Compassionate Family Law Attorneys Serving Redwood City, CA
Legal issues surrounding the family are challenging and usually involve a significant turning point in life. The experienced Redwood City family law attorneys at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., are prepared to discuss your case and help you explore your legal options. We will guide you through this process as seamlessly as possible by educating you and putting a plan into action that works towards your specific goals.
Why Clients Trust Our Redwood City Family Law Firm
- Board-Certified Family Law Specialist: Our founding attorney, Debra R. Schoenberg, is certified as a Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction earned through extensive trial experience, peer review, and demonstrated expertise in family law.
- Deep Familiarity With San Mateo County Courts: Our attorneys regularly represent clients throughout San Mateo County and understand the local procedures, judicial expectations, and court processes that can influence the outcome of a family law matter.
- Experience Handling Complex Financial Matters: Redwood City families often have substantial assets, investment accounts, retirement benefits, stock options, business interests, and real estate holdings. We help clients protect their financial interests while pursuing fair and practical resolutions.
- Strategic Negotiators and Trial Advocates: While many family law disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, we are fully prepared to litigate when necessary to protect our clients’ rights.
- Recognized Leaders in California Family Law: Our attorneys have earned recognition from respected legal organizations, including Super Lawyers, U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firms, and the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.
How Can a Family Law Attorney Help?
Family law matters involve some of the most important decisions a person can make regarding their children, finances, and future. Whether you are preparing for divorce, seeking child custody, modifying support obligations, or protecting assets through a marital agreement, an experienced attorney can help guide you through the process.
Our attorneys help clients:
- Understand their rights and legal options under California law;
- Protect parental rights and relationships with their children;
- Navigate mediation and settlement negotiations;
- Address complex financial and property issues;
- Seek temporary court orders when necessary; and
- Advocate for their interests during litigation when disputes cannot be resolved amicably.
We offer compassionate and confidential advice to our clients. Our attorneys have the legal knowledge and experience to instill confidence in the decisions you make for your family. Contact our legal team to schedule a consultation regarding any family law matter including, but not limited to:
- Asset protection
- Child support
- Child support modification
- Child custody
- Child custody modification
- Asset division
- Divorce
- Mediation
- Paternity
- Prenuptial agreements
- Postnuptial agreements
- Appeals
Child Support Modification in Redwood City
Child support is subject to the continuing jurisdiction of the court. Substantial changes in a parent’s income, the cost of childcare, or the amount of custody/visitation time each parent spends with the child may justify a modification of child support. Family law attorneys work on behalf of parents in seeking modifications that are in the best interests of their children.
Child Custody
Child custody is determined based on the best interests of the children. Family law attorneys pursue their client’s custody and visitation rights in mediation or trial. The goal for family law attorneys and their clients is to reach a resolution to all child custody issues that best meets the needs of their client and their client’s children.
Child Custody Modification
As children mature and family living arrangements change, original child custody and visitation plans become outdated or even obsolete. A custody agreement that once seemed fair may no longer make sense. Family law attorneys are valuable aids in altering or rewriting a new child custody plan for the court’s approval.
Child custody and visitation agreements are modifiable if it is in the best interests of the children or if both parents agree to the modification.
Asset Division in Redwood City
Dividing marital assets can become one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce. Many Redwood City families have significant financial interests that require careful analysis, including real estate, retirement accounts, stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), business ownership interests, investment portfolios, and executive compensation packages.
California is a community property state. This means that, with few exceptions, all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned and will be divided equally between the spouses in divorce. However, determining whether an asset is community property, separate property, or a combination of both can be far more complicated than it initially appears.
Our attorneys work with financial professionals, valuation experts, and forensic accountants when necessary to help clients identify, value, and protect their interests throughout the property division process.
Divorce in Redwood City
Every divorcing client is an individual with a specific set of needs and goals. An experienced Redwood City divorce lawyer will prioritize the resolution of their client’s case based on these factors. Family law attorneys counsel their clients through a divorce and work to establish the following:
- Child custody;
- Visitation and parenting time;
- Child support;
- Division of marital property;
- Division of marital debts;
- Temporary orders; and
- Spousal support.
Navigating Family Law Matters in Redwood City
Family law matters involving Redwood City residents are generally handled through the San Mateo County Superior Court. Successfully resolving a family law case often requires more than understanding California law. It also requires familiarity with local court procedures, filing requirements, judicial preferences, and mediation programs.
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, we have extensive experience helping clients navigate family law matters throughout San Mateo County. Whether your case involves divorce, child custody, support disputes, or complex property division, we provide strategic guidance tailored to your unique circumstances.
Mediation in Redwood City
A mediator is a neutral third person who helps divorcing parties resolve issues such as asset division, child custody and support, and spousal maintenance. Mediation occurs in a casual setting outside of a courtroom.
Helpful and supportive
Debra and team were so helpful and supportive through the most difficult time in my life. Grateful to the team for their advice – would highly recommend their services to anyone needing a divorce attorney.
Paternity in Redwood City
Proving paternity is more reliable and accessible today due to DNA testing, which determines parentage with over 99 percent probability. Family law attorneys help to establish the paternity of children legally. They also help alleged fathers served with a paternity action.
Fathers also hire family law attorneys to procure a child custody and visitation order from the court.
Prenuptial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements address the possibility of divorce in the future. Family law attorneys create them before a couple is married. A prenuptial agreement lists each person’s assets, and the rights of each person if the marriage fails.
Prenuptial agreements are especially helpful where assets are not easily divided, such as a family-owned business.
Postnuptial Agreements
Family law attorneys create postnuptial agreements after a couple is married. Postnuptial agreements are made after a married couple’s circumstances change, and an agreement is needed to define property and rights between the couple in the event of a divorce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Redwood City
Where Are Family Law Cases Heard for Redwood City Residents?
Family law matters involving Redwood City residents are generally heard through the San Mateo County Superior Court. Depending on the issues involved, parties may participate in hearings, mediation sessions, and other proceedings through the county's family law division.
Can Child Custody Orders Be Modified After a Divorce?
Yes. Child custody and visitation orders may be modified when circumstances substantially change, and a modification would serve the best interests of the child.
Is Mediation Required in California Family Law Cases?
Mediation is commonly used in family law disputes and is required before a court will decide contested child custody and visitation matters.
Can a Prenuptial Agreement Protect Business Interests and Investments?
Yes. A properly drafted prenuptial agreement can help protect separate property, business ownership interests, investment accounts, inheritances, and other valuable assets.
What Happens if My Former Spouse Violates a Custody or Support Order?
Legal remedies may be available to enforce court orders involving custody, visitation, child support, or spousal support. An attorney can help determine the most effective course of action.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in California?
California imposes a mandatory six-month waiting period before a divorce can become final. More complex cases involving custody disputes or substantial assets may take longer to resolve.
Speak With Our Family Law Attorneys Today
Allow Schoenberg Family Law Group to act as your guide through the complexities of any family law matter. We will provide you with the guidance and compassion you deserve and keep you informed as your case progresses. Our experienced attorneys will listen to you and work to meet your expectations.
We are professionals and practice family law with dedication and integrity. Meet with one of our attorneys today to learn more about our legal team and our family law services.
