Debra R. Schoenberg

Debra R. Schoenberg is the founder and principal of Schoenberg Family Law Group P.C. With nearly 40 years of experience and 15,000 family law cases, her expertise encompasses many complex areas, including intricate financial concerns, extensive marital estates and contentious custody disputes.

Schoenberg said she was initially drawn to family law by her desire to represent the disenfranchised.

“However, during a summer clerkship with a family law firm in New York, I discovered the profound humanity and intellectual challenges within family law, which brought me tremendous joy and fulfillment,” she said. “Witnessing the human condition and representing countless individuals whose strength and courage inspire me has kept me deeply engaged.”

She finds it a privilege to train young lawyers and is immensely rewarded by seeing them become distinguished attorneys. Her children motivate her to strive for emotionally healthy and thriving families, and she is blessed to have a career where she can make a meaningful contribution to her clients’ lives. Schoenberg finds it an honor to guide clients through the darkness of divorce and help them find the light at the end of the tunnel.

As she embarks on the next chapter of her career, Schoenberg is eager to continue witnessing the evolving definition of family in the country and achieving the best results for those who entrust her. She believes that practicing family law with integrity and professionalism allows clients to retain their dignity and humanity during a difficult and painful process. Schoenberg has found herself immersed in high-conflict custody disputes, where the paramount concern is always the well-being of the children involved. Recently, she has encountered an increasing number of cases involving international and cross-state custody disputes, presenting unique challenges and complexities.

Schoenberg said she recognizes the importance of cultural competence and diversity in the field of family law.

“With increasingly diverse family structures and backgrounds, family law professionals must demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity to the needs of clients from various cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds,” she said.

A significant trend in family law Schoenberg highlighted is the recognition of LGBTQ+ parental rights, reflecting the changing landscape of family structures. Recent legal advancements have ensured equal recognition and protection for same-sex couples and non-biological parents, highlighting that love, care, and commitment are paramount, surpassing traditional notions of biological parenthood. As family law continues to evolve, it mirrors society’s dedication to diversity and ensures that every child can thrive in a nurturing and supportive family environment.