At Skarin Law Group, we are trusted divorce lawyers with over 15 years of experience.

If you are going through a divorce in Culver City, the decisions you make during this process will affect your finances, your living situation, and your relationship with your children for years. Having an attorney who understands how California dissolution cases work can help you avoid costly mistakes and pursue an outcome that reflects your priorities.

Skarin Law Group has handled divorce cases in California for over 15 years. Our Culver City, CA divorce lawyer represents both petitioners and respondents in all aspects of marital dissolution, from filing through final judgment. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case.

Divorce Lawyer Culver City, CA

Divorce in California is a legal process known as dissolution of marriage. It formally ends a marriage and requires the court to resolve issues such as property division, spousal support, and, when children are involved, custody and child support. California is a no-fault state, so neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing to file.

The process can be straightforward when both parties agree on all terms, or it can become contested when significant disputes arise over assets, support, or parenting time. A divorce attorney in Culver City who has handled both types of cases can help you assess your situation early and develop a strategy that accounts for the specific facts of your marriage.

Types of Divorce Cases We Handle in Culver City

Our attorneys at Skarin Law Group represent clients in Culver City, CA across the full range of divorce matters. No two cases look the same. The issues that apply to your dissolution depend on the length of your marriage, what you own, and whether you have children. Below are the types of divorce cases we handle most frequently.

• Contested divorce. When spouses cannot agree on key issues like custody, support, or the division of property, the case becomes contested. These cases often involve discovery, depositions, and trial preparation. We handle contested dissolutions from initial filing through resolution.
• Uncontested divorce. When both parties agree on all material terms, the process can move faster and cost less. We prepare and review settlement agreements to make sure your interests are protected before anything is submitted to the court.
• High-asset divorce. Divorces involving significant assets, business interests, investment portfolios, or real property require careful financial analysis. Our firm’s background in accounting and real estate gives us a distinct advantage in these cases.
• Child custody and visitation. When a divorce involves minor children, the court must approve a parenting plan that addresses legal custody, physical custody, and a visitation schedule. We advocate for custody arrangements that serve the child’s best interest while protecting parental rights.
• Child support. California calculates child support using a guideline formula that considers income, time-share, and certain deductions. We help clients obtain fair initial orders and pursue modifications when circumstances change.
• Spousal support. Also called alimony, spousal support may be awarded during or after a divorce based on the marriage’s length, each party’s income, and the marital standard of living. We represent both payors and recipients.
• Property and asset division. California is a community property state. Marital assets and debts are generally split equally, but tracing separate property, valuing businesses, and dividing retirement accounts can make this process far more complex than it appears.
• Mediated divorce. Mediation can help spouses resolve disputes without going to trial. A mediator facilitates negotiations, and each side can still have independent legal counsel to review any proposed agreements.

Why Choose Skarin Law Group as My Divorce Lawyer in Culver City, CA?

Legal and Financial Credentials

Attorney Matthew Skarin brings a combination of credentials that is uncommon in California divorce law. He is a Certified Family Law Specialist, a Certified Public Accountant, and a licensed California Real Estate Broker. He is the only attorney in California who holds all three. That background is particularly relevant in dissolution cases involving business valuations, tax consequences of asset transfers, real property disputes, and retirement account division.

Before law school, Matthew Skarin worked in tax and compliance at Deloitte & Touche and Miller and Co. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara and his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School. He is a Fellow of the AAML (American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers), Southern California Chapter.

Awards and Professional Recognition

Matthew Skarin has been named a Super Lawyer by LA Magazine from 2020 through 2024 and received Rising Star designations from 2015 through 2019. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a 10/10 AVVO rating. The firm has also been recognized among Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms by US News from 2020 through 2022.

As a family lawyer in Culver City, CA, Skarin Law Group handles every area of family law litigation, and our divorce practice benefits from that breadth of experience. The firm bills on an hourly basis with evergreen retainers.

What Is Important to Understand About Divorce Cases?

Grounds for Divorce and Property Division in California

California recognizes only no-fault grounds for divorce. Either spouse can file by citing irreconcilable differences. The filing spouse does not need the other’s consent to begin the process. Once a petition is filed, the court addresses several key issues:

• Community property: California presumes that assets and debts acquired during the marriage belong equally to both spouses. Division follows a 50/50 framework, though identifying and valuing assets can be complex.
• Separate property: assets owned before the marriage or acquired by gift or inheritance are generally not subject to division, but commingling can blur these lines.
• Spousal support: the court weighs the marriage’s length, each party’s income, and several other statutory factors.
• Child custody: determined based on the best interest of the child, considering each parent’s involvement and the stability of each home.
• Child support: calculated using a statewide guideline that factors in each parent’s income, time-share, and tax filing status.

What Are Important Aspects of a Divorce Case?

Several factors can significantly affect the outcome of a Culver City divorce case. Being aware of these early helps you and your attorney build a stronger position.

• Date of separation matters. California uses this date to determine which assets and debts are community property. Disputes over the date can change property division outcomes.
• Temporary orders shape the case. Courts often issue temporary orders for custody, support, and property restraints. These orders carry real weight and frequently influence the final judgment.
• Full disclosure is required. Both spouses must exchange declarations of disclosure covering all income, expenses, assets, and debts. Hiding assets can result in sanctions or a judgment being set aside.
• Strategic decisions arise throughout. From choosing between mediation and litigation to deciding how to protect your financial interests, the choices at each stage affect the final result.

What Is the Divorce Case Timeline?

Every divorce in California follows a procedural framework, but the timeline varies depending on whether the case is contested. An uncontested dissolution can be finalized in as little as six months. A contested case with disputes over custody, support, or assets can take over a year.

• Filing and service: one spouse files a petition. The other spouse is served and has 30 days to respond.
• Financial disclosures: both parties exchange declarations of disclosure within 60 days.
• Temporary orders: either party can request temporary orders for custody, support, or property restraints.
• Negotiation or trial preparation: the parties exchange information through discovery and attempt to reach a settlement. Many divorces resolve at this stage.
• Judgment: if an agreement is reached, it is submitted to the court. If not, unresolved issues go to trial.

California law imposes a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date the respondent is served. No divorce can be finalized before that period expires.

What Should You Bring to Your Divorce Consultation?

Coming to your first consultation with a Culver City divorce attorney prepared will help the attorney evaluate your situation more effectively. Bring the following documents if you have them:

• Recent tax returns and W-2s for both spouses
• Bank account, retirement account, and investment statements
• Mortgage documents, property deeds, and property tax bills
• Business records or partnership agreements, if applicable
• Any existing prenuptial or postnuptial agreement

During the meeting, the attorney will review your financial situation, discuss the likely issues in your case, and outline a preliminary strategy. You will also have the opportunity to ask about fees, timeline, and what to expect going forward.

What Are Important California Legal Resources for Divorce Cases?

California offers several public resources for individuals going through the divorce process. These can help you understand procedures, find forms, and learn about your rights.

• The California Courts divorce guide provides an overview of dissolution options, the required steps, and information on legal separation and annulment.
• The California Family Code is available through the state legislature’s website and covers the statutes governing divorce, custody, support, and property division.
• The California child support services agency provides information on how support orders are established, modified, and enforced.
• The LA Superior Court family law division website has filing procedures, local forms, and courthouse information specific to Los Angeles County.

Reach Out to Skarin Law Group to Schedule a Consultation

If you are facing a divorce in Culver City, CA, Skarin Law Group can help you understand your options and plan your next steps. We bill on an hourly basis with evergreen retainers and will explain our fee structure during your initial meeting. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a divorce attorney who has over 15 years of California family law experience.