Los Angeles Family Law Attorneys
The Sands Law Group, APLC, are a California wide and Los Angeles based divorce & family law centered law firm, that understands a dissolution or paternity action with your family can feel like the most difficult challenge you and your family members will ever have to face. The family unit has been irrevocably changed, and you must find a way to pick up the pieces and move on. Emotions are running high, financial strain becomes inevitable, and you will be forced to make challenging and difficult decisions about your and your family’s future
If children are involved in these decisions, the stakes can be even higher, and the emotional damage can seem insurmountable. Hiring the right family attorney to help you navigate these difficult times becomes even more crucial as you navigate this landscape.
A CLIENT CENTERED APPROACH TO FAMILY LAW
At The Sands Law Group, APLC, divorce and family law attorneys, we bring decades of focused experience in resolving complex family law matters for individuals and families throughout southern California. Our team is known for providing strategic, results-driven representation in divorce, child custody and visitation, spousal support, child support, and property division cases. Whether you’re navigating a contested custody battle or a multi-million-dollar marital estate, we work tirelessly to protect your rights, preserve your family’s stability, and pursue the most favorable outcome possible. From modest financial circumstances to high-asset divorces, we provide personalized, compassionate guidance at every step.
If you are unsure of where to turn next, call The Sands Law Group, APLC, Los Angeles divorce & family lawyers, to schedule a case review. We care, we will listen, and we will provide our highest level of expertise to guide you through the most challenging stage of you and your family’s lives.
Our highly-skilled, award-winning divorce & family lawyers are committed to providing exemplary legal representation to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, & Orange County with services offered in English, Arabic, Hebrew, Spanish, and French, tailoring our legal strategy to each client’s unique needs and goals.
What Our Clients Are Saying
I recently had the pleasure to speak with Mr. Thomas from The Sands Law Group, APLC. Mr. Thomas, took the time to listen to my concerns and provide me with clear, actionable advice and also explained every step of the legal process in a way that was easy to understand. If you’re in need of legal assistance, I highly recommend The Sands Law Group, they are truly the best!
Wiliam Linares and all Sands Law Group were helpful with all my questions and concerns. Wiliam was straight forward with the information and the process. Now I can sleep at night!
I had the privilege of working with Thomas Sands, and I can’t recommend him highly enough. His professionalism, expertise, and dedication to my case were truly outstanding. From the very beginning, he took the time to explain every step of the process in clear, understandable terms, ensuring I was always informed and comfortable with the decisions being made. His attention to detail and strategic thinking helped us achieve a successful outcome, and his genuine care for his clients sets him apart from other lawyers I’ve worked with. If you’re looking for a lawyer who is not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and dedicated, Thomas Sands is the one you need.
The Sands Law group is by far one of the most professional and attentive law firms. Since our first consultation Attorney Sands took the time to listen to my concerns and addressed each of them with a personal interest. He is very personable and takes care of his clients. I would not hesitate to use their services again or recommend them to any friends.
The Sands Law Group was extremely helpful addressing my legal matters. From the first time I contacted the firm they were very responsive, courteous, and professional. Thomas took the time to go over everything with me so I clearly understood each next step. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need!
We have known Thomas Sands since 2018 through our family law attorney and right out the bat I liked him. He’s professional with a great sense of humor and gets things done. The girls at his office are great too they help you with what you need and during this Covid19 crisis they have been helpful without business at every instance that we need them! Thank you Thomas and Hiba for all your hard work!!
Sands Law firm was amazing to work with! Thomas Sands helped me to comprehend legal jargon. It was very fast and efficient. Extremely reliable firm! As a first timer dealing with lawyers they made the whole process very easy and comfortable for me!
Los Angeles Family Law Cases We Handle
At The Sands Law Group, our experienced Los Angeles family lawyers handle a wide range of legal issues affecting families across Los Angeles & San Bernardino County. Whether you’re facing the end of a marriage or planning for your future, we are committed to helping you navigate each challenge with confidence and clarity. Led by founding attorney Thomas Sands, we approach every case with professionalism, empathy, and a focus on practical solutions tailored to your specific needs. The key family law services we offer are outlined below.
Divorce Lawyers
Divorce can be one of the most difficult transitions in life, both emotionally and financially. At The Sands Law Group, our Los Angeles divorce lawyers protect your interests while working to minimize conflict, cost, and delays. Whether your case is contested or uncontested, we pursue fair resolutions under California family law.
High Net-Worth Divorce
High net-worth divorces in Los Angeles involve complex financial issues that require skilled legal guidance. At The Sands Law Group, we help clients protect valuable assets, including real estate, business interests, investments, and retirement accounts, while ensuring compliance with California’s community property laws. Our attorneys work discreetly and strategically to reach fair, efficient outcomes in even the most financially intricate cases.
Same-Sex Divorce
Same-sex couples deserve a divorce attorney who understands the legal and personal considerations specific to their marriage. At The Sands Law Group, our Los Angeles family lawyers provide knowledgeable, compassionate representation in same-sex divorce cases, handling custody, property division, and support with the same care as any family law matter.
Military Divorce
Divorce involving a service member or military spouse comes with unique rules around deployment schedules, military benefits, and pension division. At The Sands Law Group, our Los Angeles military divorce attorneys understand how federal and state law intersect, helping military families navigate divorce while protecting their rights, benefits, and financial future.
Divorce Mediation
Resolve your divorce peacefully with our skilled mediation services. At The Sands Law Group, we help couples in Los Angeles navigate divorce through guided negotiation, reaching fair and lasting agreements without the stress of court litigation.
Child Custody
Child custody disputes can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. At The Sands Law Group, we help parents in Los Angeles understand their rights and develop parenting plans that serve the best interests of their children. We handle both legal and physical custody matters in negotiations and court.
Child Support
California law requires both parents to contribute to their child’s financial well-being after separation or divorce. At The Sands Law Group, we assist clients in Los Angeles with establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support orders tailored to their situation. We also offer a free California child support calculator to help you estimate potential payments.
Parenting Plans
Every family’s routine is different, and a parenting plan should reflect that rather than follow a one-size-fits-all template. At The Sands Law Group, our Los Angeles family lawyers help parents build clear, workable plans covering custody schedules, holidays, exchanges, and major decisions about their child’s care.
Father’s Rights
Fathers deserve equal consideration in custody, visitation, and support decisions, yet many still face an uphill battle in family court. At The Sands Law Group, our Los Angeles fathers’ rights attorneys advocate for fair treatment in custody disputes, helping dads secure meaningful parenting time and protect their relationship with their children.
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Spousal support in California is designed to help a lower-earning spouse maintain financial stability after divorce. At The Sands Law Group, we represent clients across Los Angeles County in negotiating or contesting fair alimony agreements based on your unique financial circumstances.
Property Division
In California, marital property is generally divided equally but the process is rarely that simple. The Sands Law Group helps you identify, value, and fairly divide assets to protect your financial future.
Prenuptial Agreements
Protect your assets and plan for the future with a prenuptial agreement tailored to your needs. At The Sands Law Group, we help couples in Los Angeles create legally enforceable prenups that clarify financial responsibilities and safeguard personal and business property.
Guardianship
When a child’s parents are unable to provide care, legal guardianship ensures their safety, stability, and well-being. At The Sands Law Group, our family law attorneys help relatives and loved ones in Los Angeles navigate the guardianship process, from filing petitions to court representation, always prioritizing the best interests of the child.
What Los Angeles Family Law Attorneys Do at Each Stage of Your Case
Los Angeles family law attorneys at The Sands Law Group will follow a clear path from the first consultation to a final order. Here is what happens at each stage, so you know what to expect and what to prepare.
Getting Your Case Started
The early stages set the foundation for everything that follows.
Initial Consultation
- Review your situation and your most urgent concerns
- Explain how California family law applies to your facts
- Outline a preliminary strategy tied to your goals
- Discuss fees and payment options
- Identify issues that need immediate action
Filing and Response
- Prepare and file the petition or response and supporting papers
- Arrange proper service on the other spouse
- Request temporary orders when something cannot wait
- Respond to filings from the other side
- Explain the automatic restraining orders that apply once the case is filed
Standard Restraining Orders Come With the Divorce Summons
California’s divorce summons includes automatic orders that bar both spouses from taking the children out of state, hiding or transferring property outside the usual course of business and necessities of life, and changing insurance coverage or beneficiaries. They apply once the petition is filed and the other spouse is served or accepts service, and they generally stay in place until the case ends or the court orders otherwise.
Discovery and Disclosure
- Preliminary and final declarations of disclosure
- Interrogatories and requests for documents
- Depositions of spouses and witnesses
- Subpoenas for financial records
- Expert evaluations, such as custody, vocational or property valuation
- Private investigation when appropriate
Three Deadlines Worth Knowing
California law sets specific timing rules that shape how quickly a divorce can move.
Each spouse generally serves a preliminary declaration of disclosure with the petition or response, or within 60 days of filing it (Family Code 2104).
A divorce judgment is not final until six months after service or the other spouse’s appearance, whichever comes first, unless the court extends it for good cause (Family Code 2339).
Final declarations are due before the spouses settle property or support issues, or at least 45 days before the first assigned trial date (Family Code 2105).
Wondering Which Stage Your Case Is In?
A free case evaluation can help you understand where you stand, which deadlines apply, and what to prepare next.
Settlement or Trial
Many cases resolve before trial, but a well-run case is prepared for both paths.
Negotiation and Mediation
Resolve Without TrialAttorney Negotiation
Settlement talks between attorneys, including four-way meetings with both spouses present.
Mediation and Collaborative Process
Private mediation, or a collaborative process in which both sides agree in writing to try in good faith to settle without adversary court proceedings (Family Code 2013).
Court Settlement Conferences
Conferences with a judicial officer, where the court helps the parties explore an agreement.
Trial
If Settlement Is Not PossiblePreparation and Strategy
Evidence, witnesses and legal arguments are organized well before the hearing date.
Witnesses and Experts
Testimony is prepared, and experts address custody, income or property issues as needed.
Presenting Your Case
Evidence and legal arguments are presented, and the other side’s witnesses are cross-examined.
After Trial
Post-trial motions and, when warranted, an appeal.
Family Law Matters We Guide Clients Through
The details of each stage shift with the type of case.
- Divorce
- High Net-Worth Divorce
- Same-Sex Divorce
- Military Divorce
- Divorce Mediation
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Parenting Plans
- Father’s Rights
- Spousal Support (Alimony)
- Property Division
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Guardianship
Ready to Talk Through Your Family Law Case?
Every case moves at its own pace. A conversation with a Los Angeles family law attorney can help you understand where you are in this process and what comes next.
How can our Los Angeles family law lawyers help with your separation?
Many people initially believe they can manage a family law matter on their own especially with the abundance of online tools and DIY divorce kits. While these resources may seem quick and affordable, they often lead to avoidable complications, overlooked rights, and costly long-term consequences. Even in seemingly amicable cases, unexpected legal issues can arise that require experienced guidance.
At The Sands Law Group, our Los Angeles family law attorneys help you avoid critical missteps by offering sound legal advice and strategic representation from the start. Whether your case involves child custody, asset division, or spousal support, having a skilled attorney by your side ensures your rights are protected and your best interests are prioritized.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
Every case is different. We analyze the full picture—your finances, your goals, and your family dynamics—to develop a strategy tailored to your situation.
Navigating Complex Legal Issues
California family law is constantly evolving. We stay up to date with the latest laws and court procedures to ensure your case is handled efficiently and effectively.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
When possible, we employ mediation and collaborative law to resolve family disputes without going to court—saving you time, stress, and money.
Aggressive Representation When Needed
If litigation becomes necessary, our family attorneys are prepared to fight for your rights in court with a clear, focused, and compelling approach.
Accurate Legal Document Preparation
From filing a divorce petition to drafting custody agreements and support orders, we ensure every document is properly prepared and submitted according to California family law standards—avoiding costly errors and delays.
Emotional Support & Legal Guidance
Family law matters can take an emotional toll. Our attorneys offer steady, compassionate guidance to help you stay focused, informed, and confident throughout your case.
Whether you’re dealing with a high-conflict custody battle or simply need guidance through a peaceful separation, working with an experienced lawyer like Thomas Sands can dramatically improve your outcome. Legal matters involving your family deserve experienced counsel—not guesswork. We also empower families with the information they need by offering free, confidential consultations with an experienced Los Angeles family law attorney.
Can I handle my family matter without a Los Angeles family law lawyer?
While it’s legally possible to represent yourself in a family law case, doing so without the guidance of an experienced Los Angeles family attorney can put your rights, finances, and future at serious risk.
California family law is complex, with strict procedures, evolving statutes, and local court rules that vary throughout Los Angeles County. Without legal training, you may struggle to properly prepare and file court documents, meet deadlines, or understand what’s required to protect your interests. Even minor mistakes can delay your case or result in unfavorable rulings.
The Sands Law Group are Los Angeles family law lawyers near you that will bring clarity to complicated legal issues and ensure every detail of your case is handled correctly. Whether you’re dealing with divorce, child custody, spousal support, or asset division, we provide strategic counsel and help you avoid costly errors.
Family law matters are also deeply personal and emotionally charged. Our attorneys offer objective legal advice, helping you make level-headed decisions during a time when emotions may cloud judgment. We are skilled in both negotiation and litigation, giving you a strong advocate whether you’re pursuing a fair settlement or protecting your interests in court.
Perhaps most importantly, without proper legal support, you risk overlooking essential rights—such as child custody, visitation, spousal support, or property entitlements—which can have lasting effects on your life and your family.
Having a trusted family law attorney in Los Angeles on your side is not just helpful—it’s often critical to achieving a fair and lasting resolution.
Post-Judgment Help and Alternatives to Trial With Los Angeles Family Law Attorneys
A court order is not always the last word, and a trial is not always the best path. Los Angeles family law attorneys can help you change or enforce an order after judgment, and can often help you resolve disputes outside the courtroom.
A Support Change Generally Starts the Day You File
A court can modify or end a support order whenever it finds that necessary, but a change generally cannot reach back to amounts that came due before the request was filed. If your income or circumstances change, ask the court promptly.
Changing, Enforcing and Challenging Orders
A final judgment is not always the end of a family law matter. These are the main post-judgment paths.
Modification of Orders
- Job loss, a raise or another significant income change
- Relocation and move-away requests (Family Code 7501)
- A child’s changing needs as they grow
- Health changes that affect parenting or earning capacity
- Retirement and its effect on support
- Remarriage of the supported spouse, which generally ends spousal support automatically (Family Code 4337)
Enforcement of Court Orders
- Contempt of court proceedings
- Earnings assignment orders that collect support through an employer (Family Code 5230)
- Execution on judgments and other court-ordered enforcement (Family Code 290)
- Requests for attorney’s fees in support enforcement cases, where the legal requirements are met (Family Code 3557)
- Requests to address violations of custody and parenting-time orders
Local child support agencies have their own tools too, such as license suspension in certain delinquent child support cases (Family Code 17520).
Appeals, Writs and Set-Asides
- Appeals asking the Court of Appeal to review a final judgment for legal error. Los Angeles cases go to the Second Appellate District
- Writ petitions for issues that cannot wait for a final appeal
- Motions to set aside a judgment on limited grounds, including fraud, perjury, duress and disclosure failures (Family Code 2122)
- Each path has firm deadlines, so timing matters
Time Limits for Challenging a Judgment
Family Code 2122 sets both the grounds and the deadlines. Missing a deadline can close the door.
Actual fraud, perjury in the disclosures or income and expense declaration, or failure to comply with the disclosure requirements.
Mistake, which applies to stipulated or uncontested judgments, or to the stipulated part of a judgment.
Duress or mental incapacity.
Not Sure Which Deadline Applies to You?
Time limits depend on your order and the date it was entered. A free case evaluation can help you sort out your options.
Resolving Disputes Outside the Courtroom
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can offer more privacy and control, but it does not fit every case.
Mediation
- A neutral mediator helps you and your spouse talk through the issues
- You and your spouse decide the terms
- Mediation communications are generally confidential (Evidence Code 1119)
- Often less costly and faster than a contested case
- Can help preserve a workable co-parenting relationship
Collaborative Family Law
- Both sides agree in writing to try in good faith to settle without adversary court proceedings (Family Code 2013)
- Open exchange of information
- Neutral professionals, such as financial or mental health specialists, can join the process when helpful
- Agreements can be tailored to your family’s needs
Private Judging and Arbitration
- On the parties’ stipulation, a case can be tried by a temporary judge who is a State Bar member (California Constitution, article VI, section 21)
- The parties choose the decision-maker by agreement
- Scheduling can be more flexible than a court calendar
- Private ADR is generally paid for by the parties
- Your attorney can explain which issues suit this route
ADR Is Not Always the Right Fit
Cases involving domestic violence, hidden assets or bad-faith negotiation may need the protection and oversight of the court. An attorney can help you decide which path fits your situation.
Los Angeles Court Note: Custody Mediation
When custody or parenting time is contested, Los Angeles parents generally must attend mediation through the court’s Family Court Services before seeing the judge. Sessions are confidential, may last up to two hours, and the court asks parents to complete its Our Children First orientation. Court mediation covers custody and parenting time only, not support.
Sources: LA Superior Court Family Court Services and California Courts Self-Help Guide
Need to Change, Enforce or Settle an Order?
A conversation with a Los Angeles family law attorney can help you compare your options and understand the deadlines that apply to your situation.
Abogados de Familia que Hablan Español
En The Sands Law Group, comprendemos los desafíos legales que enfrentan muchas familias latinas en Los Ángeles. Nuestros abogados de familia hablan español con fluidez y están listos para apoyarle en cada paso del proceso legal, ya sea que se trate de divorcio, custodia de menores, pensión alimenticia o acuerdos matrimoniales. Ofrecemos atención personalizada para proteger lo que más importa: su familia, su hogar y su futuro.
Servicios Legales Familiares en Los Ángeles
Nos enorgullece ofrecer una variedad de servicios legales adaptados a las necesidades de la comunidad hispana en Los Ángeles:
- Divorcio (contencioso y de mutuo acuerdo)
- Custodia y Régimen de Visitas
- Acuerdos Prenupciales y Postnupciales
- Manutención de Menores
- Divorcios de Personas con Alto Patrimonio
- Manutención del Conyugue
- Custodia de Menores
- División de Bienes
No importa cuán compleja sea su situación, nuestros abogados están aquí para guiarle con profesionalismo, compasión y un profundo conocimiento del derecho familiar en California. ¿Busca un abogado de divorcio hispanohablante en Los Ángeles? Llámenos hoy para una evaluación gratuita y confidencial de su caso.
OUR VALUES
DIVERSIFIED.
At The Sands Law Group, we understand that every family law case is unique. Whether you prefer meeting in our downtown Los Angeles office or through a phone or video consultation, our team is here to support you. From divorce and custody to support and guardianship, we offer personalized legal services across the full spectrum of family law to meet your individual needs with care and compassion.
AWARD WINNING.
Recognized with honors including 2026 Law Firm of the Year, 2026 Top 10 Child Custody Lawyers of the Year, and 2023 Litigator of the Year, The Sands Law Group brings careful preparation, polished advocacy, and discretion to every family law matter. Our Los Angeles family law attorneys build each strategy around your goals, from the first consultation to resolution.
INNOVATIVE.
At The Sands Law Group, we bring a creative, solution-oriented approach to every case—whether you’re dealing with a complex family law matter, a landlord-tenant dispute, or a criminal charge. Our Los Angeles attorneys provide personalized and innovative legal strategies designed to fit your goals and budget, ensuring every client receives high-quality representation regardless of financial circumstances.
ACCESSIBLE.
At The Sands Law Group, we make high-quality legal representation accessible to individuals and families throughout Los Angeles. Our attorneys combine experience, professionalism, and a client-first approach—offering flexible fee structures tailored to your budget, so you can get the support you need without unnecessary financial stress.
Award Winning Los Angeles Family Law Lawyers
The Sands Law Group, APLC is one of Los Angeles’ most trusted divorce and family law firms, offering multilingual, accessible representation to clients across Southern California. Founding attorney Thomas Sands and his team have built a reputation for strong outcomes in divorce, child custody, and support cases, backed by honors including 2026 Law Firm of the Year, Litigator of the Year, and Lawyer of the Year, and featured in The Insider Weekly.
With offices serving Los Angeles and the greater Southern California area, the firm represents individuals, families, and businesses through some of life’s most personal legal matters.
Call us at 213-788-4412 today to schedule a free confidential case evaluation.
Have a question or need legal guidance? Contact our team today to schedule a consultation or request more information.
