Divorce Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing a divorce lawyer in Los Angeles, California is a major decision during one of life’s most stressful transitions. Whether your case involves child custody, complex assets, or simply filing paperwork, this guide explains everything you need to know about the divorce process in LA — including costs, local courts, residency requirements, and affordable alternatives for uncontested divorces.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Los Angeles?

A divorce lawyer can be invaluable if your case involves:

• Child custody or visitation disputes

• High conflict or poor communication between spouses

• Real estate, retirement accounts, or business ownership

• Spousal support (alimony) disagreements

• Domestic abuse or emergency protective orders

• Concerns about hidden assets

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested — meaning you and your spouse agree on:

• Property division

• Parenting time and custody

• Child support

• Spousal support

• Debt division

In these cases, an online divorce service like Divorce.com can save you thousands of dollars.

Where to File for Divorce in Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles divorces are filed with the Superior Court of California — County of Los Angeles, which has multiple family law locations across the county.

Primary Filing Location (Most Common for LA Residents)

Stanley Mosk Courthouse — Family Law Division
111 N Hill St
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Other LA County locations that also handle family law include:

• Pasadena Courthouse

• Inglewood Courthouse

• Pomona South Courthouse

• Chatsworth Courthouse

LA County also supports e-filing, which many uncontested cases use.

California Residency Requirements for Divorce

California requires:

• At least 6 months of residency in California, AND

• At least 3 months of residency in Los Angeles County

You may file for a legal separation immediately if you haven’t met residency requirements; it can later be converted to a divorce.

How Divorce Works in Los Angeles, CA

California is a no-fault divorce state. The only grounds for divorce are:

• Irreconcilable differences, or

• Incurable insanity (rare)

The LA Divorce Process:

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

This starts your case in the LA Superior Court.

2. Serve Your Spouse

They have 30 days to respond.

3. Exchange Financial Disclosures

Both spouses must complete mandatory disclosures (FL-140, FL-142, FL-150).

4. Parenting Plans (If Children Are Involved)

LA County requires detailed plans covering legal and physical custody.

5. Mediation (Often Required)

For custody disputes, Family Court Services mediation is mandatory.

6. Judgment of Dissolution

Uncontested cases may finalize with no hearing; contested cases may require multiple hearings.

California’s Mandatory Waiting Period

There is a 6-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized — even if you agree on everything.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Los Angeles?

LA is one of the most expensive legal markets in the country.

Typical fees:

• Hourly rate: $350–$700+

• Uncontested divorce with a lawyer: $4,000–$7,500

• Contested divorce: $15,000–$35,000+

• High-asset cases (businesses, real estate, multiple properties): $50,000–$150,000+

Conflict = higher cost.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA

Here are reputable LA-area divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Fernandez & Karney

https://www.fernandezandkarney.com

2. Reginald A. Hirsch & Associates

https://www.familylawlosangeles.com

3. Law Offices of Evan Braunstein

https://www.evanbraunstein.com

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

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, you can save thousands with an online solution.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee options for California:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all CA forms based on your situation.

We File for You — $999

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

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A 1:1 specialist handles the entire process for you.

These services ensure compliance with California’s complex family law requirements.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

A Los Angeles divorce attorney is the best option if:

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You expect litigation

• Your case involves domestic violence

• There are major disputes involving custody

• You own a business or have substantial assets

• You suspect your spouse is hiding money

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Los Angeles Couples

• Clear, flat-fee pricing

• California-compliant forms

• Filing services available

• Expert divorce specialists

• Faster and far more affordable than traditional law firms

• Ideal for uncontested cases

For many LA couples, Divorce.com offers a simpler, more affordable path to resolution.

Start Your Los Angeles Divorce Today

Whether you choose a local divorce lawyer or an online solution, the most important step is taking the first one. Divorce.com helps LA couples move forward with clarity, confidence, and control.