Voted #1 Family Law Firm in California
in a statewide poll limited to Judges, Attorneys, and Law Firm Administrators.
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Appellate work is a specialized field that differs fundamentally from trial litigation. It requires a lawyer who can scrutinize trial transcripts, identify subtle legal discrepancies, and craft persuasive written briefs for the California Courts of Appeal.
We represent clients across Southern California, including those in Bel Air, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood, ensuring that trial court oversights do not dictate the final outcome of your family’s future.
An appeal is not a “re-trial.” You cannot introduce new evidence or call new witnesses. Instead, the appellate court reviews the record of the original trial to determine if the law was applied correctly. Common grounds for a family law appeal include:
Because the window to file a “Notice of Appeal” is exceptionally brief—often 60 days after you’re notified that a judgment has been entered – consulting a Beverly Hills family law appeals attorney immediately following an unfavorable ruling is critical to preserving your rights.
Success in the appellate court is won through meticulous research and writing. Our firm excels in the “cold record” review process, identifying the specific points where the trial court faltered. We handle appeals involving complex financial distributions, high-conflict custody determinations, and the validity of prenuptial agreements. By focusing on the nuances of the California Family Code and relevant case law, we provide our clients with a second chance at a just outcome.
Appellate litigation requires a unique skill set that combines academic precision with aggressive advocacy.
Our commitment is to ensure that a single mistake by a trial judge does not define the rest of your life. We work tirelessly to rectify legal errors and advocate for a result that truly reflects the facts of your case.
If you believe your case was decided incorrectly, time is of the essence. Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. proudly serves clients throughout Los Angeles County and Southern California.
Contact us today at 310-340-1846 or fill out our online form to schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced Beverly Hills family law appeals attorneys.
"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
Generally, you can only appeal "final" judgments. However, certain temporary orders such as those involving the payment of money or child custody may be challenged through a "Petition for Writ," which is an extraordinary request for immediate review
Not automatically. To stop an order (like the sale of a house or payment of support) while the appeal is pending, your Beverly Hills family law appeals attorney must file a request for a "stay" or post an appeal bond.
No. The appellate court only considers the evidence that was actually presented to the trial judge. If you have brand-new evidence, a "Motion for a New Trial" or a "Motion to Set Aside" in the trial court may be a more appropriate path.
Appeals are a slow process. From filing the notice to receiving a final opinion from the Court of Appeal, the process often takes up to 2 years.
The appellate court can "affirm" (keep the ruling as is), "reverse" (overturn the ruling), or "remand" the case, which means sending it back to the trial court with instructions to fix the error.
While not required, it is often beneficial. Appellate law requires a different style of writing and thinking than trial law. A fresh set of eyes from a dedicated appellate perspective can often spot errors the trial attorney might have overlooked.
It is extremely difficult to appeal a "Stipulated Judgment" (a settlement). Generally, you can only challenge a settlement if you can prove it was obtained through fraud, duress, or a significant mistake of fact.
No. There is no testimony in the Court of Appeal. The case is decided based on written briefs and, occasionally, a short "oral argument" where the attorneys answer questions from a panel of three judges.
Appeals are labor-intensive due to the amount of transcript review and legal writing required. However, if the trial court’s error was significant, the long-term financial or personal cost of not appealing can be far greater.
