Amy West has 20 years’ experience in both Family and Criminal Law and is certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as a Specialist in Family Law. Amy joined GENESIS FAMILY LAW, APC, in April 2023. For the six years prior to joining GENESIS, Amy worked as a senior litigation attorney in local firms. Amy also owned WEST MALDONADO LAW GROUP and was an owner-partner at RHOADS & WEST for 11 years. She has been the lead attorney on 30-plus trials, including countless family law trials, rape and criminal domestic violence jury trials, fraudulent conveyance and partition actions, and multiple contempt trials. Amy has also been the lead attorney on over 50 domestic violence restraining order and/or civil restraining order evidentiary hearings. She has written four and argued two appeals in front of the 4th DCA.

Amy resided in Frankfurt, Germany for ten years, graduating from Frankfurt American High School. Outside the office, Amy enjoys spending time with her family, reading, singing, and working out. She has been married for 11 years to her Husband, Jose, who retired from the Marine Corps after 20 years of service and now works for the Department of the Navy. Between her and her husband, they have 6 children, ages 20 to 32. Amy enjoys volunteering for The Rock Church and has over 200 Pro Bono Hours in domestic violence litigation.

Areas of Practice

Divorce
Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce

Family Law
Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father’s Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
Juvenile Dependency
Assisted Reproduction/Adoption
Criminal Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights
Elder Law
Conservatorships and Elder Abuse Restraining Orders
Guardianships
Guardianships of the Person, Guardianships of the Estate

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice

California
Since 2004

United States District Court, Southern District
Since 2004

United States District Court, Central District
Since 2004

Education

California Western School of Law
J.D. (2002) | Cum Laude
2000 – 2002

AmJur Awards: Legal Skills I, II, Negotiation, Criminal Procedure, California Trial Evidence, and Internship Seminar.

Activities: Dean’s List; Moot Court Honors Board; Pro Bono Honors; Amnesty International President

University of Arizona
B.A. (2000) | Political Science and History, 4.0 GPA

Awards

California SuperLawyer Award Recipient: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Professional Associations

American Bar Association
California State Bar Association
San Diego County Bar Association
San Diego Family Law Bar Association: Board of Directors Member 2021 – 2023; Education Committee Co-Chair, 2021, 2022
Foothills Bar Association: Board of Directors Member 2018 – 2019, Education Committee Chair, 2018, 2019
Association of California Family Law Specialists
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
Consumer Attorneys of San Diego: Board of Directors Member 2007 – 2009

Speaking Engagements

Presenter • “Domestic Violence: Unintended Consequences in Family Law” • San Diego Family Law Bar Association • December 2022
Presenter • “Discovery without Discovery” • San Diego Family Law Bar Association • November 2022
Presenter • “Justice Costs Money and Your Client Doesn’t Have Much” & “Cross-Examining the Expert on a Budget” • San Diego Family Law Bar Association • May 2021
Moderator • “Visitation & High Conflict Custody Cases” • San Diego Family Law Bar Association • March 2021
Presenter • “Coercive Control Comes to California (Domestic Violence – SB 1141)” • San Diego Family Law Bar Association • February 2021
Presenter • “Domestic Violence: Family and Criminal Law Crossover” • Foothills Bar Association • March 2019
Presenter • Family Law Seminar: Updates in Family Law – “Litigating Domestic Violence Cases – Where is the Evidence?” • San Diego County Bar Association • August 2017

Certifications

California Legal Specialization – Family Law