Family Law Attorneys in Los Angeles, CA

Why Choose Our Los Angeles Family Law Attorneys

There’s no shortage of family lawyers in Los Angeles. What sets Claery & Hammond, LLP apart is a combination of verified credentials, a genuinely collaborative process, and the kind of personal attention that makes a real difference when the stakes are high.

• We are one of only 13 firms selected for the Los Angeles Times Family Law Practitioners feature, recognized three times: 2013, 2015, and 2023.
• Founding partner Lance Claery is rated by Super Lawyers® and named to Super Lawyers Rising Stars. Lawyers of Distinction has also named him among the top 10 percent of lawyers in the United States.
• Attorney Eli V. Hammond is fluent in Spanish and conversational in Portuguese, allowing us to serve more of Los Angeles’s diverse communities in the language they’re most comfortable using.
• We take a collaborative approach: our attorneys develop strategy alongside you so you understand where your case stands and what comes next.
• You’re never just a case number here. Every client gets real time and focused attention from our team.
• We’ve been serving Los Angeles clients since 2009 and bring more than 50 years of combined family law experience to every matter.

Family Law & Local Court Rules in Los Angeles

California family law is governed by the California Family Code, which sets the rules for divorce, child custody, support, and related matters statewide. But Los Angeles County has its own court rules and procedural requirements that differ from other California counties, and knowing those local details matters.

Cases are filed through the Los Angeles County Superior Court system, which includes venues like the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. Our attorneys regularly appear before local judges and understand how scheduling, filings, and hearings actually work at these locations. That familiarity translates into preparation: we help you understand what to expect at every stage, from the initial filing to conferences and, if necessary, trial.

Contact our Los Angeles family law attorneys today for your free consultation by giving us a call at (310) 817-6904.

What It’s Like to Work With Our Firm

We typically begin with a detailed consultation: we review your goals, gather background information, and talk through any upcoming court dates or deadlines in Los Angeles County Superior Court. From there, we build a plan that may include negotiations, mediation, or litigation, depending on what best fits your priorities and the facts of your case.

Throughout the process, we keep communication consistent. You’ll understand what documents are being filed, why hearings are scheduled, and what options you have at each stage. We walk you through preparation for mediation and court appearances, help coordinate financial records and parenting-related information, and set clear expectations so an unfamiliar system feels more manageable. Our goal is to handle the legal complexity so you can focus on your family.

FAQs About Family Law in Los Angeles

What Should I Know Before Filing for Divorce in Los Angeles?

California is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t need to prove wrongdoing by your spouse to file. Before you can file, you must have lived in California for at least six months and in your county for at least three months.

Most people also want to understand how property, debts, and parenting time will be handled. A family law attorney can walk you through how community property rules and local Los Angeles County practices apply to your situation. We use the initial consultation to cover your goals, outline the likely steps ahead, and flag any urgent issues like temporary custody or support so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

How Is Child Support Determined in California?

Child support in California is calculated using a state guideline formula that accounts for both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and the percentage of time each parent spends with the children.

Los Angeles County judges use state guideline software as their starting point but can factor in additional considerations such as childcare costs, health insurance, and a child’s special needs. We help you gather accurate financial information, understand how your timeshare arrangement affects the support figure, and prepare for hearings at the appropriate Los Angeles Superior Court location.

Are Prenuptial Agreements Enforceable in Los Angeles?

Yes, prenuptial agreements are enforceable in Los Angeles when they meet California’s legal requirements. The agreement must be in writing, signed by both parties without coercion, and accompanied by full financial disclosure. Each party should also have adequate time to review the agreement and the opportunity to consult independent counsel, which is particularly important when the agreement includes provisions like spousal support waivers.

Courts in Los Angeles will also examine whether both parties had a genuine opportunity to review the terms before signing. We can help you draft or review a prenuptial agreement with an eye toward how a judge in Los Angeles County Superior Court is likely to interpret it, which can help reduce the risk of a future challenge.

What Are My Rights as a Co-parent in Los Angeles?

Co-parents have the right to custody and meaningful time with their children. California courts generally favor arrangements that allow children to benefit from both parents’ involvement. In Los Angeles, Family Court Services mediation is typically required before a judge rules on custody or visitation, and understanding that process helps you prepare effectively. We guide you on documenting your involvement, communicating with the other parent, and presenting parenting proposals that focus on your children’s best interests while protecting your parental rights.

Can I Modify a Current Custody Order?

Modifying a custody order requires demonstrating a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was issued. Common examples include changes in household dynamics, new work requirements, or the relocation of one parent. The modification is handled in the family court that issued the original order, and the process requires familiarity with local Los Angeles Superior Court procedures.

Parents seeking modification may need to file new paperwork, attend mediation, and appear before a judge before any change is made. We walk you through each step, help you build the evidence that supports your request, and prepare you for what to expect at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse or another Los Angeles Superior Court location so you can decide with confidence whether and when to pursue a modification.

Contact our Los Angeles family law attorneys today for your free consultation by giving us a call at (310) 817-6904.