When celebrities are getting divorced, involved in a paternity suit or are seeking a prenup they often turn to what are recognized as the biggest celebrity divorce attorneys in Los Angeles.

The majority of big divorce, paternity, and child custody cases are kept under the radar. But when a case goes public, the high powered family lawyers handling celebrity cases can get nearly as much press as their famous clients. High net worth individuals, and celebrities in particular, need an attorney who is not only an expert in the field of family law, but who is familiar with the judges in the Los Angeles Superior Court, and who can keep their divorce out of the tabloids and as low key as possible.

What follows is a list of the top celebrity divorce attorneys in Los Angeles and some of their more famous clients:

The Cream of the Crop
The Undisputed Top Celebrity Divorce Law Firms

• Trope & Trope: Practicing law since 1949, Sorrell Trope’s firm has handled cases for Anna Nicole Smith, Nicolas Cage and Britney Spears.
• Wasser, Cooperman and Carter: This firm’s top lawyers are the father-daughter team of Dennis and Laura Wasser. They have represented Stevie Wonder, Angelina Jolie, Nick Lachey, Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Britney Spears, and billionaire Kirk Kerkorian. In late 2007 Laura Wasser was forced to fire Britney as a client citing a breakdown in communication.
• Freid and Goldsman: With combined experience of over 75 years, Manley Freid and Mel Goldsman have represented David Hasselhoff, Coleman Laffoon (Anne Heche’s ex), Rene Elizondo (Janet Jackson’s ex) and the estate of Ray Charles. They also had a very brief stint representing Britney Spears. Other notable partners from this firm include Marci Levine and Jon Summers.
• Jaffe and Clemens: This Beverly Hills 10 attorney firm, led by Dan Jaffe, has represented Anne Heche and Titanic director James Cameron.
• Kaufman and Young: Robert Kaufman, a New York native, established this firm in 2001, which has represented Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Simpson, Roseanne Barr and Reese Witherspoon.
• Hersh Mannis & Bogen: This well respected law firm, founded by Neal Hersh, has represented Pamela Anderson, Kim Basinger, Halle Berry, Denise Richards and Brad Pitt.

Honorable Mention
These Firms Have Also Handled Their Share of High-Profile Cases

• Nachshin & Weston: Represented Oscar de la Hoya (handled by partner Goldie Schon), and Scary Spice (aka: Mel B), as well as baseball great Barry Bonds.
• Kaplan & Simon: This firm’s lead partner, Mark Kaplan, has represented Kevin Federline (Britney Spears’ ex) and Cris Judd (Jennifer Lopez’ ex).
• Kolodney & Anteau: Stephen Kolodny has represented Superman Returns producer Jon Peters and Lisa Bonder Kerkorian in her child support and paternity case against billionaire Kirk Kerkorian.