Long Beach · CA · Vetted Directory

Top Divorce Lawyers in Long Beach

You are facing a divorce in Long Beach, and you want to know what it costs, how long it takes, and who to call. California is a no-fault, community-property state, so the marriage ends without proving blame and most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are split down the middle. There is a mandatory six-month waiting period before a divorce is final. Long Beach family cases are heard at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse. Below are vetted Long Beach divorce and family law firms.

No-Fault
California grounds
6 Months
Minimum wait
Community
Property state
Deukmejian
Long Beach courthouse

Updated April 15, 2026

When you need a Long Beach divorce lawyer

Not every divorce needs a courtroom battle, but most people benefit from a lawyer who knows the Long Beach family judges and California's community-property rules. A Long Beach divorce lawyer protects your share of the home, your retirement, and your time with your children, and keeps a filing mistake from costing you months. Even when you and your spouse agree, a lawyer can review the judgment so you do not sign away something you cannot recover.

The stakes rise quickly when there is a house, a business, stock options, or a custody disagreement. An experienced lawyer characterizes community versus separate property correctly, builds a parenting plan that holds up, and ties support to California's guideline calculations rather than guesswork.

Talk to a Long Beach divorce lawyer if any of the following describes your situation.

  • You or your spouse owns a home, a business, or retirement and stock accounts.
  • You have minor children and disagree about custody or visitation.
  • Your spouse has already hired a lawyer.
  • You are worried about hidden accounts, debts, or income.
  • You need temporary support or use of the home while the case is open.
  • There has been domestic violence and you need a restraining order.
  • You signed a prenuptial agreement and want to know if it holds up.
  • You want an uncontested divorce done correctly the first time.
  • Your spouse lives out of state and you are unsure where to file.
  • You simply want to understand your rights before you say or sign anything.

How a Long Beach divorce actually moves

Step 1: one spouse files a petition in Los Angeles County Superior Court and serves the other. Step 2: both sides exchange preliminary financial disclosures, which California requires. Step 3: the court can enter temporary orders for support, custody, and use of the home while the case is open. Step 4: discovery and mediation, where most Long Beach cases settle. Step 5: if you cannot agree, a judge decides property, support, and custody at trial. The six-month clock runs from the date the responding spouse is served, so even a fully agreed divorce cannot be final sooner.

What this typically costs in Long Beach

$1.5K–$5K
Uncontested flat fee
$10K–$35K+
Contested divorce
$300–$500
Hourly rate
$3K–$7.5K
Typical retainer

An uncontested Long Beach divorce where you agree on everything often runs $1,500 to $5,000. A contested case with custody or property disputes commonly costs $10,000 to $35,000 or more, billed against a retainer at roughly $300 to $500 an hour, which reflects Southern California rates. Court filing fees add about $435. Ask each firm whether they offer a flat fee for an uncontested case, what the retainer covers, and how they bill for mediation and hearings. Get the fee agreement in writing before you hire anyone.

What is specific about California divorce law

  • No-fault. California grants divorce on irreconcilable differences. You do not have to prove fault, and fault generally does not affect property division.
  • Six-month waiting period. A divorce cannot be final until at least six months after the responding spouse is served, even when everything is agreed.
  • Community property. Assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally split 50/50. Property owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance is usually separate.
  • Guideline support. California uses a statewide formula for child support and a guideline for temporary spousal support, making those numbers fairly predictable.
  • Deukmejian Courthouse. Long Beach family law matters are heard at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, part of the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Long Beach firms that handle divorce

Updated April 15, 2026. Verified across Avvo, Super Lawyers, Justia, and firm records. We do not accept payment for placement. Where a firm's aggregate client rating is not yet compiled, we say so rather than invent one.

1

Law Offices of Kyle R. Puro

Divorce & family law Long Beach Custody & relocation focus

A Long Beach family law firm led by Kyle R. Puro, with attorneys experienced in custody and complex relocation and parental-abduction matters across California. A strong fit when children and custody are the heart of your case.

Consultation Available Custody Relocation Local
2

Zwierzchowski & Nguyen, APC

Divorce & family law Long Beach 13+ years serving LA & OC

A Long Beach family law firm serving Los Angeles and Orange Counties for over a decade, handling contested, uncontested, high-value, same-sex, and military divorces. A good fit for clients who want a versatile local practice.

Consultation Available High-Asset Military Divorce Local
3

Gilligan, Frisco & Trutanich, LLP

Family law Long Beach 40+ years in the area

A long-established Long Beach firm serving the area for more than four decades, with a family law practice covering divorce, support, and custody. A solid fit if you value an experienced, deeply rooted local firm.

Consultation Available Experienced Support Local
4

Law Offices of Alexander Macksoud

Divorce & family law Long Beach area High-conflict custody

A family law practice that has handled thousands of family matters, including high-profile divorces and contentious custody disputes through to resolution. A good fit for a high-conflict case that may go the distance.

Consultation Available Custody High-Conflict Trial-Ready
5

Law Offices of Caroline Kim

Family law & litigation Long Beach area Ratings not yet aggregated

A Long Beach-area attorney handling family law alongside civil and bankruptcy matters, admitted to the Ninth Circuit and California Supreme Court. We have not compiled an aggregate client rating, so confirm reviews and fit during your consultation.

Consultation Available Family Law Litigation Local

Talk to a Long Beach divorce lawyer — free.

Tell us briefly what is going on. We route a confidential request to a best-fit Long Beach firm in this directory. No obligation, and nothing is filed without you.

Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not send confidential documents until you have signed an engagement letter.

Divorce in Long Beach — FAQ

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Long Beach?
An uncontested Long Beach divorce often runs $1,500 to $5,000. A contested case with custody or property disputes commonly costs $10,000 to $35,000 or more, billed at about $300 to $500 an hour against a retainer. Ask for a flat fee where one is possible and get the agreement in writing.
How long does a divorce take in California?
A California divorce cannot be final until at least six months after the responding spouse is served, even if everything is agreed. A contested case with custody or property fights commonly takes a year or more.
Is California a community property state?
Yes. Assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided 50/50. Property you owned before marriage, or received by gift or inheritance, is usually treated as separate and stays with you.
Do I have to prove fault to divorce in California?
No. California is a no-fault state and grants divorce on irreconcilable differences. Fault generally does not affect how property is divided or whether support is awarded.
Which court handles my Long Beach divorce?
Long Beach family law cases are heard at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, part of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, which manages custody, support, and property in your case.
Do I need a lawyer if my divorce is uncontested?
Not strictly, but it helps. Even when you agree, a lawyer can prepare or review the judgment and the required financial disclosures so you do not unintentionally give up community property or parenting time. Many firms offer a flat fee for uncontested cases.

Related on LawFirmSquare