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’re considering a prenuptial agreement in preparation for marriage, beginning a divorce process in Malibu, working through a custody dispute, or returning to court years later because circumstances have changed, the decisions made during these proceedings carry long-term weight — financially, emotionally, and practically. 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 Malibu, Point Dume, the Malibu Colony, Serra Retreat, and Malibu Canyon 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 often under real emotional strain. California’s community property framework means that assets and debts accumulated during the marriage are considered jointly owned and will typically be split equally in divorce, but the reality of untangling a shared financial life is rarely that simple, particularly in a community where real estate values, entertainment industry income, and closely held business interests routinely complicate what would otherwise be a more straightforward calculation. We assist Malibu 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 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’s the area where the stakes feel highest. California courts evaluate every custody matter 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 across Malibu, where a tight-knit school community, surf and equestrian schedules, and long-standing 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 most family law cases and one that clients frequently underestimate in complexity. 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:
Accurate support orders require accurate financial analysis. We make sure the numbers reflect reality, not just what one party wants the court to see.
Although community property law is straightforward on its surface, property division becomes genuinely challenging when significant assets or complex portfolios are involved. Across Malibu, this frequently includes entertainment and music industry income, closely held production or hospitality businesses, coastal real estate along Broad Beach and Point Dume, family trusts, retirement accounts, and property acquired with a combination of separate and community funds. Each of these requires careful characterization, valuation, and legal analysis before any division can be fair or defensible. Key issues in property division often include:
An experienced Malibu family law attorney ensures 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 reach mutually agreeable solutions in a more private, less adversarial setting; for families in Malibu who want to preserve community relationships and build positive co-parenting dynamics, that flexibility and control truly matter.
When settlement isn’t possible, litigation becomes necessary. Family law cases for Malibu residents are handled through the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, and 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 rather than simply defaulting to the most expensive option. We are skilled negotiators — and aggressive litigators when necessary.
Family law orders issued at the time of a divorce or separation aren’t always permanent. Life changes — jobs shift, financial circumstances change, children’s needs evolve, parents relocate — and California courts recognize that orders may need to be updated to reflect new realities. Modifications are available when a party can demonstrate a significant change in circumstances that makes the existing order unfair or unworkable. Common post-judgment matters we handle include:
Informal agreements between parents or former spouses, even when both parties agree, carry no legal weight unless they’re approved and entered by the court. We help clients formalize changes properly so there’s no ambiguity or risk of future disputes.
Family law proceedings for Malibu residents are handled through the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
Family law cases require more than legal knowledge. They require discretion, strategic thinking, and an attorney who understands that for people going through divorce proceedings, the stakes are very high: real children, parental relationships, community ties, and financial futures. Schoenberg Family Law Group has served families for nearly four decades. Our longevity reflects not just knowledge and experience, but our consistent track record of protecting clients’ personal and financial futures. We build client relationships based on trust, integrity, and open communication, handling highly sensitive matters with diligence and genuine care.
This professional standard is exemplified by Debra Schoenberg, our founding attorney and a Certified Family Law Specialist. Her extensive expertise across high-net-worth property division, complex support systems, and multi-jurisdictional custody actions directly informs our firm’s strategic approach in Malibu. Over a decorated multi-decade career, she has built a reputation for handling high-stakes family law issues with both the legal precision required for complex financial assets, and the compassion and 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.
Our experienced and caring team understands how sensitive, consequential, and overwhelming family law disputes can feel. We help Malibu families approach these sensitive matters with calm and confidence at every step. Whether you’re at the beginning of a difficult family law process or navigating a post-judgment complication, expert legal guidance makes a tangible difference. A proactive approach — understanding your rights, building your strategy early, and having skilled representation in your corner — positions you for a more satisfactory and 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 Malibu, Point Dume, the Malibu Colony, Serra Retreat, Malibu Canyon, and the greater Santa Monica Mountains 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, any legal matter involving family relationships and financial obligations, or parental rights.
Not necessarily. Many cases are resolved through mediation or negotiated settlement without a courtroom appearance. Court involvement becomes necessary when disputes can't be resolved, or when one party is unwilling to 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, is not subject to division. Tracing and characterization 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. The actual timeline depends on the complexity of the case; contested matters involving business valuations or custody disputes can take considerably longer.
Yes. Courts allow modifications when there has been a significant change in circumstances affecting the child or either parent. The bar is intentionally high, since courts value stability, but genuine changes in income, living situation, or a child's needs can support a modification request.
California uses a statewide guideline formula that factors in each parent's gross income, the percentage of time the child spends with each parent, and certain allowable deductions. Cases involving entertainment income, business ownership, or self-employment income often require more detailed financial analysis.
California law requires full financial disclosure from both parties. If assets are concealed, legal tools including discovery, subpoenas, and forensic accounting can be used to uncover them. Courts impose serious sanctions on parties who hide assets, up to and including awarding the hidden asset entirely to the other spouse.
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.
A legal separation resolves all financial and custody matters and allows spouses to live independently, but does not formally end the marriage. It's often chosen for religious reasons, to preserve health insurance coverage, or when one spouse hasn't yet met California's residency requirements for divorce.
Family law proceedings involve strict deadlines, complex financial disclosures, and decisions with lasting consequences for yourself and your family. An experienced attorney helps you avoid procedural mistakes, protects your rights during negotiations, and ensures that any agreement or order you sign actually reflects your interests.
