Divorce Lawyer in Los Angeles

Protecting Your Rights, Assets & Best Interests

Lavinsky Law understands that our work as divorce attorneys in Los Angeles extends far beyond legal documents and procedure. As a trusted Los Angeles divorce lawyer, our role is to empower you, protect your interests, and help you navigate the highly emotional and critical issues that arise during this pivotal time in your life.

Contact our trusted divorce lawyer in Los Angeles at (310) 929-6411 to schedule a free consultation.

Lavinsky Law is proud to help individuals in the Los Angeles area successfully move on to the next chapter of their lives. If you need assistance with a legal issue, our team of Los Angeles divorce attorneys stands ready to help protect your future and guide you toward a resolution that aligns with your goals.

The significant difference between being legally separated and legally divorced is as follows:

• When you are legally separated, you cannot remarry
• When you are legally divorced, you can remarry

In Los Angeles, many individuals have questions about how living arrangements, financial obligations, or co-parenting may shift based on whether you choose legal separation or divorce. For example, a legal separation allows couples to live separately while keeping certain benefits of marriage, such as health insurance coverage, which can be especially important given the cost of living in LA. Divorce, on the other hand, is the final step to dissolve your marriage, formalize asset division, and restore your right to remarry—key considerations under California family law. Understanding these options and how local courts interpret them is essential for setting your long-term plans.

Moving out of the home is not a legal separation. You must take note of the date, however, as this is the date that will be used on your legal separation documents.

What to Expect in the Los Angeles Divorce Process

Pursuing a divorce in Los Angeles begins with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage at your local courthouse, such as the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown LA. The process includes serving your spouse, exchanging mandatory financial disclosures, and handling temporary orders about key matters like support, custody, and visitation. Los Angeles County courts apply California state law but operate within a high-volume urban setting, meaning courtroom timelines and processes can vary. Our Los Angeles divorce lawyers guide you through each stage—from filing documents to attending required settlement conferences—clarifying the steps specific to your assigned courthouse and providing support to keep your case moving forward.

Often, the divorce process in LA County also includes mediation for unresolved issues or outside evaluations for complex custody matters. At Lavinsky Law, we lay out a clear timeline and keep you informed of unique local requirements that may impact your experience. With our proactive preparation and personalized communication, our clients feel confident about what to expect—whether you’re in a straightforward divorce or a high-conflict situation—allowing you to focus on a positive transition for your family.

Grounds for Filing for Divorce in California

In the state of California, the most common reason for filing for divorce is irreconcilable differences.

Los Angeles County family courts broadly interpret irreconcilable differences and do not require spouses to prove fault or wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. This no-fault standard preserves your privacy by eliminating the need for public scrutiny about personal matters and allows both parties to move forward more amicably. While irreconcilable differences are the most common basis, divorcing couples in LA sometimes file on the grounds of incurable insanity, which does require additional medical proof. Understanding these California divorce laws helps you decide how best to approach and navigate your unique situation.

There are two benefits to this filing:

• You have the right to have your divorce granted at some point in time
• You do not need to wait for another person to sign

Choosing to file on other grounds can complicate your situation and the divorce process. If you have significant problems with the other party and want to file for a different reason, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney.

Understanding Child Custody & Support in Los Angeles

Child custody and support are vital issues addressed by every divorce attorney in Los Angeles. Local courts decide child custody based on what is in the best interest of the child, factoring in the child's health, safety, and welfare, as well as which parent has served as the primary caregiver. Legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives) must be agreed upon by both parents or, if necessary, resolved by a judge in family court. Our Los Angeles divorce lawyers support clients in preparing strong parenting plans that are practical for LA's diverse neighborhoods and help ensure smooth transitions for children through every phase of the process.

Child support in Los Angeles is determined according to statewide formulas but is often influenced by local realities such as high living costs, transportation issues between households, and the specialized needs of children. At Lavinsky Law, our divorce attorneys carefully gather, document, and present the financial and logistical information necessary for fair child support calculations. Our support continues through the modification and enforcement of orders, making sure our clients’ rights and their children’s well-being are always protected under California law.

How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Divorce?

Every divorce case is different, depending on the circumstances involved. Highly contentious divorces, such as those involving custody battles or significant assets, may take much longer than cases where both spouses have fewer shared assets or do not have children. In California, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period, starting from the date the respondent is served with divorce papers. After that, the timeline depends on whether the parties can settle issues cooperatively or require court hearings to resolve disputes.

Be aware that Los Angeles courts, such as the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, process a large number of divorce cases, so hearings and administrative steps may take more time. Disagreements over property, parenting time, or the need for forensic evaluations can extend the process beyond the minimum six months. If you and your spouse can reach an agreement on important issues like child custody, property division, and support, the process is likely to go more smoothly. Even in uncontested divorces, though, experienced legal counsel ensures that all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted in compliance with Los Angeles County procedures, helping prevent unnecessary delays.

Who Pays for a Divorce?

In California, decisions about who pays for a divorce are based on the relative circumstances of each party, as set forth in the state’s Family Code. The court requires both parties to complete and exchange income-and-expense declarations, which provide an in-depth look at their financial circumstances.

The income-and-expense declaration is essential in Los Angeles divorce cases because judges rely on them when deciding whether one spouse should assist with the other's legal expenses or whether each should pay their own. Courts in LA pay particular attention to preventing an imbalance of resources, especially when one party has greater means. When self-employment, business holdings, or real estate are involved, additional documents may be ordered to ensure a complete financial picture. At Lavinsky Law, our divorce attorneys in Los Angeles guide clients through preparing, reviewing, and submitting these documents to comply with county standards and avoid obstacles that can slow your case.

This declaration will:

• Lay out the financial situation and conditions of both parties
• Give the court the ability to assess the financial standing of both parties

The court can “level the playing field,” meaning that the party who has greater means (meaning that they have more money to pay for a lawyer) cannot out-litigate the other party.

When it comes to paying attorney’s fees, both community property or separate property and assets can be sold to pay for your attorney’s fees.

Non-Marital Assets

Non-marital assets typically fall into one of two categories (or both):

• Assets acquired before marriage
• Assets acquired through inheritance

Asset classification is a critical concern for every Los Angeles divorce attorney. The city’s diverse economy includes significant home ownership, investment portfolios, and closely held business interests, making disputes about what counts as non-marital (separate) property more common. California courts will examine when and how assets were acquired and whether commingling—mixing inherited or pre-marriage funds with marital property—has occurred. This process may also involve tracing the origins of disputed property. At Lavinsky Law, our family law team works with clients to gather proper documentation and utilizes local valuation professionals so your rights are upheld when Los Angeles courts divide assets.

What you have acquired before the marriage and after the date of separation are non-marital assets. Generally, anything acquired during the time of your marriage is considered to be community property.

Assessing the Proper Value of an Estate

​Suppose the value of an estate is at stake. In such cases, our attorneys collaborate closely with a range of experts, including forensic accountants, business appraisers, and real estate professionals, to ensure accurate and defensible valuations in Los Angeles divorce cases.

Valuing assets in Los Angeles divorces is rarely straightforward. Real estate prices, business interests, and investment portfolios can fluctuate, and each asset type demands its own approach and supporting documentation. In many cases, the court may appoint neutral professionals, but each party has the right to seek an independent opinion as well—especially in acrimonious or high-asset matters. Transparent, thorough disclosure is both a legal requirement and the best way to ensure a fair outcome. Our team collaborates with financial advisors and local experts, making use of up-to-date market intelligence specific to LA to support your interests in both negotiations and at trial.

​Some of the documents we may require include:

• Provisions
• Insurance
• Contracts
• Policies

​Divorce Mediation in Los Angeles

Divorce mediation is a process where parties utilize a neutral third party to resolve disputes that arise during a divorce. As divorce attorneys in Los Angeles, we know that the courts increasingly encourage or require mediation before allowing contested issues to be heard by a judge.

Mediation is a constructive way for clients to find solutions regarding everything from parental schedules to financial arrangements, often at a reduced emotional and financial cost compared to trial. Our Los Angeles divorce attorneys help clients prepare for mediation, organize supporting documentation, and articulate clear goals—empowering you to participate confidently. In Los Angeles, mediations are sometimes held at courthouse facilities or with private retired judges who have served area families for years. Not every matter settles in mediation, but for many families, it fosters compromise, clarity, and more efficient outcomes than the litigation process alone.

In our state, both parties must use some form of alternative dispute resolution, or a mediator such as a court-appointed mediator, a private retired judge, or a judge sitting in the courthouse, for mandatory settlement conferences.

It is the policy of the state of California to have people settle cases as much as they can to avoid trial, such as:

• Family Code, Section 217 provides sanctions against a party that is obstreperous or interfering, or prohibiting the settlement of cases.

What both parties are unable to settle in mediation can then be turned over for the court to determine, such as:

• Child support
• Attorney’s fees
• Spousal support
• Property division

Divorce for High-Net-Worth Individuals & Complex Cases

High-net-worth divorces in Los Angeles often present unique challenges: from significant holdings in community and separate property to luxury real estate, complex business valuations, and even international assets. Our Los Angeles divorce attorneys at Lavinsky Law are prepared for these complexities, collaborating with forensic accountants, tax strategists, and local financial professionals to ensure your interests are fully and fairly represented. Proactive, comprehensive asset tracking and meticulous disclosure can make a substantial difference—especially as LA courts expect a clear, well-documented asset inventory by both parties.

Los Angeles frequently sees high-profile clients with intricate compensation structures—such as entertainment income, tech stock options, or real estate holdings. We understand how to secure confidentiality, incorporate valuations by trusted local experts, and navigate compensation and asset arrangements that go beyond standard guidelines. Our client-focused methods, regular communication, and extensive experience are invaluable in these cases, allowing high-net-worth clients and business owners to move forward confidently within one of California’s most complex legal environments.

Enlisting the Help of a Divorce Attorney

A significant number of your rights may be on the line during divorce proceedings. It is essential to understand the California divorce process and feel comfortable at each stage to ensure your rights are fully protected by a qualified Los Angeles divorce attorney.

Choosing a divorce attorney in Los Angeles means working with someone who not only understands the state’s Family Code but is also deeply familiar with city and county rules, local procedures, and the tendencies of area judges. At Lavinsky Law, we believe that clear and consistent legal guidance prevents costly mistakes—from missed deadlines and incomplete disclosures to unintended concessions in custody or finances. We assist with all paperwork for LA County courts, answer urgent questions as they arise, and set realistic expectations. Keeping you informed is our priority, regardless of whether your divorce is amicable or complex. We want you to make confident, empowered decisions for your family's future with the guidance of an experienced Los Angeles divorce lawyer.

Custody is one example where your rights could be compromised if you're not properly represented. You may initially agree to a temporary custody order, thinking it's just a baseline, but even early decisions can lead to long-term challenges and limit your future involvement with your children. A dedicated divorce attorney ensures your rights and relationships are proactively protected.

Extensive Experience in Los Angeles Divorce Cases

Divorce cases require a different level of personal investment and understanding compared to most areas of law. Family court has unique procedures, its own body of law, and specialized case law. It takes a Los Angeles divorce attorney who can pair compassion with the tenacity of a strong negotiator and an accomplished trial advocate.

With years of experience navigating the Los Angeles Superior Court system, we possess a thorough understanding of local court operations and administrative requirements. The large caseload of LA's courts adds unique challenges, from scheduling hearings to attending required settlement conferences and ensuring timely responses to judicial requests. Our professional relationships with area co-parenting counselors, real estate appraisers, and forensic accountants allow us to provide holistic support—resolving complex property division or custody issues for clients in neighborhoods across the greater Los Angeles area. By staying up to date with changes in California law, our team delivers the experienced, client-centered advocacy that so many local families need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I begin the divorce process in Los Angeles?

The divorce process in Los Angeles starts with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage at the appropriate courthouse, such as the Stanley Mosk Courthouse for those residing in central LA. After filing, you must ensure your spouse is legally served, which may require a process server or sheriff’s deputy. The next steps include completing financial disclosures and, if necessary, requesting temporary orders for issues like child custody, support, or exclusive use of the marital home. Lavinsky Law assists clients at every step to ensure all local requirements are met, helping move your case forward efficiently and properly within Los Angeles County procedures.

What are common mistakes to avoid during a divorce in Los Angeles?

Many people inadvertently make mistakes in Los Angeles divorces, such as hiding assets, omitting required disclosures, or failing to comply with local court deadlines. Other pitfalls include making informal agreements that lack legal standing or failing to account for complex local property issues, such as rental properties or business interests. At Lavinsky Law, we educate clients on these risks early on, provide checklists, and maintain open communication to help avoid delays, sanctions, or outcomes that do not reflect your rights. Working with a legal team familiar with LA’s court system reduces the risk of costly errors and supports a smoother transition to the next chapter.

Can I move with my children during divorce proceedings in Los Angeles?

Relocation with children during a pending divorce requires court approval in most cases, especially if the other parent objects or if there is no existing custody order. Los Angeles County courts prioritize stability for children and will consider the potential impact on their schooling, community ties, and relationship with both parents. Attempting to move without proper legal steps can result in court intervention or changes to your custody status. Lavinsky Law helps parents understand the procedures for requesting a move, prepares necessary documentation for the court, and advocates for your perspective while prioritizing your child’s well-being within the LA family court framework.

Call (310) 929-6411 for a Free Consultation

If you are considering filing for divorce in California and need an attorney’s help, contact the seasoned, effective, and dedicated lawyer at Lavinsky Law for a free initial consultation at (310) 929-6411. We can help you with all your family law needs, and brighter days are ahead!

Call (310) 929-6411 for a free initial consultation with a Los Angeles divorce lawyer!