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.

Divorce Statistics in Culver City

Divorce is rarely only a legal event. It is a financial one, and in a community like Culver City the financial side often carries real weight. Higher incomes and property values mean that when a marriage ends, there is usually more to divide, from a family home to retirement accounts and business interests. Understanding the local picture helps explain why so many dissolutions here turn on money as much as on paperwork.

The figures below come from the U.S. Census Bureau and describe the community our Culver City divorce attorneys serve. They are context, not predictions about any one case, but they show why careful financial work matters locally, and why an early, honest look at the finances shapes the whole case.

• Culver City is home to roughly 40,000 residents, according to Census QuickFacts.
• The city has about 17,500 households, a mix of long-married couples, younger families, and single residents.
• Median household income sits near $117,000, well above the state figure, which means larger marital estates are common.
• Nationally, fewer than half of all households are now married-couple households, a shift the Census Bureau tracks through its marriage and divorce data.

Numbers like these are why we treat asset tracing, valuation, and support as central to a Culver City dissolution, not as afterthoughts. A home or retirement account built over years can become the single largest issue in a divorce, and pinning down its true value takes careful financial work.

Questions to Ask a Divorce Lawyer Before Hiring

Choosing the right attorney shapes how your case feels and how it ends. A first meeting is your chance to test fit, not just to hand over facts. The questions below help you compare divorce lawyers in Culver City, CA and decide who you trust with something this personal.

1. Are you a Certified Family Law Specialist? This State Bar designation signals focused family law experience. Ask who holds it and whether that person will be involved in your matter.
2. Who will actually handle my case? Some firms sell you on a senior name, then pass the work down. Find out who drafts your documents, appears in court, and answers your calls.
3. How do you bill, and what retainer will I need? Ask how the firm charges, how retainers work, and what tends to drive cost up. Clear answers early prevent surprises later.
4. Have you handled cases with finances like mine? A divorce involving a business, real property, or retirement accounts calls for different skills than a simple one. Ask directly whether the attorney has done this work.
5. Do you see my case settling or heading to trial? No one can promise an outcome, but an experienced attorney can read early signs. The answer tells you how the lawyer thinks.
6. How will we communicate? Ask how updates reach you and how quickly the firm returns calls and emails. Communication style matters over a case that can last months.
7. What is the hardest issue in my case? A candid lawyer will name the weak spot rather than tell you only what you want to hear. That honesty is worth more than reassurance.
8. What should I do now to protect myself? Good counsel gives you concrete steps at the first meeting, from gathering records to avoiding decisions that could hurt your position.

Culver City Divorce Lawyer FAQs

How much does a divorce cost in Culver City?

Cost depends almost entirely on conflict. An uncontested case with a written agreement costs far less than one fought over custody or assets. Skarin Law Group bills hourly with evergreen retainers, and we explain the structure before you commit. During your first meeting, we give you a realistic sense of what your matter is likely to involve.

How long will my divorce take?

California sets a minimum waiting period before any divorce becomes final, so no case ends overnight. Beyond that, timing tracks conflict. Couples who agree on the major terms can finish relatively quickly. Disputes over custody, support, or the value of a business or home can stretch a case well past a year.

Do I need a reason to file?

No. California is a no-fault state, which means you can end a marriage by citing irreconcilable differences. You do not have to prove wrongdoing, and you do not need your spouse’s agreement to file. Fault does not decide property or support, so the court focuses on dividing assets and arranging custody instead.

How is property divided in a Culver City divorce?

California is a community property state, so most assets and debts built during the marriage are generally split equally. Property owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance usually stays separate, though commingling can blur the line. Protecting separate property often comes down to documentation and clear tracing.

Can I change a custody or support order later?

Yes. Orders are not permanent. When circumstances change in a real and lasting way, such as a new job, a move, or a shift in a child’s needs, either parent can ask the court to modify child support or a parenting plan. We handle both original orders and later modifications.

What if my spouse and I agree on everything?

That is the smoothest path, and we can keep it that way. Even in an amicable split, the settlement agreement has to be drafted correctly and cover every issue, or problems surface later. We prepare and review the paperwork so an agreement you reached in good faith holds up as a binding judgment.

Will I have to go to court?

Often, no. Many Culver City divorces resolve through negotiation or mediation, and a written agreement is submitted without a trial. Court becomes necessary when key issues stay in dispute, particularly child custody or the division of complex assets. We prepare every case as though it could be tried, which strengthens our position in settlement.

Should I move out during the divorce?

Not before you get advice. Moving out can affect custody, use of the home, and support, and the right choice depends on your facts. Talk with a divorce attorney in Culver City, CA before making that decision, especially when children live in the house. A short conversation early can prevent a costly mistake.

Do my spouse and I need separate lawyers?

Yes. One attorney cannot represent both spouses, because your interests differ even in a friendly divorce. Each of you should have independent counsel, or at least have any agreement reviewed by your own lawyer before signing. That protects you and makes a settlement far harder to challenge later.

What happens to the family home?

It depends on whether the home is community or separate property and on what both spouses want. Common paths are selling and splitting the proceeds, one spouse buying out the other, or deferring a sale until the children finish school. We help weigh the tax and financial tradeoffs of each option.

Important Resources for Culver City Divorce Cases

Culver City Family Court and Local Resources

Culver City sits in Los Angeles County, and family law matters for the area are handled through the Central District of the Los Angeles Superior Court. Filings, hearings, and judgments for most local dissolutions run through the Stanley Mosk Courthouse at 111 N. Hill Street in downtown Los Angeles, which houses the family law division and several self-help services. You can reach the courthouse at (213) 830-0800. Confirm your assigned location before filing, since assignments depend on where the parties live.

What Are Important Local Resources for Culver City Divorce Cases?

Several public offices can help residents who are handling part of a case on their own or who need support services during a divorce.

• Family Law Facilitator, (213) 637-8470. Free help with child support, spousal support, and related paperwork for LA County cases.
• Self-Represented Litigants Center, (213) 893-9754. Workshops and guidance for people navigating divorce or parentage without an attorney.
• Child Support Services, (866) 901-3212. The Los Angeles County department that establishes, modifies, and enforces support orders.

These resources are provided for general information only. Skarin Law Group does not endorse or have any affiliation with the offices listed above.

About Skarin Law Group

Matthew Skarin founded Skarin Law Group after more than a decade as a partner at one of the largest family law firms in Los Angeles. He built the firm to give clients the depth of a large practice with closer, more direct attention. Based in El Segundo, the firm represents families throughout Los Angeles County, including Culver City, and focuses its work on family law litigation. Several attorneys handle divorce, custody, support, and property matters, so a case can move across connected issues without being handed to an outside office. That structure lets us stay with a client from the first filing through judgment, and often through any modifications that follow. Clients work with attorneys who understand both the law and the numbers behind a marital estate.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“I went through 3 attorneys before all was said and done. Matt came through for me and helped me reach a result.”

• Eric H.

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Additional Resources for Culver City Divorce Cases

• The 10-Year Mark in Divorce: Why Marriage Length Changes the Alimony Conversation
• Common Myths about Divorce in California, Debunked
• Separate Property and Transmutation in CA
• Custody When California Parents Live Apart
• Legal Considerations for Blended Families in California

Contact Skarin Law Group

If you are weighing a divorce in Culver City, the sooner you understand your options, the more control you keep over what happens next. Our attorneys handle both straightforward and high-asset dissolutions, and the perspective of an attorney and CPA helps when the numbers get complicated. We bill hourly with evergreen retainers and explain our fees at the first meeting, so you can plan. Expect a direct conversation about your situation, the likely path, and next steps. We respond promptly and represent clients across Los Angeles County. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a Culver City divorce lawyer.