Business Details
45 Years
experience
Certified Family Law Specialists in San Diego
Garwood Reeves is a distinguished family law firm with over four decades of experience serving clients in San Diego. Founded in 1981, our firm specializes in divorce, child custody, spousal support, and other family law matters, combining legal expertise with compassionate advocacy. Our team includes Certified Family Law Specialists recognized by the California State Bar for their rigorous standards of education and experience. We prioritize client well-being, offering personalized guidance through mediation, litigation, and collaborative approaches.With a focus on emotional and financial resolution, we empower clients to transition into new life phases confidently. Our attorneys, including seasoned professionals like Julia Garwood and Casey Reeves, bring decades of combined experience, ensuring tailored solutions for complex cases. We are committed to integrity, transparency, and achieving favorable outcomes while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Services
Divorce
Divorce Mediation
Child Custody
Child Support
Family Law
Legal Separation
Prenuptial Agreements
Paternity Cases
Domestic Violence
Court Order Enforcement
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined experience in family law with Certified Family Law Specialists.
- Our team provides compassionate advocacy prioritizing emotional and financial client well-being.
- Skilled in both litigation and mediation for tailored dispute resolution approaches.
- Recognized by Super Lawyers for excellence in family law representation.
- Personalized strategies for complex cases including high-net-worth divorces and child custody.
Associations and certifications
- California State Bar
What people say
Compassionate and knowledgeable
Highly competent
Timely response
Experienced and caring
Successful outcomes
Services
Divorce Representation
Our attorneys provide comprehensive divorce representation for contested and uncontested cases. We handle asset division, alimony, child custody, and post-divorce modifications. With Certified Family Law Specialists on staff, we combine litigation expertise with compassionate guidance to achieve favorable outcomes while minimizing emotional stress for clients.
Child Custody Advocacy
We protect parental rights in custody and visitation matters. Our team handles emergency custody orders, modification requests, and relocation cases. Certified specialists develop strategies for physical and legal custody arrangements that prioritize children's well-being while advocating for clients' parental interests in San Diego courts.
Spousal Support
Our firm handles temporary and permanent spousal support matters. We calculate support based on California guidelines, negotiate fair arrangements, and litigate when necessary. Attorneys consider marriage duration, income disparities, and living standards to secure appropriate financial support for clients during and after divorce proceedings.
Divorce Mediation
Certified mediators facilitate cooperative divorce settlements outside court. This cost-effective approach addresses property division, child custody, and support agreements while maintaining privacy. Our specialists guide clients through structured negotiations to create mutually acceptable solutions that avoid adversarial litigation.
Prenuptial Agreements
We draft and review enforceable prenuptial agreements protecting assets before marriage. Attorneys ensure legal compliance while addressing property rights, spousal support, and inheritance provisions. Our specialists provide balanced counsel to create agreements that withstand judicial scrutiny while safeguarding clients' financial interests.
People
Julia Garwood
Shareholder/Certified Family Law Specialist
Certified Family Law Specialist since 1995 with 30+ years experience. Former adjunct law professor and settlement judge. Teaches professional responsibility and handles complex family law cases with mediator perspective.
Casey A. Reeves
Shareholder/Certified Family Law Specialist
Certified specialist with litigation expertise in complex business valuations. Prioritizes client communication and transparent strategy development. Recognized for effective negotiation and courtroom advocacy in high-stakes family law matters.
Frank J. Terrazas
Senior Family Law Attorney
14 years family law experience including 10 years as paralegal. Specializes in high-asset divorces and complex property division. Combines courtroom experience with practical problem-solving for client-focused solutions.
Emma Magidson Slattery
Family Law Attorney
12 years litigation experience in custody, support, and property division. Handles high-income cases and jurisdictional disputes. Focuses on achieving practical resolutions while protecting client interests in contested matters.
Lia Lorick
Family Law Attorney
Graduated cum laude with child/family law concentration. Completed internships at family law facilitators office and YWCA. Provides efficient, no-nonsense representation for custody, support, and mediation cases.
Questions
What issues are covered in family law cases?
Family law addresses divorce, child custody, spousal support, property division, prenuptial agreements, paternity, domestic violence, and court order enforcement.
How is spousal support determined in California?
California considers marriage length, income, health, and living standards when determining spousal support amounts.
What factors influence child custody decisions?
Courts prioritize the child's best interests, evaluating parental relationships, stability, and any history of abuse or substance issues.
How is property divided in California divorces?
California divides marital property equally, while separate property remains with the original owner.
Are prenuptial agreements enforceable in San Diego?
Yes, properly drafted prenuptial agreements are legally binding in California when meeting state requirements.
Can family law cases be resolved without court?
Yes, mediation and collaborative law often resolve family law matters without litigation.