Los Angeles Divorce Attorneys — Top-Rated Firms for Custody, Property & Support

Divorce lawyers in Los Angeles handle some of the most complex family law cases in California. The state's community property rules require a strict 50/50 split of all marital assets and debts. High-value real estate, entertainment industry income, and business interests make LA divorces especially high-stakes. The wrong attorney can cost you years and thousands in avoidable losses. Compare the divorce lawyers listed below and shortlist two or three for a consultation.

We research each listing using public records, verified reviews, and direct evaluation. Our rankings reflect reputation, reliability, and results.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Overall online reputation and verified user feedback

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Best-Rated LA Divorce Lawyers for High-Asset & Contested Cases

Screenshot of the Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers Website

Berenji & Associates brings 25+ years of divorce litigation experience to clients throughout Los Angeles. The firm has secured multi-million dollar property settlements in high-conflict dissolutions. Attorneys handle child custody, support modifications, domestic violence cases, and move-away disputes.

Each case receives personalized attention from experienced litigators. The team prepares cases for both negotiated settlements and contested trials. Case evaluations help prospective clients understand their legal options.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC - Divorce Attorney in Los Angeles Website

The Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes is a Los Angeles divorce law firm with over 70 years of combined team experience. Kenneth U. Reyes holds dual credentials as a Certified Family Law Specialist and CPA. Fewer than 1% of California attorneys earn the specialist certification. His financial background gives clients an edge in high-net-worth divorces involving business valuations, stock options, and complex property division.

The firm handles contested and uncontested divorce, child custody, spousal support, and paternity matters. Staff members speak Tagalog, Bicol, and Spanish. Each case stays with one dedicated attorney from consultation through judgment. The team has guided LA families through dissolution proceedings since 1999.

Screenshot of the Provinziano & Associates Website
8888 W Olympic Blvd #100, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, USA

Provinziano & Associates is a Beverly Hills family law firm with 75+ years of combined legal experience. Founding attorney Alphonse Provinziano has handled over 2,000 cases and tried more than 220 matters in court. He is a Certified Family Law Specialist, former prosecutor, and Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.

The firm has made 3,800+ court appearances on behalf of clients in Los Angeles and Orange County. Practice areas include high-asset divorce, child custody disputes, international family law, and domestic violence cases. The team works with forensic accountants and business valuators to protect complex financial interests. Initial consultations are available to discuss case strategy.

Screenshot of the Fernandez Law Group - Santa Monica Family & Divorce Lawyers Website

Fernandez Law Group provides divorce representation in Santa Monica and throughout Los Angeles County. Founding partner Steven Fernandez is a Certified Family Law Specialist. The firm has 50+ years of combined experience handling contested divorces, property division, and child custody matters.

The team represents clients in high-net-worth cases, celebrity divorces, military divorces, and LGBT dissolutions. Attorneys work with appraisers, forensic accountants, and financial experts to value business interests, intellectual property, and retirement assets. Free case consultations are available. The firm operates on a contingency basis for qualifying cases.

Screenshot of the Law and Mediation Offices of Kelly Chang Website

Kelly Chang Rickert is a Pasadena divorce attorney and Certified Family Law Specialist. She has practiced family law since 2000 and earned her specialist certification in 2008. Super Lawyers has named her among the Top 50 Women and Top 100 Attorneys in Southern California from 2021 to 2024.

The firm handles divorce mediation, collaborative law, custody disputes, and prenuptial agreements. Kelly encourages settlement-focused approaches when possible. She speaks Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese, and French. As an Adjunct Professor at Trinity Law School, she teaches Family Law and Community Property. Media outlets, including CNN, NBC, and CBS, have featured her as a legal expert on celebrity divorce cases.

Screenshot of the Charles M. Green, APLC Website
3699 Wilshire Blvd # 700, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA

Charles M. Green is a Los Angeles family law attorney who combines legal expertise with a CPA background. He founded his firm in 1999 and earned his Certified Family Law Specialist designation from the State Bar of California. This dual financial and legal skill set benefits clients facing complex asset division, support calculations, and business valuations.

The firm handles divorce, child custody, spousal support, and domestic violence cases throughout LA County. Staff members speak Korean and Spanish. Mr. Green has represented clients in high-net-worth dissolutions, LGBTQ divorces, and later-in-life separations. Consultations are available at the Wilshire Boulevard office.

Screenshot of the The Reape-Rickett Law Firm Website
27001 Agoura Rd Suite 330, Calabasas, CA 91301, USA

The Reape-Rickett Law Firm has represented families across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties since 1992. Their attorneys bring over 200 years of combined family law experience. The team includes multiple Super Lawyers honorees who serve as mediators for the Los Angeles County Superior Courts.

Offices in Calabasas, Valencia, and Westlake Village handle divorce, child custody, spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders. The firm offers mediation services, limited scope representation, and divorce coaching as alternatives to full litigation.

Screenshot of the Zitser Family Law Group, APC Website
1901 Avenue of the Stars STE 1100, Los Angeles, CA 90067, USA

Diana P. Zitser founded this Century City divorce practice and holds the Certified Family Law Specialist designation. She brings a background as a licensed real estate appraiser to complex property division matters. Martindale-Hubbell has awarded her the AV Preeminent rating. Forbes named her among the Ten Most Dependable Family Law Attorneys of the West.

The firm represents clients in high-net-worth divorces, custody disputes, prenuptial agreements, and move-away cases. Diana has earned Super Lawyers recognition from 2015 to 2025 and ranks among the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Southern California. She speaks Russian and English.

Screenshot of the The Law Office of Bradley S. Sandler Website
9777 Wilshire Blvd Suite 400, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, USA

Bradley S. Sandler has practiced family law in Beverly Hills since 1996. Martindale-Hubbell has awarded him the AV Preeminent rating for legal ability and ethical standards. His background includes state and federal jury trial experience, including special circumstances murder cases involving domestic violence.

The firm handles high-net-worth divorce, child custody, spousal support, and restraining orders. Mr. Sandler represents clients throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura, and San Diego. Free initial consultations help prospective clients understand their options.

Screenshot of the Lauzon Paluch Website
2049 Century Park E #850, Los Angeles, CA 90067, USA

Lauzon Paluch handles divorce and international custody matters from its Century City office. Attorney Peter Lauzon has 25+ years of experience in interstate and cross-border cases involving the Hague Convention. The firm has litigated custody matters in jurisdictions including Australia, Canada, France, Israel, and Mexico.

Nathalie Paluch is a Certified Family Law Specialist. Together, the partners hold AV ratings and have appeared on the Super Lawyers list since 2005. The firm represents entertainment industry professionals, executives, and professional athletes in high-asset dissolutions.

Screenshot of the The Gillespie Law Firm Inc. Website
401 Wilshire Blvd 12th Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

Kate Gillespie founded this Santa Monica family law practice with a focus on mediation and collaborative divorce. She has 22+ years of legal experience and Super Lawyers recognition. The firm helps couples reach agreements on custody, support, and property division without court involvement when possible.

Free consultations are available to discuss case options.

Screenshot of the Law Offices Of Lynda Sheridan Website
280 S Beverly Dr #302, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, USA

Lynda Sheridan is a Certified Family Law Specialist with 30 years of practice. She holds a California real estate broker license and handles complex property division matters. Her clients include lawyers, doctors, and professional athletes going through divorce.

The Beverly Hills firm handles high-net-worth dissolutions, custody disputes, and spousal support. Free 30-minute phone consultations are available for prospective clients.

Screenshot of the Philip Daigneault Website
3878 W Carson St Suite 210, Torrance, CA 90503, USA

CalDisso by Daigneault Law has served South Bay families since 1989. The firm brings 100+ years of combined experience to divorce, mediation, and custody cases. Attorneys serve as mediators for the Los Angeles County Superior Courts. The Torrance office offers online mediation services statewide.

Screenshot of the Clarke Logan Young Law Offices Website
1112 Montana Ave #711, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA

Clarke Logan Young has practiced family law since 1979. His Santa Monica firm handles high-conflict custody cases, Hague Convention matters, and domestic violence restraining orders. He consults nationally on complex custody disputes and serves as an expert witness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Los Angeles?

Most LA divorce attorneys charge hourly rates. Rates typically range from $300 to $700 per hour, depending on experience and case complexity. Flat fees are sometimes available for uncontested divorces. Retainers of $5,000 to $25,000 are common for contested cases in Los Angeles County.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Los Angeles County?

California requires a six-month waiting period. The clock starts when your spouse is served with the petition. Uncontested cases can be finalized shortly after six months. Contested divorces with custody or asset disputes often take 12 to 18 months or longer.

How Does California's Community Property Rule Affect Divorce?

California is a 50/50 community property state. All assets and debts acquired during the marriage are split equally. This includes income, real estate, retirement accounts, and business interests. Separate property, like inheritances or assets owned before marriage, stays with the original owner.

What If My Spouse Hides Assets During the Divorce?

California law treats spouses as financial fiduciaries. Both parties must fully disclose all assets and debts. Hiding property can result in court penalties. A judge may award the entire hidden asset to the other spouse.

Can I Get Spousal Support in a Los Angeles Divorce?

Spousal support depends on 14 factors under California law. Courts consider the marriage length, each spouse's income, and the marital standard of living. For marriages under 10 years, support usually lasts half the marriage length. Marriages over 10 years give the court open-ended jurisdiction over support.

What Happens to the Family Home in a Los Angeles Divorce?

The home is usually community property if bought during the marriage. The court may order a sale and split the proceeds. One spouse can also buy out the other's share. LA's high real estate values often make the family home the biggest asset in a divorce.

Do I Need a Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce in LA?

You can file without a lawyer, but legal review is still smart. LA County Superior Court offers self-help resources and online form tools. However, even simple divorces involve property disclosures and support waivers. A brief attorney consultation can prevent costly mistakes.

Types of Divorce Cases in Los Angeles

High-Asset Divorce. LA's entertainment, tech, and real estate industries create complex asset portfolios. Stock options, royalties, and business valuations require forensic accountants. Experienced attorneys protect your share of high-value marital estates.

Child Custody Disputes. Los Angeles County requires mediation through Family Court Services before any contested custody hearing. Parents must attend sessions at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse or a district courthouse. A family law attorney helps you prepare a strong parenting plan.

Contested Property Division. Community property disputes often involve commingled assets or hidden accounts. Tracing separate property claims requires detailed financial records. LA divorce lawyers use forensic experts to identify and value complex holdings.

Spousal Support Litigation. Long marriages and large income gaps create significant support obligations. Courts weigh earning capacity, age, health, and domestic violence history. A skilled attorney presents evidence to maximize or minimize support awards.

Military Divorce. Los Angeles has a large active-duty and veteran population across multiple bases. Military divorces involve federal rules for pension division and healthcare benefits. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act governs these cases.

Collaborative Divorce. Couples who want to avoid court can use collaborative law to negotiate terms. Both spouses hire trained collaborative attorneys and work through issues cooperatively. This approach saves time and reduces conflict, especially with children involved.

Same-Sex Divorce. California recognizes same-sex marriages and domestic partnerships equally under family law. Property division, custody, and support follow the same rules as any other divorce. Parentage issues may require additional legal steps in some cases.

How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer in Los Angeles

Check their family law focus. General practice attorneys may lack depth in complex divorce issues. Look for lawyers who handle family law exclusively or as a primary practice area. Board-certified family law specialists carry additional credibility.

Ask about their LA County court experience. Los Angeles County has multiple family law courthouses across the region. Familiarity with local judges, mediators, and court procedures matters. An attorney who regularly appears in your assigned courthouse has a practical advantage.

Evaluate their approach to negotiation and trial. Some cases settle through mediation or collaborative law. Others require aggressive litigation. Choose a lawyer whose approach matches your situation and goals.

Review their track record with similar cases. If your divorce involves a business, real estate portfolio, or custody dispute, ask about comparable cases. Past experience with your type of case signals that the lawyer can handle the complexity.

Understand their fee structure upfront. Ask about hourly rates, retainer amounts, and billing practices before signing. Get a written fee agreement that spells out costs for court appearances, document preparation, and expert witnesses.

Factors That Affect Divorce Outcomes in Los Angeles

Divorce outcomes in LA depend on several key factors. The length of the marriage directly affects the duration of spousal support and jurisdiction. Marriages over 10 years give the court permanent oversight of support under California Family Code Section 4336.

Property values play a major role in LA divorces. Real estate appreciation, retirement accounts, and business equity all require professional appraisals. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is needed to divide pensions and 401(k) accounts without tax penalties.

Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard. Courts consider each parent's relationship with the child, stability, and any history of abuse. LA County's Family Court Services mediators help parents reach agreements before trial.

Income disparity between spouses shapes both support and settlement negotiations. High earners in entertainment, law, or tech face detailed income analysis. Courts may impute income to an underemployed spouse who has the ability to earn more.