About Debra R. Schoenberg

More than thirty years ago, she established her own firm, which has vast experience and expertise in the highly sensitive and complex practice of family law, and Ms. Schoenberg has established a professional reputation for thoroughness, strategic thinking, keen attention to detail, loyalty, and dedication to client service.

Today Ms. Schoenberg handles cases that range from complex financial issues and extensive marital estates, to high-conflict custody matters. Adept at negotiating resolutions as well as aggressively pursuing litigated outcomes, she also handles straightforward family law cases, pre- and post-marital agreements, and marital settlements. Ms. Schoenberg has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to fairness and equity, and because of her vast experience she is able to capture the perfect balance of compassionate sensitivity, and the aggressive assertion of a client’s rights.

Long recognized as a leading family law attorney, Debra Schoenberg is a frequent lecturer in family law. In recognition of her work she was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a Board Certified Family Law Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. She is also a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State of California Board of Legal Specialization. As the result of an extensive and confidential review by members of the Bar, she has been repeatedly listed in the Directory of Super Lawyers.

The San Francisco Business Times repeatedly names Debra Schoenberg to their 100 Top Women Owned Businesses, their 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Bay Area, and list of the Top 25 LGBT-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area.

Additionally, Ms. Schoenberg was selected by peer recognition and professional achievement as one of the Top Women Attorneys in Northern California and was named one of the Ten Best Family Law Attorneys in California by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. The firm has also been repeatedly selected as one of the top three family law firms in the Bay Area. Parent’s Press East Bay has also voted Schoenberg Family Law Group Best of Bay 2017. Most recently, Ms. Schoenberg was named to American Institute of Legal Counsel Top 10 California Attorneys for her dedication to families and working out the best situation for each of her clients. Ms. Schoenberg is a member of the California, New York, and Vermont Bar Associations. She is the author of a book entitled “Divorce in California.”

HONORS AND AWARDS

Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Listed in the Directory of Super Lawyers 2007, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

The San Francisco Business Times’ 100 Top Women Owned Businesses, 2013 – 2018

The San Francisco Business Times’ list of the 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Bay Area, 2014 – 2018

The San Francisco Business Times’ list of the Top 25 LGBT-Owned Business in the Bay Area, 2015 – 2018

Top Women Attorneys in Northern California

American Institute of Family Law Attorneys ‘ Ten Best Family Law Attorneys in California, 2015 – 2017

American Jurist Institute – Top Ten Family Law Attorneys, 2017

CLASSES/SEMINARS

Navigating Life’s Transitions: A Financial and Legal Survival Guide, 2015

Tax Consequences of Divorce, State Assistant Judges, 2008

An Income Tax Primer for Family Law Practitioners, State Bar Association, 2008

What Family Court Judges Want You to Know, National Business Institute, 2007

Family Law: Year in Review, State Bar Association, 2007

Preventing Financial Mistakes during Divorce, National Business Institute, 2007

Child Custody and Shared Parenting, National Business Institute, 2007

Successful Financial Settlements for your Divorce Client, National Business Institute, 2007

Family Law: Helping Your Clients through Difficult Times, National Business Institute, 2007

A Road Map through Divorce Proceedings, National Business Institute, 2006

Family Law: Year in Review, State Bar Association, 2006

Advertising Ethically and Effectively, State Bar Association, 2006

Equitable Divorce Settlements, National Business Institute, 2006

What Family Court Judges Want You to Know, National Business Institute, 2006

Complex Matrimonial Law Issues, National Business Institute, 2005

Domestic Law in Vermont, National Business Institute, 2005

Tax Consequences of Divorce, State Assistant Judges, 2005

Business Valuations for the Matrimonial Practitioner, State Chapter of National Association of Certified Valuation Accountants, 2004

Keeping it Civil: The Same Sex Couples’ Journey, New York State Bar Association, 2004

Successfully Dealing with Life Transitions, Key Bank Financial Forum for Women, 2004

Dealing with the Pro Se Litigant, State Bar Association, 2004

Complex Issues in Divorce, National Business Institute, 2004

Divorce Cases from Start to Finish, National Business Institute, 2003

Women in Transition: Dealing with Issues Surrounding Divorce, Salomon Smith Barney, 2000 – 2003

Complex Divorce for the Vermont Practitioner, National Business Institute, 2003

Pro Se Litigation Education, State Family Court, 2000 – 2001

Business Valuation: Presentation of Exhibits, Admissibility, Persuasiveness, State Bar Association, 2001

Family Law and Relief from Abuse, Vermont Volunteers Lawyers Project, 2000

Trusts, Estate Planning and Divorce, National Business Institute, 2000

Child Custody and Time Sharing, National Business Institute, 1999 – 2000

How to Utilize the Magistrate, State Bar Association, 2000

 

Awards

Reviews for Debra R.

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Overall Rating
Showing 1-10 of 163 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
74%
4 stars
1%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
25%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.0
Quality of Service
4.0
Responsiveness
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
October 26, 2020
Hired Attorney

Debra is a fantastic attorney - was recommended by many friends and acquaintances in my LGBT community. I was not disappointed- she was very experienced and supportive during a difficult time. Highly recommend her services.

Divorce
Posted by anonymous
February 07, 2019
Hired Attorney

After many law firm interviews I landed on Debra Schoenberg to represent me in my divorce. I found her team to be very skilled at getting the results I was looking for. The experience itself while difficult was made better through excellent communication and a constant focus on ensuring I understood the process. I highly recommend this firm to those looking for help with family law matters.

 
Family Law
Posted by Darren
November 14, 2022
Hired Attorney

I lost faith in the Schoenberg Family Law Group. Cannot recommend! I was hopeful after initially speaking with Debra and paid the retainer. I asked for two things to be accomplished as I was placed on disability. Lower the Alimony and obtain an end date. I was asked almost weekly for more money with threats to end my representation and paid over $20000 before the first hearing, where I was told to just agree to my ex's request. My ex was allowed to lie and hide things to get more alimony but I was denied a discovery to show it. There is no reason to get a Lawyer if they are simply going to accept the other parties offer.

 
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
August 05, 2024
Hired Attorney

Schoenberg Family was a major disappointment. I provided detailed records of our financial situation, yet I was charged $83,000 for what seemed like routine tasks. Their lack of transparency and communication was incredibly frustrating.

Divorce
Posted by Daniel
August 05, 2024
Hired Attorney

I provided Schoenberg Family with all the necessary documents for my divorce, but they still managed to charge me $73,000 in less than two months. Their lack of communication and sky-high fees were incredibly frustrating. I felt completely taken advantage of.

Divorce
Posted by Sarah
August 05, 2024
Hired Attorney

I provided Schoenberg Family with all the necessary documents for my divorce, but they still managed to charge me $73,000 in less than two months. Their lack of communication and sky-high fees were incredibly frustrating. I felt completely taken advantage of.

Divorce
Posted by Emily
August 05, 2024
Hired Attorney

I provided all the documentation Schoenberg Family needed, yet I was billed $77,000 in just two months. They had minimal interaction with my ex's attorney and provided no justification for their fees. I felt completely taken advantage of.

Legal Separation
Posted by anonymous
August 05, 2024
Hired Attorney

Schoenberg Family handled my case poorly. I provided all relevant details, but I was billed $90,000 for what seemed like basic administrative tasks. Their infrequent communication and lack of thorough case review made me feel completely cheated.

Gay and Lesbian Family Law
Posted by anonymous
August 05, 2024
Hired Attorney

My experience with Schoenberg Family Law was a nightmare. They aggressively harassed me with constant demands for payment throughout my same-sex divorce case. Despite providing all necessary documentation for asset division and custody arrangements, I was billed $55,000. Their disrespectful behavior and poor communication made me feel completely exploited.

 
Gay and Lesbian Family Law
Posted by anonymous
August 05, 2024
Hired Attorney

I deeply regret hiring Schoenberg Family Law. Their harassment tactics were unbearable; I was constantly pressured for payments. Despite providing extensive documentation for my same-sex divorce, including financial records and custody arrangements, I received a $65,000 bill. Their disrespectful behavior and disorganized approach made the process excruciating.

 

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law 8
    • Divorce
    • Military Divorce
    • Paternity
    • Premarital Agreements
    • Spousal Support
    • Child Custody
    • Visitation Rights
    • Child Support
  • Annulment
  • Domestic Partnerships
  • Domestic Violence
  • Gay and Lesbian Family Law
  • Restraining Orders
  • Property Law
  • Appellate Practice
  • Other 22
    • Alimony
    • Cohabitation Agreements
    • Community Property Law
    • Domestic Relations
    • Domestic Torts
    • International Family Law
    • Interstate Support
    • Marital Agreements
    • Marital Property Distribution
    • Marital Property Law
    • Marital Property Settlements
    • Matrimonial Law
    • Non-Traditional Family Law
    • Palimony
    • Post Divorce Modification
    • Postnuptial Agreements
    • Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
    • Separation Agreements
    • Uncontested Divorce
    • Domestic Partnership Dissolution
    • Pension Distribution
    • Modification of Orders

Practice Details

  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Fixed hourly rates
    Accepted Credit Cards
    American Express
    Discover
    MasterCard
    Visa
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Principal
    Firm Name
    Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C.
  • Additional Links

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1987, U.S. District Court Northern District of New York
    2012, U.S. District Court Northern District of California
    1990, U.S. Supreme Court
    1986, New York
    1994, Vermont
    2008, California
    Memberships

    California Bar Association, Member – Family Law Section

    New York Bar Association, Member – Family Law Section

    Vermont Bar Association, Member – Family Law Section (Former Chair)

    American Bar Association, Member – Family Law Section

    American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys, Fellow

    National Board of Trial Advocacy, Board Certified Family Law Trial Specialist

    Directory of Super Lawyers, Family Law Profile 2007, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
    Bar Fellowship
    American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys.
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Franklin Pierce Law Center
    Class of 1985
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Western College
    Class of 1980
    B.Phil.
    Legal Certifications
    Board Certified Family Law Trial Specialist; National Board of Trial Advocacy; Certified Family Law Specialist; State of California Board of Legal Specialization
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1958
    1958
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Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Debra R. Schoenberg has a 4.3 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Does this attorney accept major credit cards?
    Yes, Debra R. Schoenberg will accept Discover, Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
  • How many attorneys are in this law firm?
    Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. has 12 attorneys at this location.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Debra R. Schoenberg attended Franklin Pierce Law Center.
  • What year was this attorney's law firm established?
    Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. was established in 1990.