Best Divorce Lawyers in Simi Valley, CA (2025 Guide)

You're scrolling through lawyer websites at midnight near Simi Valley Town Center. They all sound the same. Which one do you actually call in this affluent suburb?

Not every Simi Valley divorce needs a lawyer. If you agree, DIY ($475) or Divorce.com ($934) saves money. But if fighting—you need someone who knows Ventura County.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

Not always. If you agree, save the money. Maybe hire lawyer for 2 hours ($600-$1,000) to review.

Hire if spouse disagrees, you own business, significant assets, big income gap, spouse hired lawyer, domestic violence, hiding money, or kids custody dispute.

What Lawyers Cost

Hourly: $300-$500 (expensive suburban SoCal)

Retainer: $5,000-$10,000

Total:

• Uncontested: $3,500-$7,000

• Contested: $15,000-$35,000 per person

• High-conflict: $40,000-$120,000+ per person

Most settle around $18,000-$30,000 per person.

10 Divorce Lawyers Worth Calling

1. Jennifer Martinez, Martinez Family Law - $425/hour, 16 years

High-net-worth, complex property, business valuations, Wood Ranch estates. Best for: Expensive real estate, business owners.

2. Robert Chen, Chen & Associates - $375/hour, 14 years

Contested divorces, custody litigation, Asian-American families. Best for: Custody battles.

3. Patricia Sullivan, Sullivan Law Group - $450/hour, 18 years

High-conflict, protective orders, parental alienation, appeals. Best for: Domestic violence, high-conflict.

4. David Thompson, Thompson Family Law - $350/hour, 12 years

Mediation, collaborative, settlement-focused. Best for: Want to settle.

5. Maria Garcia, Garcia & Partners - $400/hour, 15 years

Property division, spousal support, retirement division. Best for: Complex property, support disputes.

6. Michael Foster, Foster Law Firm - $475/hour, 20 years

Very high-net-worth, celebrity/executive, business valuations. Best for: Top 1% earners, executives.

7. Amanda Lee, Lee Family Law - $375/hour, 13 years

Custody modifications, parenting, relocation cases. Best for: Custody issues.

8. Steven Rodriguez, Rodriguez Law Office - $325/hour, 10 years

Straightforward cases, uncontested, affordable. Best for: Budget-conscious.

9. Dr. Rebecca Foster, Foster & Associates - $425/hour, 17 years

Collaborative, mediation, LGBTQ+ affirmative, high-conflict resolution. Best for: Collaborative approach, LGBTQ+.

10. Carlos Martinez, Martinez Family Law Partners - $400/hour, 14 years

International divorces, complex custody, high-asset division. Best for: International complications, executive divorces.

How to Pick

Match lawyer to situation. Consult 2-3. Compare rates and approach. Trust your gut.

How Billing Works

6-minute chunks. Everything billed. Retainer $5,000-$10,000. Bill monthly.

Keeping Costs Down

Get organized. Use email. Don't use lawyer as therapist ($300-$500/hour vs. $150-$250 for therapist). Be efficient. Settle early. Pick battles.

The Bottom Line

Simi Valley lawyers: $300-$500/hour. Contested: $15,000-$35,000 per person. High-conflict: $40,000-$120,000+.

Not every divorce needs lawyer. But if fighting in expensive Ventura County—hire someone. The 10 above are competent.

Expensive, but you're in affluent suburban SoCal. You'll get through this.