La Jolla Family Law Lawyers

Are You in Need of a Family Law Lawyer in La Jolla?

Family law matters are among the most personal and emotionally challenging legal issues a person can face. Whether you are navigating divorce, custody, visitation, or domestic violence, the decisions made in family court can shape your life and your children’s futures for years to come.

Mattis Law, A.P.C. is committed to providing compassionate, professional, and effective legal representation for families in La Jolla and throughout San Diego County. With empathy and dedication, Amelia J. Mattis will guide clients through difficult transitions while protecting what matters most: family, stability, and peace of mind.

Family law covers a broad range of issues, many of which involve significant emotional and financial stress. You may need a family law attorney if you are:

• Considering or going through a divorce.
• Facing child custody or visitation disputes.
• Seeking protection from domestic violence.
• Dealing with parental alienation or interference with parenting time.
• Navigating grandparents’ rights or extended family visitation matters.
• Attempting to modify an existing custody or visitation order.
• Handling emergencies involving children, which demand urgent custody changes.

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Why Choose Us Over Other Family Law Attorneys in La Jolla?

Choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions you can make in a family law case. When you select our firm, you get more than legal representation; you gain a trusted advocate who will fight for your rights and guide you through one of life’s most difficult challenges.

Our commitment to excellence is what sets Amelia J. Mattis apart.

• Recognized Excellence – Amelia J. Mattis has been named one of the 10 Best Female Attorneys in California by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.
• Top Family Law Advocate – Selected among the Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in California by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.
• Award-Winning Representation – Honored as Lawyer of the Year by the American Institute of Legal Professionals.
• Super Lawyers Rising Star – Recognized as a Rising Star in the legal profession by San Diego Super Lawyers.
• Top 40 Under 40 – Named one of the Top 40 Under 40 Family Law Attorneys in California by the American Academy of Attorneys.
• Best Divorce Lawyers in San Diego – Selected by Expertise.com as one of the leading divorce lawyers in San Diego.
• Compassionate Approach – Known for practicing law with empathy, care, and a client-focused approach.

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Trusted Family Law Guidance in San Diego

You don’t have to face family law challenges alone. Amelia J. Mattis will advocate for your rights and your children’s best interests. Call (858) 328-4400 to learn more today.

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Types of Services We Offer

Family law is complex, and no two cases are alike. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we understand that each family comes to us with unique challenges, goals, and circumstances. That’s why we provide a broad range of services carefully tailored to protect your rights and prioritize the well-being of your children and loved ones.

Divorce

We guide clients through every stage of the divorce process, from filing the initial petition to negotiating settlements and, when necessary, representing them in court. Whether you are facing a straightforward uncontested divorce or a high-conflict separation involving significant assets, child custody disputes, or property division, we work to provide solutions that serve your best interests.

Child Custody and Visitation

Few legal matters are as emotionally charged as custody and visitation. We help parents develop workable parenting plans, advocate for arrangements that protect children’s stability, and represent clients in court when agreements cannot be reached. Our approach focuses on ensuring that custody outcomes are consistent with the child’s best interests.

Custody Modifications

Life circumstances change, and custody or visitation orders may need to be adjusted. Whether due to relocation, changes in a child’s needs, or a parent’s changing situation, we help clients petition the court to modify orders while minimizing disruption for children.

Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

When safety is at risk, swift action is critical. We represent clients in seeking protective orders and in defending against them when wrongly accused. Beyond courtroom representation, we provide supportive guidance for clients navigating the legal and emotional difficulties of abuse-related cases.

Parental Alienation

Parental alienation can have lasting and damaging effects on children. We fight to protect parent-child relationships when one parent attempts to undermine or obstruct the bond with the other. Our goal is to restore healthy connections and safeguard children from manipulation.

Grandparents’ Rights

Grandparents often play a vital role in children’s lives. California law provides avenues for grandparents to seek visitation when it is in the child’s best interests. We help grandparents pursue legal rights to maintain meaningful relationships with their grandchildren.

Emergency Custody Matters

In urgent situations such as threats to a child’s safety or well-being, immediate legal action may be necessary. We act quickly to file emergency custody motions, ensuring children are protected while longer-term solutions are pursued.

Additional Support in Family Law

Beyond these core areas, we also provide guidance on co-parenting arrangements, international custody concerns, and cases involving children with special needs. No matter how complex your situation, we bring dedication and strong advocacy to every case we handle.

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Facing Divorce or Custody Challenges?

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How a Family Law Attorney Can Help

Family law is about more than legal arguments; it’s about protecting families during their most vulnerable moments. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we provide comprehensive support that goes beyond the courtroom.

We can help by:

• Explaining your rights under California family law
• Developing strategies tailored to your family’s needs
• Representing you in mediation to reduce conflict and reach agreements
• Fighting for you in court when litigation is necessary
• Protecting children’s safety and well-being in cases involving abuse, neglect, or parental alienation
• Advocating for grandparents’ rights when visitation is in the child’s best interests
• Seeking modifications to custody or visitation orders as circumstances change
• Providing guidance so you feel supported every step of the way

Family law disputes are stressful, but you do not have to face them alone. With our firm, you will have a dedicated advocate who is committed to both your legal rights and your family’s future.

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Property Division in Divorce in California

While California is a “no-fault” state, and you need no specific reason to divorce, once a divorce petition is filed, extensive information regarding property is necessary. As the state is a community property state, all ownership of assets gained during the term of the marriage must be divided equally. This aspect of divorce can be exceptionally complex and must be addressed with the highest level of legal skill, both in finding and listing all assets, and in negotiating the property division settlement resolved in mediation or in court. The information presented in mediation or to the court has everything to do with how the court comes to a decision when the two parties do not agree. In high asset cases, the full array of assets may require a professional valuation of:

• Real estate
• Retirement accounts
• Business interests
• The marital home
• Stock accounts
• Assets such as jewelry, works of art, vehicles, valuable animals

Once a value has been placed on these assets, the structure of a property division settlement must be negotiated. With the help of an accomplished attorney, you have a better opportunity to achieve a favorable outcome, able to move forward with this critical issue settled fairly.

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Types of Custody Agreements

You have the right to resolve child custody by negotiating an agreement with your former partner, but this is not always possible. In some cases, the two parents cannot agree on where the children will live, and with whom. The court can decide in these cases, with each parent presenting a case to the court. The quality, competence, and professionalism of your La Jolla family law attorney plays a significant role in court decisions.

• Legal Custody: One or both parents may be awarded (or agree to) legal custody. This refers to the authority to make decisions regarding healthcare, education, religion, and other important aspects of the child’s welfare.
• Physical Custody: Physical custody may be shared in different ways. Children might spend equal time with both parents, or live primarily with one parent while maintaining scheduled visitation with the other.
• Sole Custody: One parent is granted full legal and/or physical custody. The other parent may be given visitation rights, but decision-making power and/or primary residence rests with the custodial parent.
• Joint Custody: Both parents share legal and/or physical custody. This requires cooperation and communication, as both parents participate in decision-making and child-rearing responsibilities.

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Other Locations We Serve

• Carlsbad
• Coronado
• Del Mar
• Encinitas
• Poway
• Rancho Santa Fe
• San Diego
• Solana Beach

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What Clients Are Saying About Us

"I cannot recommend them highly enough" -RD (5-Star Google Review)

Hiring Amelia has been the best decision I have made for my safety and my children's safety -- they have given me peace of mind that our lives, freedom, future, and protection are being handled with the utmost care and expertise. I am beyond grateful for their work, and I particularly recommend them for highly complicated cases involving multiple moving pieces, most notably, domestic violence and international move-away orders.

I cannot recommend them highly enough. These are humans doing the right thing for what matters the most in life.

"She truly cares about her clients" -Athena Hwang (5-Star Google Review)

Amelia Mattis is an attorney you want on your side! I had the honor and privilege of working with her. She truly cares about her clients and provides personable representation. Amelia shows compassion during a trying time in her client’s life and takes the time to explain everything thoroughly. She advocates fiercely for her clients, is dependable, and is highly experienced in family law. She is the person I would want in my corner advocating for me.

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Contact Amelia J. Mattis for Family Law Matters in La Jolla

If you are considering filing for divorce in La Jolla, and have concerns about property division, child custody, spousal support, or other facet of divorce, contact Amelia at Mattis Law, A.P.C. to discuss your case. Call us at (858) 328-4400 today.

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Family Law FAQs

What types of cases does a family law attorney handle?

Family law covers a wide range of matters, including divorce, child custody, visitation, modifications of custody orders, domestic violence, parental alienation, and grandparents’ rights.

How is child custody determined in California?

Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the child’s health, safety, emotional ties to each parent, and the stability of each parent’s home environment.

What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?

Legal custody gives a parent the right to make important decisions about a child’s upbringing, while physical custody determines where the child lives and how parenting time is shared.

Can custody or visitation orders be modified?

Yes. If circumstances change significantly, such as relocation, health concerns, or new safety issues, either parent may request a modification of custody or visitation orders.

What is mediation and is it required in family law cases?

In many custody cases, California requires mediation before going to court. Mediation helps parents create parenting plans in a cooperative setting and often avoids the stress of litigation.

Do grandparents have visitation rights in California?

Under certain conditions, yes. Grandparents may request visitation if it is in the child’s best interests and if a strong, pre-existing bond exists between them and the child.

How does domestic violence impact custody and visitation?

If there is evidence of domestic violence, the court may limit or restrict custody and visitation to protect the child’s safety. Protective orders can also be requested.

What if my ex is not following the custody or visitation order?

If a parent violates the order, you can ask the court to enforce it. The court may issue remedies or sanctions to ensure compliance.

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Meet Our Attorney

Amelia J. Mattis

California State Bar License Number: 299801

Amelia J. Mattis is a San Diego family law attorney and the founder of Mattis Law, A.P.C. She focuses her practice on divorce, child custody, visitation, parental alienation, and domestic violence cases. Amelia is committed to protecting her clients’ rights and helping them create solutions that serve the best interests of their children and families.

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