About Us
We guide you each step of the way in moving on to the next stage of your life with dignity and respect.
Matthew J. Long
Helping Families With Their Legal Needs Since 1992
After 30 years of witnessing the unnecessary expenses, delays and emotional pain of court-centered divorce, I am no longer willing to participate in a system where divorcing clients have no control.
I am proud to be a strong advocate and leader in Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Divorce in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties. I offer you what I believe to be the most sane, dignified, efficient and cost-effective ways to get divorced.
Professional and Educational Background
Overview
- 30 years of Family and Civil Law experience.
- Small Claims Judge Pro Tempore for 11 years. Settlement Master for Family Law, Civil, and Unlawful Detainer for 12 years.
- Extensive Mediation and Collaborative Divorce training and experience.
- Graduated Order of the Coif from Pacific McGeorge School of Law.
- Pro Bono Attorney of the Year, 2016, Santa Barbara Superior Court
Relevant Memberships
- Member of Santa Barbara Superior Court Family Law Rules Committee in 2010 and 2011.
- President of the Santa Barbara Collaborative Law Group for 10 years, recruited Board of Directors, organized and conducted training events.
- Member of the Board of Directors for Santa Barbara Family Education, Inc. (i.e., Children in the Middle) for 2 years.
- Member, Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara Women Lawyers Association for two years.
Litigation Experience
- Extensive Family Law trial experience in all aspects of custody, support, contempt, and domestic violence matters.
- Skilled with calculating guideline child and spousal support using the latest software available.
- Ability to accurately analyze income of self-employed individuals aided by: Training and experience in principles of finance and asset valuation; Personally maintaining law office accounting software; Experience as treasurer of a non-profit corporation; and Training in tax and accounting issues.
- Counsel for Respondent: In re Marriage of Williams (2001) 88 Cal.App.4th. 808.
My Philosophy
Informed Consent
I help you identify your most important needs, both in terms of the process of your divorce and the final agreement, resulting in solutions you can live with.
Respectful Communication
I support you and your spouse to communicate your needs in a respectful way that allows you and your spouse to reach reasonable solutions while maintaining your dignity.
Full Examination of Choices
A full examination of the various choices presented in a divorce usually helps couples feel at peace with the decisions they have made, knowing that they have done the best they can to meet their own needs as well as addressing their spouses needs.