Best Divorce Lawyers in Los Angeles (2024): If you’re facing a divorce in Los Angeles (LA), you don’t have to navigate this emotional rollercoaster alone. Finding the best divorce lawyer in LA becomes an absolute necessity of yours to care for your assets and child custody and to be able to come out clean from the process. Yet, with numerous possibilities, which one out of so many choices do you start with?
We checked, and this is the best analysis for the top divorce lawyers in Los Angeles for 2024. We’ll review who they are, how they work, what their clients say about them, and what you need to know to choose the right one. Here, have a cup of tea, and let’s hunt for the divorce attorney in LA who will take your case to court!
Best Divorce Lawyers in Los Angeles
If you’re looking for the best divorce attorney in Los Angeles, here are some reputable options:
Stephanie I. Blum
Stephanie I. Blum is a prominent divorce lawyer based in Los Angeles. Here’s what you need to know about her:
- Background: Ms. Blum has practiced exclusively Family Law for over 25 years. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist, obtaining her Certificate of Specialization from the California Board of Legal Specialization in May 2003. Her primary goal is to help those who face the turmoil, uncertainty, and challenges of divorce.
- Accolades and Honors:
- Named a Southern California Super Lawyer and previously a Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Star by Los Angeles Magazine.
- Recognized as one of the “500 Leading Family Lawyers” by Lawdragon in 2024.
- Received the “Women’s Leadership Awards” from the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2023 and 2022.
- Honored as a “Legal Visionary” by the L.A. Times’ Business of Law Magazine in 2022.
- Acknowledged as a “Trailblazing Family Law Attorney” by the National Law Journal in 2022.
- Named a “Top Family Law Attorney” by the Daily Journal in 2022.
- Active pro bono volunteer for organizations like the Harriett Buhai Foundation and the Levitt and Quinn Family Law Center.
Nina Shayan Depatie
Nina Shayan Depatie is a distinguished divorce lawyer based in Los Angeles. Let me provide you with some relevant information about her:
- Background: Nina Shayan Depatie, the principal attorney at Shayan Family Law, APC, has dedicated her career to helping clients and their families navigate challenging times. She favors a highly personalized approach that takes into account each case’s specific circumstances and clients’ financial, emotional, and mental well-being. Her commitment to supporting and guiding clients through various phases of their lives and relationships sets the stage for a better tomorrow.
- Experience and Recognition:
- Nina has extensive experience handling high-stakes divorce cases and has been rated a Rising Star by Super Lawyers®.
- Prior to founding Shayan Family Law, APC, she served as a partner at a leading family law firm in Century City.
- Recognized for her compassion, proficiency, and advocacy, Nina Shayan Depatie has notched consecutive Rising Stars designations as a top-rated attorney.
Garry Gekht
Garry M. Gekht, Esq. is a distinguished divorce lawyer based in Los Angeles, California. Here are some key points about him:
- Education and Background:
- Mr. Gekht received his Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles.
- He was a Fritz Burns Scholar, awarded to the top-ranked first-year law student.
- Mr. Gekht worked as a forensic accountant and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) before practicing law.
- He has been qualified as an expert in Los Angeles Superior Court, Central District.
- Awards and Civic Involvement:
- He received the City of Beverly Hills Mayors Award for Excellence in Communication for his writing.
- Mr. Gekht has been actively involved in civic organizations, including serving as President of the Board of Directors of the LAGLCC (a non-profit) and volunteering with the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law.
- Recognition:
- He is a top-rated attorney selected to Rising Stars for 2020 – 2024 by Super Lawyers.
- Mr. Gekht works at the Law Offices of Kaplan, Trope & Gekht and provides legal services for Family Law matters.
Daniel Jaffe
Daniel J. Jaffe is a highly respected divorce lawyer known for handling complex family law matters. Here are some key points about him:
- Experience and Reputation:
- Daniel Jaffe has successfully represented clients both in and out of the courtroom.
- His innovative and discreet approach has earned him the trust of many well-known clients.
- He specializes in family law and has been certified as a specialist by the State Bar of California.
- Jaffe’s legal excellence has been recognized by various authorities, including the California State Bar Journal and the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.
- Awards and Honors:
- AV Preeminent Rating: In 2021, Martindale Hubbell awarded him the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards.
- Diplomate: He is one of the top 100 divorce lawyers in the U.S., as recognized by the American College of Family Trial Lawyers.
- Best Family Law Lawyer of the Year: In 2009, the Best Lawyers in America honored him with this title.
- Family Lawyer of the Year: In 2014, the Southern California Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers named him such.
Jeremy B. Kline
CertainlyJeremy B. Kline is a Certified Family Law Specialist and a partner at Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein LLP in Los Angeles, California. Here are some key points about him:
- Practice Areas:
- Mr. Kline’s law practice primarily focuses on family law, including premarital and post-marital agreements, marital dissolution, support, child custody, visitation, and paternity.
- Additionally, he handles real estate and business litigation, dealing with matters such as unfair competition, trade secrets, and commercial disputes.
- Education and Bar Admissions:
- Mr. Kline earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 1985.
- He is licensed to practice in California.
- Professional Associations & Honors:
- Mr. Kline served on the Family Law Advisory Commission of The State Bar of California from 2009 to 2013, including being the commission’s chair from 2012 to 2013.
- He was appointed to a four-year term on the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization in 2014.
- Mr. Kline is an active member of the American, Los Angeles County, and Beverly Hills Bar Associations.
- Awards and Recognition:
- AV Preeminent Rating: Mr. Kline received this peer review rating through Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting his legal acumen and high ethical standards.
- Super Lawyers: He has been named a Super Lawyer by LA Magazine multiple times.
- Top 100 Lawyers: LA Magazine recognized him as a top lawyer from 2015 to 2018.
How to File a Divorce Lawsuit in LA?
Going through a divorce can be emotionally draining, and navigating the legal process can add another layer of stress. If you’re facing a divorce in Los Angeles, here’s a roadmap to filing a lawsuit, but remember, this is for general informational purposes only.
Separation and Grounds for Divorce:
California is a “no-fault” divorce state. This means you don’t need to prove your spouse’s wrongdoing to get a divorce. You can simply cite “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split. However, you must be separated for at least six months before the divorce can be finalized (with some exceptions).
Preparing the Paperwork:
- Petition: Your journey starts with filing a petition for dissolution of marriage with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. This document formally requests the divorce and outlines any other legal matters you want addressed, like child custody or property division.
- Summons: This document informs your spouse about the filed petition and their deadline to respond. You’ll need to have it served on them through a process server, substituted service, or publication (if their whereabouts are unknown).
Financial Disclosure:
Both parties are required to complete and exchange detailed financial disclosures. This includes information about income, assets, and debts. This transparency is crucial for determining spousal support and how marital property will be divided.
Settlement Agreement (Optional but Encouraged):
Before going to court, consider reaching a settlement agreement with your spouse. This agreement outlines how you’ll handle matters like child custody, property division, and spousal support. Mediation can be a helpful tool to facilitate these discussions and reach an amicable agreement.
Court Hearing (if no settlement):
If you can’t reach a settlement agreement, a judge will decide on child custody, property division, and spousal support through court hearings. This process can be lengthy and expensive.
Final Judgment:
Once all issues are settled, the court will issue a final judgment, officially dissolving the marriage.
How can I find the best Divorce attorneys in LA?
Here’s a simpler version of how to find a good divorce lawyer in LA:
1. Know Your Needs:
- What areas of divorce law are most important to you (property, child custody, etc.)?
- How important is experience and a winning track record?
- What kind of communication style do you prefer?
- How much can you afford in legal fees?
2. Start Your Search:
- Check the Los Angeles County Bar Association directory for divorce lawyers.
- Look for online reviews, but take them with a grain of salt.
- Visit law firm websites to see attorney profiles and areas of focus.
3. Talk to Lawyers:
- Schedule consultations with a few shortlisted lawyers.
- Ask questions about their experience, approach, fees, and if they’re a good personality fit.
4. Make Your Choice:
- Choose a lawyer who understands your needs, makes you feel comfortable, and fits your budget.
How much does a divorce attorney cost in LA?
The cost of a divorce attorney in Los Angeles can vary significantly depending on several factors:
- Complexity of the Case
- Attorney’s Experience
- Length of the Case
- Location
Here’s a general idea of the cost structure:
- Hourly Rates: Los Angeles divorce attorneys typically charge between $200 and $900 per hour, with some exceeding this range.
- Retainers: Lawyers often require upfront retainers, which are deposits used toward your legal fees. These can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the attorney.