Lawyers in Van Nuys, CA

Finding a lawyer in Van Nuys

Van Nuys sits in the San Fernando Valley section of Los Angeles and is home to the Van Nuys Courthouse, a branch of the Los Angeles County Superior Court that hears civil, criminal, family and traffic matters for much of the Valley. That courthouse has drawn a concentration of law firms to the area, particularly those working in family law, criminal defense and traffic cases, since being close to the courthouse makes it easier to appear for hearings on short notice.

The neighborhood is also known for Van Nuys Airport, a busy general aviation airport, and for the retail and commercial strip along Van Nuys Boulevard.

Legal issues people in Van Nuys bring to lawyers

• Family & Divorce — divorce, custody and support cases, most of which are filed at the Van Nuys Courthouse's family law division.
• Criminal Defense — representation from arraignment through trial for charges heard at the local courthouse.
• DUI & DWI — driving-under-the-influence cases, which move through both the courthouse and the DMV.
• Traffic Ticket — contested citations and license issues handled at the courthouse's traffic division.
• Personal Injury — car accidents and other negligence claims, including collisions on the Valley's busy boulevards.
• Real Estate — leases, purchases and disputes involving the neighborhood's apartment buildings and commercial properties.

Choosing a law firm in Van Nuys

Before hiring anyone, look up their license status with the State Bar of California, which also shows any public disciplinary history. Ask specifically about experience appearing at the Van Nuys Courthouse, since a lawyer who regularly practices there will generally know its judges, clerks and scheduling quirks better than one who rarely files there. Before you sign anything, get the fee arrangement in writing — contingency for injury cases, or hourly or flat fee for most family, criminal and traffic matters.

Free and low-cost help

Several legal aid groups in the Los Angeles area assist lower-income residents with civil matters such as housing, family law and public benefits, and the State Bar of California's referral service can connect you with a local attorney for a low-cost consultation. The Van Nuys Courthouse also publishes self-help materials for people representing themselves in small claims and similar matters.

For a specific case type, try family lawyers in Van Nuys or DUI lawyers in Van Nuys. Nearby, lawyers in Encino also serve this part of the Valley.

Lawyers in California

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed California attorney about your situation.