Cutter & Lax, Attorneys at Law Serving Encino
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Divorce

Divorce Attorney in Sherman Oaks

Board-Certified Family Law Leadership for Sherman Oaks Families

Divorce is one of the most personal legal matters a person can face. At Cutter & Lax, Attorneys at Law, we represent Sherman Oaks families through the dissolution of marriage process with clear guidance, steady communication, and a genuine commitment to protecting what matters most to you. Matthew Lax, who leads our firm, is certified in family law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, a designation that reflects a higher level of focus and discipline in this practice area. Sherman Oaks family law filings go through Van Nuys Courthouse East, the Los Angeles Superior Court division serving the central San Fernando Valley, and our team knows that court well.

Ready to talk through your situation? Call us at (818) 839-2533 to schedule a consultation. We respond when other attorneys don’t, and we can give you straight answers from the start.

When the Other Side Won’t Cooperate

Not every divorce resolves through negotiation alone. When the other party is uncooperative or the dispute becomes contested, you need a divorce lawyer in Sherman Oaks who is ready to press forward in court, not just at the settlement table. Matthew Lax is recognized throughout the San Fernando Valley as a creative, experienced presence in family law proceedings who handles complex, high-conflict cases. We look beyond the obvious options to pursue solutions that fit your actual circumstances and your long-term goals.

Credentials That Matter Inside the Courthouse

Matthew Lax is admitted to practice in the State of California and in all Federal District Courts within California. He serves on the San Fernando Valley Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee and volunteers as a Daily Settlement Officer and mediator at Van Nuys Courthouse, the same court division that hears Sherman Oaks divorce filings. That institutional familiarity shapes how we prepare cases and how we advise clients at every stage.

Founding attorney Nelson Cutter brings more than three decades of legal experience to our firm. A retired JAG officer who spent four years as Chief of Legal Assistance at White Sands Missile Range, he has direct military law background that informs how we approach military divorce cases. We take on cases other attorneys describe as nearly impossible, stay committed through long timelines and complicated proceedings, and have managed cases involving evidence tied to another country.

Communication You Can Count On

We hear often from new clients that their previous attorneys simply never called back. We respond when others don’t. Once your case is underway, we stay reachable by phone, text, and email, and questions get answered quickly rather than sitting for days.

Transparency matters as much as access. We lay out your realistic options early, stay direct about how the case is developing, and take the time to clarify any point that isn’t clear. You won’t be left guessing about what’s happening or what comes next.

Protecting Parenting Time, Custody, & What You Value Most

For parents, child custody and parenting time arrangements are often the most important issues in a divorce. We treat them that way. Our approach is careful and precise, and we advocate firmly for outcomes that align with your family’s needs without creating unnecessary cost or delay. We bring courtroom-level preparation while keeping the process as efficient as the situation allows.

We also listen. Rather than rushing through an intake conversation, we take time to understand your concerns and goals. Divorce is a difficult experience, and we work to make it feel more manageable, including in high-pressure situations like military divorce where Nelson Cutter’s background gives clients an informed, grounded perspective from the start.

Divorce-Related Services for Sherman Oaks Clients

Our representation covers the full range of matters that arise during a dissolution of marriage:

Schedule a Consultation with Our Sherman Oaks Divorce Attorneys

If you’re facing a divorce in Sherman Oaks, we can help you move through the process with structure, preparation, and clear expectations. Call Cutter & Lax, Attorneys at Law at (818) 839-2533 or reach us through our contact form to schedule a consultation.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Reach out today and let’s talk through your next steps.

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Hear It From Our Clients

Every Case Creates An Impact
    "The lawyers at Cutter & Lax, specifically Matthew Lax, are very intelligent, decisive and thorough when it comes to caring for their clients."
    Throughout my whole experience working with this firm, I always felt welcomed, comforted and supported. The lawyers at Cutter & Lax, specifically Matthew Lax, are very intelligent, decisive and thorough when it comes to caring for their clients. This is the only firm I would ever feel comfortable returning to when a situation presented itself. All around fantastic experience and outcome!
    - Danielle A.
    "He is very knowledgeable with military law and what my rights are as a active duty military member."
    The life experience that I am going thru right now is extremely tough! Being an active duty military member and going thru a divorce is something I don't wish on anyone, but having these guys on your side, especially Nelson Cutter makes the process much less painful. He is very knowledgeable with military law and what my rights are as a active duty military member. Thank you!
    - Charles N.
    "Matthew Lax made the experience of going thru a very difficult divorce very smooth."
    Matthew Lax made the experience of going thru a very difficult divorce very smooth and he was so knowledgeable and helpful and always available for any problems. He got me a very generous settlement that I didn't expect. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
    - Sally L.
    "I was especially impressed with his control and approach in the courtroom."
    He very knowledgeable about the law and was able to give me his opinion through his experience with the law and the courtroom. He was patient in explaining the positives and negatives of the legal pursuits, along with the risks. I was especially impressed with his control and approach in the courtroom. He was direct, to the point, and would not back down. He won't let go. He is excellent at arguing the law and questioning witnesses.
    - Former Client
    "Received excellent counsel representation during my military divorce."
    Consummate professionals! Received excellent counsel representation during my military divorce. I highly recommend their services
    - Devin B.
    "He was always responsive and really listened to my concerns and goals and worked towards achieving them."
    Had a wonderful experience with this law firm, Matthew Lax in particular. He is very knowledgeable and fights for you without creating unnecessary work and hardship in the process. He was always responsive and really listened to my concerns and goals and worked towards achieving them. Got a great result for me!
    - Ruth Z.
    "Matthew Lax and his partner are very good attorneys and when going through something as unpleasant as a divorce, it's good to have them on your side!"
    Cutter & Lax is a great law firm. I have a lot of family and friends that are satisfied clients. The Encino office is conveniently located and you are always greeted with a friendly smile. Matthew Lax and his partner are very good attorneys and when going through something as unpleasant as a divorce, it's good to have them on your side!
    - Ely G.