Divorce in Los Angeles
9 Things You Need to Know About Divorce in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, divorce comes with extra challenges. The court system is strict, the process is highly procedural, and small mistakes can have big consequences. Understanding what to expect can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary stress.
To help you through this, we’ve put together a list of the most important things to know when facing a divorce in Los Angeles.
1. Where You Live Matters—Check Residency Requirements
Before filing for divorce in Los Angeles, you must meet California’s Family Code § 2320 residency rules. At least one spouse must have:
- Lived in California for at least 6 months
- Lived in Los Angeles County for at least 3 months
If you don’t meet these requirements, you may need to wait or file in a different county where you have lived long enough. Failing to meet residency rules can delay your case, so it’s important to confirm eligibility before moving forward.
2. Where to File for Divorce in Los Angeles County
Divorce cases in Los Angeles County are handled by the Los Angeles Superior Court, with the main family law courthouse located at:
Stanley Mosk Courthouse – 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
A special local rule allows you to file for divorce either downtown or at a district courthouse closer to where you live. Therefore, when possible, we encourage clients to file their case quickly to determine the most suitable venue for their case rather than having the other side file first and having their choice of venue.
Los Angeles County has family law courthouses in Santa Monica, Torrance, Norwalk, Van Nuys, Pasadena, and Pomona and your case may be assigned to one of these locations based on residency.
Our divorce attorneys regularly appear in both the downtown and district courthouses so we understand how different judges handle cases. We use that insight to build a carefully crafted strategy tailored to each client’s case.
Though venue shopping is typically not allowed, exceptions exist for international child custody cases, disputes under the Hague Convention, and divorces involving complex financial matters. In these cases, where you file can significantly impact the outcome.
3. LA Judges Expect You to Know the Law And Will Hold You to It
Los Angeles County courts are among the most demanding in California. Judges know the law inside and out, and they expect everyone appearing before them to do the same. The legal process is highly procedural, and small mistakes can have serious consequences.
Los Angeles family courts follow strict legal procedures, and even strong cases can be affected by procedural missteps. Failing to follow court rules or not presenting key facts correctly may delay proceedings or impact the final judgment. A party might not get their child support, spousal support, or custody orders, not because they aren’t entitled to it, but because they didn’t present their case appropriately in front of an LA County judge.
We understand the strict rules and expectations of Los Angeles courts and, as experienced family lawyers in Los Angeles, CA, we prepare every case with the level of detail judges require. Our team is experienced in structuring filings, meeting deadlines, and presenting arguments to advocate for our clients’ rights and interests.
4. The Divorce Process in Los Angeles
If both sides agree on all terms, the divorce can proceed as uncontested. If not, court hearings or mediation may be required.
Each courthouse may have different procedures, and strict filing rules apply. For a step-by-step guide, read How to File for Divorce in California.
5. The 6-Month Waiting Period Applies to Every Divorce in LA
California law requires a minimum six-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. This timeline starts once the petition is served, not when it is filed.
Even in uncontested cases where both spouses agree on everything, the court cannot finalize the divorce before the six months have passed.
For contested cases involving property disputes, child custody, or spousal support, the process often takes much longer. Working with an experienced Los Angeles divorce attorney can help minimize potential delays.
6. Property Disputes in LA Are Complex and Require a Custom-Tailored Strategy
Property and financial disputes in Los Angeles County are critical issues in nearly every divorce.
Our Los Angeles divorce lawyers work early in the process to gather the necessary documentation to support financial claims and collaborate with appraisers, forensic accountants, and financial experts, as needed, to protect our clients’ rights to their income and assets.
Many divorces in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica involve high-value real estate. In these cases, swift action is often important when seeking court orders to sell property, disclose financial records, or prevent one spouse from selling assets without consent.
We prioritize resolving financial disputes through settlement conferences as a potential way to reduce litigation costs. However, when a fair resolution is not possible, we develop a custom legal strategy to present strong financial claims in Los Angeles courts to advocate for you.
7. Child Custody in Los Angeles is Complex—Preparation is Everything
Child custody cases in Los Angeles are decided based on multiple factors, not just what parents present in court. Judges rely on reports from custody evaluators, psychologists, teachers, doctors, and minor’s attorneys, along with attorney arguments and witness testimony. A minor’s attorney is appointed in some cases to represent the child’s best interests independently.
A well-planned legal strategy can help manage uncertainties throughout the process. Provinziano child custody lawyers build cases using expert witnesses and qualified evidence to present a clear, compelling argument to the court.
We have helped clients obtain move-away orders, increased parenting time, supervised visitation orders, and protections against abusive parents.
Every custody case is unique. From the moment we take on a case, we create detailed legal strategies focused on advocating for your child’s best interests.
8. Local Divorce Rules & Resources for Los Angeles
Los Angeles County has specific rules and resources for divorce cases. Each courthouse may have different procedures, and filing requirements can vary based on your case.
Key resources include the Los Angeles Superior Court, where divorce cases are filed, and the LA Court Self-Help Center, which provides general legal guidance. You can also access divorce records, filing forms, and court updates online.
Helpful links:
- Los Angeles Superior Court: www.lacourt.org
- Divorce Forms & Filing: LA Court Self-Help Center
- Los Angeles County Divorce Records: LA Court Record Search
9. Why You Need a Divorce Attorney in Los Angeles
Divorce in Los Angeles is complex. Strict court procedures, financial disputes, and custody battles make it difficult to go through alone. One mistake can cost you time, money, or even custody of your child.
The Provinziano Legal Team, led by a Certified Family Law Specialist, provides discreet representation and has extensive experience in Los Angeles County. Our divorce attorneys have experience with high net-worth divorce, legal separation, annulments, dissolution of same-sex marriages, and registered domestic partnerships.
We develop targeted strategies for your spousal support, property division, and financial interests based on your specific situation. With our knowledge of Los Angeles courts and judges, we apply our experience and knowledge to present your case effectively.
FAQs About Divorce in Los Angeles
How much does a divorce cost in Los Angeles?
The filing fee for a divorce petition in Los Angeles County is $435+, but the total cost depends on the complexity of the case. Uncontested divorces with no disputes over property, custody, or support are less expensive, while contested divorces involving litigation, expert witnesses, and financial disputes can cost thousands in legal fees. Mediation can be a lower-cost alternative.
How do I find divorce records in Los Angeles County?
You can request Los Angeles County divorce records from the Los Angeles Superior Court. Records can be obtained in person, by mail, or online, depending on the court’s availability. You may need case details, such as the names of both spouses and the case number, to locate the records. Visit the Los Angeles Superior Court website for more information.
Where can I get a divorce certificate in Los Angeles?
A divorce certificate is issued by the Los Angeles Superior Court once a divorce is finalized. If you need a certified copy, you can request it from the court where your divorce was filed. You can also request a divorce decree from the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records if the divorce was finalized more than six months ago.
Can I eFile a divorce in the Los Angeles Superior Court?
No, e-filing is not available for divorce cases in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Divorce petitions and related documents must be filed in person at the courthouse or mailed. Some documents may be filed online for certain post-judgment matters, but the initial filing must be done manually.
Do I need a divorce attorney in Los Angeles?
While you are not legally required to have an attorney, hiring an experienced Los Angeles divorce lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes. Divorce involves strict court procedures, financial decisions, and custody issues, and errors in filing or presenting your case can delay or negatively impact the outcome. A divorce attorney in Los Angeles can advocate for your rights throughout the process.
