At Charles M. Green, APLC, our Los Angeles divorce lawyers understand that navigating a family law dispute can be one of the most stressful and emotional experiences of your life. When your future, finances, and children are at stake, every decision matters. During these difficult times, the guidance of an experienced and financially skilled family law attorney can make all the difference in protecting what’s most important to you.
For over twenty-five years, Certified Family Law Specialist Charles M. Green, Esq.,CPA has combined his profound legal knowledge with his background as a certified CPA to deliver practical, strategic solutions for complex divorces and family law cases across Los Angeles. His unique dual expertise allows clients to approach emotionally charged disputes—such as property division, child custody, and support—with clarity and confidence.
Our firm provides focused, financially informed representation that blends professionalism with compassion. Every case receives the personal attention and analytical depth it deserves, ensuring that clients understand their options and feel supported throughout every stage of the process.
If you’re facing a divorce or family law issue in Los Angeles, we invite you to schedule a confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your goals, explain your legal options, and develop a tailored strategy to help secure your future..
Our decades of experience in Los Angeles family court have taught us that every divorce case presents unique challenges requiring tailored legal strategies. Here are examples of how careful preparation and financial expertise have helped our clients achieve favorable outcomes in their family law matters.
• High-Asset Business Divorce in Beverly Hills – When a couple with multiple business interests and a $3.2 million home couldn’t agree on valuations, our forensic analysis revealed that the husband’s consulting practice was undervalued by $400,000 in his expert’s report. Rather than proceed to trial, this discovery led to a mediated settlement that gave our client (the wife) a larger share of other assets to offset the business value, avoiding months of expensive litigation while securing her financial future.
• Contested Custody Case in Van Nuys – A father facing false domestic violence allegations and seeking shared custody of his two young daughters needed strong advocacy at Family Court Services mediation. Through careful witness preparation and presentation of evidence showing his deep involvement in the children’s daily care, we secured a 50/50 custody arrangement that preserved his relationship with his daughters despite the initial allegations.
• Hidden Income Discovery in Pasadena – When a self-employed spouse claimed his construction business barely broke even while maintaining an expensive lifestyle, our CPA analysis of bank deposits, customer checks, and lifestyle expenses revealed over $80,000 in unreported annual income. This discovery increased child support by $1,200 per month and spousal support by $2,000 per month, providing crucial financial security for our client and their children.
• Complex Retirement Division in Long Beach – A 28-year marriage involving multiple pension plans, 401(k) accounts, and stock options required sophisticated QDRO preparation to avoid tax penalties and maximize retirement security. Our dual legal-CPA expertise enabled us to structure the division to provide immediate liquidity for our client while preserving long-term retirement benefits, creating a settlement that protected her interests better than the opposing counsel’s initial proposal.
These examples illustrate our commitment to thorough case preparation, creative problem-solving, and client empowerment through the divorce process.
California divorce affects four crucial areas of your life: your children’s well-being, your financial security, your property rights, and your personal safety. Here’s how we address each area with the expertise and care your family deserves.
California family law distinguishes between legal custody (decision-making authority about education, healthcare, and welfare) and physical custody (where children live and spend time). Most divorced parents share legal custody unless domestic violence or serious concerns about judgment warrant sole legal custody for one parent.
Physical custody arrangements vary widely based on children’s ages, school locations, parents’ work schedules, and geographic proximity. Standard parenting plans in Los Angeles County include alternating weeks, 2-2-3 schedules, and arrangements that keep children in one neighborhood for school stability while ensuring meaningful time with both parents.
Los Angeles County requires most contested custody cases to participate in Family Court Services mediation before court hearings. We prepare clients for this process while protecting their parental rights and advocating for custody arrangements that serve their children’s best interests.
Our representation focuses on developing realistic, child-centered parenting plans that work for both mothers and fathers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong parent-child relationships even when parents can no longer live together.
California uses a statewide mathematical formula (calculated through software like DissoMaster or Xspouse) that considers each parent’s net disposable income, the percentage of time children spend with each parent, and certain allowable deductions for taxes, health insurance, and mandatory union dues.
Our CPA background enables us to accurately determine each parent’s actual income, especially when earnings come from irregular sources such as bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, or investment gains. We can identify attempts to artificially reduce income before support calculations and ensure fair treatment of stock options, RSUs, and other equity compensation.
Child support orders remain modifiable when circumstances change significantly – job loss, promotion, changes in custody time-share, or children’s changing needs. We handle both requests for modifications and enforcement actions when parents fail to pay court-ordered support, working with LA County Department of Child Support Services when appropriate.
California spousal support involves two distinct phases: temporary support during the divorce process and long-term support after judgment. Temporary support often follows county guideline formulas similar to child support calculations, while permanent support requires analysis of the 14 factors listed in Family Code Section 4320.
Key considerations include the length of your marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity and education, the marital standard of living, age and health factors, contributions to the other spouse’s career or education, and the balance of hardships each party would face. Marriages lasting ten years or longer often qualify for support without predetermined end dates, subject to future modification if circumstances change.
We use detailed financial modeling to project different support scenarios, analyze tax implications under current federal and California law, and explore lump-sum buyout options where appropriate. Our goal is creating support structures that provide reasonable security for the recipient spouse while remaining manageable for the payor.
California presumes that all assets and debts acquired during marriage constitute community property owned equally by both spouses. In contrast, separate property includes assets owned before marriage, received by gift or inheritance during marriage, or acquired after separation.
Complex property division issues often involve commingled bank accounts requiring careful tracing of separate funds, reimbursement claims under Family Code Section 2640, business interests requiring professional valuation, and retirement accounts accumulated in part before and in part during the marriage.
Common assets in Los Angeles divorces include primary residences and investment properties with significant appreciation, closely held businesses and professional practices, stock options and restricted stock units from technology and entertainment companies, retirement accounts ranging from simple 401(k)s to complex pension plans, and increasingly, cryptocurrency holdings.
We help clients understand the risks and benefits of settlement versus trial for property disputes, structure divisions in a tax-efficient manner, and ensure that complex assets, such as businesses and retirement plans, are transferred appropriately through QDROs and other specialized legal documents.
Los Angeles’s diverse economy creates unique challenges for business owners, entertainment professionals, medical practitioners, attorneys, and technology executives facing divorce. These cases often involve complex compensation structures, professional goodwill valuation, and sophisticated asset protection strategies.
Business valuations require careful analysis of normalized earnings, market multiples, personal versus enterprise goodwill, and the impact of pending deals or industry changes. Professional practices such as medical offices and law firms present additional complications regarding personal goodwill, restrictive covenants, and partnership agreements.
We collaborate closely with forensic accountants, business appraisers, and valuation experts while providing direct oversight through our CPA training. This coordination often reveals discrepancies in opposing expert reports and helps develop more favorable settlement positions for our clients.
Privacy concerns in high-profile divorces require special attention to protective orders, sealed filings, and alternative dispute resolution methods that keep sensitive business information confidential while complying with mandatory disclosure requirements.
Personal safety takes priority over all other considerations in family law matters. California’s Domestic Violence Prevention Act provides multiple tools for protection, including emergency restraining orders, temporary restraining orders, and permanent restraining orders that can restrict contact, exclude abusive spouses from homes, and establish protected custody exchanges.
Domestic violence findings significantly impact child custody determinations, often creating a rebuttable presumption against joint or sole custody for perpetrators of domestic violence. These findings can also influence spousal support awards and attorney fee allocations in appropriate cases.
We represent both survivors seeking protection and individuals defending against false or exaggerated domestic violence allegations that can damage reputations and parental rights. Our approach emphasizes thorough evidence gathering, witness preparation, and clear presentation of facts to achieve appropriate protective measures or defend against unfounded claims.
While many divorce attorneys in Los Angeles offer standard legal services, our unique combination of credentials and experience provides advantages that can significantly impact your case outcome and long-term financial security.
• Dual CFLS + CPA Expertise – This rare combination allows us to analyze complex business interests, trace commingled assets, calculate accurate support guidelines, and structure tax-efficient property settlements without the delays and additional costs of coordinating multiple outside professionals. When your divorce involves business ownership, stock compensation, or significant investment portfolios, this financial sophistication can mean thousands of dollars in better outcomes.
• Versatile Approach to Conflict Resolution – We adapt our legal strategy to match your family’s needs and your spouse’s cooperation level. High-conflict cases require aggressive representation and meticulous trial preparation, while collaborative situations benefit from creative settlement structures and relationship preservation. Our 27+ years of experience help us recognize which approach works best for each family law matter.
• Deep LA County Court Knowledge – Our intimate familiarity with Los Angeles family court procedures, local rules, and judicial preferences gives us strategic advantages in scheduling, motion practice, and settlement conferences. We know which departments favor early settlement, how to present evidence effectively to different judges, and how to navigate the complexities of Family Court Services mediation.
• Culturally Aware Bilingual Services – Los Angeles’s diverse communities deserve legal representation that understands cultural values around family, marriage, and child-rearing. Our Spanish-speaking staff ensures clear communication and cultural sensitivity throughout your legal process, making complex legal concepts accessible to all family members.
• Clear Communication and Education – We explain each major decision in plain language, outlining the pros and cons of different options with realistic timelines and cost estimates. You’ll never wonder about your case status or feel pressured into decisions you don’t understand.
You don’t have to navigate California’s complex divorce laws alone, and waiting to seek professional guidance often makes resolution more difficult and expensive. Our combination of Certified Family Law Specialist credentials, CPA financial expertise, and 27+ years of exclusive family law experience in Los Angeles County gives you the strategic advantage you need during this challenging transition.
Whether you’re considering divorce, recently separated, or already served with papers, a confidential consultation helps you understand your rights, evaluate your options, and develop a realistic timeline for resolution. We offer initial consultations by phone, video conference, or in person at our Los Angeles office, depending on your schedule and preferences.
Call our Los Angeles law offices today to schedule your confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting what matters most to you and your children.
You can also complete our secure online contact form, and our team will reach out within one business day to discuss your situation and schedule a convenient consultation time. Our first conversation focuses on understanding your goals and explaining your options, not pressuring you into immediate decisions you’re not ready to make.
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California divorce follows a structured six-step process—from initial consultation through final judgment. Understanding each phase helps you prepare financially and emotionally while avoiding costly missteps.
Your relationship with our firm begins with a confidential consultation where you describe your situation, express your primary concerns, and outline your goals. We can meet by phone, video conference, or in person at our Los Angeles office.
Don’t have everything? We’ll help you gather missing information during the process.
During this meeting, we explain California’s no-fault divorce rules, LA County filing requirements, residency qualifications, and potential strategies—providing you with a clear roadmap for moving forward.
California dissolution cases begin when we prepare and file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form FL-100) with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. We handle all document preparation, filing fees, and formal service of papers on your spouse.
California requires at least six months of state residency and three months of LA County residency before filing, plus a mandatory six-month waiting period before finalization. Based on your situation and any safety concerns, we advise whether to request immediate temporary orders for child custody, spousal support, or exclusive use of the family home.
Filing also triggers Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders (ATROs)—immediate protections that prevent either spouse from transferring assets, changing insurance beneficiaries, or removing children from California without agreement or court permission.
California law mandates comprehensive financial transparency through Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure (Forms FL-140, FL-142, FL-150) that both spouses must complete and exchange.
This is where our dual credentials matter most. As both a Certified Family Law Specialist and licensed CPA, Charles analyzes business records, identifies undisclosed income, characterizes stock options and retirement benefits, and models tax consequences—work that most attorneys outsource to forensic accountants at additional cost.
This financial discovery process often reveals the true scope of community assets and helps identify any attempts to hide income or dissipate marital property.
Most successful divorce cases resolve through negotiated agreements rather than contested trials. We prepare comprehensive settlement proposals addressing property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support—based on California law and your family’s practical realities.
We work with respected LA County mediators and collaborative professionals, helping you choose the approach that fits your case—whether private mediation, collaborative divorce, or a court-facilitated settlement conference.
When agreements are reached, we convert terms into a detailed Marital Settlement Agreement that protects your interests and provides clear implementation guidance.
When settlement negotiations fail to resolve key issues, we prepare for evidentiary hearings or trial in Los Angeles County family court. Our courtroom experience includes presenting financial evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and working with expert witnesses—including custody evaluators, appraisers, and forensic CPAs.
We prepare clients thoroughly for testimony. Throughout litigation, we continue pursuing reasonable settlement opportunities while advocating effectively for your legal rights.
Our familiarity with local judges and their decision-making patterns helps us develop persuasive strategies and set realistic expectations.
The Judgment of Dissolution represents the court’s final orders on custody, support, and property division. We ensure proper entry of judgment and handle all follow-up actions.
Post-judgment work includes preparing Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) to divide retirement accounts—a technically demanding process where errors can cost thousands. Our financial background ensures these orders are drafted correctly the first time.
We continue representing clients when circumstances require support or custody modifications, enforcement actions, or move-away requests.
Schedule a confidential consultation to understand your options and get a clear roadmap for your Los Angeles divorce.
The grounds for divorce in California are irreconcilable differences. California is a no-fault state. Neither spouse must prove wrongdoing, adultery, or abuse to file.
A second ground—incurable insanity—exists but requires medical proof and is rarely used.
The difference between legal separation and divorce is marital status. Legal separation keeps the marriage intact. Divorce ends it.
Both divide assets, establish custody, and set support. Legal separation may preserve healthcare, Social Security, or military benefits tied to marriage length. Remarriage requires divorce.
Divorce in Los Angeles takes a minimum of six months. California law requires a six-month waiting period from service of the petition.
Actual timelines range from eight to 18+ months. Simple uncontested cases finalize shortly after the waiting period. Contested custody or high-asset cases require additional time for discovery, mediation, and trial preparation.
California requires equal division of community property by value—not a physical 50/50 split of every asset.
Courts allocate different assets to each spouse to achieve overall equality. One spouse might receive the house while the other receives retirement accounts of equivalent value.
Retirement accounts are divided as community property in California divorce. The portion earned during the marriage is split 50/50.
401(k)s, pensions, IRAs, and deferred compensation all qualify. Division requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to avoid taxes and penalties. An attorney with financial expertise ensures accurate valuation and proper division.
A QDRO is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order. It is a court order that divides retirement accounts in divorce.
You need a QDRO to split 401(k)s, pensions, and similar employer-sponsored plans. Without one, transfers trigger taxes and early withdrawal penalties. QDROs require precise drafting—errors delay payment or reduce your share.
Divorce for business owners in California requires business valuation. The business is community property if started or grown during the marriage.
Courts assess the company’s fair market value. Division options include buyout, co-ownership, or sale. Accurate valuation requires forensic financial analysis. An attorney with CPA credentials handles valuation and division without outside experts.
California provides legal tools to access financial information and prevent asset hiding. These include formal discovery requests, bank subpoenas, forensic accounting, and court orders requiring disclosure.
Temporary support can be established while your case proceeds—even when one spouse controls all accounts.
50/50 custody is possible in California. Courts favor arrangements that maximize both parents’ time with children.
California law does not prefer one parent over the other. Judges consider the child’s best interest, parental involvement, work schedules, and proximity. A clear parenting plan strengthens your case for equal custody.
Moving out does not automatically harm your property rights. However, it can affect child custody and temporary support calculations.
The decision depends on safety concerns, financial resources, and case strategy. Consult your attorney before making major changes.
Divorce lawyers in California cost between $3,000 and $20,000+. Hourly rates range from $300 to $500+ in Los Angeles. Contested cases with custody disputes or complex assets cost more than uncontested divorces.
An attorney with CPA credentials can reduce total costs by handling financial analysis in-house—eliminating fees for outside forensic accountants.
Filing for divorce without a lawyer is possible in California but not recommended.
Self-filing suits uncontested divorces with no children and minimal assets. Retirement accounts, business interests, or custody disputes require legal expertise. Errors in divorce paperwork create enforceable mistakes that cost more to fix later.
An aggressive divorce attorney is not necessary. A strategic attorney is more effective.
Aggressive attorneys escalate conflict, increase costs, and delay resolution. Strategic attorneys negotiate when possible and litigate when required. Courtroom credibility combined with settlement skill produces better outcomes than aggression alone.
Yes. Our office includes Spanish-speaking staff who assist clients throughout Los Angeles County.
We explain legal concepts in both English and Spanish to ensure clear communication. Bilingual support helps families understand the divorce process and participate in key decisions.
