Julia M. Garwood - Certified Family Law Specialist
Your Advocate for a New Life.
Garwood Family Law and Mediation




Where Do I Begin?

The realization that your marriage is over can be overwhelming. First, take a deep breath and try to relax. Our San Diego divorce attorney team will create outcomes that will allow you to move on both financially and emotionally.

Take the first steps to ending your marriage and starting over.

How We Can Help

California is a no-fault divorce and community property state, but dissolving a marriage isn't simple. The team at Garwood Family Law and Mediation will comfortably guide you through the divorce process from start to finish so there are no surprises.
Trust our legal team to help you through your divorce.

Our San Diego Firm

Not every divorce case needs to go to court. That's why our team of San Diego divorce attorneys is skilled in both divorce litigation and mediation. From child custody to paternity cases, we'll always have your best interests at heart.

Learn more about our divorce litigation and mediation team.

Julia M. Garwood, CFLS


Your Advocate for a New Life.

At Garwood Family Law and Mediation, our legal team will work collaboratively with you, leading you across the rocky waters of family law issues to a new, empowered life.

Unlike other divorce attorneys whose skills are primarily in either litigation or mediation, our expertise spans both arenas and we will work with you to select the best option for your case. Let us help you have a "winning" experience through this difficult time. Take the first step towards moving forward to a new life – contact our family law attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Free Consultation


Certified Family Law Specialist

Certified Family Law Specialist

The Certified Family Law Specialist designation means that Julia M. Garwood and Garwood Family Law and Mediation has met, and adheres to, the rigorous standards set by the California State Bar. Trust your family law needs to the experts.
Why using a Certified Family Law Specialist is important → Learn More

Testimonials

  • ...in the Family Court hearing on November 9, 2009, Julia brilliantly argued my case before the Judge in such a convincing manner that we received a favorable ruling beyond our expectations. Subsequently, she negotiated a settlement to the case that met my goals. I have been very pleased with the Law Offices of Julia Garwood. You really made a difference in the quality of life for me and my children.
    Steve Celniker, CA
  • Julia, I just wanted to take a second to thank you and your office staff for putting up with me through this incredibly difficult time. I really loved my wife and the depth of hurt went beyond what I showed. [...] Please tell your staff for me that I greatly appreciate all that they did and though not communicated by me personally, my gratitude is heartfelt. What you and I do as lawyers is emotionally divergent, but my respect and admiration for you and your office deep. Thank you.
    Shawn Morris, CA
  • Julia is a competent and objective professional family law attorney who provides sound and consistent counsel. She [...] always ensured I was aware of the potential downside of each issue we reviewed. She strikes the right balance between taking assertive positions and the legal cost of those decisions so that I could exercise appropriate judgment on each issue. [...] I highly recommend Julia to be your family law attorney.
    San Diego Father, CA
  • For me, being a client means knowing that I am not in this alone. I am backed by your firm's extensive knowledge, guidance and support, ensuring the best possible outcome. I feel that you and your staff truly care about me and my daughter and our well-being. Thank you, once again, for everything that [you] have done for me and my daughter. I am eternally grateful.
    San Diego Mother, CA
  • I simply cannot state strongly enough what a valuable resource Ms. Garwood is. Her character and integrity are above reproach. Her knowledge of family law is vast and complete. Her empathy and compassion when working with parties and attorneys within the settlement arena, coupled with a sense of fairness and balance, have enabled her to settle almost all cases that she has worked on.
    Family Law Commissioner, CA
  • Julia, thank you and your team for your professional service. You have made a difficult time considerably easier. I find you to be a tenacious advocate who is fair and conscientious. Your staff are courteous, prompt and friendly.
    San Diego Father, CA
  • Thank you for the fast response.  As always, your Law firm is always on top of things.  Thanks for your hard work.
    San Diego Client, CA
  • Thank you so much!! This is amazing that it is finally done! Please tell THANK YOU to everyone.
    San Diego Mother, CA
  • Just wanted to thank all of you for putting up with me this last year and helping to resolve my case. As much as it will hurt to write a check, I think the outcome is pretty positive for me. Thank you.
    San Diego Father, CA
  • Thank you so much for hanging in there for me and doing a fantastic job.
    San Diego Father, CA
  • Thanks for all you have done! [...] You all have been wonderful to me and I don't know where I would be without you. Thanks again for all your support.
    San Diego Mother, CA
  • Your valuable efforts on Wednesday mornings have assured that the litigants of East County have their matters promptly and fairly resolved with aid of an experienced mediator. The service you have provided to the judicial officers is invaluable as well. We could not function efficiently without your help.
    Family Law Judge, CA
  • Just wanted to thank you ladies for all your support in the drafting and finalization of our settlement. Andrella, thank you for being so organized & efficient. Julia, thanks for being brilliant, flexible & patient. Eternally grateful for your guidance & support!
    San Diego Mother, CA
  • Thanks so much for everything - I'm feeling very grateful for you all.
    San Diego Mother, CA
  • Really appreciate your assistance to help me with a very painful process. Cannot even think where I would be if I had not received your assistance.
    San Diego Father, CA
  • Your participation as a settlement or pro tem judge ensures that our calendars move efficiently and that litigants have their matters appropriately adjudicated.
    Family Law Court, CA

News & Articles



Divorce & Separation

  • Divorce Mediation

    Mediation reduces the emotional stress and financial cost of your divorce by settling the terms of divorce outside the courtroom.

  • Divorce Litigation

    Even in a no-fault divorce state like California, ending a marriage can be quite complicated. Be prepared with a skilled divorce litigation attorney at your side.

  • Divorce Preparations

    Divorce is stressful, but with the proper preparations, the process does not have to be overwhelming. Get help here.

  • Annulments

    If your marriage was entered into fraudulently or certain other reasons, an annulment may be granted decreeing the marriage was invalid from the start.

  • Legal Separation

    Simply moving out from your spouse does not equal a legal separation. Understand the process and legal filings involved.

  • Complex Property Division

    California is a community property state, but property acquired before marriage and other assets may be exempt during a divorce. Find out more here.

Child Custody & Support

  • Child Custody & Visitation

    Child custody and visitation rights are sensitive issues in a divorce. In all cases, your child's needs and best interests come first.

  • Child Support

    Child support payments are determined by a set formula, but you need to ensure that all income is properly recorded.

  • Spousal Support

    Spousal support, also known as alimony, is not automatically granted in California. Get assistance from an experienced divorce lawyer.

  • Relocation / Out of State Support

    When children are involved, relocating after a divorce can become complicated and may require court permission.

  • Post Dissolution Order Modifications

    Even after a divorce is finalized, modifications to the agreement may be made. Changes in visitation and support can be revisited if circumstances change.

Additional Family Law Services

  • Pre- & Post-Nuptial Agreements

    Although pre- and post-nuptial agreements have received a bad reputation, they can be vital in protecting everyone involved in case a marriage ends.

  • Pet Custody

    Your pet is a part of your family and even the state understands that. You can fight to get custody (or at least shared custody) of your pet. Find out more here.

  • Paternity Cases

    Paternity cases can be filed by either party to help determine custody and visitation or child support payments.

  • Domestic Partnerships

    California domestic partnerships allow same-sex couples or couples over the age of 62 to register with the state as a legally bound couple.

  • Domestic Abuse & Violence

    Domestic abuse can be threats, molestation, striking, stalking, and other actions. Protect yourself and your family from domestic abuse and violence.

  • Court Orders Enforcement

    If your former spouse fails to follow required obligations, you can take action to make sure he or she complies with the divorce agreement. Filing a contempt hearing is usually the first step.

Professional Ratings

Julia M. Garwood: Super Lawyer San Diego Family Law 10.0 Superb Rating

Member Associations

Lawyers Club of San DiegoMember GSDBA
San Diego County Bar Association

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1450 Frazee Road, Suite 501, San Diego, CA 92108 | Phone: (619) 692-8100