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.
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.
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. 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
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.
Phone
HoursMonday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday by appointment
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.