Voted #1 Family Law Firm in California
in a statewide poll limited to Judges, Attorneys, and Law Firm Administrators.
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Family law touches some of the most consequential moments in a person’s life. Whether you are considering a prenuptial agreement in preparation for marriage, beginning a divorce, working through a custody dispute, or returning to court years later because circumstances have changed, the decisions made during these proceedings carry long-term financial, emotional, and practical consequences.
Having the right legal team in your corner from the outset can mean the difference between a resolution that works and one that creates problems for years to come. At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we understand that no two families are alike. Our approach is built on clear communication, thoughtful strategy, and tailored solutions designed to help clients move forward with confidence.
We represent clients throughout Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and the broader Los Angeles region in both straightforward and highly complex family law matters—always with an eye toward what our clients actually need, not just what the law automatically dictates.
Divorce involves far more than ending a marriage. Property must be divided, support obligations established, custody arrangements negotiated, and financial futures planned—often simultaneously and under significant emotional strain.
California’s community property framework generally treats assets and debts accumulated during the marriage as jointly owned. However, the reality of untangling a shared financial life is rarely simple. We assist Los Angeles clients with:
Our goal is to resolve divorce matters as efficiently as possible while protecting your financial interests and long-term stability—whether that means reaching a negotiated settlement or taking the case to court.
Custody is often the most emotionally charged aspect of a family law case, and it is the area where the stakes feel highest. California courts evaluate custody matters under the best interests of the child standard, weighing each parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable, and supportive environment alongside the child’s existing routines, relationships, and community ties.
For families in Los Angeles—where strong school districts, active youth programs, and established neighborhood connections are often central to a child’s daily life—custody arrangements benefit from a level of local detail and practical foresight that a standard template cannot provide. Custody matters we handle include:
We advocate for arrangements that support the child’s well-being and preserve meaningful parent-child relationships wherever possible.
Financial support is a central issue in many family law cases and one that clients frequently underestimate in complexity. California uses a statewide guideline formula for child support that accounts for factors such as each parent’s income and the percentage of time the child spends with each parent.
Spousal support is determined through a broader set of factors, including the length of the marriage, the standard of living established during it, and each party’s earning capacity going forward. Our firm assists clients with:
Accurate support orders require accurate financial analysis. We work to ensure the numbers reflect reality—not just what one party wants the court to see.
Property division becomes particularly nuanced when significant assets are involved. In Los Angeles and the broader Southern California region, this frequently includes employer equity grants, closely held businesses, complex entertainment industry contracts, intellectual property, rental portfolios, retirement accounts, and real estate acquired with a combination of separate and community funds.
Each of these assets requires careful characterization, valuation, and legal analysis before any division can be fair or defensible. Key issues in property division often include:
An experienced Los Angeles family law attorney works to ensure that all assets are properly identified, accurately valued, and divided in compliance with California law—not just the ones that are easy to find.
Many family law disputes can be resolved without ever setting foot in a courtroom. Mediation allows both parties to pursue mutually agreeable solutions in a more private, less adversarial setting. For Los Angeles families who want to preserve community relationships and create healthier co-parenting dynamics, that flexibility and control can be especially valuable.
When settlement is not possible, litigation may become necessary. Family law cases in Los Angeles County are handled through branches of the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Having an attorney who understands local court procedures, judicial expectations, and filing requirements is critical to presenting your case effectively. Litigated family law matters may involve:
We are experienced in both paths, and we help clients choose the one that genuinely serves their interests. We are skilled negotiators and prepared litigators when court intervention becomes necessary.
Family law orders issued during a divorce or separation are not always permanent. Life changes, jobs shift, children’s needs evolve, and parents relocate. California courts recognize that certain orders may need to be updated to reflect new realities.
Depending on the type of order involved, a party may need to demonstrate a significant change in circumstances before a modification will be granted. Common post-judgment matters we handle include:
Informal agreements between parents or former spouses may not carry the same legal weight as court-approved orders. Even when both parties agree, proposed changes should be properly documented and submitted to the court when required. We help clients formalize changes so there is less ambiguity and risk of future disputes.
Family law proceedings in this jurisdiction are handled through the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Family law cases require more than legal knowledge. They require discretion, strategic thinking, and an attorney who understands that the stakes involve real children, parental relationships, community ties, and financial futures. Schoenberg Family Law Group has served families for decades. Our longevity reflects not just experience, but a consistent track record of protecting clients’ personal and financial futures. We build client relationships based on trust, integrity, and open communication.
This professional standard is exemplified by Debra Schoenberg, our founding attorney and a Certified Family Law Specialist. Her extensive experience with high-net-worth property division, complex support arrangements, and multijurisdictional custody matters directly informs our firm’s strategic approach. Over a multidecade career, she has built a reputation for handling high-stakes family law issues with the legal precision required for complex financial assets and the professional judgment needed for deeply personal matters.
When you work with our team, you can expect:
We are committed to the highest standards of professionalism, client service, and results-driven representation.
Whether you are at the beginning of a difficult family law process or navigating a post-judgment complication, experienced legal guidance can make a tangible difference. Taking a proactive approach—understanding your rights, building your strategy early, and securing skilled representation—can position you for a more stable outcome.
Contact Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. at 866-618-2132 or use our online form to schedule a confidential consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and the greater Los Angeles region.
"I was seeking a reputable family law firm for my prenuptial agreement and received high praise for the Schoenberg Law Group. My attorney listened to my questions and responded to them very patiently. She also paid close attention all my concerns and made sure I was aware of the legal value of the agreement I was about to sign. It was…”
D.R.“It has been a real blessing to find this family law group in my life. I was in the middle of a custody battle with my ex wife and had a lawyer who had sided with my ex wife’s lawyer. I was faced with the option of paying to a regular lawyer to do half jobs with no results or to invest a bit more for a top family counselor who understood my situation and at the same time not giving me false hopes."
A.L."I hesitated filing papers for a long time because I was not sure if I could survive a long legal battle. When we were married, my husband worked while I raised the children, two under four years old, and I was afraid I would lose the stability they needed. I had a wonderful group of friends that helped me search for a reputable law firm that could represent me when my focus was on my children. They found the"
L.A.We are trial lawyers who litigate high-conflict, high-stakes cases. While we try to build on mediation efforts and exhaust opportunities for a negotiated agreement, emotions, egos and various other realities often force these disputes into court. It is critical to work with a firm that knows how to apply the law and the facts in your favor, whether in the courtroom or at the negotiating table.
One of California’s Top Family Lawyers for five consecutive years: 2022–2026
SFLG Voted #1 Family Law Firm in California for six consecutive years: 2021 - 2026
One of the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area by San Francisco Business Times
Debra Schoenberg was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)
Designated as a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State of California Board of Legal Specialization
Board-Certified Family Law Trial Specialist by The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA)
“My goal is to preserve your dignity and your humanity throughout what can be a very difficult and painful process, while at the same time achieving a favorable outcome on your behalf.”
Over 400 Years of Collective Family Law Experience
Debra R. Schoenberg
Owner & Founder
Lily Huang
Senior Associate
Kimia Kojouri
Associate
Miho Takarada
Senior Counsel
Family law covers divorce, legal separation, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, property division, prenuptial agreements, and post-judgment modifications. In short, it encompasses legal matters involving family relationships, financial obligations, and parental rights.
Not necessarily. Many cases are resolved through mediation or negotiated settlement without a contested courtroom hearing. Court involvement may become necessary when disputes cannot be resolved or when one party is unwilling to participate in good-faith negotiations.
California's community property laws generally require an equal division of community assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Separate property—such as property owned before marriage or received individually as a gift or inheritance—is generally not divided. However, tracing and characterization disputes are common in complex cases.
California imposes a mandatory six-month waiting period before marital status can be terminated. The actual timeline depends on the complexity of the case. Contested matters involving business valuations, property disputes, or custody issues can take considerably longer.
Yes, in certain circumstances. Courts may modify custody and support orders when the applicable legal requirements are met. Genuine changes in income, living arrangements, or a child's needs may support a modification request, depending on the facts and type of order involved.
California uses a statewide guideline formula that considers factors such as each parent's income, the percentage of time the child spends with each parent, and certain allowable deductions. Cases involving equity compensation, royalties, self-employment income, or business ownership often require more detailed financial analysis.
California law requires financial disclosure from both parties. If assets are concealed, legal tools including discovery, subpoenas, and forensic accounting may be used to uncover them. Courts can impose significant penalties on parties who intentionally hide assets.
In contested custody and visitation matters, parents are generally required to participate in mediation through Los Angeles County Family Court Services before the court decides those issues. In other family law matters, mediation may be encouraged but is not always mandatory.
A legal separation can address property, financial, support, and custody matters without formally ending the marriage. It may be chosen for religious or personal reasons or when a spouse has not yet satisfied California's residency requirements for divorce. Whether separation preserves health insurance coverage depends on the terms of the applicable insurance plan.
Family law proceedings involve strict deadlines, detailed financial disclosures, and decisions with significant long-term consequences. An experienced attorney can help you avoid procedural mistakes, protect your rights during negotiations, and evaluate whether a proposed agreement or order reflects your interests.
