4 California Divorce Lawyers to Help You Move Forward with Confidence

At a Glance

Whether you choose mediation or litigation for divorce, choosing the right law firm is half the battle won. In this article, we’ve put together a list of the top divorce law firms in California that set them apart from others in the field. Experienced divorce attorneys can change the outcome of your divorce while protecting your financial interests and rights.

Why More California Couples Are Turning to Divorce Mediation for a Less Stressful Resolution

There’s no easy way to prepare for divorce as you navigate one of the most emotionally difficult and stressful chapters of your life. And while there’s no foolproof method to make things simpler, divorce mediation can offer couples a credible alternative to a long-protracted courtroom battle. It minimizes stress and conflict, allowing couples to reach amicable marital settlement agreements in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

It comes as no surprise that recent surveys suggest that couples are increasingly opting for divorce mediation in the Golden State, especially when it involves complex financial arrangements or child custody disputes. This is because it allows couples to benefit from personalized settlements that factor in the family’s preferences and preserve their long-term stability.

Key Benefits of Amicable Divorce and When Mediation May Not Be Appropriate

An amicable divorce also comes with several other benefits. This includes privacy and confidentiality, which are essential when it involves high-net-worth individuals or children. Plus, mediated divorces often obtain faster resolution, saving both parties time. While it doesn’t bypass the 6-month waiting period, final marriage dissolution orders take effect as soon as the stipulated period ends. Unlike litigated divorce, which can take 12-18 months, divorce mediation typically takes 6-9 months.

It’s important to remember that while divorce mediation is advantageous in many cases, it’s also not recommended in specific situations. This is especially true when there’s a history of Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVRO), allegations of substance abuse, parental alienation, mental illness, etc. Here, it's important to opt for divorce litigation in court to ensure a client’s protection and safety.

Why Choosing the Right Divorce Law Firm Is Critical to Your Outcome

Whether you’re looking to have an amicable divorce or a litigated one, it’s important to find a reliable and experienced divorce law firm you can trust. This is because mediation and litigation styles vary across family law attorneys, and it’s important to ensure they’re aligned with your desired outcome. 

While California’s no-fault divorce status doesn’t require you to prove grounds for divorce, you could do well with the services of an attorney. They can act as your legal strategist and financial planner while protecting your interests and ensuring you achieve long-term stability post-divorce.

Here are some of the benefits of choosing a reputable and specialist divorce law firm

• Personalized, strategic legal guidance tailored to your specific case
• In-depth knowledge of the California Family Code and a sophisticated understanding of the nuances involved in local court
• Robust representation for litigation
• Expert mediators and negotiators with years of experience and high success rates
• Skilled at forensic accounting, financial analysis and ensuring tax efficiency in asset division
• Protection of your interests
• Efficient case management from start to finish

Choosing the right divorce law firm can help change the outcome of your case. Keeping this in mind, we bring you the top 4 divorce law firms in the state, handpicked for their legal expertise, experience, and specialization in family law matters.

1. Next Legal

Next Legal, led by family law attorney Paul Donsbach, is one of the state’s top-rated divorce law firms. They bring their vast courtroom experience, legal acumen, and resolution-focused approach to help Californian families navigate divorce efficiently and reach amicable outcomes.

Whether you’re looking for reliable legal support for litigated divorce or divorce mediation, their skills and professionalism are unmatched. They’ve proven experience in managing high-net-worth clients, complex asset division, contentious child custody issues and spousal support issues.

Here are some of the benefits of choosing Next Legal

• Resolution-focused approach
• Deep expertise in divorce and other areas of family law
• Client-centred service with support at every stage of the divorce process
• Expert legal guidance for property and asset division, including digital assets, valuation, forensic accounting, support calculations, etc
• Well-versed in local court procedures
• Nuanced understanding of the California Family Code 
• Assured privacy and discretion
• Clear communication and empathetic approach
• Strong focus on protecting the client and the family’s long-term interests

Here’s what one of their clients had to say

“I'm so thankful for Zelikha Dost and Savannah Rogers! They helped me through a very difficult divorce with care, honesty, and professionalism. Zelikha treated me like a person, not just a client, and Savannah was always responsive and kind. They fought for what I deserved and gave me peace of mind in the end. Highly recommend this amazing team!”~ Vicky S

2. Lonich & Patton

Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri’s team of attorneys specialize in family law and estate planning and is a well-known divorce law firm in Silicon Valley. Founded in 1994, they position themselves as a true litigation firm, offering clients robust representation at trial when settlements fail. Clients report a high level of trust in their skills and litigation style, reflected in their excellent track record.

Here’s what one of their client testimonials says

“Gretchen and her team are thorough, timely, vigilant and vociferous advocates. Pro-Client, very friendly and professional. Highly recommended.” ~ David.F

3. Schoenberg Family Law

Led by Debra R. Schoenberg, a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), the firm specializes in providing expertise for complex divorce matters. Their team serves a diverse clientele and comes highly recommended for their thoughtful counsel and forceful advocacy. With over 35 years of experience and a client-centric approach, you can count on them for reliable support.

Here’s a client testimonial about Schoenberg Family Law

“I worked with Debra Schoenberg on my divorce case this past year. I was very impressed with her work. She's incredibly smart at what she does, she's very good at explaining things, and she's a good communicator. I would highly recommend her for any divorce-related cases.”~Roberto G

4. Kaspar & Lugay, LLP

Founded by Brent Kaspar and Arvin Lugay, Kaspar & Lugay LLP offers clients high-quality legal representation that combines their experience in tax law, business, and divorce. If your divorce involves property division disputes, business, or high-value assets, they are your best bet.

Here’s what one of their clients had to say

“I highly recommend Kaspar & Lugay. Brent was very responsive, professional & considerate through my divorce process. I was so grateful to have him walk me through the process. It can be daunting to pick a divorce lawyer, & so I wanted to make this review, to say I had a very positive experience with Kaspar & Lugay.”

Choose the Right Divorce Law Firm for Your Next Chapter

A divorce is not the end of your story. With the right legal support, you can make informed decisions and make a smooth transition to a new chapter. Our top 4 divorce law firms represent the qualities we most look for when choosing an attorney. It’s based on experience, expertise, a client-centred approach and reliable support at every stage of the divorce process.

We hope this article has been helpful.