Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer

California divorces follow a clear path. The art—and your outcome—come from how each step is handled. A skilled Los Angeles divorce lawyer (ideally a Certified Family Law Specialist) keeps you on track, prevents costly mistakes, and makes sure your agreement actually works in real life—not just on paper.

The Core Steps (and what we do at each)

1. File & Serve

   We file the Petition and Summons and serve the other party adequately. That service date marks the start of California’s minimum six-month waiting period. Miss service or do it wrong, and the clock doesn’t start.

2. Temporary Orders (if needed)

   While the case is pending, we can seek temporary orders for custody/parenting time, child support, spousal support, or use of the home. In Los Angeles, court-connected mediation may be required before certain custody hearings. We prep you so you walk in confident, not guessing.

3. Mandatory Financial Disclosures

   Both sides exchange preliminary disclosures—income, assets, debts. Done right, this builds the foundation for fair property division and accurate support. Done wrong, it creates delays, sanctions, or a judgment you’ll regret.

4. Information-Gathering (Discovery)

   We collect the facts, including pay records, tax returns, account statements, business valuations, and retirement details (such as QDROs for 401(k) s and pensions). Our angle is financial clarity—no “mystery money,” no fuzzy math.

5. Negotiation & Settlement

   Most cases resolve through negotiation, mediation, or a settlement conference. We come in with a clear strategy and your priorities front and center, so you don’t trade away what matters for quick peace that doesn’t last.

6. Judgment (Settlement or Trial)

   If we settle, we file a Marital Settlement Agreement and the Judgment package; if not, we try the case and the court issues orders on custody, support, and division. Either way, the final paperwork must be precise to avoid future fights.

7. After Judgment

   Life changes. We handle modifications (parenting time, support) and enforcement when orders aren’t followed.

Why a Los Angeles Divorce Attorney Matters

• Local rules & timing: LA courts have their own procedures. We keep your case moving and compliant.

• Property & support: Community vs. separate property, support guidelines, and tax impacts require careful, experience-based judgment.

• Custody clarity: Vague plans breed conflict. We draft parenting schedules that actually work.

• Risk control: We identify pitfalls—such as hidden assets, stock options/RSUs, retirement division, and unenforceable terms—before they become problems.

Bottom line

The process can be long and emotionally heavy. With the right team—CFLS-level expertise, financial fluency, and direct communication—you avoid common traps and move toward a durable, favorable outcome.

 California splits “custody” into legal (who makes major decisions) and physical (where the child lives). Courts decide based on the child’s best interests and, in many counties, send parents to mediation/child-custody recommending counseling before a judge rules. Child support is set by a statewide guideline formula that weighs each parent’s income and parenting time; orders can be modified later if circumstances change.  

Custody, in plain English

• Legal vs. physical custody: Legal = decisions (school, health, welfare). Physical = where the child lives and the schedule. Either can be joint or sole, depending on what serves the child best. 
• Mediation/CCRC: In L.A. and many counties, parents first meet with Family Court Services (confidential or recommending models). If there’s no agreement, the counselor may issue recommendations to the court. 
• Parenting plans: Good orders are specific—weekday/weekend/holiday schedules, exchanges, decision-making, and travel. LA Superior Court provides planning resources the court often references.  

Child support, without the mystery

• Guideline formula: California uses a standardized formula; certified calculators ensure results match the law. Key inputs include incomes, timeshare, health-care and child-care add-ons, and certain deductions. 
•  Changing support: If income or parenting time shifts, you can ask the court to modify support; changes usually take effect no earlier than the date you file the request.  

When emotions run high

Custody disputes are heavy. A Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) steadying the process—with clear strategy, realistic timelines, and court-ready paperwork—keeps the focus on the child’s well-being and reduces avoidable conflict. (Our approach pairs CFLS-level advocacy with financial clarity so support orders and parenting plans actually work.)

After the orders

Life changes—jobs, schools, moves. You can seek modifications to custody/visitation and support by showing what’s changed since the last order and using the court’s Request for Order process.  

Safety comes first. In California, survivors can request restraining orders (TRO → DVRO) and ask the court for move-out, no-contact, custody, and support protections. Judges deciding custody also apply Family Code §3044: if a parent committed domestic violence in the last five years, awarding custody to that parent is presumed harmful unless proven otherwise. A Los Angeles family law attorney helps with safety planning, filings, court appearances, and access to local DV support services.

Immediate protection and court orders

Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs) are available through law enforcement in urgent situations. After that, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) can be filed and, following a hearing, a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) may be issued. Criminal cases may also involve Criminal Protective Orders (CPOs). Protective orders can include move-out requirements, stay-away orders, no-contact provisions, and temporary custody terms.

Custody impact and parenting plans

California courts apply the §3044 presumption when domestic violence is found. Parenting plans must prioritize safety. Judges may order supervised visitation or no visitation until safety conditions are met. A family law attorney prepares evidence, addresses rebuttal factors, and structures parenting plans that minimize risk and conflict.

Support, housing, and logistics

Domestic violence often affects housing, work stability, and childcare. Support requests should account for those realities. Orders should be clear, enforceable, and entered into CLETS. Your attorney ensures proper filing, service, and compliance, and can coordinate with criminal court or child protective agencies when necessary.

Gathering evidence and documentation

Evidence matters. Save texts, emails, call logs, photos, medical reports, and witness statements. Police reports and therapist notes can also support a case. Self-help centers and DV clinics can assist with forms if you are filing without representation. An attorney organizes this evidence for TRO/DVRO hearings and custody proceedings.

Modifying orders when circumstances change

Safety situations evolve. If new incidents occur, or if treatment, sobriety, or other significant changes take place, you can request modifications to custody, visitation, or protective orders. Proper filings ensure changes can be enforced and recognized by law enforcement and the court system.

Local confidential help in Los Angeles

• LA County Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-978-3600

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (text: START to 88788)

• LA Superior Court Family Law Self-Help Centers

• City Attorney Victim Assistance & Family Justice Center

• Local crisis shelters and multilingual services

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or the LA County hotline above. When you’re safe, legal counsel can help formalize protection, secure custody and support arrangements, and begin building long-term stability.