Going through a divorce or a family law issue can be one of the most emotionally and financially challenging experiences of your life. At Duncan Family Law, we provide clear legal guidance, strategic advocacy, and steady support during every stage of the divorce process.
Led by California divorce and family law attorney Nicole Duncan, our firm represents clients throughout Los Angeles County in straightforward and high-conflict divorce matters, including those involving child custody disputes, spousal support, and complex asset division.
You do not have to navigate this process alone.
Serving Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and nearby cities
Nicole Duncan is a dedicated California family law attorney with extensive experience handling divorce cases across Los Angeles County. She is known for her courtroom preparedness, strategic negotiation skills, and client-focused approach.
Nicole Duncan regularly represents clients before Los Angeles family courts and provides informed guidance on matters involving:
High-asset and complex divorces
Contentious child custody and visitation disputes
Spousal support and financial settlements
Domestic violence restraining orders
Clients work directly with an attorney who understands both the legal realities and the emotional impact of divorce.
Divorce is not simply paperwork — it is a legal process that directly impacts your family, finances, and future. At Duncan Family Law, we ensure you understand your rights, obligations, and options at every step.
Whether your divorce is uncontested or highly disputed, our Los Angeles divorce attorneys work to protect your interests while pursuing fair, efficient outcomes.
We can assist with:
Child custody and parenting plans
Child support determinations
Spousal support (alimony)
Division of marital assets and debts
Legal separation and divorce proceedings
Domestic violence matters related to divorce
Understanding the divorce process helps reduce uncertainty and stress. While every case is unique, most California divorces follow these steps:
Filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Service of divorce papers and response deadlines
Mandatory financial disclosures by both parties
Temporary court orders (custody, support, protection)
Negotiation, mediation, or settlement conferences
Trial, if necessary, and final judgment
Our firm manages all procedural requirements, deadlines, and court filings so you can focus on moving forward.
Divorces in Los Angeles frequently involve factors that require advanced legal strategies, including:
High-value real estate and investment portfolios
Business ownership or self-employment income
Entertainment, consulting, or contract-based earnings
Child custody disputes across multiple jurisdictions
Domestic violence concerns impacting custody and support
Duncan Family Law provides experienced representation tailored to the complexities of Los Angeles family law cases.
Every divorce case carries unique circumstances and priorities. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions while advocating for outcomes that protect your future.
We focus on:
Fair financial resolutions
Protecting parental rights
Minimizing unnecessary conflict when possible
Preparing thoroughly for litigation when required
Your case receives focused attention — never a one-size-fits-all strategy.
Divorce involves critical legal and financial issues that can have lasting consequences. A skilled divorce attorney helps ensure that:
Legal procedures are followed correctly
Financial disclosures are accurate and complete
Custody and support arrangements serve your child’s best interests
Your rights are protected throughout negotiations or litigation
Having experienced legal representation can prevent costly mistakes and unnecessary delays.
Focused family law practice
Attorney-led representation
Experience with Los Angeles family courts
Strategic, client-centered approach
Clear communication and practical guidance
We adapt our legal strategies to meet each client’s needs while maintaining the highest professional standards.
If you are facing a divorce or legal separation, early legal guidance can make a meaningful difference. Duncan Family Law is here to help you understand your options and protect your interests.
Contact our Los Angeles divorce attorneys today to request a confidential consultation.
Duncan Family Law Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles
Address: 8075 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: (855) 369-9993
Divorce cases in Los Angeles are handled through multiple family law courthouses, each with its own procedures, judicial calendars, and local practices. Working with a divorce attorney familiar with these courts can make a meaningful difference in how efficiently and effectively your case is handled.
At Duncan Family Law, we represent clients across Los Angeles County, including matters filed in the following courthouses:
The Stanley Mosk Courthouse handles a significant volume of family law matters, including complex divorce, custody disputes, and cases involving domestic violence. Proceedings here often involve strict procedural requirements and scheduling considerations. Proper preparation and familiarity with the court’s processes are essential.
The Van Nuys Family Law Courthouse serves many residents of the San Fernando Valley. Divorce cases here frequently involve child custody issues, support orders, and contested financial matters. Experience navigating local filing procedures and court expectations is critical for timely resolution.
The Pasadena Courthouse hears family law cases for surrounding communities and may involve both contested and uncontested divorce matters. Each case requires careful handling of disclosures, hearings, and court orders to avoid unnecessary delays.
Divorce cases filed at the Santa Monica Courthouse often involve complex financial considerations, including business interests or high-income earners. Strategic legal guidance is essential when addressing property division and support matters in these cases.
The Torrance Courthouse serves the South Bay and nearby areas. Family law cases here commonly address custody schedules, support obligations, and modifications of existing court orders.
Los Angeles County family courts vary in:
Scheduling timelines
Judicial expectations
Local filing procedures
Mediation and settlement practices
An experienced Los Angeles divorce attorney understands how to prepare filings, anticipate court requirements, and advocate effectively within each courthouse. This local familiarity can help prevent unnecessary delays and procedural setbacks.
California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not have to prove wrongdoing to file for divorce. Most divorces are filed on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, which simply means the marriage cannot be repaired. In rare cases, divorce may also be granted due to incurable insanity, which requires medical proof and additional legal steps.
California requires a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date your spouse is served with divorce papers before a divorce can be finalized. Some cases resolve shortly after this period, while others may take longer depending on issues such as child custody, support, or asset division. An experienced divorce attorney can help move the process forward as efficiently as possible.
California follows community property law, meaning most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally. However, determining what qualifies as community versus separate property can be complex. A Los Angeles divorce attorney can help protect assets that may be rightfully separate and ensure a fair division based on your circumstances.
California courts base child custody decisions on the best interests of the child. Judges consider factors such as the child’s health and safety, parenting history, stability, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. Custody arrangements may include legal custody, physical custody, or a combination of both.
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is financial support paid by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. Courts evaluate factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, standard of living, and financial obligations. In longer marriages, spousal support issues can be particularly complex.
Child support in California is calculated using a statewide guideline formula that considers each parent’s income, time spent with the child, tax considerations, and additional expenses such as healthcare or childcare. While the formula provides a baseline, certain circumstances may justify adjustments.
Yes, certain aspects of a divorce judgment — such as child custody, child support, or spousal support — may be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances. Examples include job loss, income changes, relocation, or changes in a child’s needs. Court approval is required for any modification.
While you are legally allowed to represent yourself, divorce laws and court procedures can be complicated, especially when children or significant assets are involved. Working with a knowledgeable Los Angeles divorce attorney helps ensure your rights are protected and reduces the risk of costly mistakes.
Because California is a no-fault divorce state, your spouse does not need to agree for the divorce to proceed. If your spouse refuses to participate, the court may allow the divorce to move forward through a default judgment, provided all legal requirements are met.
A legal separation allows spouses to live apart and resolve issues related to custody, support, and property without ending the marriage. A divorce formally terminates the marriage and allows both parties to remarry. Legal separation is often chosen for religious, financial, or insurance reasons.
The cost of a divorce attorney varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether it is contested, and the issues involved. Some divorces resolve quickly, while others require extensive litigation. A consultation with a divorce attorney can help you understand potential costs and legal options.
The courthouse depends on where you or your spouse live when the case is filed. Common venues include the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Van Nuys Courthouse, Pasadena Courthouse, Santa Monica Courthouse, and Torrance Courthouse. A divorce attorney can help determine the proper filing location.
While California divorce laws are uniform statewide, local court procedures, scheduling, and judicial preferences may differ. Having an attorney familiar with local court practices can help ensure compliance with court-specific requirements.
Not necessarily. However, filings are generally based on residency rules. Once a case is filed, appearances may be required in that specific courthouse unless otherwise permitted by the court.
In limited circumstances, a divorce case may be transferred, but court approval is required. Transfers often depend on changes in residency or court jurisdiction issues.
