When you’re facing the end of a marriage, choosing the right divorce attorney can make a significant difference—not just legally, but emotionally, financially and for everyone involved. Divorce isn’t just about breaking a contract: it often involves asset division, child custody, support, sometimes business interests, and very personal stakes. With that in mind, you’ll want counsel who has both the legal savvy and the interpersonal skills to guide you through.
In the U.S., there are hundreds of attorneys who handle family law and divorce, but a handful stand out because of their track records, reputations, high‑profile matters, or specialization. Below I highlight ten such lawyers (in no strict ranking order) — each with their own niche or strength. Note: This isn’t a substitute for legal advice. Always meet with multiple attorneys, ask about their experience in your state and region (divorce law varies by state), and choose someone you trust.
What to look for in a divorce lawyer
Before we go into specific names, here are key attributes to evaluate:
- Experience in your jurisdiction & case type. Divorce law varies state to state. Some firms specialise in high‑asset divorces, others more routine.
- Reputation and peer recognition. Awards, listings in directories, peer‑reviews matter. For example, lists like the “Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Family Lawyers” provide credible benchmarks.
- Communication & fit. You’ll want someone who explains things plainly, listens, is respectful, and whose fees and structure you understand.
- Resources & team. High‑stakes divorces often involve forensic accountants, valuation experts, complex asset tracing. These need a firm with depth.
- Focus on your priorities. Do you care most about custody? Asset preservation? Minimising conflict? Choose accordingly.
Top 10 Divorce Lawyers (U.S.)
Here are ten attorneys who stand out in the field. I include a bit about what makes each one notable.
1. Laura Wasser (Los Angeles, CA)
Laura Wasser is probably one of the most widely known divorce attorneys in the U.S., especially for high‑net‑worth and celebrity cases.
- She earned the nickname “Disso Queen” because of her significant role in high‑profile dissolutions.
- Her background: BA in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley, JD from Loyola Law School (1994).
- She also founded a digital divorce platform, showing she’s thinking about broader access and modernising divorce culture.
Why you might choose her: If you are in California (or another state with big‑asset matters) and need someone who has handled very complex, high‑stakes divorces, she’s a strong pick.
2. Mark Vincent Kaplan (Los Angeles, CA)
Mark Kaplan is another heavyweight in family law, particularly in Southern California.
- Founding partner of the Law Offices of Kaplan, Trope & Gekht.
- Known for handling exclusively family law, including high‑asset divorces, business valuations, complex custody issues.
Why you might choose him: If your divorce involves complex asset divisions, high wealth or business interests, having someone experienced in exactly that domain is key.
3. Raoul Felder (New York, NY)
Based in New York, Raoul Felder is well known for matrimonial law and has represented some serious names.
- Practicing for decades, with a reputation in high‑profile divorces in New York.
Why you might choose him: If you’re in the New York area (or your matter touches NY jurisdiction) and need someone with long experience and reputation in complex, maybe public divorces.
4. Nancy Chemtob (New York, NY)
Nancy Chemtob has carved a niche in representing high‑net‑worth clients and divorces involving substantial assets.
- Founded Chemtob, Moss, Forman & Beyda LLP.
- Cases include representation of celebrities and clients with intricate financial profiles.
Why you might choose her: When asset protection, complex wealth, or privacy are major issues.
5. James J. Sexton (New York metropolitan area)
James Sexton is a divorce and family law attorney with a solid reputation in New York.
- He also writes for broader audiences, offers insights beyond the courtroom.
Why you might choose him: If you want someone with strong regional reputation, communication skills and experience in the NY region.
6. Cordell & Cordell (Nationwide)
While not a single attorney, Cordell & Cordell is one of the largest family law firms in the U.S., specialising in divorce, custody and support.
- Over 35 years in business, 200+ attorneys, 100k+ clients served.
Why you might choose them: If you need a firm with large scale, many offices across states, and full team resources rather than one solo practitioner.
7. Sorrell Trope (Los Angeles, CA)
Sorrell Trope is another major name in the divorces of high‑profile individuals.
- Known for celebrity cases; his firm Trope & Trope handles complex, high stakes marital dissolutions.
Why you might choose him: If you’re in Los Angeles (or have ties there) and your matter involves high net‑worth, public profile or significant assets.
8. Earle Lilly (Houston, TX)
From the Houston region, Earle Lilly has a reputation in high‑profile and difficult family law matters.
Why you might choose him: If you’re based in Texas, or your divorce touches Texas law or Texas‑based assets.
9. Robert Stephan Cohen (New York, NY)
Cohen is noted in the list of “most successful divorce attorneys” with celebrity and complex asset matters.
Why you might choose him: For a New York law firm option with a track record in large, complex divorces.
10. Jeffery M. Leving (Chicago, IL)
Jeffery Leving brings a somewhat different flavour: He has a strong presence in fathers’ rights and family law on the custody side, based in Chicago.
Why you might choose him: If you’re in Illinois (or surrounding states) and custody, rights of fathers or non‐traditional family structures are a major part of your case.
Why these picks matter
Each of these attorneys (or firms) brings proven experience, recognition, and resources. They span coast to coast (California, New York, Texas, Illinois) and include both boutique solo practices and large multi‐office firms. For clients, that means you can find someone relatively local (important in divorce matters) and someone who has handled matters similar in complexity to yours.
Also important: many of them are adapted to modern realities of divorce—digital records, blended families, business valuations, spousal support trends, shifting custody frameworks.
How to choose the right attorney for you
Given the variety above, here’s how to select:
- Define your priorities upfront.
- Are the asset issues straightforward or highly complex (business, stocks, trusts)?
- Is custody the main concern?
- Are you aiming for mediation or expecting major litigation?
- Do you need multilingual staff, or cross‑state representation?
- Interview multiple attorneys.
- Ask for case examples similar to yours.
- Ask what the likely process will be (mediation first? litigation?).
- Understand their fee structure (hourly rate, retainer, flat fee, how they bill for experts).
- Ask who in the firm will actually handle your case (partner vs associate).
- Check their standing & reviews.
- State Bar websites (for license status, disciplinary history).
- Directory listings like Justia or Lawdragon.
- Client testimonials (balanced views matter—look for patterns).
- Make sure location & law applicability match.
- Divorce laws vary by state (property division, support, custody).
- If you or your spouse have assets or connections in multiple states, that matters.
- Agree on communication & plan.
- How often will you hear from your lawyer?
- What milestones should you expect?
- What additional costs might arise (experts, valuations, depositions)?
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Choosing solely based on name or celebrity status, without checking fit.
- Not understanding the fee structure or hidden costs (expert witnesses, accountants).
- Failing to consider the emotional toll and communication style—divorce is stressful enough.
- Ignoring jurisdiction/venue issues.
- Waiting too long—some matters (like asset valuation or post‑marital transactions) benefit from early involvement.
State of the market and what that means for you
Several trends are important:
- The cost of divorce is rising. A recent source shows attorney fees for divorces lasting more than 30 months average ~US$23,000.
- More divorces involve non‑traditional family structures, business interests, digital assets.
- Some firms are offering more alternative dispute resolution (mediation/settlement) rather than full trial.
- Large firms with many offices (like Cordell & Cordell) provide broad geography and scale; boutique firms may provide highly personal service.
If you are facing a divorce, choosing the right lawyer is among the most important decisions you’ll make. While the ten names above represent some of the top in their field, the “right” lawyer for you might be someone more focused in your state, comfortable with your personality, and aligned with your goals (settlement vs litigation, custody vs asset division, etc).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Top 10 Divorce Lawyers in the United States
1. What should I look for in a divorce lawyer?
When choosing a divorce lawyer, consider their experience, reputation, communication style, and area of specialization. Ensure they have a strong track record in cases similar to yours, especially if you have high‑assets, complicated custody arrangements, or business interests involved. It’s also essential to feel comfortable with them as divorce can be emotionally challenging.
2. How much does a divorce lawyer cost in the U.S.?
Divorce lawyer fees vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the attorney’s reputation, and your location. On average, hourly rates can range from $200 to $500 per hour, but more experienced lawyers or those handling high‑net‑worth cases may charge much higher rates. Some attorneys may offer flat fees for straightforward divorces, while others charge a retainer.
3. How do I know if a divorce lawyer is right for me?
Start with a consultation to evaluate whether the lawyer understands your specific needs. Ask about their experience with cases like yours, their approach to handling divorce matters, and how they plan to communicate with you throughout the process. It’s essential that you feel supported and confident in their expertise.
4. Can I handle my divorce without a lawyer?
While it’s technically possible to file for divorce without legal representation, it’s not advisable in most cases. A divorce lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected, especially in cases involving children, assets, or complicated financial matters. Lawyers also help navigate the legal paperwork and court processes.
5. What happens during the first meeting with a divorce lawyer?
During the first meeting, the lawyer will likely ask for details about your marriage, assets, debts, children (if applicable), and your goals for the divorce. You should come prepared with necessary documents like financial records, a list of assets, and any agreements you’ve made with your spouse. This meeting helps the lawyer understand your case and gives you a chance to assess whether you want to work with them.
6. How long does a divorce take in the U.S.?
The length of a divorce depends on various factors, including whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. Uncontested divorces, where both parties agree on the terms, can be finalized in as little as 6‑12 weeks. Contested divorces, which involve disputes over custody, alimony, or property, can take much longer—sometimes over a year.
7. What are the different types of divorce lawyers?
There are several types of divorce lawyers, including:
- General Divorce Lawyers: Handle all aspects of divorce.
- High-Asset Divorce Lawyers: Specialize in dividing significant financial assets and business interests.
- Child Custody Lawyers: Focus on custody disputes and child support.
- Collaborative Divorce Lawyers: Focus on helping couples reach a settlement without going to trial.
- Mediation Divorce Lawyers: Specialize in helping couples mediate their divorce outside of court.
8. What is the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce?
In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on the terms of the divorce, including custody, division of assets, and spousal support. In a contested divorce, the parties disagree on one or more issues, and a judge may need to intervene to make a final decision.
9. How do I choose between a solo practitioner and a law firm?
Solo practitioners may offer more personalized service, while larger law firms often have more resources, such as support staff and a team of experts. Choose based on the complexity of your case, your need for a personal relationship with your lawyer, and whether you want access to a team of professionals.
10. Can I change my divorce lawyer if I’m not happy with their services?
Yes, you can change your divorce lawyer at any time. However, keep in mind that changing lawyers mid‑case could delay your divorce and incur additional costs. It’s important to have a clear reason for switching and to ensure the transition will not negatively affect the outcome of your case.
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