Carlsbad Family Law Attorneys
Family Law Compassionate in Our Approach.
Decisive in Our Strategy. 

We develop strong cases and help guide our clients into establishing a firm footing into the next phase of their life. 

San Diego Family Law Attorneys

Legal Services from Certified Family Law Experts in Carlsbad

Hiring a family law attorney is arguably one of the most difficult decisions you’ll make in your lifetime; it also has the potential to be one of the most influential. The impact of your choice may be felt for years to come. As such, you’ll want to weigh your options carefully to ensure you find the best-suited legal team for the job.

At Griffith, Young & Lass, we understand more than anything that, in hiring us, you are putting your trust, livelihood and, very often, the future wellbeing of your family in our hands. We do not take this lightly and we are dedicated to being good stewards of that trust.

Contact us online or give our team a call at (858) 371-5569 to learn more about the ethical approach we take to divorce and family law cases in San Diego. Our San Diego family law attorneys would be happy to schedule a meeting to discuss the logistics of your situation and the legal options available to you given the circumstances.

While family law does have commonalities, few divorces are ever the same. Your situation will have unique details that can add to the complications of your case. For example, there may be a property settlement to contend with. In other cases, you may be fighting for the rights of your unborn child or want sole custody instead of joint custody; or you may be a stay-at-home parent who lacks the funds to pursue your divorce on your own. In some cases, you may be trying to prove the paternity of a toddler or fighting for your immigration status as you face a divorce at the same time.

The more details involved in the divorce, the more complicated it can become. And the more complicated the case, the more expensive and time-consuming it can be to complete. However, you can expedite your divorce by calling on the services of North County’s finest family attorneys: Griffith, Young & Lass.

At GYL, you will be represented by a team of dedicated family lawyers in San Diego who operate cost-consciously and with your best interests at heart. Give us a call or contact us online today.

How to Find the Right Family Lawyer in San Diego

When searching for a family law attorney in San Diego to assist you, the first step is to engage in a consultation. The family lawyer will use this initial meeting to get to know you and your case, and you should use this initial meeting to ask any questions and voice any concerns you may have. The right family lawyer will be able to give you peace of mind about the legal process ahead of you.

If you decide to move forward with your case, your family lawyer will help you create a strategy for getting the very best outcome for your unique situation. If you are going through a divorce, all details will be carefully considered. If yours is a high-asset divorce, your family attorney will develop a settlement offer that nets you the most value so you can move on with your life. If there are children involved, your lawyer can help you determine the proper timeshare schedule, child support amounts, and a co-parenting plan to ensures the children’s well-being.

At GYL, we handle all divorce and family law matters including:

Contact us about scheduling a consultation with an experienced San Diego family law attorney. Dial (858) 371-5569 today or complete an online contact form.

Examples of Family Law Cases in San Diego

Below is a small sampling of the types of family law cases we handle regularly. Please note that this is a limited list of our services. If you do not see your particular need listed below, do not be discouraged. Instead, call our office at (858) 371-5569 to learn more about our comprehensive family law services and how they may be applicable to your case.

Divorce

As you can see, it is common for divorces to be complex, especially if the spouses can’t agree on the specifics of the case, such as how to share assets and custody of the children, how much to pay in child support and alimony, and other considerations.

In most cases, the best-case scenario is for you and your spouse to settle out of court using mediation. Your divorce attorney can help you create a settlement strategy that can hopefully bring about a mutually agreeable resolution to the divorce process.

If mediation isn’t possible, or you don’t wish to work with a mediator, an attorney can help you file a petition for dissolution, which is the first step in the California divorce process. Once the petition is received by the court, your spouse will be served. Your spouse will then have 30 days to file a response.

California requires you to wait six months from the date of service of the Petition for Dissolution before the matrimonial status can be terminated.

If divorce court is required, a member of our team will act as your advocate. All documents and information will be collected from the other spouse in order to create a divorce strategy that nets you the best possible outcome for your case.

The paperwork required is another hurdle couples must overcome. Only a qualified attorney can help you fill out all documents with complete authority. Whether it’s the initial divorce filing or another matrimonial matter, like a prenup, our experienced San Diego family attorneys know California law and how it pertains to your unique situation.

Spousal Support

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a payment from one spouse to another in order to maintain the status quo. Alimony may be ordered temporarily or permanently, depending on the specifics of the case.

The amount and duration of alimony will be calculated according to the length of the marriage, the amount of income each spouse earns, timesharing considerations with regard to child custody, and other extenuating circumstances.

Child Support

When two spouses separate, they are still financially obligated to any children they share. This means that child support may be ordered according to the divorce decree.

Child support is typically ordered to be paid by the custodial parent to the primary parent. Even if the couple shares 50-50 or joint custody, child support can be ordered by a California divorce judge.

Many factors are considered when child support is calculated, such as the number of children involved, income level of each parent, timeshare and visitation schedules, and more.

Domestic Violence

If the marriage involved any level of domestic violence, this can complicate the divorce process. The first step is to extricate yourself from the abusing spouse as quickly as possible. Then, call a qualified divorce lawyer.

Your attorney can help you file the appropriate divorce documentation, including restraining orders that will ensure peace during this trying process. If there are children involved, your family attorney in San Diego can file an emergency child custody order within 48 hours, ensuring the safety of the children.

Prenuptial Agreements

Under California family law, any assets or debts accumulated during the marriage are subject to division during the divorce process.

A prenuptial agreement or postnuptial agreement prevents some property from being divided and seeks to navigate around the normal rules of earnings and asset division.

A prenuptial agreement lawyer can help you draft the proper forms and submit them to the court to keep your assets intact during your divorce.

What if My Spouse Filed First?

If you have been served with divorce papers in California, now is the time to find a qualified attorney who can help you file the necessary response. You have 30 days from the date of service of the Petition of Dissolution of Marriage to file your response. An experienced San Diego family lawyer can help you file the necessary paperwork to avoid any potential complications.

If you happen to file the wrong paperwork or you don’t fill out the documents properly, this can draw out your divorce and lead to greater expenses. You can keep the divorce process as efficient as possible, thus cutting down on all expenses and stress, by calling our team today.

Looking for the Best Family Lawyer in Carlsbad? Hire GYL!

While divorce is never easy, the process can go by quicker and with less stress when you have an experienced family lawyer by your side. At GYL, our talented family attorneys are experienced beyond their years. We have two certified family law specialists on staff, as well as an entire team of eager, innovative, and strategic-minded lawyers who are committed to helping you achieve a favorable outcome to your divorce or family law matter.

Contact us to schedule a consultation! Dial (858) 371-5569 or complete an online contact form today to get started.

Our Results Speak for Themselves

Over 100 5-Star Reviews Throughout Our Social Media Platforms
  • The way John presented our case was pure genius with meticulous preparation and deliberate action in court.

    “We were referred to John Griffith at GYL by our former attorney. I specifically was looking for an aggressive attorney that would yield results. John, Josh, and the firm performed flawlessly, and did ...”

    - MoMo M.
  • I would highly recommend Griffith, Young & Lass to anyone looking for ethical, honest, hard-working and skillful lawyers.

    “I would highly recommend Griffith, Young & Lass to anyone looking for ethical, honest, hard-working and skillful lawyers (I would stress these are actually rare qualities within the legal industry and ...”

    - Scott G.
  • You cannot find a better law firm.

    “I cannot say enough good things about John Griffith and this law firm. Each person i interacted with was responsive, intelligent, thoughtful and professional. Attorney Griffith worked very hard to ...”

    - Michelle P.
  • It was the best decision I’ve made yet and hopefully, it will be yours too.

    “She doesn’t back down from anyone. It was the best decision I’ve made yet and hopefully, it will be yours too.”

    - Ian R.
  • Understanding, accessible, and I was very happy with the outcome of my case. If I could give a higher rating I would!

    “Easy to work with, forthcoming about the process, set realistic expectations, and always kept cost in mind.”

    - Jennifer P.
  • All three lawyers worked together on the issues surrounding my case, which helped greatly when I was in need of answers or support.

    “The GYL team is always prompt at returning calls & emails. From personal experience, I can tell you that they will not step away from your case until it's finished.”

    - Kelsey L.
  • I couldn’t have made it without them! I highly recommend them!

    “GYL has been an extraordinary support and backing in my divorce. Being a male in the military, the process for divorce and custody is difficult. GYL was extremely helpful, and I was able to full custody of my children. That alone is such a monumental feat.”

    - Frankie S.
  • Worth every penny! My custody case went as stress-free as it could possibly be.

    “I hate seeing anyone go through custody battles but if you’re in that situation and need someone who is trustworthy and great at what they do, then I swear this is the place to get the help!”

    - Emily B.
  • I highly recommend GYL if you are ever in need of a family law attorney.

    “No matter who I corresponded with they were always knowledgeable of my case and quick to respond.”

    - Kimberley F.
  • Highly professional and supportive in a very uncertain time in my life.

    “My clearance was granted without any additional issues. I'd recommend this legal team to any Soldier needing help with their clearance.”

    - K. Brooks
  • Always willing to listen to your concerns. I would highly recommend.

    “Compassionate and kind, however, he will fight for you and your best interests. He is calm and calculated and extremely smart.”

    - Ann M.
  • Extremely helpful, responsive, and reasonable and got the job done amidst tenuous circumstances.

    “She and her team were extremely compassionate, sensitive with me while concurrently advocating strongly on my behalf.”

    - Jeremy R.
  • I felt like she was practical and knowledgeable and most importantly, she listened.

    “The professional and succinct assistance was a much-needed breath of fresh air in the maze of hurdles and complications with our family law case.”

    - David R.
/

Meet Our Team 

Honest. Fearless. Bold.
  • John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS
  • Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS
  • Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS
  • Shirin Asgari, Esq., CFLS
  • Noelle J. Slattery, Esq.
  • Eric Cowdery, Esq.
  • Joshua Yee, Esq.
  • Shaudi Malekzadeh, Esq.
  • Lea Trojanowski, Esq.
  • Greyson Sharp, Esq.
  • Brittany Van Ryder, Esq.
  • Karissa Piralla, Esq.
  • John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS

    Partner

    John Griffith has practiced exclusively in the area of family law since 2009. John is a Certified Family Law Specialist certified as an expert in the area of family law by the California Board of Legal Specialization. Prior to opening Griffith, Young & Lass, he worked as the managing partner of one of the largest family law firms in North County San Diego.
    John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS Photo
  • Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS

    Partner

    Catie E. Young excels in child custody cases and move-away trials. She has a unique approach to child custody cases and clients of Griffith, Young & Lass tend to gravitate toward her in these cases. Since joining the firm, she has continuously brought her zeal and compassion to representing clients in child custody and domestic violence cases, and in December 2011, she became a partner at Griffith, Young & Lass.
    Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS Photo
  • Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS

    Partner

    Amy Lass, a certified family law specialist, was born in New York and raised in San Diego, California. Amy graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2003 with a B.S. in Economics with a concentration in Enterprise Accounting. Amy went on to earn her law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and graduated cum laude in 2006.
    Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS Photo
  • Shirin Asgari, Esq., CFLS Shirin Asgari, Esq., CFLS

    Associate

    Attorney Shirin Asgari has a broad spectrum of legal experience and has handled matters in family law, criminal law, business law, and national security law. Currently, she focuses on family law matters and is a strong advocate for the rights of her clients. She dedicates time and attention to the needs of each client and the unique circumstances their case presents.
    Shirin  Asgari, Esq., CFLS Photo
  • Noelle J. Slattery, Esq. Noelle J. Slattery, Esq.

    Associate

    Noelle J. Slattery, Esq. has a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts/Acting from Emerson College in Boston and a Juris Doctor ...
    Noelle J. Slattery, Esq. Photo
  • Eric Cowdery, Esq. Eric Cowdery, Esq.

    Associate

    Eric Cowdery earned his bachelor’s and Master’s degrees before earning his JD from Golden Gate University as part of the Honors Lawyering Program. He was admitted to the California Bar Association in 2013 and has been working diligently in the field ever since. Taking a personalized approach to each case, Eric Cowdery is committed to working with clients to help them through the often confusing and complex legal process of divorce.

    Eric  Cowdery, Esq. Photo
  • Joshua Yee, Esq. Joshua Yee, Esq.

    Associate

    Attorney Joshua Yeereceived his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, from the University of California, San Diego. Joshua went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from University of San Francisco. His experience working with a local Certified Family Law Specialist solidified his desire to become a family law attorney. Since becoming an attorney, Josh has exclusively practiced in family law.
    Joshua  Yee, Esq. Photo
  • Shaudi Malekzadeh, Esq. Shaudi Malekzadeh, Esq.

    Associate

    Shaudi Malekzadeh is a Carlsbad family law attorney at Griffith, Young & Lass, advocating for the rights and interests of Southern California families in a variety of family law cases, such as child custody, alimony, spousal support, and the division of community property. She is committed to delivering effective legal representation to our clients, aggressively advocating for their legal rights, and offering compassionate legal advice.
    Shaudi  Malekzadeh, Esq. Photo
  • Lea Trojanowski, Esq. Lea Trojanowski, Esq.

    Associate

    Lea Trojanowski is an attorney with Griffith, Young, and Lass, joining the firm in March 2021. Her pragmatic and level-headed approach to family law has allowed her to be successful in even the most emotional family law cases. Lea has effectively represented clients in a wide range of family law proceedings, but is particularly drawn to domestic violence restraining order cases.
    Lea  Trojanowski, Esq. Photo
  • Greyson Sharp, Esq. Greyson Sharp, Esq.

    Associate

    Greyson Sharp received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from California State University, Fresno. After ...
    Greyson  Sharp, Esq. Photo
  • Brittany Van Ryder, Esq. Brittany Van Ryder, Esq.

    Associate

    Brittany Van Ryder joined Griffith, Young, and Lass as a Bar Clerk in September 2022. She became an Associate Attorney at the ...
  • Karissa Piralla, Esq. Karissa Piralla, Esq.

    Associate

    A San Diego native, Karissa earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communication from UCSD and a Juris Doctorate from the University ...

Why GYL? 

Turn to a Team that Does It Best
  • We're Leaders in Our Field

    From case planning to preparation, to superior courtroom presence, our clients can be sure that they will walk into the Courtroom prepared and with the best chance of success.

  • Client Centered & Results Oriented

    Our representation is tailored to the unique circumstances of each client. We deploy the GYL strategic case trajectory dynamic to ensure the best chance at success at the most reasonable cost. 

  • Brilliant, Hard-Working & Honest

    We don't believe in wasting our client's time and money. Helping people is what drives us to excel at our craft. We first identify the goals and interests of each client, we then develop an efficient and effective case plan aimed at achieving those goals.

  • Responsible & Ethical Practices

    We believe in a responsible and ethical practice and stick to our values regardless of the situation. We're transparent and don't just tell our clients what they want to hear, unless it's what we believe, even if it may deter them from moving forward. We stand by our team's expertise and will always be upfront and honest with our clients. 

Get Started Today

Fill Out the Form Below or Call 858-371-5569 to Speak with an Experienced Attorney
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.