Divorce Lawyer in Long Beach, CA — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Long Beach, California can significantly impact your financial stability, custody arrangements, and overall peace of mind during a major life transition. Whether your case involves child custody, real estate, retirement assets, or an uncontested divorce, this guide covers everything you need to know about the divorce process in Long Beach — including attorney costs, courts, residency rules, and affordable alternatives.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Long Beach?

You may need a Long Beach divorce lawyer if your case includes:

• Custody, visitation, or parenting disputes

• High-conflict communication

• Complex assets, real estate, or high-value investments

• Business ownership or professional practices

• Disputes over spousal support

• Domestic violence or restraining orders

• Suspected hidden assets or income

• Anticipated hearings, mediation, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on:

• Child custody and parenting time

• Child support and alimony

• Property and debt division

• Retirement and asset distributions

• Who keeps the marital home

In uncontested cases, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Long Beach divorce paperwork at a fraction of the cost of hiring a law firm.

Where to File for Divorce in Long Beach, CA

Divorces in Long Beach are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.

Primary Filing Location (Closest to Long Beach)

Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse
275 Magnolia Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 256-3100

This courthouse handles:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody and parenting schedules

• Child & spousal support

• Domestic violence restraining orders

• Family Court Services mediation

• Settlement conferences

LA County supports e-filing, which can accelerate uncontested divorces.

California Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Long Beach, you must meet statewide rules:

• Lived in California for at least 6 months, AND

• Lived in Los Angeles County for at least 3 months

If you haven't met these yet, you can file for legal separation and convert it later.

How Divorce Works in Long Beach, CA

California is a no-fault divorce state — only “irreconcilable differences” are needed.

The Long Beach Divorce Process:

1. File the Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110)

This officially starts your case.

2. Serve Your Spouse

They have 30 days to respond.

3. Mandatory Financial Disclosures

Both spouses must exchange:

• Declaration of Disclosure

• Income & Expense Declaration (FL-150)

• Schedule of Assets & Debts (FL-142)

4. Parenting Requirements (If You Have Children)

Long Beach requires:

• Filing a proposed parenting plan

• Mandatory mediation (Family Court Services) for custody disputes

• Possible parenting classes

5. Settlement or Litigation

Uncontested cases may move directly to judgment.
Contested cases may involve:

• Temporary hearings

• Mediation

• Settlement conferences

• Discovery

• Trial

6. Final Judgment of Dissolution

A judge signs the Judgment, legally ending the marriage.

Mandatory Waiting Period

California requires a 6-month waiting period from the date of service — even if both spouses agree.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Long Beach, CA?

Attorney fees in Long Beach are similar to other LA County communities.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $350–$700

• Uncontested divorce with a lawyer: $4,000–$8,000

• Contested divorce: $15,000–$40,000+

• High-asset or business-owner cases: $50,000–$150,000+

The more conflict, the higher the total expense.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Long Beach, CA

Here are reputable Long Beach divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. The Law Office of Damian Nolan

https://www.lg-law.com

2. Zwierzchowski & Nguyen

https://www.znfamlaw.com

3. The Law Offices of Kyle R. Puro

https://www.kylepur0law.com

These firms handle custody litigation, mediation, complex asset division, and contested cases.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, a traditional law firm may not be necessary.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee solutions:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all California divorce forms for your situation.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file your documents with LA County Superior Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated specialist manages your entire California divorce.

These services are ideal for couples seeking a smooth, affordable alternative to high-priced attorney representation.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Long Beach divorce attorney if:

• You anticipate a custody or parenting-time dispute

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• Domestic violence or safety concerns are involved

• You or your spouse own a business

• You have substantial assets or investments

• One spouse may be hiding income or property

• The case may require hearings or trial

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Long Beach Couples

• California-specific forms

• Transparent, flat-fee pricing

• Optional filing services

• Expert divorce specialists

• Faster and more affordable than traditional attorneys

• Ideal for uncontested divorces

Divorce.com provides a simpler, more affordable path for Long Beach families navigating divorce.

Start Your Long Beach Divorce Today

Whether you choose a local divorce lawyer or a low-cost online solution, taking the first step is the most important part. Divorce.com helps Long Beach couples complete their divorce quickly, affordably, and confidently.