Forty-one years protecting what matters in California's most consequential divorces.

Senior, personal representation in high-asset divorce, complex property division, and contested custody — admitted in California, New York, New Jersey, and District of Columbia (DC).

41 Years in California Family Law • Admitted in CA · NY · NJ · DC • Top 100 Family Law Attorneys (2021)

Built for Cases That Cannot Be Handed Off

My practice is intentionally selective. The clients I serve best are professionals, business owners, and executives whose divorces involve significant assets, complex property, multi-state elements, or contested custody — and who want a senior attorney personally guiding every decision, not an associate learning on their case.

• You have a home, business interest, RSUs, or trust to protect.
• You value discretion and clear strategy over courtroom theater.
• You want the attorney you hire to be the attorney you call.

Meet Sara

Sara A. Weinstein has practiced California family law for over forty years from her Los Angeles office. Her work focuses on the cases where the stakes are highest — high-asset divorce, complex property division, business and trust interests, and contested custody.Clients hire Sara for three reasons. First, experience: four decades inside California family courts means very few situations are unfamiliar. Second, reach: in addition to California, Sara is admitted to the bars of New York, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia — which matters when assets, businesses, or a former spouse cross state lines. Third, access: when you retain Sara, Sara handles your case. Strategy calls, court appearances, settlement negotiations — you work directly with the senior attorney, not an associate.Sara has been named to the American Lawyer's Top 100 Family Law Attorneys, and has received the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys' "10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction" recognition in multiple years. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hofstra University and a Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles — a background that maps cleanly to the financial complexity high-asset divorces frequently demand.

Recognition From the Profession

A small selection of the recognition Sara has received over four decades of practice.

• Top 100 Family Law Attorneys — The American Lawyer (2021)
• 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction — American Institute of Family Law Attorneys (2016, 2019, 2020)
• Best Divorce Lawyers in Los Angeles — Expertise.com (2021)
• Client Champion Platinum — Martindale-Hubbell
• Top Attorney, Women in Law (2019)
• Leaders in Law (2020)
• Avvo Super Client Rating
• Assisted the courts in participating as a daily settlement officer

Awards listed reflect honors received from the bodies named, in the years specified.

Practice Areas

High-Asset DivorceStrategic representation when significant property, business interests, or executive compensation are at stake.
Complex Property DivisionReal estate, business valuations, RSUs and stock options, retirement accounts, and tracing of separate property.
Multi-State & Cross-Jurisdiction MattersWhen assets, businesses, or a spouse cross state lines — admitted in CA, NY, NJ, and DC.
Contested CustodyCalm, child-centered advocacy in high-conflict custody and visitation matters.
Spousal & Child SupportAccurate, defensible support calculations based on full financial disclosure.
Pre- & Post-Nuptial AgreementsPre- & Post-Nuptial Agreements Clear, enforceable agreements drafted to protect what you bring to the marriage.

Three Steps to Clarity

1. Schedule a confidential consultation. Call the office or use the form below. Sara personally reviews every consultation request.2. Meet with Sara. We talk through your situation, what is at stake, and what a sound strategy looks like. You leave with a clear understanding of your options — whether or not you retain.3. Build the plan. If we move forward, we map the case, the timeline, and the costs. No surprises.

Testimonials

"I was thrown into a divorce that I didn't see coming. I thank God that I took a recommendation to seek counsel from Sara Weinstein. Ms. Weinstein is an extraordinary attorney and human being."
- Margherita S."Sara Weinstein represented me in my divorce. She did a great job. I was extremely pleased with her representation. She is an excellent family law lawyer. I would recommend her highly."
- Gary A."Professional. Knowledgeable. EFFECTIVE. Like many of us, I have had the misfortune of finding myself in the middle of a very emotional divorce. Thankfully, I had the Law Offices of Sara Weinstein on my side.
- Cyndee P.

FAQ

How much does a divorce attorney in Los Angeles cost?

Family law representation is billed hourly. Sara's rate reflects four decades of experience, multi-state credentials, and the complexity of the work. Most clients pay an initial retainer fee that is drawn down against hourly billing and costs incurred. We discuss fees openly during the consultation so you can make an informed decision.

Will I work with Sara directly, or with an associate?

You work with Sara. The practice is structured intentionally so that the attorney you meet is the attorney handling your case. Where useful and necessary, Sara coordinates with trusted professionals to support each case, including forensic accountants, child custody evaluators, consultants, co-parenting experts, mental health advocates, and therapists.

My case touches another state. Can you handle that?

Depending on the issues, likely yes. In addition to California, Sara is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia. That four-state footprint covers a significant share of the cross-border situations our clients encounter — RSUs, secondary residences, and businesses registered out of state. Where another jurisdiction is required, we coordinate with vetted local counsel.

What should I bring to the consultation?

Whatever you have. A list of major assets and debts, a sense of timeline, and any documents already filed. If you have nothing prepared, that is fine too — we will start from where you are.

Is the consultation confidential?

Your inquiry is handled confidentially even if an attorney-client relationship is not formed until Sara agrees to represent you and a written agreement is signed.

How long does a divorce take in California?

It depends on the case and cooperation of the other spouse. California requires a minimum six-month waiting period after filing for the marriage to be dissolved and the spouses restored to being unmarried. Most contested cases involving significant assets can take longer than other cases.

Ready to talk?

Call (310) 785-9444 or send a message below. Every consultation request is reviewed personally by Sara within three business days.

Thank you

Sara's office will reach out to you soon.