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 Certified Family Law Specialist by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. With more than a decade of experience in family law and extensive courtroom experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, property division, domestic violence matters, and all aspects of California family law.
From the very first contact, Ms. Cadwell puts clients at ease with her approachable, compassionate manner. She understands that behind every case is a person facing uncertainty, significant life changes, and some of the most emotionally challenging moments of their lives. By listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and explaining the legal process in clear, straightforward language, she empowers clients to make informed decisions with confidence while remaining a strong advocate for their interests.
Ms. Cadwell's path to family law began at Upper Iowa University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She then worked as a paralegal for six years for a solo practitioner, assisting with cases extensively. Drawn to understanding the legal system, client needs, human behavior and conflict resolution, she continued her education at Northern Illinois University College of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctorate, graduating number 9 in her class, while earning a Certificate in Public Interest Law and being recognized for the most pro bono hours in her graduating class. Ms. Cadwell was admitted to The State Bar of California in 2020.
Before founding SC Family Law, Ms. Cadwell practiced at one of San Diego's premier family law litigation firms, where she handled high-conflict and complex family law matters. Over more than six years with the firm, she progressed from law clerk to senior associate attorney, gaining substantial experience in all stages of family law litigation. She developed a reputation for zealous advocacy for her clients--crafting persuasive legal arguments, preparing witnesses for trial, conducting multiple evidentiary hearings, and negotiating favorable resolutions. When settlement was not an option, she did not shy away from litigation.
Today, Ms. Cadwell combines strategic litigation skills with practical, client-focused counsel. Whether negotiating a settlement or advocating in the courtroom, she is committed to providing personalized representation tailored to each client's goals. Her philosophy is simple: every client deserves an attorney who is both a compassionate advisor and a fearless advocate.
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 , 2025
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
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
Honors
- Most pro bono hours completed by member of graduating class, Clover Family Award, Northern Illinois University College of Law, 2018
These comments were made by fellow attorneys during the annual nomination process.
“She started with us as an intern, and has now passed teh Certified Family Law Specialist test after 4 years of practice. Sydney is very smart, personable, and is a hard worker”
“Excellent Attorney.”
“Sydney began at our firm as an intern, then a law clerk for almost two years. She was then hired an an attorney. Sydney is very talented. She has strong writing and oral skills, very analytical and is excellent at issue spotting. Sydney is a mother of two young daughters, but not only gets everything taken care of at home, she has a full litigation case load which she maintains with passion and a strong work ethic. She is always prepared, is meticulous, and we have no doubt she will become a Certified Family law Specialist as soon as she qualifies to take the test.”
“Great litigator.”
“Sydney is a very intellectual family law attorney. Great diplomacy skills.”
“She started with the firm as an intern, then trained under Sara Yunus and the partners. Sydney is a hard worker, a great mother, and is fearless when it comes to litigating. She recently finished a week long trial on complex issues taking a case over from a partner.”
“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
Additional sources of information about Sydney Cadwell
"Ask a Lawyer" answers provided by Sydney Cadwell
- Q: Is there anyway someone can help me put together a response to a RFO and parentage plan?
A: If you still need legal assistance, please contact SC Family Law at 619-736-8148 to discuss your legal needs. We offer legal services on an advise … - Q: What can I do if the mother of my child is making visitations really hard to deal with?
A: There is a lot you can do with facts like this, especially if you have a Court order, which it appears you do based on your indication the Court … - Q: How Do I Get Custody in a California Divorce?
A: This is a very complex question with a lot of various routes to obtaining custody in a divorce case depending on the circumstances. Please reach out … - Q: Can you file a restraining order against a neighbor in San Diego, California?
A: You cannot file a Domestic Violence Restraining Order against a neighbor unless you meet other relationship requirements (family member, ex spouse or …
