Serving all of Los Angeles CountyMon–Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m. · Sat by appointment
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Los Angeles County Attorney

Steady counsel when your future is on the line.

Family, immigration, real estate and contract law, from a lawyer who is in court every week.

Ralph A. Kottke, attorney at law
Ralph A. KottkeAttorney at Law
2012Licensed in California
50+Court appearances, past year
200+Divorces prepared
L.A.County-wide service
Trusted legal guidance

Personal attention, courtroom-ready advocacy.

When you call Kottke Law, you work directly with Ralph, not a case manager or a rotating team. He listens first, explains your options in plain language, and builds a strategy around what matters most to you and your family.

Most matters are best resolved by agreement. When they aren't, you'll have an attorney who is comfortable in the courtroom and prepared to make your case before a judge.

Ralph A. KottkeAttorney at Law
State Bar No. 287363

Straight answers

Clear explanations of where you stand, what it will take and what it will cost, before you commit to anything.

In court every week

More than 50 appearances before a judge in the past year. Every case is prepared as if it may be heard.

One lawyer, the whole picture

Family, immigration, housing and contract issues often overlap. Ralph sees how each decision affects the others.

Practice areas

How we can help

Every case starts with listening. Here's what clients most often come to us with.

"I'm thinking about divorce, or I've just been served."

Divorce & legal separation

From uncontested divorces settled by agreement to contested cases before a judge, we guide you through every filing, deadline and hearing.

  • Paperwork prepared for 200+ divorces
  • Dissolution and legal separation
  • Community property and spousal support
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"I need to protect my time with my kids."

Child custody & support

Stable, workable arrangements for your children, and making sure your side is heard when the other parent disagrees.

  • Custody and parenting time
  • Child support
  • Modifying existing orders
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"How does this affect my immigration status?"

Immigration

We help families take the next step toward secure status in the U.S., and look at how a family court case could affect it.

  • Family-related immigration questions
  • Coordinating with family court cases
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"They're not holding up their end of the deal."

Contracts & business disputes

We review agreements before you sign and step in when one breaks down, whether that means negotiating a fix or going to court.

  • Drafting and reviewing contracts
  • Breach of contract claims and defense
  • Business, vendor and client agreements
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"My tenant stopped paying rent."

Evictions & landlord-tenant

We focus on representing landlords, and also help tenants. California evictions follow strict rules; we handle notices, court filings and hearings so the process is done right the first time.

  • Evictions for landlords (unlawful detainer)
  • 3-day and termination notices
  • Lease disputes and security deposits
Learn more
"I want to make sure this deal is done right."

Real estate

Help reviewing purchase and sale agreements and leases, and resolving disputes over property, deposits, disclosures and co-ownership.

  • Purchase, sale and lease review
  • Property and co-owner disputes
  • Real estate in divorce
Learn more
"I'm not sure my problem fits a category."

Other legal matters

Many legal problems don't fit neatly in one box. Send a short message, and we'll tell you honestly whether we can help, or point you to someone who can.

  • Honest first assessment
  • Referrals when another lawyer is a better fit
Why it matters

Family law and immigration are often the same problem.

A divorce or a custody dispute can affect immigration status, and an immigration case can affect a family court case. When one lawyer sees both sides, nothing falls through the cracks.

If you or your spouse is not a U.S. citizen, talk to us before you file anything.

Ralph A. Kottke, attorney
Ralph A. KottkeAttorney at Law
About the attorney

Ralph A. Kottke

Ralph Kottke is a California attorney who has been licensed since 2012. He represents individuals, families and businesses across Los Angeles County in divorce, custody, immigration and contract matters.

He appears in court regularly on behalf of his clients, more than 50 times in the past year, and he prepares every case with that possibility in mind, even when the goal is to settle. He has prepared the paperwork for more than 200 divorces.

  • Admitted to the State Bar of California, 2012 · Bar No. 287363
  • Appeared before a judge more than 50 times in the past year
  • Prepared the paperwork for more than 200 divorces
  • Consultations in person or by video
Verify his license with the State Bar of California
How it works

Three steps to a plan

1

Reach out

Send the form or an email with the basics. We'll run a conflict check before discussing details.

2

Consultation

We review your situation, explain your options and likely timeline, and tell you plainly what representation would cost.

3

Your plan

If we work together, you get a clear strategy, regular updates, and an attorney ready to negotiate or go to court.

Areas we serve

Throughout Los Angeles County

Meetings in person by appointment, or by video from anywhere in the county.

Los AngelesPasadena GlendaleBurbank Santa MonicaLong Beach TorranceVan Nuys Sherman OaksInglewood West CovinaLancaster PomonaCompton WhittierDowney
Common questions

Questions clients ask first

Don't see yours? Send a short message and we'll get back to you.

Ask a question
How long does a divorce take in California?

California has a mandatory waiting period: a divorce cannot become final until at least six months after the other spouse is served or appears in the case. Many divorces take longer, depending on how much is in dispute.

Will I have to go to court?

Not always. Many divorces are resolved by written agreement. Custody and support disagreements often do involve hearings, and we prepare every case as if it may go before a judge.

Can a divorce affect my immigration case?

It can. Depending on your situation, a family court case may affect a pending petition or your eligibility for certain immigration benefits. If you or your spouse is not a U.S. citizen, talk to an attorney before filing.

Can we meet by video?

Yes. Consultations and meetings are available in person by appointment or by video, whichever is easier for you.

Contact

Request a consultation

Tell us briefly what you need help with. We'll get back to you to schedule a time.

  • OfficeLos Angeles County, California
    Meetings by appointment, in person or by video.
  • HoursMonday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
    Saturday by appointment

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Please don't include confidential details yet. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship; we'll first confirm we have no conflict of interest.

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