Divorce Attorney in Los Angeles

Board-Certified Family Law Specialists. Every Case Handled Directly.

Rozanna M. Velen is a board-certified Family Law Specialist certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, a credential held by fewer than 1% of California attorneys. At Law Offices of Korol & Velen, every divorce case is managed directly by an attorney. We don’t hand off client matters to paralegals or temporary contract attorneys, and that direct accountability extends through every stage of your case.

With 40 years of combined legal experience, our firm handles all types of divorce and family law matters in courtrooms throughout the greater Los Angeles area, South Bay, and San Fernando Valley. California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning irreconcilable differences is the legal standard, and no proof of wrongdoing is required. Whether your situation is straightforward or involves contested assets and custody, engaging a Los Angeles divorce attorney from the start can help prevent early mistakes that complicate and extend a case.

From custody battles to asset division, our Los Angeles divorce lawyers are here to support you at every stage. Call (818) 962-4669 or contact Law Offices of Korol & Velen now.

Comprehensive Divorce-Related Services We Provide in LA

We handle all divorce-related issues, including:

• Marital property division
• Spousal support
• High-net-worth divorce
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support
• Divorce mediation
• Uncontested divorce
• Collaborative law
• Same-sex divorce
• Military divorce
• Divorce modification

For a combined 40 years, our attorneys have handled contested and uncontested divorces with competence, compassion, and personalized attention.

Navigating the California Divorce Process

Many clients reach us after attempting to handle their divorce without legal help, only to find the California family law system difficult to navigate alone. The process requires filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, serving the other party, exchanging financial disclosures, and resolving property, support, and custody issues before the court can finalize the dissolution. Errors in early filings or missed deadlines can extend timelines and complicate outcomes significantly.

We’ve handled hundreds of divorce cases and remain sensitive to the full weight of what clients are going through. When appropriate, we also refer clients to a network of trusted family counselors to support them through the process. Reaching out for legal guidance at the start is an important step you can take.

How Los Angeles Courts Shape Your Divorce

Los Angeles County has multiple family law courthouses, and each operates with its own scheduling and filing expectations. Where you live determines which courthouse hears your case, which can directly affect processing times, procedural requirements, and how quickly your divorce moves forward.

• Different Courthouses, Different Schedules: Locations such as the Stanley Mosk Courthouse and the Van Nuys East Courthouse follow their own schedules and filing expectations, which can affect processing times.
• Zip Code Determines Your Courthouse: Residents of areas like Woodland Hills, West Hollywood, and Pasadena may be assigned to different courts, each with unique local practices that shape your case timeline.
• Judges Have Varying Approaches: Even within the same courthouse, judges may differ in how they handle custody, property division, or spousal support, which can influence outcomes.

Our attorneys are familiar with Los Angeles County’s family law court system, courthouse procedures, and the tendencies of local judges. That familiarity can help clients avoid procedural delays and approach hearings with a clearer picture of what to expect.

California’s Community Property Laws Explained

California is a community property state, which means assets acquired during marriage are generally part of the marital estate. This can include income, personal property, real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, patents, copyrights, trademarks, capital gains on investments, and businesses.

Several important exceptions affect how assets and debts are classified:

• Separate Property: Assets acquired before marriage, after the date of separation, or through inheritance or gifts typically remain separate, provided they aren’t commingled with community assets.
• Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreements: Valid agreements can override default community property rules by clearly defining what will be treated as separate or shared.

Determining the value of property, including businesses, real estate, retirement accounts, and investments, is a critical step in dividing community assets fairly. Our Los Angeles divorce attorneys have experience with asset valuation and division in property matters, consulting other professionals as needed to establish value.

Spousal Support Under California Law

Spousal support, also called alimony, may be available when one spouse’s income is significantly higher, particularly when the other party has less education or lower earning potential. Support awards in Los Angeles reflect the area’s high cost of living and unique financial dynamics.

California courts consider many factors when calculating spousal support, including:

• The income levels of both parties
• Custody arrangement
• Standard of living during the marriage
• Length of the marriage
• Housing situations
• Contributions to the marriage

For marriages lasting more than 10 years, California courts may retain jurisdiction over spousal support indefinitely. Support can continue until the recipient remarries, either party passes away, or a court determines that changed circumstances warrant modification or termination. Our familiarity with the Los Angeles court system allows us to identify when support arrangements need additional documentation or focused negotiation, and we help clients weigh the impact of local housing costs, job market conditions, and access to education on those discussions.

High-Net-Worth & Complex Divorce Cases in Los Angeles

Los Angeles attracts professionals in technology, entertainment, and business ownership, and many divorces in the area involve significant assets that are difficult to value, including real estate, business holdings, retirement accounts, intellectual property, and complex financial arrangements. Accurate valuation of these assets often requires consultation with financial professionals or forensic accountants.

Law Offices of Korol & Velen prioritizes transparent communication through high-value asset division, aiming for accuracy and minimal conflict. We also serve families with privacy concerns or ties to the entertainment industry, delivering guidance tailored to the demands of this market. Clients work directly with our divorce attorneys throughout settlement discussions and court hearings, with no handoff to less experienced staff.