Family law, evictions, real estate, contracts, and wills and trusts, from a lawyer who is in court every week.
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.
Clear explanations of where you stand, what it will take and what it will cost, before you commit to anything.
More than 50 appearances before a judge in the past year. Every case is prepared as if it may be heard.
Family, housing, property and contract issues often overlap. Ralph sees how each decision affects the others.
Every case starts with listening. Here's what clients most often come to us with.
From uncontested divorces settled by agreement to contested cases before a judge, we guide you through every filing, deadline and hearing.
Stable, workable arrangements for your children, and making sure your side is heard when the other parent disagrees.
We review agreements before you sign and step in when one breaks down, whether that means negotiating a fix or going to court.
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.
Help reviewing purchase and sale agreements and leases, and resolving disputes over property, deposits, disclosures and co-ownership.
A clear plan for who receives what, who is in charge, and who would care for your children, prepared so your family can avoid probate court where possible.
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.
It can involve a house, a lease, a business agreement and a new estate plan. When one lawyer sees the whole picture, nothing falls through the cracks.
Own property or a business with your spouse? Talk to us before you sign anything.
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, eviction, real estate, contract and estate planning 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.
Send the form or an email with the basics. We'll run a conflict check before discussing details.
We review your situation, explain your options and likely timeline, and tell you plainly what representation would cost.
If we work together, you get a clear strategy, regular updates, and an attorney ready to negotiate or go to court.
Meetings in person by appointment, or by video from anywhere in the county.
Don't see yours? Send a short message and we'll get back to you.
Ask a questionCalifornia 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.
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.
Yes. Consultations and meetings are available in person by appointment or by video, whichever is easier for you.
Tell us briefly what you need help with. We'll get back to you to schedule a time.
Email a short description of what you need help with, and we'll set up a time to talk.
Email ralph@kottkelaw.comPlease 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.
