San Diego Family Law/Divorce Lawyers

Helping Families Thrive in San Diego During Difficult Family Matters

When you’re confronted with child custody disputes, divorce, and other types of serious family law issues, the lawyer you choose really matters. San Diego family law attorney Amelia J. Mattis is a tireless advocate who listens closely and develops effective solutions for you and your family.

Attorney Amelia Mattis

Mattis Law, A.P.C. offers outstanding legal assistance, and Amelia Mattis has a truly commanding courtroom presence. With unwavering focus, she fights to protect your children, your future, and your peace of mind.

A Trusted San Diego Divorce Lawyer

Ending a marriage is one of the most personal and emotionally challenging legal matters a person can face. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we take the time to explain your options and we remain accessible until your case is resolved.

Divorce can involve difficult decisions about property division, child custody, parenting arrangements, and long-term financial stability. San Diego Divorce Attorney Amelia J. Mattis provides thoughtful guidance through every stage of the divorce process.

Working with a skilled divorce lawyer like Amelia J. Mattis can make a big difference in the outcomes you achieve. Amelia helps clients make informed choices, and she works to avoid unnecessary conflict whenever possible. She is a talented negotiator who isn’t afraid to litigate when necessary.

Mattis Law, A.P.C. has significant experience handling high-asset divorce in San Diego and throughout California. These cases may involve business interests, professional practices, real estate holdings, investments, and other substantial marital assets. Our firm works to safeguard your interests while advocating for fair and equitable agreements that align with your goals.

Caring Guidance for Families Facing Custody Disputes

Custody disputes are among the most emotionally difficult challenges a family can face. For parents, the fear of losing time with their child, or concerns about their child’s well-being in the other parent’s care, can cause tremendous stress. For children, the uncertainty of where they’ll live, who will make decisions, and how often they’ll see each parent can be confusing and upsetting.

Whether you’re entering the custody process for the first time or seeking to modify an existing arrangement, Amelia J. Mattis will stand by your side every step of the way. As a San Diego child custody attorney with experience, Amelia understands both the legal framework and the emotional dynamics involved in custody disputes. Her goal is to help parents reduce conflict, protect their rights, and create an arrangement that supports the child’s long-term stability and happiness.

We help clients manage all aspects of physical and legal custody in California, including:

• Clarifying the difference between joint and sole custody, and advising on when sole legal or physical custody may be appropriate due to safety, distance, or significant parenting concerns.
• Guiding clients through the decision-making process, including who will have authority over education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular involvement.
• Building strong parenting plans that go beyond the basics, addressing everything from weekday and weekend schedules to transportation responsibilities, communication rules between parents, school breaks, and holiday rotations.
• Resolving disputes through negotiation or litigation. While we always aim for amicable solutions when possible, we are fully prepared to advocate in court when necessary.
• Prioritizing the child’s needs in every stage of the process, including special considerations for children with unique emotional, developmental, or medical requirements.

We know that every family is different, and no two custody plans should look the same. That’s why we take the time to understand your goals, your concerns, and the dynamics at play in your specific situation. Whether your case involves a high-conflict co-parent, a breakdown in communication, or changing needs as your child grows, Mattis Law, A.P.C. is here to provide the clarity and guidance you need.

Custody arrangements don’t have to be a battle. With the right legal support, you can move toward a resolution that protects your relationship with your child and sets the stage for a more stable future.

Family Law Services We Focus On

Mattis Law, A.P.C. delivers comprehensive legal support across a wide range of family law issues. When you're dealing with the end of a marriage, responding to a high-conflict custody dispute, or seeking protection for yourself or your children, you deserve skilled guidance from a team that truly fights for your best interests.

Please note: We do not handle adoption or international asset discovery cases.

Helping Parents Protect the Best Interests of Their Children

Mattis Law, A.P.C. works closely with parents to develop clear communication plans, structured parenting schedules, and conflict-reduction strategies that center the interests of children.

When serious disagreements arise or immediate intervention is needed to protect a child’s safety, our firm also serves as a skilled emergency custody attorney, prepared to act quickly to secure the court orders necessary to stabilize the situation.

Parental Alienation

We assist families facing parental alienation situations involving manipulation or interference in the parent-child relationship. Amelia understands how damaging alienation can be, and she works to protect those critical bonds.

Children With Special Needs

For families raising children with developmental, medical, or behavioral needs, we offer the experienced guidance of a special needs custody lawyer in San Diego, ensuring parenting plans reflect the child’s unique care requirements and long-term stability.

Hear What Our Clients Have to Say

"She is a rock star!"

"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."

- Tommy L. (5-Star Google Review)

"I cannot recommend them highly enough!"

"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."

- RD (5-Star Google Review)

"I have recommended her to my own friends and family."

"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!"

- Cassidy (5-Star Google Review)

"Mattis Law showed great concern for my children and I."

"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."

- Andy P. (5-Star Google Review)

Strategic Counsel for Grandparents

Grandparents often serve as steady, loving figures in a child’s life, offering emotional support, family traditions, and a deep sense of belonging. When family structures shift due to divorce, separation, or conflict, grandparents can be caught in the middle, sometimes losing access to the grandchildren they care so deeply about.

At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we recognize the profound impact that grandparent-grandchild relationships can have, and we are committed to helping grandparents assert their rights with dignity and purpose.

California law does allow grandparents to seek visitation under specific circumstances, but these cases can be complex. The courts must balance a parent's fundamental rights with the child’s overall well-being, and grandparents must present clear, compelling reasons why continued contact is in the child’s best interest.

Amelia J. Mattis provides guidance to grandparents navigating this emotional legal terrain. We assist clients with:

• Petitioning for visitation rights when a grandparent has been denied contact due to divorce, estrangement, or the death of a parent.
• Demonstrating the importance of the grandparent relationship, including evidence of an existing bond, emotional support, or a caretaking role.
• Understanding eligibility requirements, such as whether the child’s parents are still married, separated, or involved in other custody litigation.
• Addressing opposition from biological parents, and building a case focused on the child’s emotional, social, and psychological well-being.
• Crafting agreements and visitation schedules that respect the family’s dynamics and maintain stability for the child.

Complex Family Dynamics

At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we understand that family law matters rarely fit into neat, predictable categories, especially when families span countries, cultures, and legal systems. Our practice is uniquely positioned to support families that are responding to high-conflict or complicated custody issues, including those involving international relocation and jurisdictional disputes.

International Custody Issues

As an experienced international child custody attorney, Amelia J. Mattis brings both legal insight and compassion to these emotionally charged cases. Whether one parent wants to move abroad with a child, or there are disagreements about a child’s residence in another country, Amelia works diligently to guide clients through the legal complexities involved in cross-border custody arrangements.

She provides helpful advice on:

• International move-away requests – Helping custodial parents seek court approval to relocate with a child outside the United States, including developing parenting plans and presenting the child’s best interests.
• Relocation disputes – Representing parents on either side of a potential international move, whether opposing relocation or pursuing modifications to existing custody orders.
• International travel concerns – Ensuring that parenting agreements include necessary protections, such as consent provisions, passports, and emergency restrictions related to international travel.

Why Families Across San Diego Trust Mattis Law

Families throughout San Diego turn to Mattis Law, A.P.C. because they want an attorney who combines legal skill with a genuine concern for your family. Amelia Mattis has built a reputation as one of the best family law attorneys in San Diego by prioritizing transparency, integrity, and child-centered solutions.

As an experienced custody modification attorney, Amelia handles a high volume of modification requests each year, giving her deep insight into the patterns, challenges, and legal standards that shape these cases. Whether a parent’s schedule has shifted, a child’s needs have evolved, or safety concerns have arisen, Amelia approaches each matter with thoughtful analysis and a strong commitment to protecting the child’s best interests.

Serving Clients in La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad, and Surrounding Areas

Mattis Law, A.P.C. proudly serves families throughout coastal North County and Greater San Diego, offering dedicated representation tailored to the needs of our local communities. If you’re searching for a family law attorney in La Jolla, a skilled child custody lawyer in Del Mar, or an experienced divorce attorney in Carlsbad, we provide the legal and personal guidance you need during life’s most challenging transitions. We also support families in nearby neighborhoods such as Encinitas and Rancho Santa Fe.

Get Started With a Free Consultation

If you’re dealing with a custody dispute, divorce, or another sensitive family law matter in San Diego County, our firm is here for you, providing a plan that’s tailored to your unique situation. At Mattis Law A.P.C., we understand that you’re not just another case file: You’re a parent, spouse, grandparent, or caregiver seeking legal representation.

If you’re looking for a San Diego divorce and custody attorney who embodies strength and compassion, contact Mattis Law, A.P.C. at (858) 328-4400 for a free consultation today.