Expertise.com

2024

Last updated:

Best Divorce Lawyers in Lake Forest

Our Recommended Top 20

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Lake Forest Divorce Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

61Reviewed

44Curated

20Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

7700 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (21)
Google
4.1 (11)
Facebook
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Kayleene H. Writer PLC serves clients in the Lake Forest metropolitan area. With an exclusive focus on divorce law, this office provides compassionate advice and representation for clients, helping them fight for their fair share of property and assets, as well as rights to their children. In addition to managing complicated divorce settlements, attorney Kayleen H. Writer also assists with simpler matters such as annulments and collaborative divorce.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kayleene Writer - PrincipalActive26 yrs

15615 Alton Parkway, Suite 450, Irvine, CA 92618
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (24)

Why choose this provider?

Athar A. Khan offers legal services to clients in Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita and the surrounding communities. He represents individuals and families in divorce proceedings and handles related family law matters, including child custody and visitation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and restraining orders. He is certified by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization as a family law specialist and has been in the practice since 2008. Khan is also licensed in California. He holds a degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. 

  • Child Custody

111 Corporate Dr, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

The Hunter Law Group provides customized solutions for individuals and families in Lake Forest and the surrounding cities. It assists clients in various divorce situations, including uncontested, disputed, collaborative, military, and high-net-worth divorces. The firm also handles other family law matters, including child custody, spousal support, post-nuptial modifications, domestic violence, property settlements, and even mediation. The CEO, Daniel C. Hunter IV has been practicing family law since 2000. He is also admitted to practice law in Utah.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Uncontested

23101 Lake Center Drive, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.8 (42)
Yelp
4.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of John A. Bledsoe is composed of family lawyers that work with clients in Lake Forest. Practicing since 1991, Lawyer John A. Bledsoe provides assistance to clients with divorce proceedings and drafts documents for marital dissolution. He ensures that residency issues, separation dates, and requests for relief are addressed in petitions. He helps clients understand that the court can rule on clients' conduct, which impacts decisions on minor children and property division. Bledsoe is the author of the book "Split Decisions: Winning Your California Divorce."

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

22672 Lambert Street, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Michael J. Brady assists Lake Forest individuals who need divorce guidance or representation. Its founding lawyer, Michael J. Brady, has been in the legal industry for over 30 years. He decided to focus on family law cases, including divorce, 20 years ago. He is experienced in handling various aspects of divorce, such as property division, paternity, child support, and custody. In addition, he is an advocate of amicable settlements and mediations.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Brady - PrincipalActive45 yrs

26451 Crown Valley Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (14)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Posey & Associates is a family law boutique firm that serves Lake Forest. It has 28 years of experience in handling matters related to divorce, including child custody, parenting time, child or spousal support, modification of judgments, mediation, and complex litigation or trials. The firm's legal strategies involve negotiating for a full or partial settlement first to reduce unnecessary litigation before undergoing any judicial process. Posey & Associates' senior partner, Jennifer R. Posey, has been practicing law since 1991.

  • Child Support
  • Child Custody
  • Asset Distribution

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jennifer Posey - Founder/Senior AttorneyActive33 yrs

27281 Las Ramblas, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (8)
Avvo
5.0 (5)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Song Family Law is exclusively focused on helping its clients navigate divorce, separation, and other family-related legal issues. Serving clients throughout the Lake Forest metropolitan area, this firm provides aggressive representation in negotiations to ensure clients retain their fair share of property and assets, as well as rights to children whenever applicable. In addition to divorce and separation settlements, Song Family Law also provides assistance with prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and modifications, as well as adoption.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Hogan Song - PrincipalActive17 yrs

26522 La Alameda, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (10)
Google
5.0 (7)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Jennifer Owens assists Lake Forest residents in various areas of family law, including divorce. Owens is focused on creating smart legal solutions with an aim to settle divorces outside of the courtroom, although she is ready to represent clients in court should disputes need litigation. She works and collaborates with all parties involved, and the attorney educates them in order to help them make informed choices. In addition, she helps clients seeking child support, custody, and visitation agreement modifications.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Alimony

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jennifer Owens - PrincipalActive14 yrs

23016 Lake Forest Drive, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (12)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Orange County Best Divorce caters to clients in Lake Forest and the surrounding communities. The firm provides legal representation in family law matters involving contested and uncontested divorce, child custody, spousal support, paternity, and settlement agreements. It also offers notarial and paralegal services. Arsalan AlNasir is a lawyer who also holds a mediation certificate under the California Dispute Resolutions Act. He works with Nicole Nabavi, a paralegal with over 14 years of experience preparing all family law related documents and recrifying complex issues.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Spousal Support

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Arsalan Alnasir - PrincipalActive8 yrs

One Park Plaza, Suite 600, Irvine, CA 92614
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (46)
Avvo
5.0 (13)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Lauren Mullee advocates for the rights of families and individuals in Lake Forest. It provides counsel to couples dealing with divorce cases, representing them during mediation and court proceedings. The legal practice helps parents file disputes to settle various issues involving child support and custody. It also conducts divorce prevention coaching and assists clients in processing the needed paperwork. Founding attorney Lauren Mallee is a certified family law specialist by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

9210 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Law Office of Elisabeth Donovan solely helps Lake Forest clients with family law issues, including divorce, child custody and support, guardianship, and restraining orders. Its principal, Elisabeth Donovan, helps divorcing clients obtain fair outcomes by working with them personally, guiding them through the complex process, and representing them and their children's best interests. Donovan, who has handled hundreds of family law matters, is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and was recognized as a top attorney in Southern California.

  • Contested

105 Crescent Bay Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Cindy Lee Cannon, APLC guides Lake Forest clients in family legal matters. Cannon works with clients who are going through an annulment or divorce and helps them obtain spousal support. She also offers mediated and collaborative divorce to clients who refuse to go to court. She is also a board-certified family law specialist who specializes in domestic violence cases. Cannon has over 32 years of experience as a court-appointed arbitrator in three California counties and works with the US State Department on international child abduction and custody disputes.

  • Child Support
  • Child Custody
  • Asset Distribution

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Cindy Cannon - PrincipalActive35 yrs

30012 Ivy Glenn Drive, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (16)
Facebook
5.0 (9)
Yelp
4.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Sabrina C. Fernandez is a family and criminal law attorney who serves Lake Forest residents. She assists clients in several areas, including divorce and issues that usually arise along the process such as property division, child custody, and spousal support. Moreover, she handles matters concerning guardianship, paternity, and restraining orders, and she also represents clients in criminal proceedings. Fernandez, who is an Italian American Bar Association member, has been working in the legal industry for over 25 years.

  • Child Support
  • Child Custody
  • Asset Distribution

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Sabrina Fernandez - PrincipalActive22 yrs

10 Corporate Park, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92606
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Kayajanian Law Firm represents clients facing divorce in Lake Forest and the neighboring cities. It guides individuals needing legal assistance to resolve their divorce cases involving alimony, child custody, and support agreements. It also handles domestic violence, grandparent visitation, paternity, and adoption matters. Since 1981, founding attorney Jack J. Kayajanian has been a certified family law specialist. He also served as a law professor focusing on community property and family law at the Western State University College of Law.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Lake Forest, CA

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Hughes Family Law offers legal assistance to clients looking to file for divorce in Lake Forest and the surrounding areas. Its sole practitioner, Samantha Hughes, previously had a title as the managing attorney at one of Orange County's largest firms. Now with her own firm, Hughes makes sure to provide personalized attention to each client. She also handles matters related to paternity, child custody, spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders. Hughes has been practicing law for over 10 years.

  • Asset Distribution
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Samantha Hughes - PrincipalActive14 yrs

28202 Cabot Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (45)
Yelp
4.5 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Located in Laguna Niguel, Orange Coast Family Law APC extends its services in the Lake Forest metro. It provides legal guidance and representation to individuals who are dealing with divorce proceedings. The law firm assists clients in various practical aspects, including the division of assets and debts, child custody and visitation, spousal support, and legal document preparation. Its team also handles cases related to collaborative divorce, child abduction prevention, and domestic violence. One of the firm's partners, Ashley Sedaghat, brings over 13 years of family law experience.

  • Asset Distribution
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Ashley Sedaghat - PartnerActive16 yrs

30101 Town Center Drive, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Domestic Violence Legal Center is a private practice that provides legal services in Lake Forest and the surrounding areas. Since 2004, Tracy C. Miller, the firm's founder, has been working with families in resolving family law matters. A divorce attorney, Miller has over 17 years of experience in handling divorce cases and other related matters including child custody, child support, and domestic violence. She also handles civil harassment restraining orders. Domestic Violence Legal Center has three Southern California offices and one Northern California office.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Tracy Miller - FounderActive22 yrs

1938 North Batavia Street, Orange, CA 92865

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (46)
Yelp
4.5 (14)

Why choose this provider?

Jos Family Law is a firm that serves individuals and families in Lake Forest and other communities in Orange County. Its focus is to help clients who need assistance in family law matters. Its practice areas include adoption, divorce, child support and custody, and spousal support. Jos Family Law also helps clients deal with asset division, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and paternity. Binoye Jos, the owner of the firm, has more than 20 years of industry experience.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Binoye Jos - FounderActive6 yrs

300 Spectrum Center Dr., Suite 400, Irvine, CA 92618

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (25)
Yelp
4.5 (7)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of W. Douglas McKeague represents clients in Lake Forest and the neighboring cities. It helps minimize court involvement in clients' divorce cases by providing mediation and negotiation strategies with their spouses. It also offers legal assistance in resolving divorce-related disputes and issues, including spousal and child support, custody, property division, and asset valuation. The law firm also handles high net worth and late-life divorce cases. Its founding attorney W. Douglas McKeague served as a Judge Pro Temp at the Orange County Superior Court.

  • Child Custody

20 Enterprise Suite 350, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

For more than two decades, Castle & Monarch has been offering legal counsel to Lake Forest clients. It mainly practices family law and represents individuals facing divorce. The firm helps resolve related matters like child support and alimony. It has experience advocating for various clients in divorce proceedings, including celebrities and professional athletes. Michael Monarch, its senior partner, serves as a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. He is certified in family law by the California Board of Legal Specialization.

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Alimony

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lake Forest, California?

    For non-emergency matters, call 949-770-6011 to reach the Police Services for Lake Forest.

  • Will committing adultery affect divorce agreements in Lake Forest?

    Not necessarily. As Lake Forest follows California’s no-fault divorce system, any wrongdoing on either spouse’s part will not affect their right to their share of community property and spousal support if deemed appropriate. It must be noted, though, that if the unfaithful partner spent a significant amount of money on their affair, that can be deducted from their share of community property.

  • For how long can you receive spousal support in Lake Forest?

    It depends. If you have been married for a short time only, spousal support may be available to you for half the length of the marriage. But if you have been married for a long time, spousal support may be awarded to you for life. Lake Forest adheres to the guidelines set in the California Family Code Laws for determining spousal support.

  • Can you stop a divorce after filing the papers in Lake Forest?

    Yes. It is possible for you to stop a divorce in Lake Forest during any stage of your divorce proceeding. If you and your spouse have decided to give your marriage another try, you can file to have your petition for marital dissolution dismissed. However, if it was your spouse who filed for divorce, you must first convince your spouse to file a dismissal, as you are not allowed to stop the divorce by yourself.

  • How is child support paid in Lake Forest?

    Wage garnishment helps enforce child support in Lake Forest. Under this system, a certain amount of money is withheld from every paycheck a parent earns, which will then be redirected to their child for financial support. If a parent willfully neglects their child support responsibilities, they can be held in contempt of court. They may face hefty fines or, in more serious cases, jail time.

  • How long does it take for a divorce to get finalized in Lake Forest?

    As no two divorce cases in Lake Forest are the same, the amount of time it takes for a divorce to get finalized in the city largely varies. With California’s mandatory six-month waiting period, the earliest you can get your divorce finalized is six months if everything goes smoothly. However, many divorces can take much longer than that.