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 162 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
73%
4 stars
1%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
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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
March 04, 2026
Hired Attorney

I am deeply grateful for Debra’s support during my divorce proceedings. From the start, she showed a clear understanding of family law and provided steady, practical guidance throughout. Her attention to detail and strong advocacy protected my interests while keeping the process as smooth as possible. Debra’s professionalism and compassion made a difficult time far more manageable. I highly recommend her to anyone needing dedicated legal representation during one of the most stressful periods imaginable.

 
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
March 04, 2026
Hired Attorney

Debra is an exceptional attorney. When I began the process, I felt overwhelmed and unsure where to start, but she immediately made me feel comfortable and supported. She took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all my questions, and truly listened to my concerns. Her professionalism and compassion helped ease the stress of a difficult situation. Debra is always responsive and reliable—if she misses a call, she returns it promptly. I have recommended her to others facing family legal matters and will continue to do so. She is knowledgeable, dependable, and genuinely cares about her clients.

 
Child Custody
Posted by anonymous
February 16, 2026
Hired Attorney

Debra represented me in my child custody matter and was an exceptional advocate throughout the process. She is professional, diligent, responsive, and genuinely compassionate. I always felt informed, supported, and confident in her guidance. I highly recommend Debra and her firm to anyone facing a child custody or family law matter.

Divorce
Posted by anonymous
February 06, 2026
Hired Attorney

I was truly blessed to have Debra Schoenberg represent me in my family law case involving California and Arizona. This was a complex relocation matter, and Debra stood by me from start to finish. She was dedicated, knowledgeable, and always prompt in her communication. Thanks to her experience and commitment, I now have my daughters home with me full-time where they belong. I highly recommend Debra Schoenberg to anyone needing a strong and compassionate family law attorney.

 
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
February 06, 2026
Hired Attorney

They were so helpful during my divorce, and you can truly tell how much they care about their clients. The staff is welcoming, professional, and genuinely kind—they’ll do everything they can to help you win your case.

Divorce
Posted by anonymous
January 05, 2026
Hired Attorney

Debra was my second divorce attorney, and I wish I had chosen her first. She was responsive, always quickly answering emails and calls, and explaining things clearly. She corrected misunderstandings from my previous attorney with professionalism and empathy. During negotiations, Debra’s strategic advice helped me weigh the financial and emotional costs of each decision without pressure. She guided me to a fair settlement and empowered me to make informed choices. Her expertise, compassion, and dedication made a challenging process easier. I highly recommend Debra for anyone seeking a knowledgeable and empathetic attorney.

 
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
January 05, 2026
Hired Attorney

I am extremely impressed with Attorney Debra Schoenberg’s professionalism and dedication. She clearly explained potential outcomes, guided me through each step, and provided strategic advice focused on my best interests. After consulting with more than ten firms, she stood out for both her legal expertise and genuine care. I always felt heard, respected, and supported. I highly recommend her legal representation.

 
Divorce
Posted by Whitney
January 05, 2026
Hired Attorney

Choosing Schoenberg Law was one of the best decisions I made. The dedication and attention given to my case exceeded my expectations from start to finish. Debra and her team were consistently responsive, always taking the time to answer my questions and provide clear, timely updates. Their professionalism, knowledge, and support made a challenging family law matter far more manageable. I highly recommend Schoenberg Law to anyone in need of experienced and compassionate legal representation. Thank you, Debra, and the entire team.

 
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
December 02, 2025
Hired Attorney

Debra represented me in my divorce, and she was exceptional from start to finish. I had previously spent ten frustrating months with another firm, feeling unheard and making no progress—especially difficult with my high-conflict ex. From our first meeting, Debra truly listened, understood my concerns, and helped create a parenting plan that genuinely supported my children and me. Her courtroom presence was remarkable; during cross-examination, she clearly exposed my ex-husband’s irresponsible behavior, allowing the judge to see the full picture. In the end, I received nearly everything I hoped for. I’m incredibly grateful for her dedication and expertise.

 
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
December 02, 2025
Hired Attorney

I had the privilege of working with Debra Schoenberg, and she is truly an exceptional attorney. From our first meeting to the resolution of my case, she was professional, knowledgeable, and highly effective. Debra explained every step clearly, answered all my questions, and helped me navigate a complex process with confidence. Her expertise, preparation, and strategic approach made a significant difference in the outcome. I highly recommend Debra to anyone seeking a skilled and dedicated lawyer.

 

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.