La Jolla Family Law Lawyers

Family Attorney in La Jolla: Divorce, Custody, Property Division, Spousal Support

Family law issues are typically stressful, emotional, and difficult. Navigating the family law system is never a simple process, even in an amicable divorce. In high stakes cases, such as high-asset divorces with children, it is imperative that you have the support of a talented La Jolla family lawyer who has garnered respect in the profession.

At Mattis Law, A.P.C., our founder, Amelia Mattis, is widely known for achieving positive outcomes in difficult cases that other firms won’t take on. If you are facing a challenging divorce, child custody, issues surrounding parental responsibilities, spousal support or property division, we invite you to meet with us and discuss your case. Amelia has garnered a reputation for excellence in family law cases, named as one of the 10 Best Female Family Law Attorneys in 2020.

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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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The Children: 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) the matter of legal custody. This refers to which parent has the right to make decisions regarding healthcare, education, religion, and other critical points in the welfare of the child.
• Physical custody: Physical custody may be given to both parents in various ways, whether the children spend half their time with each parent, or live with one parent most of the time, and visit the other on weekends or other arrangement.

Amelia at Mattis Law, A.P.C. has achieved a remarkable degree of success in difficult cases, including cases involving parental alienation, move away cases, and contentious child custody cases. The courts make all decisions based on the “best interests of the child,” and generally want both parents involved in raising their children. Issues such as drug or alcohol addiction, domestic violence, or abuse also play a role in a decision – but must be supported by evidence, presented to the court.

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Contact Amelia 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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