Voted #1 Family Law Firm in California
in a statewide poll limited to Judges, Attorneys, and Law Firm Administrators.
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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 that help clients move forward with confidence. We represent clients throughout Laguna Beach — North Laguna, the Village, Temple Hills, Arch Beach Heights, Emerald Bay, Woods Cove, Three Arch Bay, and South Laguna — in both straightforward and highly complex family law matters.
Divorce involves far more than ending a marriage. Property must be divided, support obligations established, and custody arrangements negotiated, often simultaneously and under real emotional strain. California’s no-fault framework and community property frameworks aim to streamline the process. The community property rule means assets and debts accumulated during the marriage are jointly owned and split equally (unless a valid prenuptial agreement states otherwise). But in reality, untangling your shared life and finances is rarely that simple — particularly in a community where hillside real estate, gallery and small-business ownership, and rebuilding history from past fire and landslide events routinely complicate calculations and logistics. Decisions that affect your children are always complex and delicate. We assist Laguna Beach clients with:
Our goal is to resolve divorce matters as efficiently as possible while protecting your financial interests and your family’s long-term stability, whether that means a negotiated settlement or a trip to court.
Custody decisions are logistically complex, emotionally fraught, and extremely consequential. California courts evaluate every custody matter under the best interests of the child standard, weighing each parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable environment alongside the child’s existing routines and community ties. For families across Laguna Beach, where a small, tight-knit school district and a calendar built around surf season, junior lifeguards, and the fall art festivals shape daily life, custody arrangements benefit from a level of local detail that a standard template can’t provide. Custody matters we handle include:
Financial support is a central issue in most family law cases, and can be surprisingly complex. California uses a statewide guideline formula for child support that considers each parent’s income, the percentage of time the child spends with each parent, and the child’s specific needs. 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:
Although community property law is straightforward on its surface, the actual property division process can become very challenging when significant assets or complex portfolios are involved. Across Laguna Beach, this frequently includes gallery and studio inventory, closely held hospitality or retail businesses, coastal and hillside real estate in Emerald Bay, Three Arch Bay, and Temple Hills, and property acquired or rebuilt with a mix of separate and community funds after past fire or landslide events. Key issues in property division often include:
Many family law disputes can be resolved without ever setting foot in a courtroom. Mediation allows both parties to reach mutually agreeable solutions in a more private, less adversarial setting — a real advantage for Laguna Beach families who want to preserve community relationships and build positive co-parenting dynamics.
When settlement isn’t possible, litigation becomes necessary. Family law cases for Laguna Beach residents run through the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, at the Lamoreaux Justice Center, and having an attorney who understands local court procedures and filing requirements is critical to presenting your case effectively. We are experienced in both paths — we aim to resolve cases through strategic negotiation, but we’re aggressive litigators when necessary.
Family law orders aren’t always permanent. Jobs shift, financial circumstances change, children’s needs evolve, and California courts recognize that orders may need updating to reflect new realities. Modifications are available when a party can demonstrate a significant change in circumstances that makes an existing order unfair or unworkable. Common post-judgment matters we handle include:
Family law cases require more than legal knowledge. They require discretion, strategic thinking, and an attorney who understands that the stakes are real: children, parental relationships, community ties, and financial futures. Schoenberg Family Law Group has served families for nearly four decades, building client relationships on trust, integrity, and open communication.
This professional standard is exemplified by founding attorney Debra Schoenberg, a Certified Family Law Specialist whose expertise across high-net-worth property division, complex support systems, and multi-jurisdictional custody actions directly informs our approach in Laguna Beach. Over a decorated multi-decade career, she has built a reputation for handling high-stakes family law issues with both the legal precision complex financial assets require and the compassion deeply personal matters need.
When you work with our team, you can expect:
Our experienced and caring team understands how sensitive, consequential, and overwhelming family law disputes can feel. We help Laguna Beach families approach these matters with calm and confidence at every step. 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 Laguna Beach, North Laguna, the Village, Temple Hills, Emerald Bay, Three Arch Bay, and South Laguna.
"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
Kimia Kojouri
Associate
Family law covers divorce, legal separation, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, property division, prenuptial agreements, and post-judgment modifications.
Not necessarily. Many cases resolve through mediation or negotiated settlement without a courtroom appearance. Court involvement becomes necessary when disputes can't be resolved, or when one party won't engage in good faith.
California's community property laws require equal division of assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Separate property, owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance, isn't subject to division. Tracing disputes are common in complex cases, particularly where real estate or business assets are involved.
California imposes a mandatory six-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. Contested matters involving significant community assets or custody disputes often take considerably longer.
No. All family law filings for Laguna Beach residents go to the Lamoreaux Justice Center in the City of Orange, the sole family law filing location for the entire county.
Yes, when there's been a significant change in circumstances affecting the child or either parent. The bar for modifications is intentionally high, since courts value stability.
California uses a statewide guideline formula factoring in each parent's income, the percentage of time the child spends with each parent, and certain allowable deductions. Cases involving gallery, hospitality, or seasonal business income often require more detailed financial analysis.
California law requires full financial disclosure. If assets are concealed, we can use discovery, subpoenas, and forensic accounting to uncover them. Courts impose serious sanctions on parties who hide assets.
In custody-related matters, participation in Family Court Services mediation is required before a judge will issue final orders. In other family law matters, mediation is encouraged but not always mandatory.
Family law proceedings involve strict deadlines, complex financial disclosures, and decisions with lasting consequences. An experienced attorney helps you avoid procedural mistakes, protects your rights during negotiations, and ensures any agreement or order you sign actually reflects your interests.
