RADFORD & ROME, LLP · LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles Divorce Attorneys

Protect your financial future and move forward with a clear plan. Radford & Rome, LLP represents clients in Los Angeles divorce matters involving property, support, parenting, and contested court proceedings.

Former prosecutors. Prepared advocates for your family.

Divorce Representation in Los Angeles

Why Choose Radford & Rome?

A divorce agreement can shape your finances and family life for years. Our approach begins with the details: what you own, what you owe, what is disputed, and what you need the court to decide. We prepare to negotiate from an informed position and to present evidence when agreement is not possible.

Partners David Rome and Willie Radford bring their experience as former prosecutors to evaluating evidence, preparing witnesses, and presenting contested issues. We provide direct advice about the issues your case presents and prepare for the steps needed to pursue your objectives.

Our office is at 1800 Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90028. We serve clients in Los Angeles and across Southern California. Tell us about any upcoming hearing or response deadline when you contact the firm.

Where do you start a California divorce?

California allows a no-fault divorce: you do not need to prove marital misconduct or obtain your spouse’s agreement to end the marriage. The California Courts divorce guide explains the available process. Generally, at least one spouse must have lived in California for six months and in the filing county for three months before the petition is filed, subject to statutory exceptions. For a Los Angeles filing, confirm the county requirement and correct filing location rather than assuming every family case belongs at the same courthouse. See Family Code section 2320.

How long does a divorce take?

In a traditional petition-and-response case, marital status cannot end until at least six months after service of the summons and petition or the respondent’s appearance, whichever occurs first. That waiting period is a minimum, not an automatic divorce date. A judgment is still required, and disputed issues may take longer. See Family Code section 2339.

California also offers a joint-petition procedure beginning in 2026. For that procedure, the six-month waiting period begins when the joint petition is filed. It still requires financial disclosures and the steps necessary to obtain judgment. The California Courts joint-petition guide explains this option. The appropriate route depends on your circumstances, including the extent of agreement between spouses.

Property division starts with accurate financial information

California generally requires equal division of the community estate unless the spouses agree otherwise or a statutory exception applies. That does not mean every account, asset, or debt is automatically split in half. Identifying what belongs to the community and what may be separate property comes first. See Family Code section 2550 and the California Courts property and debt guide.

A business, retirement account, real estate purchase, or account funded from several sources may require closer review. Gather acquisition records, account statements, loan documents, and any premarital or postmarital agreement. Those records help your attorney identify questions that may require valuation, tracing, or an appropriate financial professional.

Spouses must exchange financial disclosures. Preliminary disclosures are generally due within 60 days after filing the petition or response. Do not assume an informal conversation about finances satisfies that obligation. See the California Courts financial-disclosure guide.

Address immediate needs while the case is pending

Before negotiating a final settlement, identify urgent concerns: where the children will live, how essential expenses will be paid, and whether protection from abuse is needed. Temporary custody or support orders may be available while the divorce proceeds. A proposed settlement should be evaluated as a whole, including the practical effect of property allocation and ongoing financial obligations.

What should you bring to a divorce consultation?

Bring any filed papers and hearing notices, your existing court orders, a short timeline of the marriage and separation, recent tax returns and income records, and a list of major assets and debts. If children are involved, include the current parenting schedule and the changes you are seeking. Identify upcoming deadlines at the beginning of the conversation.

Does every divorce require a trial?

No. The path may involve an agreement, litigation of selected issues, or a trial when material disputes remain. The objective is a workable result supported by accurate information. Preparation matters in either setting: a settlement should be a deliberate decision, with an understanding of the terms and their consequences.

Related family law services: child custody and parenting plans; spousal support; child support.

Radford & Rome, LLP is based in Los Angeles and represents clients in family law matters across Southern California. Learn about our family law representation or request a consultation. Call (213) 550-3477 to discuss your case.

This page provides general information about California law and is not legal advice for a particular case. Reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.