Divorce Lawyer in San Francisco, CA — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Navigating a divorce in San Francisco, California can be particularly complex due to high-value assets, stock compensation packages, and the city’s high cost of living. Whether you're facing a contested divorce, negotiating custody, or handling equity division from tech sector compensation, the right legal support is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about divorcing in San Francisco — including attorney costs, local court procedures, residency rules, and affordable alternatives to traditional legal representation.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in San Francisco?

A San Francisco divorce lawyer may be necessary if your case includes:

• Disagreements over child custody, visitation, or co-parenting schedules

• Significant assets, real estate, or investment holdings

• Equity compensation (RSUs, stock options, ESPPs)

• A business or startup interests

• High-conflict communication or refusal to negotiate

• Disputes over spousal support

• Domestic violence or restraining order needs

• Suspected hidden crypto, foreign assets, or offshore accounts

• A case requiring hearings, discovery, mediation, or trial

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

• Custody and co-parenting

• Child and spousal support

• Property and debt division

• Division of stock, RSUs, crypto, investments

• Real estate and retirement accounts

Divorce.com can prepare or file your San Francisco divorce paperwork at a fraction of the cost of a law firm — ideal for couples with low conflict.

Where to File for Divorce in San Francisco, CA

Divorces in the city are handled by the Superior Court of California – County of San Francisco.

Primary Filing Location

San Francisco Superior Court — Civic Center Courthouse
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-3886

This courthouse handles:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & visitation

• Child & spousal support

• Domestic violence restraining orders

• Settlement conferences

• Mediation & trial

San Francisco supports e-filing, making uncontested cases easier to process.

California Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in San Francisco, you must meet these criteria:

• Lived in California for at least 6 months, AND

• Lived in San Francisco County for at least 3 months

If you do not meet these yet, you can file for legal separation, then convert the case later.

How Divorce Works in San Francisco, CA

Here’s how the divorce process typically progresses in San Francisco:

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

These start the case.

2. Serve Your Spouse

They have 30 days to respond.

3. Mandatory Financial Disclosures

California requires both spouses to exchange:

• Declaration of Disclosure

• Income & Expense Declaration (FL-150)

• Schedule of Assets & Debts (FL-142)

In San Francisco, disclosures often include:

• RSUs, stock options & vesting schedules

• Startup equity

• Real estate holdings

• Cryptocurrency

• Foreign investments

4. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

San Francisco requires:

• Mandatory custody mediation

• Possible co-parenting classes

• A proposed parenting plan

5. Settlement or Litigation

Uncontested cases move smoothly toward judgment.
Contested cases may require:

• Temporary hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Business valuations

• Forensic accounting

• Trial

6. Final Judgment of Dissolution

Once all terms are resolved, the judge signs the final judgment.

⚠️ California’s Mandatory Waiting Period

A 6-month waiting period applies from the date your spouse is served.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in San Francisco, CA?

San Francisco has some of the highest family law costs in the country due to financial complexity.

Typical fees:

• Hourly rate: $450–$900

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $7,500–$15,000

• Contested divorce: $25,000–$75,000+

• High-asset / tech-sector / startup cases: $100,000–$300,000+

Cases involving equity plans, stock compensation, real estate portfolios, or business ownership escalate costs.

Local Divorce Lawyers in San Francisco, CA

Here are well-regarded San Francisco divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Coelho Family Law

https://www.coelhofamilylaw.com

2. Moradi Saslaw LLP

https://www.californiafamilylawgroup.com

3. Ragghianti Freitas LLP

https://www.rflawllp.com

These firms specialize in high-asset divorce, stock-based compensation, custody disputes, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, you can avoid high attorney fees.

Divorce.com offers three affordable flat-fee services:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all California divorce forms.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file your documents with the San Francisco Superior Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated specialist manages your entire case.

These are ideal for couples who want a smooth, affordable option without traditional attorney costs.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a San Francisco divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or visitation is disputed

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or have complex equity packages

• Domestic violence is involved

• Major assets or high incomes are at stake

• One spouse may be hiding income or investments

• Litigation is expected

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for San Francisco Couples

• California-specific forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Far more affordable than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested divorce

Divorce.com helps San Francisco couples manage their divorce with clarity, confidence, and support.

Start Your San Francisco Divorce Today

Whether you work with an attorney or choose an online divorce solution, the most important step is starting the process. Divorce.com offers a fast, affordable, and guided way for Bay Area couples to complete their divorce.