A Family & Divorce Law Firm in Laguna Hills
Defending Your Family, Property, and the Future You’ve Worked Hard to Build
We are a family and divorce law firm in Laguna Hills providing compassionate, results-driven legal representation for families navigating divorce and custody disputes throughout Laguna Hills.
At
Harris & McKeown Law Firm, we are proud to serve the Laguna Hills community with dedicated family law services. Our office, located at 23441 S Pointe Dr, Suite 190, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, has been an anchor for families dealing with complicated legal matters. We also extend our
family law services to neighboring cities such as Irvine, Aliso Viejo, and Mission Viejo, ensuring that families throughout Orange County have access to compassionate legal support.
Our Family Law And Divorce Law Services in Laguna Hills
Divorce Law
We help individuals end their marriages that protects their legal rights and prepares them for the next chapter. Our legal team handles all the legal steps, including filing forms to dividing property and negotiating support.
Child Custody
We work with parents to create custody arrangements that prioritize the child’s health, safety, and emotional development. The court looks at what’s best for the child, including safety, stability, and emotional growth.
Domestic Violence Actions
We provide immediate legal assistance to those experiencing domestic abuse. Our legal team assists in obtaining restraining orders and provides compassionate guidance to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
Pre-Marital Agreements
We assist individuals and couples with drafting or reviewing prenuptial agreements that clarify property ownership, financial expectations, and future obligations. We help couples establish clear terms to prevent future disputes.
Family Law Appeals
We assist clients in appealing family court decisions when legal mistakes may have impacted the outcome. Our attorneys carefully review the trial record, identify appealable issues, and handle all stages of the appeals process.
Modification of Child & Spousal Support
We assist clients request changes to child or spousal support orders when circumstances have significantly changed. Whether due to income changes or life events, we help adjust support agreements to ensure fairness and compliance with legal standards.
For a comprehensive overview of our offerings, please explore our
Services page.
Why Choose Us?
Free Consultation
You don’t have to pay to get answers. We offer a one-time free consultation so you can understand your options before making any decisions.
Direct Access to Your Attorney
Unlike firms where clients are passed between staff, we ensure you have direct communication with your attorney.
Committed to Fair and Equitable Outcomes
We don’t drag cases out. We work to solve your legal issues as quickly as possible because we know long cases cost time, money, and peace of mind.
Experienced in High-Conflict Family Law Cases
Our attorneys have handled tough cases like child custody fights, dividing high-value property, and domestic violence matters, ensuring that we are capable of protecting your rights and helping you move forward.
Recognized Excellence in the Legal Community
At Harris & McKeown, we're recognized across California’s legal community, led by Certified Family Law Specialist Andrew McKeown, a national Top 10 Oralist, and Kaleen Harris, a Magna Cum Laude graduate and two-time legal scholarship winner.
Choose an Attorney You're Comfortable With
Our team includes both male and female lawyers, so you can choose someone you feel more comfortable working with.
Step-by-Step Guide To Working With Our Legal Team
STEP 1
Schedule A Consultation
Your journey begins with a confidential consultation at Harris & McKeown Law Firm. During this meeting, we listen to your concerns, explain your legal rights, and outline the divorce process specific to Orange County. This initial step helps you understand what to expect and how we can support you throughout.
STEP 2
Filing Legal Documents
Once you decide to proceed, we assist you in preparing and filing the necessary documents to initiate your divorce. This includes:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form FL-100)
- Summons (Form FL-110)
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (Form FL-105), if children are involved
These documents are filed at the
341 The City Drive South
Orange, CA 92868
A filing fee is required, but fee waivers are available for those who qualify.
STEP 3
Negotiating on Child Custody, Assets, Divorce Terms
After filing, both parties must disclose financial information, including income, expenses, assets, and debts.
If both parties agree on the terms, we help draft a settlement agreement to submit to the court. If disagreements arise, mediation services are available to facilitate a mutually acceptable resolution.
STEP 4
Resolution
Once agreements are reached, we prepare the final judgement documents for court approval. In California, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date the divorce petition is served before the divorce can be finalized.
If disputes remain unresolved, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge will make the final decisions on contested issues.
STEP 1
Schedule A Consultation
Your journey begins with a confidential consultation at Harris & McKeown Law Firm. During this meeting, we listen to your concerns, explain your legal rights, and outline the divorce process specific to Orange County. This initial step helps you understand what to expect and how we can support you throughout.
STEP 2
Filing Legal Documents
Once you decide to proceed, we assist you in preparing and filing the necessary documents to initiate your divorce. This includes:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form FL-100)
- Summons (Form FL-110)
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (Form FL-105), if children are involved
These documents are filed at the
341 The City Drive South
Orange, CA 92868
A filing fee is required, but fee waivers are available for those who qualify.
STEP 3
Negotiating on Child Custody, Assets, Divorce Terms
After filing, both parties must disclose financial information, including income, expenses, assets, and debts.
If both parties agree on the terms, we help draft a settlement agreement to submit to the court. If disagreements arise, mediation services are available to facilitate a mutually acceptable resolution.
STEP 4
Resolution
Once agreements are reached, we prepare the final judgement documents for court approval. In California, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date the divorce petition is served before the divorce can be finalized.
If disputes remain unresolved, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge will make the final decisions on contested issues.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
"Harris and McKeown Law Firm is the best! Both time I needed legal help I hired Andrew McKeown. He was so kind and helpful. The first time around he helped me get a restraining order of protection, the second time around he got me sole custody of my daughter. I couldn't be more grateful and thankful for you Andrew! You're the absolute best! I highly recommend Andrew and his team, they are all wonderful!"
— Lea W., Laguna Hills
"Kaleen is a powerful force that is professional, sincere and assertive. I am so thankful to her and the office. It's the first time in years since becoming a new parent that I finally feel seen. I was in awe watching her in court, her work is excellent and she is indeed trustworthy. I am just so thankful and I will definitely use her services for any future needs."
— Labelle F., Westpark, Irvine, CA
"Andrew is very knowledgeable, reliable, and experienced with family law cases and the court system. His ability to simplify and explain the complexities of any case is a testament to his passion for this work. Above all, his huge heart to genuinely help others in every way and do the right thing is most endearing. I highly recommend reaching out to him with any family law matters. He'll provide honest, sound, and direct guidance."
— Tatsuya F., San Francisco, CA
FAQS
FAQS
Do you offer free consultations in Laguna Hills?
Yes, we offer one time, free consultations to discuss your situation and outline potential legal strategies.
Do I need a divorce/family lawyer in Laguna Hills?
You can file for divorce in California without a lawyer by completing and submitting the required forms, serving your spouse, exchanging financial information, and finalizing the divorce through the court. However, the process can be complex, especially if there are disagreements over property, child custody, or support. Mistakes in paperwork or missed deadlines can lead to delays or unfavorable outcomes. While it's possible to handle a divorce on your own, consulting with a family law attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and the process goes smoothly.
What’s the cost of hiring you as a divorce/family lawyer?
Legal costs vary depending on the complexity of your case. For uncontested matters, our firm may offer flat-fee document preparation, typically starting around $2,000–$3,500. For contested divorces involving court appearances or negotiations, fees are billed hourly. Most clients can expect total costs between $5,000–$15,000, depending on the level of conflict, number of issues involved, and length of the case. We always discuss costs clearly during your consultation.
Why are divorce attorneys so expensive?
Divorce attorneys' fees reflect the time, expertise, and resources required to navigate the legal system effectively. Costs can vary based on the complexity of your case, the attorney's experience, and the billing structure, whether hourly rates, flat fees, or retainers. Additional expenses may also include court filing fees, mediation costs, and fees for experts like appraisers or custody evaluators.
Do you turn down cases?
Yes, we may decline cases that fall outside our areas of expertise or if we believe we cannot provide the level of representation you deserve.
What’s the quickest way to get a divorce?
The fastest way to finalize a divorce in California is typically through an uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree on all major issues like property division, child custody, and support. However, even with full agreement, California law requires a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date the divorce papers are served before the divorce can be finalized. While an uncontested divorce is generally quicker, the actual timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as court processing times, the complexity of financial disclosures, and the presence of minor children requiring detailed parenting plans.
Do I have to go to court to get a divorce in Laguna Hills?
Not always. If you and your spouse agree on all terms, like property division, child custody, and support, you can pursue an uncontested divorce, which may not require a court appearance. In Orange County, including Laguna Hills, you can file your divorce paperwork online through the File @ Home system or in person at the Lamoreaux Justice Center. Once all necessary documents are submitted and approved, a judge can finalize your divorce without a hearing.
However, if there are disagreements or unresolved issues, court involvement might be necessary to resolve those matters. It's important to ensure all paperwork is accurately completed and filed to avoid delays.
Is it better to have a male or female divorce attorney?
The attorney's gender doesn't determine their effectiveness. It's more important to choose someone you feel comfortable with and who has experience handling cases similar to yours.
How to avoid a costly divorce?
To keep divorce expenses down, consider engaging in open communication and negotiation with your spouse. When both parties are willing to discuss and compromise on key issues, such as property division, child custody, and support arrangements, it reduces the need for prolonged legal battles, which can be expensive.
Mediation is also a cost-effective alternative, a process where a neutral third party, called a mediator, helps you and your spouse reach agreements on divorce-related matters. The mediator doesn't make decisions but facilitates discussions to help both sides find common ground. Mediation is typically faster and less expensive than going to court because it reduces the need for multiple hearings and extensive legal fees.
Experience, Trust, Results
Get Your FREE Consultation
We understand that choosing the right family law attorney can be a difficult task. We provide a free assessment to outline a legal strategy for your situation and allow you to see if our firm is a good fit for you.
Experience, Trust, Results
Get Your FREE Consultation
We understand that choosing the right family law attorney can be a difficult task. We provide a free assessment to outline a legal strategy for your situation and allow you to see if our firm is a good fit for you. Click on the "Contact Us" page to schedule your free consultation today!
