Family Law Attorneys in California
Divorce, child custody, support, adoption, domestic violence 9,482 pre-screened attorneys across 52 counties.
California's no-fault, community-property divorce system — the six-month wait, custody, support, and property division explained.
The California divorce process step by step, from petition to judgment, including residency and the six-month wait.
What Is Family Law in California?
California is a no-fault, community-property divorce state under the Family Code. Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody and support, adoption, and domestic violence restraining orders.
When Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in California?
You may need a family law attorney in California when your situation involves divorce, child custody, support.
California Family Law Sub-Specialties
Family Law covers several distinct case types in California, each with its own legal framework. Below are the most common sub-specialties.
Divorce
Divorce matters in California fall within the broader Family Law practice area. California-licensed attorneys experienced in divorce cases handle the related procedural, substantive, and evidentiary questions specific to this subspecialty.
Child Custody
Child Custody matters in California fall within the broader Family Law practice area. California-licensed attorneys experienced in child custody cases handle the related procedural, substantive, and evidentiary questions specific to this subspecialty.
Support
Support matters in California fall within the broader Family Law practice area. California-licensed attorneys experienced in support cases handle the related procedural, substantive, and evidentiary questions specific to this subspecialty.
Adoption
Adoption matters in California fall within the broader Family Law practice area. California-licensed attorneys experienced in adoption cases handle the related procedural, substantive, and evidentiary questions specific to this subspecialty.
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence matters in California fall within the broader Family Law practice area. California-licensed attorneys experienced in domestic violence cases handle the related procedural, substantive, and evidentiary questions specific to this subspecialty.
Costs and Timeline
California family law attorneys typically charge $250–$500/hr, or flat fees for uncontested matters. California is a community-property state and imposes a mandatory six-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized (Fam. Code § 2339). Uncontested cases can be ready in roughly six months; contested cases routinely take 1–2+ years.
California Laws and Statutes
California family law is governed by the California Family Code — § 2310 et seq. (grounds and dissolution), §§ 3011 & 3020 (best-interest custody standard), § 4055 (statewide child support guideline formula), and § 4320 (spousal support factors). California is a community-property state (Fam. Code § 760).
Family Law Attorneys by County
Pre-screened family law attorneys serving each California county. Counts reflect active State Bar of California members with offices in-county. Each county links to a full directory page for the matching practice area.
California Family Law Guides & Resources
Free guides covering key topics in California family law. Plain-English, statute-cited.
Common Questions About California Family Law
Ready to Find Your California Attorney?
Find a pre-screened California lawyer who fits your case. Free, no obligation.