Los Angeles, California · Updated October 2026
Three Los Angeles family law firms compared on Google ratings, credentials, consultation terms and what clients say in their reviews.
- ✓Divorce
- ✓Child custody
- ✓Spousal support
- ✓Mediation
- ✓Property division
At a glance
Los Angeles family law firms compared
| Firm | Google rating | Reviews | Consultation | Credential noted | Mediation | Limited scope help | Prenups |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Fernandez Law Group | ★★★★★ 5.0 | 4 | Free initial | CFLS (State Bar) | ✓ | — | — |
| 2Nathans Family Law | ★★★ 3.4 | 16 | Call to ask | Super Lawyers since 2012 | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| 3Galen Gentry Law Group | ★★★★½ 4.9 | 92 | Free | Martindale AV | ✓ | — | ✓ |
“Call to ask” means the firm does not publish this on its website. A dash means the service is not listed on the firm’s website.
Ratings and review counts from Google, checked October 27, 2026. Hours can change on holidays; call to confirm.
The list
Top 3 family law attorneys in Los Angeles
Fernandez Law Group
Family law matters handled
- Divorce
- Child custody
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Complex property division
- High-net-worth divorce
- Domestic violence
- Mediation
- Move-away & relocation
- Paternity
Fernandez Law Group handles divorce and family law cases across Los Angeles County from a downtown office on Wilshire Boulevard and a second office in Santa Monica. Founding partner Steven Fernandez is a Certified Family Law Specialist through the State Bar of California, and the firm reports over 100 years of combined attorney experience. For readers looking for a Los Angeles family law lawyer who can take a complex case through settlement, mediation or trial, the firm runs its own discovery department and data management team, and its website has a Spanish-language section. Initial consultations are free.
What clients praise
- Reviewers name Steven Fernandez and Jean Kim as well prepared, and one says settling outside court saved substantial time and money
- Paralegal Karen is described as empathetic, kind and professional
- Clients point to careful attention to detail, with Crystal described as staying several steps ahead of the other side
Worth knowing
- The downtown Google listing has only 4 reviews; the firm’s Santa Monica listing shows 4.2 stars across 43 reviews
- One Santa Monica reviewer describes very high monthly fees during a long, contested divorce, so ask for a written fee estimate early
- Older reviews refer to the firm by its earlier name, Fernandez & Karney
- Mon–Sun Open 24 hours
Why it made the list: A State Bar certified family law specialist leads the firm, and it offers free initial consultations from a downtown LA office.
📍 811 Wilshire Blvd #1736, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Nathans Family Law, APC
Family law matters handled
- Divorce
- Contested divorce
- Child custody & visitation
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Property division
- Mediation & collaborative law
- Domestic violence & restraining orders
- Paternity
- Summary dissolution
Michael H. Nathans has practiced family law in Los Angeles for over 25 years and has been named to Super Lawyers every year since 2012, according to his website. The practice leans toward alternatives to full litigation: Mr. Nathans works as a mediator, offers limited scope (unbundled) help for specific tasks, and can act as a consulting attorney for people who represent themselves. It serves clients across Los Angeles, the South Bay and the San Fernando Valley, and accepts most credit cards.
What clients praise
- Reviewers describe Michael Nathans as strategic, well prepared and persuasive in court
- Clients value his long family law experience and clear counsel
- One client notes a clean office and welcoming, professional staff
Worth knowing
- 3.4 stars across 16 Google reviews, the lowest rating on this list
- Even a satisfied reviewer calls him on the pricey side
- The website footer lists a Beverly Blvd mailing address; Google lists the office at 145 S Fairfax Ave
- Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
- Sat 9am–12pm
- Sun Closed
Why it made the list: A long-practicing attorney and mediator with budget options such as limited scope and consulting help.
📍 145 S Fairfax Ave #200, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Galen Gentry Law Group
Family law matters handled
- Divorce
- Uncontested divorce
- Spousal support
- Community property
- Child custody
- Child support
- Modification orders
- Prenups & postnups
- Paternity
- Mediation representation
Galen Gentry has helped Los Angeles families with divorce, custody and support cases since 1995 and holds a Martindale AV peer rating, according to the firm’s website. He handles every substantive part of each case himself, so clients speak with him directly about the law and their strategy. The firm offers a free consultation, drafts and reviews prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and serves the San Fernando Valley, West Los Angeles and the wider county from Woodland Hills.
What clients praise
- Reviewers say Galen Gentry explains complex law clearly and is honest and realistic about their case
- Staff member Tracy is described as patient, responsive and kind
- One reviewer says he spent over an hour reviewing their case without charging a consultation fee
Worth knowing
- Single office in Woodland Hills, a long drive from downtown and the Westside at rush hour
- With one attorney handling all substantive work, ask about his calendar for upcoming hearings
- Google lists a different phone number from the one on the firm’s website
- Mon–Sun Open 24 hours
Why it made the list: The highest review volume on this list at 4.9 stars, with an attorney who works each case personally.
📍 21300 Victory Blvd #300, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Free tool
Which Los Angeles firm fits your case?
Tick what you need. We match it against each firm’s published practice areas and consultation terms.
Guide
How family law works in Los Angeles
Residency to file
To file for divorce in California, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months and in the county of filing for at least three months.
Waiting period
A California divorce cannot become final until at least six months and one day after the other spouse is served or appears in the case, even when both agree on everything.
Time to respond
A spouse served with a divorce petition generally has 30 days to file a response. Missing it can let the case move forward without their input.
Community property
California is a community property state. Property and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally, while separate property stays with its owner.
Best interest of the child
Courts decide custody and visitation based on the child’s best interest, looking at health, safety, welfare and each parent’s involvement.
Certified specialists
The State Bar of California certifies family law specialists who pass an extra exam, show substantial family law experience and receive favorable peer and judicial reviews.
Before your first meeting
What to bring to a family law consultation
0 of 7 ready
Methodology
How we chose these firms
We looked for Los Angeles family law firms with a physical office inside the city, a published focus on divorce and custody work, and real Google reviews we could read. We compared Google ratings and review counts, credentials stated on each firm’s own website, consultation terms and the practice areas each firm lists. Praise and caveats come from patterns in public reviews.
Fernandez Law Group appears first. The other firms are included on merit; we are not affiliated with them and they did not pay to appear.
Ratings, review counts and hours were checked on October 27, 2026.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does a divorce take in Los Angeles?
California law sets a minimum of six months and one day from service before a divorce can be final. Uncontested cases often finish not long after that, while contested cases involving custody disputes, business valuations or hidden assets can take a year or more depending on the court calendar.
How much does a family law attorney cost in Los Angeles?
Most Los Angeles family law attorneys bill hourly against an upfront retainer, and rates vary with experience and case complexity. Some offer flat fees for limited tasks or mediation. Ask each firm for its hourly rate, retainer amount and billing increments in writing before you sign.
What is a Certified Family Law Specialist?
A Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) is an attorney certified by the State Bar of California after passing a specialty exam, showing substantial family law experience and receiving favorable reviews from judges and other attorneys. Steven Fernandez of Fernandez Law Group holds this certification.
Which courthouse will handle my Los Angeles family law case?
Los Angeles County Superior Court hears family law matters at several courthouses. Many central Los Angeles cases go to the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown, Westside cases often go to the Santa Monica Courthouse, and San Fernando Valley cases often go to Van Nuys Courthouse East. Your filing location depends on where you live.
Do I need a lawyer if we are using a mediator?
Not always, but many people hire an attorney to review a mediated agreement or advise them between sessions. A mediator stays neutral and cannot advise either spouse, so independent advice helps you understand what you are agreeing to on support, property and custody.
Can custody or support orders be changed later?
Yes. Custody, visitation, child support and most spousal support orders can be modified when circumstances change, such as a job loss, a move or a change in a child’s needs. A party usually asks the court to modify the order through a Request for Order.
Local guide
Los Angeles family court local guide
Which family law courthouse is closest to each firm’s office. Where your case is filed depends on where you live, not where your attorney’s office is.
What is near each firm
Fernandez Law Group
Downtown LA
NEAREST FAMILY LAW COURTHOUSE
- Stanley Mosk Courthouse
111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 900120.8 mi
Nathans Family Law
Fairfax District
NEAREST FAMILY LAW COURTHOUSE
- Stanley Mosk Courthouse
111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 900126.7 mi
Galen Gentry Law Group
Woodland Hills (San Fernando Valley)
NEAREST FAMILY LAW COURTHOUSE
- Van Nuys Courthouse East
6230 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, CA 914018.6 mi
Distances are straight-line estimates.
LA County family law courthouses
Tips for a Los Angeles family law case
- Disclose everything early. California requires full financial disclosure, and incomplete disclosures can stall a case or lead to sanctions.
- Turn feelings into facts. Keep a dated log and save statements, texts and records. Courts decide based on evidence.
- Keep children out of the conflict. Courts watch how each parent supports the child’s relationship with the other parent.
- Get fee terms in writing. Ask about hourly rates, the retainer and how often you will receive bills.
- Think about mediation. Settling issues in mediation is usually faster and less costly than a contested trial.
This page is general information, not legal advice. We are not affiliated with the other firms listed. Ratings, reviews and hours checked on October 27, 2026. Hours shown as open 24 hours reflect each firm’s Google listing; call to confirm office availability.