Los Angeles Divorce Lawyers

Navigating divorce in Los Angeles requires experienced legal guidance to protect your rights, assets, and family relationships. At The Sands Law Group, APLC, our skilled divorce attorneys combine deep knowledge of California family law with compassionate, personalized service to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

With over two decades of experience serving Los Angeles County, we handle everything from amicable uncontested divorces to complex high-asset cases involving business valuations, custody disputes, and substantial property division.

Ready to protect your future? Call (213) 788-4412 today for a confidential consultation with a trusted Los Angeles divorce attorney.

Comprehensive Family Law Experience

Our team brings extensive expertise in all aspects of California divorce law, including complex property division, high-conflict custody battles, and sophisticated financial matters. We’ve successfully represented clients in Los Angeles Superior Court and through alternative dispute resolution methods.

Multilingual Legal Support

We proudly serve Los Angeles’s diverse communities with legal services in English, Spanish, French, Hebrew, and Arabic. Every family deserves quality representation without language barriers.

Strategic, Cost-Effective Solutions

We understand divorce can be financially stressful. Our attorneys focus on efficient resolution strategies, offering transparent pricing and flexible fee structures to meet your budget while maintaining exceptional legal representation.

Personalized Client Care

Your divorce is unique, and your legal strategy should be too. We take time to understand your specific goals, concerns, and priorities, crafting a customized approach that aligns with your family’s needs.

Essential Information for Los Angeles Residents

In California, both divorce and legal separation are legal processes that allow spouses to resolve important family law matters, such as custody, support, and property division, but they result in different legal outcomes. Understanding the key differences between these two options can help you make the best decision for your circumstances.

At The Sands Law Group, APLC, our experienced Los Angeles divorce attorneys help clients choose the right path forward, whether that means filing for divorce or pursuing legal separation with specific protections in place.

California’s No-Fault Divorce System

California follows a no-fault divorce system, meaning you don’t need to prove wrongdoing by your spouse. You simply need to state “irreconcilable differences” as grounds for dissolution. This streamlines the process and reduces conflict, though strategic legal representation remains crucial for protecting your interests.

Community Property Division Rules

As a community property state, California requires equal division of assets and debts acquired during marriage. This includes:

• Real estate and homes purchased during marriage
• Retirement accounts and pensions earned while married
• Business interests developed during the marriage
• Debts incurred by either spouse during the marriage
• Investment accounts and stock options

However, separate property (assets owned before marriage or received as gifts/inheritance) remains with the original owner. Distinguishing between community and separate property often requires skilled legal analysis.

The Six-Month Waiting Period

California mandates a minimum six-month waiting period from the date of service before finalizing any divorce. This “cooling-off” period cannot be waived, even in uncontested cases. However, temporary orders for support, custody, and property use can be established immediately.

Even in amicable divorces, navigating California’s family law system without legal support can lead to costly mistakes. Issues like child custody, spousal support, and property division are governed by complex rules—and even one error in paperwork or court filings could impact your long-term future.

At The Sands Law Group, APLC, our Los Angeles divorce attorneys help clients make informed decisions at every step. We protect your rights, streamline the legal process, and craft solutions tailored to your goals.

Understand and Protect Your Rights

California’s community property and custody laws are highly technical. A lawyer ensures you know your rights and advocates for your best outcome—whether through negotiation or litigation.

Strategic, Personalized Advice

Every divorce is different. Your attorney builds a legal strategy based on your unique situation, financial concerns, and parenting goals.

Avoid Costly Errors and Delays

Missed deadlines or incorrect forms can delay your case. A lawyer manages all paperwork, filings, and disclosures with precision.

Make Clear Decisions Under Stress

Divorce is emotional. An experienced attorney offers steady guidance so you can make sound choices focused on long-term stability.

Navigate Property and Debt Division

Your lawyer helps ensure a fair division of assets—including homes, investments, and business interests—under California’s community property laws.

Secure Custody and Support Arrangements

An attorney helps structure parenting plans and support orders that reflect your child’s best interests and protect your parental role.

Spousal Support Representation

Whether pursuing or contesting alimony, your attorney uses legal and financial analysis to fight for fair terms.

Mediation and Trial-Ready Advocacy

Most divorces settle out of court. If litigation is necessary, your lawyer is prepared to present your case and protect your interests in court.

Uncontested Divorce: Peaceful Resolution

When spouses agree on major issues, an uncontested divorce offers the fastest, most affordable path forward. We help couples:

• Draft comprehensive settlement agreements
• Ensure fair property division despite agreement
• Create sustainable parenting plans
• Complete and file all required documentation
• Navigate the court process efficiently

Even in uncontested cases, legal representation ensures your agreement is legally sound and protects your long-term interests.

Contested Divorce: Protecting Your Rights in Disputes

When disagreements arise over custody, support, or property, skilled advocacy becomes essential. Our contested divorce services include:

• Aggressive litigation when necessary
• Strategic negotiation to reach favorable settlements
• Comprehensive discovery to uncover hidden assets
• Expert witness coordination for complex valuations
• Trial preparation and courtroom representation

We fight to protect your rights while working toward efficient resolution whenever possible.

High-Asset Divorce: Managing Complex Financial Matters

High-net-worth divorces require specialized expertise to properly value and divide substantial assets. Our services include:

• Business valuation and division strategies
• Complex property portfolio management
• Executive compensation package analysis
• International asset protection
• Tax optimization strategies
• Privacy protection for high-profile clients

Learn more about our high-net-worth divorce services.

Military Divorce: Understanding Unique Regulations

Military divorces involve special federal laws and regulations. We help service members and spouses navigate:

• Military pension division under USFSPA
• BAH and family support requirements
• SCRA protections during deployment
• Jurisdiction issues across state lines
• Tricare and benefit continuation

Determining Child Custody During Divorce

One of the most challenging aspects of any Los Angeles divorce involving children is determining custody arrangements. During divorce proceedings, California courts prioritize the best interests of children when establishing post-divorce parenting plans. The divorce court considers multiple factors including:

• Each parent’s ability to provide stable housing after the divorce
• Work schedules and availability for childcare post-separation
• The child’s existing relationships and how divorce will impact routines
• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse during the marriage
• The child’s preferences about post-divorce living arrangements (if age-appropriate)

Our divorce attorneys help parents navigate custody negotiations during divorce, developing arrangements that protect parent-child relationships while minimizing the impact of divorce on children’s stability and wellbeing.

Child Support Calculations in Divorce Cases

When divorcing parents in California must establish child support, the court applies a statewide formula that considers both parents’ financial circumstances post-divorce:

• Both parents’ income and earning capacity after divorce
• Time spent with each parent (custody percentage in the divorce decree)
• Tax filing status changes resulting from divorce
• Health insurance and childcare costs during and after divorce
• Support obligations from previous divorces or relationships

While California’s support formula is standardized, achieving fair support orders during divorce requires accurate financial disclosure and strategic presentation of factors unique to your family’s situation.

Modifying Custody and Support Orders

Life changes may require modifications to existing orders. We help clients seek or defend against modifications based on:

• Significant income changes
• Relocation requests
• Changes in the child’s needs
• Parental fitness concerns
• Remarriage or new relationships

Types of Spousal Support During and After Divorce

Temporary Support During Divorce: Once divorce papers are filed in Los Angeles, the lower-earning spouse may request temporary support to maintain financial stability during divorce proceedings. This temporary support uses county guidelines based on income disparity and helps cover living expenses while the divorce is pending.

Permanent Support After Divorce: Post-divorce spousal support (often called permanent support) is determined differently. Los Angeles divorce courts consider multiple factors under Family Code §4320 when setting support orders in your final divorce judgment:

• Length of marriage before divorce (10+ years creates special considerations)
• Standard of living enjoyed during marriage vs. post-divorce reality
• Each spouse’s earning capacity after divorce
• Contributions to the other spouse’s education or career during marriage
• Age and health affecting post-divorce employment
• History of domestic violence during the marriage
• Tax consequences of divorce-related support payments

Duration of Support After Los Angeles Divorces

For divorces involving marriages under 10 years, support typically lasts half the marriage length. However, divorces ending longer marriages may result in indefinite support orders, subject to modification based on post-divorce changed circumstances or retirement. Our divorce attorneys help clients understand likely support outcomes and negotiate favorable terms during divorce settlement discussions.

How Divorce Affects Asset Division in California

One of the most complex aspects of any Los Angeles divorce is dividing property accumulated during marriage. California’s community property laws require divorcing couples to equally split assets and debts acquired during marriage, but determining what’s community vs. separate property in a divorce can be contentious. Common challenges in divorce property division include:

• Tracing separate property contributions made before or during marriage
• Valuing businesses or professional practices for divorce settlement
• Determining pension and retirement account values at divorce
• Assessing real estate in Los Angeles’s volatile market during divorce
• Uncovering assets hidden by a spouse anticipating divorce

Our divorce attorneys use forensic accountants and valuation experts when needed to ensure fair property division in your Los Angeles divorce.

Debt Division in California Divorces

Divorcing couples must also divide debts accumulated during marriage. California divorce law treats community debts like community assets—they’re split equally regardless of whose name appears on accounts. Strategic debt allocation during divorce considers:

• Credit card debts incurred during marriage vs. post-separation
• Mortgage and home equity loans on properties being divided in divorce
• Business debts and personal guarantees affecting both spouses post-divorce
• Student loans (timing matters in California divorces)
• Tax liabilities discovered during divorce proceedings

Since creditors aren’t bound by divorce agreements, proper planning during your Los Angeles divorce is essential to protect your post-divorce credit and financial stability.

Protecting Separate Property Claims in Divorce

Not everything gets divided in a California divorce. Separate property—assets owned before marriage or received as gifts/inheritance—remains yours after divorce. However, proving separate property during divorce requires careful documentation. Our divorce lawyers help clients:

• Trace inheritance and gift funds through divorce discovery
• Document pre-marital asset values for divorce proceedings
• Establish reimbursement claims for separate property used during marriage
• Address commingling issues that complicate divorce property division
• Protect family business interests during divorce negotiations

Divorce Mediation

Mediation offers a collaborative approach where a neutral third party helps couples reach agreements. Benefits include:

• Lower costs than traditional litigation
• Faster resolution timelines
• Greater control over outcomes
• Reduced emotional stress
• Better co-parenting relationships post-divorce

We provide mediation support, ensuring your rights remain protected while pursuing amicable solutions.

Collaborative Divorce

In collaborative divorce, both parties and their attorneys commit to resolving issues without court intervention. This process includes:

• Team approach with financial and mental health professionals
• Transparent negotiations
• Creative problem-solving
• Focus on family wellbeing
• Binding agreements without court battles

Private Judging

For couples seeking privacy and expedited resolution, private judges offer:

• Flexible scheduling
• Confidential proceedings
• Experienced family law expertise
• Binding decisions
• Faster case resolution

Filing for divorce in Los Angeles County involves a structured legal process that can feel overwhelming, especially during an emotionally difficult time. Understanding each step not only helps you stay organized, but it also ensures your rights are protected from the very beginning.

Below is a clear, legally accurate guide to initiating a divorce in Los Angeles County, based on California’s family law system.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Case Assessment

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where we:

• Review your unique circumstances and goals
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Assess potential challenges and opportunities
• Develop a preliminary strategy
• Discuss fee structures and timeline expectations

Step 2: Filing the Petition for Dissolution

We prepare and file all necessary documents, including:

• Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
• Summons (FL-110)
• Declaration Under UCCJEA (FL-105) for cases with children
• Property declarations if needed

Step 3: Serving Your Spouse

Proper service ensures legal validity. Options include:

• Personal service by process server
• Service by mail with acknowledgment
• Publication (if spouse cannot be located)

Step 4: Financial Disclosures

Both parties must exchange complete financial information including:

• Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
• Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
• Tax returns and pay stubs
• Bank and investment statements
• Property deeds and titles

Step 5: Temporary Orders (If Needed)

Urgent matters requiring immediate court intervention:

• Temporary custody and visitation
• Temporary support payments
• Exclusive use of family residence
• Restraining orders for asset protection
• Payment of family expenses

Step 6: Discovery and Investigation

Gathering evidence to support your case:

• Depositions of parties and witnesses
• Document subpoenas
• Expert evaluations (custody, property, vocational)
• Financial analysis and forensic accounting

Step 7: Settlement Negotiations

Most cases resolve through negotiation. We employ:

• Direct attorney negotiations
• Four-way settlement conferences
• Mediation sessions
• Settlement conference with the court

Step 8: Trial (If Necessary)

When settlement isn’t possible, we provide aggressive trial advocacy:

• Comprehensive trial preparation
• Witness preparation and examination
• Evidence presentation
• Legal argument and briefing
• Post-trial motions if needed

Step 9: Final Judgment

Concluding your divorce with proper documentation:

• Marital Settlement Agreement
• Judgment of Dissolution
• Custody and support orders
• Property division orders
• QDRO for retirement divisions

At The Sands Law Group, APLC, our experienced Los Angeles divorce attorneys guide clients through each phase of this process ensuring filings are complete, deadlines are met, and your rights are fully protected throughout. Whether your divorce is amicable or contested, we help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Los Angeles presents unique challenges and opportunities in divorce cases that don’t exist in other California jurisdictions. From the entertainment industry’s complex compensation structures to Silicon Beach’s startup equity considerations, divorcing couples in LA face distinctive financial and lifestyle factors that require specialized legal expertise.

Our divorce attorneys understand these Los Angeles-specific nuances and leverage local knowledge to protect your interests in industries and communities that define Southern California’s diverse economy.

Entertainment Industry Divorces

Los Angeles’s entertainment industry presents unique challenges:

• Irregular income and royalty streams
• Intellectual property rights
• Image and reputation management
• Complex compensation structures
• International assets and income

Tech Industry and Startup Divorces

Silicon Beach divorces often involve:

• Stock options and RSUs
• Pre-IPO company valuations
• Intellectual property developed during marriage
• Venture capital and investor considerations

Real Estate and Property Issues

Los Angeles’s expensive real estate market requires careful handling:

• Family residence buyouts vs. sales
• Investment property portfolios
• Mortgage qualification post-divorce
• Capital gains tax planning
• Temporary housing during proceedings

Protecting Yourself During Divorce

Financial Protection Strategies

• Open individual bank accounts
• Establish individual credit
• Document all assets and debts
• Secure important documents
• Monitor joint accounts for unusual activity
• Update beneficiaries appropriately

Emotional Support Resources

Divorce impacts mental health. We recommend:

• Individual therapy or counseling
• Support groups for divorcing individuals
• Co-parenting counseling
• Children’s therapy when appropriate
• Stress management techniques

Protecting Your Children

• Maintain routines and stability
• Avoid discussing legal matters with children
• Encourage relationships with both parents
• Consider children’s therapy
• Document parenting time and exchanges

Legal Fees and Costs in Los Angeles Divorces

Understanding divorce costs upfront helps you make informed decisions during an already stressful time. While some Los Angeles law firms charge premium rates that put quality representation out of reach for working families, The Sands Law Group believes everyone deserves exceptional legal advocacy during divorce, regardless of their financial situation. We’ve structured our fees to be accessible and transparent, offering competitive rates that make experienced divorce representation affordable for teachers, healthcare workers, small business owners, and everyday families throughout Los Angeles.

We know that divorce often comes with financial uncertainty. You’re transitioning from two incomes to one, facing unexpected expenses, and worried about your financial future. That’s why we offer flexible payment options and work with you to find a fee structure that doesn’t add to your financial stress during this challenging transition.

Understanding Attorney Fee Structures

Hourly Billing: Traditional model for complex cases requiring ongoing representation. At The Sands Law Group, our hourly rates are significantly below typical Los Angeles divorce attorney fees while maintaining the highest quality representation.

Flat Fee Services: Available for uncontested divorces and specific tasks, providing cost certainty and peace of mind.

Unbundled Services: Limited representation for specific aspects of your case, perfect for clients who need professional help with certain issues while managing costs.

Payment Plans: We offer flexible payment arrangements that let you secure quality representation without depleting emergency savings or retirement funds.

Court Fees and Associated Costs

• Filing fees: Approximately $435-$450
• Response fees: Similar to filing fees
• Motion fees: $60-$85 per motion
• Mediation costs: $200-$500 per hour
• Expert witness fees: Varies by specialty

Fee Awards and Reimbursements

Courts may order one spouse to pay the other’s fees based on:

• Income disparity between parties
• Access to community funds
• Unreasonable litigation conduct
• Bad faith negotiations
• Violation of court orders

Whether you’re just beginning to consider divorce or are already facing complex legal challenges, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. At The Sands Law Group, APLC, our experienced and compassionate Los Angeles divorce attorneys are here to guide you with clarity, care, and unwavering support.

We’ve helped individuals and families throughout Southern California resolve even the most difficult divorce matters, efficiently, affordably, and with the personal attention each case deserves. From the first consultation to the final court order, we stand by your side to protect what matters most.

📞 Call us today at (213) 788-4412 or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation with a dedicated divorce lawyer in Los Angeles, CA.

If you’re considering divorce in Los Angeles County, one of the most common questions we hear is: How long will it take to finalize my divorce? The answer depends on several key factors, but California law sets a minimum timeline all couples must follow.

Under California Family Code, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date your spouse is served with divorce papers before a divorce can be legally finalized. However, this is just the minimum, and many divorces take longer depending on the complexity of the case.

Here’s what can influence the timeline of your divorce:

• Level of Dispute – If both parties agree on major issues like child custody, support, and property division, the divorce may be resolved in as little as six months (uncontested divorce).
• Contested Issues – If disagreements arise and the case goes to trial, the process can extend to 12 months or more, depending on court availability and the complexity of the case.
• Involvement of Children or Complex Assets – Divorces involving minor children, business interests, or high-value property typically take longer due to the need for careful negotiations or court rulings.
• Court Schedules in Los Angeles County – The current backlog or scheduling delays in Los Angeles County family courts can also affect how quickly your case moves forward.

At The Sands Law Group, APLC, our experienced Los Angeles divorce attorneys, Thomas Sands, work diligently to streamline the process while protecting your rights and interests. We help you avoid delays, resolve disputes efficiently, and move forward with confidence.

Need a personalized timeline? Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation, and we’ll assess your case and give you a clearer estimate based on your specific circumstances.

The cost of a divorce in Los Angeles County can vary significantly depending on the complexity of your case, the level of conflict between spouses, and whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. While some divorces may cost just a few hundred dollars in filing fees, others involving child custody, property disputes, or litigation can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

In Los Angeles, the base filing fee for a divorce petition is currently around $435, which is among the highest in the nation. This fee applies to both the person filing and the respondent, depending on the case.

Here are some common factors that influence divorce costs in Los Angeles:

• Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce – If you and your spouse agree on all major issues, your divorce can be resolved more quickly and affordably. Contested divorces involving disputes over custody, support, or property require more time and legal intervention, increasing costs.
• Attorney Fees – Costs can also vary based on the experience of your attorney and the services provided. At The Sands Law Group, APLC, we offer affordable legal services and unbundled options to help fit your budget without sacrificing quality representation.
• Court & Administrative Fees – In addition to filing fees, there may be costs for serving documents, mediation, court motions, and document preparation.
• Complexity of the Case – High-net-worth divorces, business ownership, or complicated custody matters will generally require more resources and time to resolve.

At The Sands Law Group, our lead attorney Thomas Sands believes in transparent pricing and provides a free, confidential consultation to help you understand what your divorce may cost based on your unique situation.

Concerned about affordability? We’ll work with you to create a legal strategy and fee structure that fits your needs so you can focus on moving forward.

In a California divorce, the general rule is that each spouse pays their own attorney fees, however attorney fees can also be paid from either community property (shared marital funds) or separate property, depending on the financial circumstances of the parties involved.

Under California Family Code §721, either spouse may use community funds, such as a joint checking or savings account, to pay for legal representation. However, any use of community assets must be clearly disclosed to the other party. This ensures transparency and prevents the misuse of marital property during the divorce process.

In some cases, if one spouse has significantly greater financial resources than the other, the court may order that spouse to contribute to or fully cover the other party’s attorney fees. This is especially common in situations where there is a clear disparity in income or access to funds, and one party would otherwise be unable to afford proper legal representation.

At The Sands Law Group, APLC, our Los Angeles divorce attorneys, led by Thomas Sands, help clients understand their rights and obligations when it comes to legal fees. We also provide strategic guidance on how to handle attorney fee requests, whether you’re seeking support or being asked to pay.

Understanding who pays for attorney fees is critical when planning for your divorce. Schedule a free, confidential consultation to learn how these rules may apply to your case in Los Angeles County.