

Amelia has focused on guiding clients through complex divorce matters, including high-conflict custody disputes, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and high-asset property division.

Known for her compassionate yet assertive approach, Amelia works closely with clients to protect their rights and help them address the emotional and legal challenges of divorce with clarity and confidence.

Considering All Options in San Diego

While you might assume that divorce is your only option, there are several other ways to dissolve a marriage in California. These include:

  • Dissolution: If you've been married for less than five years, don't have children, don't own a home, and your community property is valued at less than $25,000, you may be able to seek a summary dissolution instead of a divorce. A summary dissolution can keep you out of court and doesn't require the same amount of paperwork.
  • Annulments: An annulment can be pursued for people whose marriage could possibly be illegal.
  • Separations: Legal separations are appropriate for couples who want to divide assets and property, but not go through divorce proceedings.

If you decide to proceed with a divorce, you'll need to buy a marriage dissolution form packet at a San Diego County Superior Court. Then, your divorce attorney can prepare your divorce petition.

Before you begin, you should discuss your situation with Mattis Law, A.P.C. We can sit down with you in a free consultation to explain all of your options. Our experienced and skilled San Diego divorce attorneys can provide representation in an:

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Grounds for Divorce

California is also a no-fault divorce state, which means neither party is required to prove there was any wrongdoing that resulted in the breakdown of the marriage, such as an affair or abuse. However, if you are looking to end your marriage in California, you must cite one of two legal concepts:

  • Irreconcilable Differences: The concept of irreconcilable differences refers to any substantial disagreement between the couple that is deemed too great for them to continue in a marital union.
  • Incurable Insanity: Incurable insanity, also known as the permanent legal incapacity to make decisions, means one spouse has been identified by a medical professional as being incapable of making decisions on his/her own. These cases will require the petitioning spouse to provide testimony from the healthcare expert who asserts the other spouse cannot be cured.

Divorces can also be uncontested or contested. Uncontested divorces are more ideal, as both parties can come together to calmly discuss how to divide their marital property and responsibilities. Cases like these can be handled by a single attorney, saving both partners money, and out of court, which will save you time.

But uncontested divorces rely on both parties agreeing to all terms and working together. When there are disputes, the divorce can become contested. Contested divorces are how most people imagine divorces: combative, long, and expensive. Ideally, you will want to keep your divorce uncontested, but if your spouse wants unfair terms or treats you poorly during the proceedings, you may need to contest to claim your fair share from your marriage.

In both situations, mediation may be an option to help speed along your divorce and help you come to an agreement.

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Residency Requirements for Divorce in San Diego

In order for a California court to accept a petition for divorce, there are strict residency requirements that must be met first. Before you can file, either you or your spouse must have lived in this state for at least six months and resided in the county where you’re filing for three months.

If neither of you meets the county guidelines, you have the option to file in the county you previously lived in. If you haven’t lived in California for the required length of time, you can wait until you meet the requirements or file for a legal separation and follow up with an amended divorce petition once you’ve reached six months.

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Common Ways Divorces Are Settled

The endgame for a divorce looks different for everyone. Where one situation may involve a complex division of property, another may deal heavily with custody rights. For your attorneys, the goal is to make sure you receive your fair share from the proceedings and that your best interests are protected. There are several different ways we can achieve these goals, including:

  • "Kitchen table" agreement: This is an expression that refers to you and your spouse sitting down and settling on a divorce agreement together. In a kitchen table agreement, you and your spouse divide property (house, cars, retirement accounts, etc.) and debts. Couples with children can also decide between themselves on how to share child custody. These agreements can also settle child support and spousal support (alimony) arrangements. These agreements will still need the help of an experienced divorce attorney in San Diego to properly file with the court. Your attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes.
  • Attorney negotiation and litigation: In these situations, you and your spouse each hire an attorney and these attorneys handle your case. Many of these cases are settled through negotiation. In these situations, attorneys come to an agreement that is beneficial for the couple divorcing. Litigation is a little bit more complex and involved. In these situations, your attorneys take the case to trial and a judge makes all the divorce agreement decisions.
  • Mediation: In these arrangements, you and your spouse mutually select a neutral person (usually an attorney) to help you come to a settlement. The mediator isn't a judge. The mediator doesn't make any legally binding decisions. What the mediator does is provide the opportunity for the couple to discuss their needs outside of a courtroom. The mediator will suggest options for a divorce settlement. If a mediation is successful, the couple will sign a Marital Settlement Agreement that ends their marriage and divides property and assets without going to court.

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Other Locations We Serve

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San Diego Divorce Lawyers Provide the Help You Need

There is a reason most people dread divorce. It is never fun or easy. The process can take years for some couples and be very expensive. While you may be tempted to deal with it on your own, sitting down with a skilled lawyer can help you get a better perspective on your situation. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we offer every potential client a free initial consultation to discuss their case and answer their questions. We can walk you through the process of filing for divorce, dividing your assets, and claiming your fair share.

If you do choose to work with us, you will receive the legal guidance of a strong San Diego family law attorney. We will use years of experience to advocate for your best interests and get you the divorce agreement you need to move on with your life. We've helped many people achieve positive outcomes and protect their rights, assets, and future. If you have any questions about the California divorce process, contact Mattis Law, A.P.C. For a free consultation, call (858) 328-4400.

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Divorce FAQs

What’s the difference between a divorce and a legal separation?

Legal separations include all the same procedures as a divorce (such as division of assets) without actually terminating the marriage. In cases of legal separation, both spouses must agree to it, and once it is filed with the courts, there is no waiting period.

A divorce is different in that both spouses do not need to agree to it. If one spouse wants to end the marriage, he or she will be able to do so. However, unlike a legal separation, there is a six-month waiting period that all couples must go through before their divorce is finalized.

Couples that opt for legal separation over divorce can still get a divorce at a later date, if they wish. It’s important to remember, though, that the issues resolved during the course of legal separation (for example, custody and visitation agreements) will still be the final decisions made in a divorce.

Why choose a legal separation over a divorce?

There are many reasons why a couple would decide to get a legal separation over a divorce. They include:

  • The couple is opposed to divorce for moral or religious reasons.
  • One spouse is about to become eligible for his/her spouse’s government benefits.
  • One spouse would like to continue receiving his/her spouse’s healthcare or insurance benefits.
  • The couple would like to continue receiving certain tax benefits only available to married couples.
  • The couple would like to take some time to see if reconciliation is available.
  • The couple thinks it best to keep peace in the family, particularly if children are involved.

If my spouse or I had an affair, how will this affect the divorce proceedings?

California is a no-fault state. Because of this, no one spouse has to be found “at fault” before the other spouse files for divorce. In La Jolla and San Diego, couples usually state irreconcilable differences as the reason for their divorce. This simply means that there was a problem or disagreement so big in the marriage that the two people were unable to resolve it. It does not matter what the issue is; only that the couple would like a divorce.

How is property divided in a Californian divorce?

The state of California is a community property state. Community property, or marital property, refers to all of the assets you and your spouse shared in your marriage, including your real estate, vehicles, possessions, and debt. For a court to approve a divorce, your community property must be evenly split down the middle in a 50/50 division. To fulfill this requirement, you must thoroughly review your finances and assets to determine the value of your household. For example, where one party may keep the family home, the other may receive certain stocks or bonds.

How long does it take to get a divorce?

In California, there is a six-month waiting period after filing before divorce proceedings continue. This means that any divorce will take at least six months, but contentious cases take much longer. It could be up to eighteen months from the time of filing before the divorce is considered final.

Do I really need a San Diego divorce attorney to represent me?

Getting a divorce may sound very simple - it’s just ending a marriage. But it can quickly turn into one of the most complicated events you will encounter in your life. Not only are there assets that need to be divided, but going through a divorce is also very emotional and stressful, especially if children are involved. By making sure you have proper representation through a divorce attorney, you will be able to hand off some of those matters while you take care of yourself and your family.

In addition to this, even if you don’t get an attorney, there’s a good chance your spouse will. Your spouse’s attorney won’t be interested in giving you a fair settlement, and you may be too emotional to even recognize it, or fight it. Having an attorney by your side will ensure you’re treated fairly, and that the life-changing decisions that will be made won’t haunt you for the rest of your life.

What are the residency requirements for filing for divorce in San Diego?

At least one spouse must have lived in California for six months and in San Diego County for three months before filing.

What factors determine child custody arrangements?

Courts consider the child's best interests, including each parent's ability to care for the child, the child's relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse or neglect.

Can I modify child support or custody orders after the divorce is finalized?

Yes, if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as income changes or relocation, you can request a modification.

What is spousal support, and how is it determined?

Spousal support, or alimony, is financial support paid to a spouse after divorce. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's income, and standard of living.

Can I get a restraining order during divorce proceedings?

Yes, if there is a threat of abuse or harassment, you can request a restraining order to protect yourself and your children.

What is mediation, and is it required in divorce cases?

Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps spouses reach agreements on divorce issues. While not always required, courts often encourage it to resolve disputes amicably.

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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