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Chambers High Net Worth · Best Lawyers · IAFL Fellows

Walzer Melcher & Yoda LLP

5941 Variel Avenue · Woodland Hills, CA 91367 · (818) 804-3513

Getting Divorced Child Custody High-Asset Divorce Property Division Spousal Support Prenuptial Agreements

California's most decorated family law firm for complex, high-stakes divorce litigation. Peter Walzer, Christopher Melcher, and Steven Yoda are Certified Family Law Specialists and Fellows of the International Academy of Family Lawyers — the top credential in the field. Chambers-ranked for High Net Worth clients.

Chambers HNW 2025 Best Lawyers IAFL Fellows Certified Specialists
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4.9
★★★★★
Chambers-ranked · 87 verified reviews
Overall
4.9
Results
4.9
Communication
4.8
Value
4.2
Editorial Verdict

Why Choose Walzer Melcher & Yoda?

Divorce is not just emotionally hard — when significant assets, businesses, or children are involved, it is one of the most consequential legal events of your life. Walzer Melcher & Yoda LLP sits at the very top of the California family law market. All three named partners are Certified Family Law Specialists — California's highest designation — and Fellows of the International Academy of Family Lawyers. Chambers & Partners, the world's most rigorous legal ranking, placed the firm in its High Net Worth guide. They are trial attorneys, not settlement-only negotiators, which matters enormously in contested cases. If your divorce involves real estate, a business, stock options, retirement accounts, or a custody fight that requires aggressive advocacy, this firm belongs on your shortlist. Rates are premium; the work is elite.

Practice Areas

Situations They Handle

Getting Divorced Child Custody & Visitation High-Asset Divorce Business Valuation in Divorce Property Division Spousal Support / Alimony Prenuptial Agreements Postnuptial Agreements Domestic Violence Restraining Orders International Child Abduction (Hague)
Fees & Pricing

What You'll Likely Pay

Walzer Melcher & Yoda bills on an hourly basis — this is standard for family law. Partners bill at premium rates reflecting their Chambers-ranked expertise. An initial retainer is required at engagement. Total cost depends heavily on case complexity and whether matters settle or go to trial.

$500–$900
per hour (partner rates)
Retainer
required at engagement
The Team

Named Partners

Peter M. Walzer, Founding Partner

Peter M. Walzer

Founding Partner
Certified Family Law Specialist · IAFL Fellow · Complex divorce, custody
Christopher C. Melcher, Partner

Christopher C. Melcher

Partner
Certified Family Law Specialist · IAFL Fellow · High-net-worth division, prenups
Steven K. Yoda, Partner

Steven K. Yoda

Partner
Certified Family Law Specialist · Trial advocacy, business valuation disputes
Client Reviews

What Clients Say

Client review
Richard H.
High-Asset Divorce · Sherman Oaks
★★★★★
"My divorce involved three properties, a business, and stock options. Walzer Melcher & Yoda knew exactly how to handle every valuation dispute. Peter Walzer is the best family law trial attorney I have ever encountered. Worth every dollar."
Client review
Sarah W.
Child Custody · Calabasas
★★★★★
"My custody fight was brutal. Chris Melcher was prepared for every argument the other side threw at us and won a custody arrangement I thought was impossible. Responsive, strategic, and genuinely cared about my children's outcome."
Client review
Jennifer K.
Prenuptial Agreement · Beverly Hills
★★★★★
"Had Steve Yoda draft my prenuptial agreement before remarrying. He was thorough, explained everything clearly, and made sure it was fair for both of us. The agreement held up to scrutiny from my fiance's attorney as well."
Consultation Request

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Initial consultations are available. The firm focuses on complex, high-stakes cases.

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FAQ

Common Questions About This Firm

What is a Certified Family Law Specialist and why does it matter?
A Certified Family Law Specialist is an attorney who has passed a rigorous written examination, demonstrated substantial involvement in family law, completed ongoing education, and been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges. California certifies only a small fraction of active attorneys in this specialty. At Walzer Melcher & Yoda, all three named partners hold this certification — meaning you're working with attorneys who have proved mastery of California family law at the highest level.
Does this firm handle average divorces or only high-net-worth cases?
Walzer Melcher & Yoda focuses primarily on cases involving significant complexity — high-value assets, business interests, contested custody, or cross-border issues. That said, they accept cases based on complexity and legal merit, not solely on net worth. If your case involves a genuinely complex dispute — a business to value, a custody fight, or a contested prenup — they will evaluate it. Simpler uncontested divorces are typically better suited to lower-cost alternatives.
How long does a contested California divorce typically take?
California has a mandatory six-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. Uncontested divorces can be finalized relatively close to that minimum. Contested divorces — especially those involving asset disputes, business valuations, or custody fights — often take 1.5 to 3 years. Cases requiring trial take the longest. Walzer Melcher & Yoda tries cases when necessary rather than pressuring clients into unfavorable settlements.
What happens to a business during divorce?
If a business was started or grew substantially during the marriage, California community property law may entitle your spouse to a share of its value. The business must be appraised by a forensic accountant or business valuation expert. Walzer Melcher & Yoda regularly works with expert witnesses on business valuations and structures outcomes that can protect the business's operations while satisfying the other spouse's community property interest.
Does the firm handle cases outside the Los Angeles area?
The firm is based in Woodland Hills (San Fernando Valley) and primarily serves clients throughout Los Angeles County. They have handled matters in other California counties when case complexity warrants it and also have experience with international family law matters, including Hague Convention cases involving international child abduction.

Quick Facts

Practice FocusFamily Law Only
Firm SizeSmall · 10–20 attorneys
Fee StructureHourly + Retainer
Hourly Rate$500–$900/hr
Free ConsultationPaid initial consult
Chambers RankedYes — HNW 2025
LanguagesEnglish
Virtual AvailableYes
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Office

Woodland Hills: 5941 Variel Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 804-3513

Recognition

  • ✓ Chambers High Net Worth 2025
  • ✓ Best Lawyers in America
  • ✓ IAFL Fellows (all 3 partners)
  • ✓ California Certified Specialists
  • ✓ Doyle's Guide — Top LA Family Law Firm 2026