Practice areas: Family Law; view more
Licensed in California since: 2020
Education: Northern Illinois University College of Law
Selected to Rising Stars: 2024 - 2026 Call today:
619-736-8148
Virtual Appointments 
Free Consultation SC Family Law
5451 Avenida EncinasSuite B129
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Sydney Cadwell is the founding attorney of SC Family Law in Carlsbad, California, and a board-certified family law specialist by The State Bar of California. With more than a decade of experience and deep courtroom know-how, she dedicates her practice to helping individuals and families navigate divorce, child custody, spousal support and all other family law matters.
From the very first phone call or conference, Ms. Cadwell puts clients at ease with her warm, down-to-earth manner. She knows that behind every case file is a real person coping with stress, uncertainty and emotions that can run high. By listening closely, asking thoughtful questions and explaining each step in clear, jargon-free language, she helps clients feel informed and empowered to make the best decisions for their families.
Ms. Cadwell’s path to family law began at Upper Iowa University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology. Fascinated by human behavior in difficult times, she went on to Northern Illinois University College of Law. There, she completed her Juris Doctor with a public interest certificate. She was admitted to The State Bar of California in 2020. Prior to founding SC Family Law, she joined a high-stakes San Diego litigation firm.
Over more than six years, Ms. Cadwell rose from research clerk to senior associate attorney, focusing on family law disputes. She learned to craft persuasive motions, prepare witnesses for trial and negotiate settlement terms that protected her client’s interests. That intensive courtroom experience gives her the confidence to stand up for her clients at every hearing and mediation.
Practice areas
Family LawFocus areas
Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Father's Rights, Marital Property, Mediation & Collaborative Law, Name Change, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Same Sex Family Law
- 100% Family Law
First Admitted: 2020, California
Bar / Professional Activity
- Certified Family Law Specialist , 2024
Representative Clients
- Represented client in complex move-away trial., 2024
- Second-chair 5-day remaining issues trial with founding partner, including examination of multiple third-party witnesses. Favorable results for client including maintaining sole physical and legal custody of children, and award of sanctions and entire Family Code section 2640 reimbursement request., 2023
- Represented client (wife) in 4-day remaining issues trial with several complex property issues. Results favorable to client and entire Family Code section 2640 request being granted. , 2023
- Represented client in private judging matter regarding child custody & visitation issues. Favorable result for client after 2 1/2 years of being kept from children., 2024
- Represented client (protected party) in complex DVRO matter against father-in-law. , 2024
- Represented multiple clients to overcome the Family Code section 3044 presumption. Results finding presumption overcome and joint legal and/or physical custody awarded to my clients.
- Representation of Restrained Party for 1 day evidentiary hearing on Protected Party's request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order, 2020
- Representation of protected party during 1/2 day evidentiary hearing on request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order. 1 year permanent restraining order was issued., 2021
- Representation of Restrained Party during 1-day evidentiary hearing on request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order, 2021
- Representation of Restrained Party during 2-day evidentiary hearing on request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order., 2021
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Public Interest Certificate from Northern Illinois University College of Law, 2018
Pro bono / Community Service
- 120+ hours of pro bono work completed during law school career, 2018
Honors
- Most pro bono hours completed by member of graduating class, Clover Family Award, Northern Illinois University College of Law, 2018
Educational Background
- Northern Illinois University College of Law. Graduated Magna Cum Laude and 9th in class. Recognized with the Clover Family Award for most volunteer hours in the graduating class. Co-Chair for the Family Law Society and participation in Northern Illinois University’s Zeke Georgi Legal Clinic, assisting low income litigants with family law and elder law matters., 2018
These comments were made by fellow attorneys during the annual nomination process.
“Excellent Attorney.”
“Great litigator.”
“Sydney is a very intellectual family law attorney. Great diplomacy skills.”
“Young lawyer with great legal acumen.”
Office location for Sydney Cadwell
5451 Avenida Encinas
Suite B129
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: 619-736-8148
Selections
- Rising Stars: 2024 - 2026
Certificates and credentials
Family Law
