Christopher Charles Melcher

Christopher Charles Melcher

Celebrity divorce attorney and top family law attorney
  • Family Law
  • California
Badges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Biography

IDEAL CLIENT
Business owners, celebrities, and trust beneficiaries across California turn to me for assistance protecting their most valuable assets in high stakes divorces. With deep experience in complex family law litigation and premarital agreements, I provide tactical representation in the most challenging family law disputes.

ABOUT
I understand the need to keep sensitive family matters private, having represented noteworthy clients in the largest divorce cases in California. My clients include A-list celebrities, executives, and tech company founders. Frequently, I am hired by other family lawyers as a consultant, expert, or co-counsel on significant divorce cases in California. My passion is helping others and I love the law. My father was a trial lawyer and I learned not only how to be a lawyer from him, but what it means to be a lawyer.

MY SERVICES
I navigate all the financial aspects of divorce, including: ? Tax consequences of property division and alimony ? Corporate laws dealing with the division of a family business, ? The definition of income for purposes of setting spousal and child support. ? Appeals of family law judgments and writ proceedings from family law orders, with two California Supreme Court appearances and multiple published decisions.

WEBINARS/CONTINUING EDUCATION
I have presented about 200 continuing legal education programs to other attorneys on complex family law issues. I am a published author in California premarital agreements and financial issues in divorce. I wrote the only treatise on California premarital agreement law, published by LexisNexis. I am an adjunct professor of family law at Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu. Before entering family law exclusively, I practiced criminal defense and civil personal injury litigation.

CONTACT
Please send me a message to connect. ???? ccm@walzermelcher.com
818-591-3700

Practice Area
Family Law
Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Christopher Melcher charges $850/hour. In some cases we can give you a rough estimate. In others, it is difficult to tell since there are so many variables. These include how cooperative each party is and their willingness to resolve the case, the skills and cooperation of opposing counsel, whether the case will be negotiated or litigated, whether we can obtain the documents necessary to prove your case, whether the case will be handled by a private judge or in the public courts, the amount of discovery required (inspection demands, interrogatories, depositions), the extent and number of appraisals required, and the complexity of the issues.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
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Languages
  • French: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Adjunct Professor
Pepperdine University School of Law
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Partner
Melcher, Melcher, Melcher
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Education
California State Universary Northridge
Undergraduate Degree
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Pepperdine University School of Law
Law Degree
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Awards
High Net Worth ranking for matrimonial cases
Chamber and Partners
Chambers is an international peer reviewed ranking of attorneys. It is highly regarded by big firm attorneys as a resource to find qualified attorneys for referrals. I was ranked by Chambers in the high net worth category for family law because of the significant divorces and premarital agreements I have handled.
Professional Associations
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts – California Chapter
Member
Current
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Los Angeles County Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
Current
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Association of Certified Family Law Specialists
Board of Directors
Current
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) SoCal Chapter
Fellow
Current
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International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL)
Fellow
Current
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California State Bar  # 170547
Member
- Current
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Publications
Articles & Publications
California Child and Spousal Support: Establishing, Modifying and Enforcing
CEB
The Role of the Mental Health Professional in Assessing Grave Risk of Harm Under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of Child Abduction
Journal of Child Custody
USE OF EXPERTS AS CONSULTANTS AND WITNESSES IN FINANCIAL DISCOVERY PROCESS
Family Law Financial Discovery
Speaking Engagements
Protecting the Privacy of a Public Figure/Celebrity During Divorce
Santa Barbara County Bar Association
Managing Your Firm and Your Sanity During This Crisis
LACBA
Business Valuation
American Bar Association Family Law CLE
Brace Oral Argument
CA Supreme Court
Dealing with Business Interests During the Economic Crisis
ACFLS
How to Conduct a Zoom Hearing
AAML
Virtual Hearings: Making it Real
ACFLS
Virtual Hearings: Making it Real
Walzer Melcher
Experts in Family Law: Direct Exam
Walzer Melcher
How to Win on Characterization, Transmutation, and Reimbursement, ACFLS
Certifications
Certified Family Law Specialist
California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
Websites & Blogs
Website
Website
Videos
July 13, 2020 - Walzer Melcher - Peter M. Walzer and Christopher Melcher Webinar  Sharpen your skills on the most important part of your case--the direct exam of your expert witness. We will cover the rules of evidence for opinion testimony on direct, leading questions, reliance on opinions of others, and special rules for child custody experts. Walzer Melcher Webinar: Experts in Family Law: Direct Exam - July 13, 2020

July 13, 2020 - Walzer Melcher - Peter M. Walzer and Christopher Melcher Webinar Sharpen your skills on the most important part of your case--the direct exam of your expert witness. We will cover the rules of evidence for opinion testimony on direct, leading questions, reliance on opinions of others, and special rules for child custody experts.

June 4th, 2020, Los Angeles Celebrity Lawyers Christopher C. Melcher and Steven Yoda (Walzer Melcher, LLP) and Steven Mindel and Taylor Wallin (Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt and Klein, LLP) American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers webinar: Virtual Hearings - the New Normal: Facing the Challenges of Video Conferencing. This webinar addressed basic skills for handling a Virtual Family Law Hearing. How to do a Virtual Hearing |AAML Webinar w/ Celebrity Divorce Lawyers Chris Melcher & Steven Yoda

June 4th, 2020, Los Angeles Celebrity Lawyers Christopher C. Melcher and Steven Yoda (Walzer Melcher, LLP) and Steven Mindel and Taylor Wallin (Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt and Klein, LLP) American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers webinar: Virtual Hearings - the New Normal: Facing the Challenges of Video Conferencing. This webinar addressed basic skills for handling a Virtual Family Law Hearing.

Celebrity divorce lawyer Christopher C. Melcher argued before the California Supreme Court on May 5, 2020, on a family law question submitted by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeal in the matter of In re Brace. The issue was whether property acquired by spouses in joint tenancy is community or creates equal separate interests under California. Celebrity Divorce Lawyer Christopher C. Melcher's Oral Argument In Re Brace Before CA Supreme Court

Celebrity divorce lawyer Christopher C. Melcher argued before the California Supreme Court on May 5, 2020, on a family law question submitted by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeal in the matter of In re Brace. The issue was whether property acquired by spouses in joint tenancy is community or creates equal separate interests under California.

Celebrity divorce lawyer Christopher C. Melcher goes into detail about custody and visitation disputes during the COVID-19 pandemic and what you should do. COVID-19 custody exchanges. What rights do divorced parents have? Celebrity Divorce Lawyer Explains

Celebrity divorce lawyer Christopher C. Melcher goes into detail about custody and visitation disputes during the COVID-19 pandemic and what you should do.

How Does Coronavirus Affect Family Courts & Divorce? Celebrity Divorce Lawyer Chris Melcher explains. How Does Coronavirus Affect Family Courts & Divorce? Celebrity Divorce Lawyer Chris Melcher explains

How Does Coronavirus Affect Family Courts & Divorce? Celebrity Divorce Lawyer Chris Melcher explains.

Kobe Bryant's Divorce-Explained by Celebrity Family Law Attorney Christopher C. Melcher Kobe Bryant's Divorce-Explained by Celebrity Family Law Attorney Christopher C. Melcher

Kobe Bryant's Divorce-Explained by Celebrity Family Law Attorney Christopher C. Melcher

Top Family Law Attorney Christopher C. Melcher explains the fraud of handicapped parking spaces and the increased chance of you being caught if you are misusing it. The Fraud of Handicapped Parking Spaces-You Will be Caught

Top Family Law Attorney Christopher C. Melcher explains the fraud of handicapped parking spaces and the increased chance of you being caught if you are misusing it.

Credit card receipts for hotel rooms, dinners, gifts, and trips are the traditional paper trail of an unfaithful spouse or even a partner.  Now electronic gadgets, trackers and dating apps are providing new clues that someone's cheating on you. Joining us with more details is top family law attorney, Christopher C. Melcher of top family law firm Walzer Melcher. How to Catch Cheaters with Gadgets & Dating Apps: Top Divorce Attorney Christopher Melcher Explains

Credit card receipts for hotel rooms, dinners, gifts, and trips are the traditional paper trail of an unfaithful spouse or even a partner. Now electronic gadgets, trackers and dating apps are providing new clues that someone's cheating on you. Joining us with more details is top family law attorney, Christopher C. Melcher of top family law firm Walzer Melcher.

A parent's worst nightmare is to have a child abducted. But what if that child is taken by the other parent without consent, and out of the country?  This crime happens more than you think. It occurs often around the holidays. Joining us is acclaimed top family law attorney, Christopher C. Melcher of top family law firm Walzer Melcher. The Rise of Parental Abductions During the Holidays: Top Family Law Attorney Chris Melcher Explains

A parent's worst nightmare is to have a child abducted. But what if that child is taken by the other parent without consent, and out of the country? This crime happens more than you think. It occurs often around the holidays. Joining us is acclaimed top family law attorney, Christopher C. Melcher of top family law firm Walzer Melcher.

Christopher C. Melcher: Top Family Law Attorney and Expert Reel of National Media Clips. Top Family Law Attorney Christopher C. Melcher shares his expert advice on National Media Outlets

Christopher C. Melcher: Top Family Law Attorney and Expert Reel of National Media Clips.

Top Family Law Attorney Christopher C. Melcher featured on Entertainment Tonight discussing the latest with the Jolie/Pitt divorce. Brad Pitt Fires Back at Angelina Jolie in their Divorce. Divorce Lawyer Christopher Melcher Explains

Top Family Law Attorney Christopher C. Melcher featured on Entertainment Tonight discussing the latest with the Jolie/Pitt divorce.

Women are increasingly becoming the primary breadwinner in the household. With that comes a different side effect. Here to discuss this is top family law attorney, Christopher C. Melcher, of Walzer Melcher Family Law.  “We are seeing about 40% of households which have women as the primary breadwinner for that family. It makes sense because if the woman has more income than the man, then she is going to stay at work while the husband or father stays behind and takes care of the child.” MORE WOMEN ARE PAYING ALIMONY & CHILD SUPPORT: Divorce Lawyer Christopher C. Melcher Explains on ABC

Women are increasingly becoming the primary breadwinner in the household. With that comes a different side effect. Here to discuss this is top family law attorney, Christopher C. Melcher, of Walzer Melcher Family Law. “We are seeing about 40% of households which have women as the primary breadwinner for that family. It makes sense because if the woman has more income than the man, then she is going to stay at work while the husband or father stays behind and takes care of the child.”

Top family law attorney Christopher C. Melcher on ABC 7 discussing the new tax plan and its effects on future alimony deductions. Trump's New Tax Plan and Alimony Deductions-What do They Mean For You? Top Divorce Attorney Explains

Top family law attorney Christopher C. Melcher on ABC 7 discussing the new tax plan and its effects on future alimony deductions.

Walzer Melcher LLP partner Christopher Melcher was featured on FOX 11 where he discusses Angelina Jolie's petition for divorce from Brad Pitt. Angelina Jolie Files for Divorce From Brad Pitt: Celebrity Divorce Attorney Chris Melcher explains

Walzer Melcher LLP partner Christopher Melcher was featured on FOX 11 where he discusses Angelina Jolie's petition for divorce from Brad Pitt.

Walzer Melcher LLP partner Christopher Melcher was featured on Good Morning Britain where he discusses Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's separation. The Brangelina Split: Celebrity Divorce Lawyer explains on Good Morning Britain with Piers Morgan

Walzer Melcher LLP partner Christopher Melcher was featured on Good Morning Britain where he discusses Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's separation.

Walzer Melcher LLP partner and high net worth divorce attorney Christopher C. Melcher was featured on Entertainment Tonight, where he discusses Amber Heard's request for a restraining order against Johnny Depp. Why Amber Heard Might Face an Uphill Battle in Obtaining Permanent Restraining Order vs Johnny Depp

Walzer Melcher LLP partner and high net worth divorce attorney Christopher C. Melcher was featured on Entertainment Tonight, where he discusses Amber Heard's request for a restraining order against Johnny Depp.

Walzer Melcher LLP partner and celebrity divorce attorney Christopher C. Melcher was featured on ABC7 where he discusses Blac Chyna's temporary restraining order against Rob Kardashian and the legal implications of revenge porn. Blac Chyna Gets Temporary Restraining Order Against Rob Kardashian. Attorney Chris Melcher Explains

Walzer Melcher LLP partner and celebrity divorce attorney Christopher C. Melcher was featured on ABC7 where he discusses Blac Chyna's temporary restraining order against Rob Kardashian and the legal implications of revenge porn.

Family law attorney Christopher C. Melcher discusses the Anthony Weiner scandal and how texting and the internet are providing divorce attorneys with helpful information to use for cases. ANTHONY WEINER’S CHEATING SCANDAL AND YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT. Top Divorce Attorney Explains on ABC

Family law attorney Christopher C. Melcher discusses the Anthony Weiner scandal and how texting and the internet are providing divorce attorneys with helpful information to use for cases.

Worst Prenups Ever Seen | Is Your Premarital Agreement Enforceable In Court? Worst Prenups Ever Seen | Is Your Premarital Agreement Enforceable In Court?

Worst Prenups Ever Seen | Is Your Premarital Agreement Enforceable In Court?

About Walzer & Melcher LLP - Experience Matters | Los Angeles California Attorneys About Walzer & Melcher LLP - Experience Matters | Los Angeles California Attorneys

About Walzer & Melcher LLP - Experience Matters | Los Angeles California Attorneys

Who Needs A Marital Agreement? | Are Prenups Just For The Wealthy? Who Needs A Marital Agreement? | Are Prenups Just For The Wealthy?

Who Needs A Marital Agreement? | Are Prenups Just For The Wealthy?

Social Networking And Divorce | Are Your Chats Damaging Your Case? Social Networking And Divorce | Are Your Chats Damaging Your Case?

Social Networking And Divorce | Are Your Chats Damaging Your Case?

Relationships - Should I Move Out Of The House? | 3 Critical Issues To Consider Relationships - Should I Move Out Of The House? | 3 Critical Issues To Consider

Relationships - Should I Move Out Of The House? | 3 Critical Issues To Consider

Should Brad And Angelina Get A Prenup? | Only 9 States Have Community Property Laws Should Brad And Angelina Get A Prenup? | Only 9 States Have Community Property Laws

Should Brad And Angelina Get A Prenup? | Only 9 States Have Community Property Laws

Prenups Gone Wild | Financial Penalties For Not Having Sex? Prenups Gone Wild | Financial Penalties For Not Having Sex?

Prenups Gone Wild | Financial Penalties For Not Having Sex?

Animal Custody In Divorce | Injury To Pets Are Treated Like Domestic Violence Animal Custody In Divorce | Injury To Pets Are Treated Like Domestic Violence

Animal Custody In Divorce | Injury To Pets Are Treated Like Domestic Violence

Life'sToo Short Get A Divorce - Councelling Before Divorce | Is Divorce Always A Negative? Life'sToo Short Get A Divorce - Councelling Before Divorce | Is Divorce Always A Negative?

Life'sToo Short Get A Divorce - Councelling Before Divorce | Is Divorce Always A Negative?

Keeping The Fees Down In A Divorce | Don't Use Your Attorney As A Therapist. Keeping The Fees Down In A Divorce | Don't Use Your Attorney As A Therapist

Keeping The Fees Down In A Divorce | Don't Use Your Attorney As A Therapist.

How To Keep My Divorce Private | Use Of Private Judicial Officers How To Keep My Divorce Private | Use Of Private Judicial Officers

How To Keep My Divorce Private | Use Of Private Judicial Officers

Health Insurance And Divorce | Why To Get Your Own Policy Before The Divorce Health Insurance And Divorce | Why To Get Your Own Policy Before The Divorce

Health Insurance And Divorce | Why To Get Your Own Policy Before The Divorce

Do I Need A Prenup? | By Getting Married, You Get A Premarital Agreement For Free Do I Need A Prenup? | By Getting Married, You Get A Premarital Agreement For Free

Do I Need A Prenup? | By Getting Married, You Get A Premarital Agreement For Free

Discussing Prenups With Your Fiance | Uncover Trust Issues Before Marriage Discussing Prenups With Your Fiance | Uncover Trust Issues Before Marriage

Discussing Prenups With Your Fiance | Uncover Trust Issues Before Marriage

Choosing The Right Divorce Attorney | Good Referral + Good Communicator = A Good Fit Choosing The Right Divorce Attorney | Good Referral + Good Communicator = A Good Fit

Choosing The Right Divorce Attorney | Good Referral + Good Communicator = A Good Fit

Are Prenups Enforceable? | Basics of Property and Spousal Support Limitations Are Prenups Enforceable? | Basics of Property and Spousal Support Limitations

Are Prenups Enforceable? | Basics of Property and Spousal Support Limitations

Overcoming Bias in the Courts Overcoming Bias in the Courts

Overcoming Bias in the Courts

Ethical Issues for the Family Law Attorney + Helpful Advice for the Rest of Us - Excerpt Ethical Issues for the Family Law Attorney + Helpful Advice for the Rest of Us - Excerpt

Ethical Issues for the Family Law Attorney + Helpful Advice for the Rest of Us - Excerpt

Who Needs a Premarital Agreement? Who Needs a Premarital Agreement?

Who Needs a Premarital Agreement?

Urban Legend: Premarital Agreements are Often Set Aside Urban Legend: Premarital Agreements are Often Set Aside

Urban Legend: Premarital Agreements are Often Set Aside

"Pre-Nups for Lovers" "Pre-Nups for Lovers"

"Pre-Nups for Lovers"

Contact & Map
Walzer Melcher LLP
5941 VARIEL AVENUE
Woodland Hills, CA 91367