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About Mattis Law, A.P.C.

How an Attorney Can Help

Mattis Law, A.P.C. is a boutique family law firm based in San Diego, California. We are dedicated to guiding individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging transitions. Led by Attorney Amelia J. Mattis, the firm focuses on delivering personalized representation with an emphasis on complex and emotionally sensitive matters such as high asset divorce, contested custody, and parental relocation.

Whatever your situation, Mattis Law, A.P.C. offers the experience and care you need to move forward and allow your family to thrive. Amelia brings a thoughtful and methodical approach to every case. She is known for balancing aggressive legal strategy with clear, compassionate communication. Clients trust Amelia to protect their rights and help them make informed decisions that will help ensure a brighter tomorrow.

Family law is about more than legal paperwork or court appearances; it's about navigating major life changes. When you work with Mattis Law, A.P.C., you gain a partner who will:

  • Help you understand your legal rights and options
  • Strategically plan your case based on your goals
  • Manage the legal process and reduce your stress
  • Ensure all deadlines and documentation are met
  • Represent your interests during negotiations and litigation

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Cases We Handle

At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we are equipped to assist with a full range of marriage and family law issues, including high-conflict and high-asset cases. Below we’ve listed some of the issues we deal with most frequently.

Divorce

We represent individuals through both contested and uncontested divorce, including high asset cases involving complex property division, business valuations, and support disputes. Amelia J. Mattis guides clients through every step, from filing to final judgment.

Legal Separation

For couples who do not wish to divorce for personal, financial, or religious reasons, legal separation allows for the division of property, custody arrangements, and support orders without ending the marriage.

Parental Alienation

Parental alienation occurs when one parent manipulates a child to reject or distance themselves from the other parent, often during or after divorce. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we take these cases seriously and work to protect the parent-child relationship. We advocate for custody solutions that prioritize the child’s emotional well-being and hold the alienating behavior accountable in court when necessary.

Grandparents’ Rights

Grandparents can play a vital role in a child's life, especially during times of family conflict. In certain situations, California law allows grandparents to petition for visitation when it serves the child’s best interests. Mattis Law, A.P.C. helps grandparents understand their rights and pursue meaningful relationships with their grandchildren through the proper legal channels.

Co-parenting

Successful co-parenting requires clear boundaries, mutual respect, and a focus on the child’s best interests. We assist parents in creating or modifying parenting plans that encourage cooperation and reduce conflict. We help clients navigate communication challenges and custody concerns to support stable, child-centered arrangements.

Children With Special Needs

Custody and support cases involving children with special needs require added sensitivity and detailed planning. Attorney Amelia J. Mattis understands the complexities these families face and works to ensure that court orders reflect the child’s long-term care requirements. We help parents secure appropriate resources, parenting time, and support structures tailored to the child’s unique needs.

Paternity

Establishing legal paternity is essential for securing custody, visitation rights, and child support. We help mothers and fathers resolve parentage disputes and formalize parental rights through the court.

Child Custody

Custody cases are some of the most emotionally charged in family law. We advocate for parenting plans that serve the best interests of the child while preserving our clients' rights. This includes joint custody, sole custody, and modification of existing orders.

Relocation Cases

Move-away requests arise when one parent wants to relocate with the child to another city, state, or country. These cases are highly complex and require a detailed showing of how the move would affect the child and the custodial arrangement. Mattis Law, A.P.C. handles both contested and uncontested relocation cases.

Spousal Support

Whether you are seeking support or defending against an unfair request, we provide strong representation in spousal support matters. Amelia J. Mattis uses tools like DissoMaster™ to project accurate support amounts and advise clients on how to negotiate or litigate support fairly.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Well-drafted agreements can protect both parties in the event of divorce or separation. We assist clients with creating, reviewing, and enforcing prenups and postnups, particularly in situations involving business ownership, family wealth, or second marriages.

Emergency Custody

Emergency custody orders are used when a child is at immediate risk of harm or being unlawfully removed. Mattis Law, A.P.C. acts quickly to file emergency requests and advocate for the child’s safety and best interests. We also represent parents seeking to contest or respond to emergency orders issued against them.

Restraining Orders

Restraining orders can provide immediate protection in cases involving domestic violence, harassment, or threats. We help clients request and obtain restraining orders while also ensuring due process is followed. Amelia is experienced in both securing and defending against restraining orders, always with a focus on safety and fairness.

Annulment

Unlike divorce, an annulment treats the marriage as though it never legally existed. These cases are available under specific circumstances such as fraud, coercion, or incapacity. We help clients determine if they qualify and navigate the annulment process.

Parental Kidnapping

If a parent unlawfully removes a child from the other parent or violates a custody order, immediate legal action may be required. We act swiftly in parental abduction cases to enforce custody rights and protect the child's welfare.

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Why Choose Us Over Other Marriage and Family Law Attorneys in San Diego

When your finances, family relationships, and long-term stability are at stake, it matters who represents you. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., our credentials and track record speak for themselves:

  • Amelia J. Mattis was named one of the Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in California by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys – honoring her advocacy and commitment to client satisfaction.
  • Selected as a San Diego Rising Star by Super Lawyers – based on peer reviews and independent research.
  • Recognized as a Lawyer of the Year by the American Institute of Legal Professionals – for professionalism and performance in the field of family law.
  • Named among the Best Divorce Lawyers in San Diego by Expertise.com – based on reputation, responsiveness, and results.
  • Soberlink-Trained Family Law Professional – trained in handling custody cases involving alcohol-related concerns.
  • DissoMaster™ proficient – knowledgeable in California's court-approved child and spousal support calculation software.
  • Client-focused – known for compassionate service, clear guidance, and effective representation in and out of court.

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What Clients Are Saying About Us

She is a rock star! -Tommy Liveoak (5-Star Google Review)

If you are looking for a great family law lawyer, don’t hesitate and look no further. Amelia Mattis, her assistant Baylee, and her firm are professional and very well versed in all of the laws and procedures but more importantly patient and explained everything clearly throughout the process. In my case, she went to the hearing completely prepared for anything the opposition counsel had to bring up and answered the judge clearly, with facts, case law and to any points needed. I could not be any happier with her support and performance in my case. She is a rock star! No divorce is easy, but having a real lawyer is the best money you could ever spend.

I have recommended her to my own friends and family- Cassidy (5-Star Google Review)

If you are going through a divorce, child custody issue, or really anything family law related in San Diego, Amelia Mattis is the attorney for you. She cares deeply about her clients and is extremely professional. You can tell that the judges, other attorneys and professionals on that case respect her, and that really makes your case reach resolution. Amelia always explains your options concisely and with advice so that you can make an informed decision for your family. She is even upfront about costs, so you know what to expect and what options you have in your budget. I have recommended her to my own friends and family, if you think you need a family law attorney in San Diego, do not hesitate to call her!

Mattis Law showed great concern for my children and I-Andy Polivka (5-Star Google Review)

Mattis Law A.P.C. was referred by a prominent L.A. firm who did not practice in San Diego. The entire firm is extremely proficient and timely in their craft. In court, Amelia Mattis is extremely professional, calm, to the point and maintains superb focus when others attempt to press her. Her client preparation guidance for mediation was excellent and assisted me in avoiding turbulence no matter what spewed from my ex-wife.

Above all, Mattis Law showed great concern for my children and I during the entire judicial process. Look for this firm to remain on the California Best Attorneys List for years to come as they deserve that designation.

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Speak With a Trusted San Diego Marriage and Family Law Attorney Today

Whether you need help resolving a family dispute, protecting your parental rights, preparing for divorce, or you are interested in another type of family law service, Mattis Law, A.P.C. is here to support you every step of the way.

Call (858) 328-4400 today to schedule your free consultation with dedicated San Diego family law attorney Amelia Mattis.

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Marriage and Family Law FAQs

What is the difference between legal separation and divorce in California?

A legal separation allows spouses to live apart and resolve issues like property division and custody without ending the marriage. Divorce, on the other hand, legally terminates the marriage and allows both parties to remarry.

Can I file for divorce if my spouse doesn’t agree?

Yes. California is a no-fault divorce state, which means one spouse can file for divorce without the other’s consent. The process will still move forward even if the other party does not participate.

How is child custody determined?

Child custody in California is based on the best interests of the child. Courts consider factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s health and safety, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable home.

What is spousal support and how is it calculated?

Spousal support (alimony) is financial support paid from one spouse to the other after separation or divorce. In California, temporary support may be calculated using software like DissoMaster™, while long-term support considers factors such as the length of the marriage, earning capacity, and standard of living.

Do I need a prenuptial agreement?

A prenuptial agreement isn’t required but can be very useful, especially if one or both spouses have significant assets, own a business, or are entering a second marriage. It sets clear expectations about property and finances in case of divorce.

Can a parent move away with a child after divorce?

A parent wishing to relocate with a child must either have the other parent’s consent or obtain court approval. The court will evaluate how the move affects the child’s well-being and the existing custody arrangement.

What is parental kidnapping?

Parental kidnapping occurs when one parent unlawfully removes or hides a child from the other parent, in violation of a custody order. This is a serious legal issue and may result in emergency court action to return the child.

How do I establish paternity?

Paternity can be established voluntarily or through a court-ordered DNA test. Establishing legal parentage is important for securing custody rights, child support, and the child’s access to benefits.

Can I get an annulment instead of a divorce?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances such as fraud, bigamy, force, or lack of legal capacity at the time of marriage. Annulments are less common than divorces and must meet strict legal standards.

When should I contact a family law attorney?

You should contact an attorney as soon as you anticipate a legal issue involving marriage, children, or property. Early legal guidance can protect your rights and help you avoid unnecessary complications.

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About Our Marriage and Family Law Firm

Mattis Law, A.P.C. is a San Diego based family law firm dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s most personal and complex legal matters. Led by Attorney Amelia J. Mattis, our firm focuses exclusively on marriage and family law, including divorce, custody, relocation, paternity, and high-conflict disputes. We are known for providing focused, strategic representation tailored to each client’s unique needs and circumstances.

Amelia combines a deep understanding of California family law with a compassionate, results-driven approach. Whether you are facing a high asset divorce, seeking custody modifications, or preparing a prenuptial agreement, we offer clear advice, practical solutions, and strong advocacy every step of the way.

Clients choose Mattis Law, A.P.C. because we don’t treat cases like files; we treat them like lives. We take the time to understand what matters most to you, explain your legal options, and help you make decisions with confidence. Amelia is also trained in Soberlink technology for alcohol-related custody matters and proficient in DissoMaster™ support calculation software, allowing for precise planning in child and spousal support cases.

We serve clients in communities across San Diego County, including Del Mar, Carlsbad, Encinitas, and La Jolla, Poway, Coronado, Rancho Santa Fe, Solano Beach, Carmel Valley, Sorrento Valley, Mission Hills, and Cardiff.

Call Mattis Law, A.P.C. at (858) 328-4400 to schedule a free consultation and discover how we can help you protect your family, your rights, and your future.

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