Best Divorce Lawyers in California
Patrick Baghdaserians
Divorce Lawyers
Patrick is a California State Bar Certified Specialist in the area of Family Law. Since 2007, He has represented both men and women, as well as their spouses in complex divorce, custody and paternity cases, who work in many industries including entertainment, finance, professional sports, professionals such as lawyers, doctors and accountants, and technology. These include complex financial marital dissolutions, relocation and high-conflict child custody litigation, grey divorce and sophisticated prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Patrick has been featured in local and national media regarding family law issues. He has expressed his expert opinion in the Los Angeles Times, CNN, Balancing Act television show hosted by Montell Williams and other media outlets.
In 2019, Patrick founded Baghdaserians Law Group with his long-time friend and colleague, Daniel Leonnetti. Since its opening, the firm has expanded quickly. Clients have come from all walks of life. All sides of the spectrum of family law are served by the firm. In order to best serve its growing clientele, Baghdaserians Law Group has multiple offices located in Pasadena and Beverly Hills.
“Family law is such a melting pot, which is what really drew me to it,” Baghdaserians says. “It provides the opportunity to be a litigator, a mediator, and to go to court. Being able to go to court and advocate for others is something I’ve always wanted to do in my life, and it turns out I’m really good at it. When it comes to family law, we’re not dealing with large corporations. We’re dealing with human beings and children, and I get to make a positive impact on people’s lives every day.”
Having worked for almost two decades as an attorney, Patrick looks forward to continuing to serve his clients and the community for many years to come. “I love advocacy, going to court and protecting my clients,” Baghdaserians says. “I love advocating on behalf of people who can’t advocate for themselves. That’s the real role of a lawyer—whether you’re in family law, personal injury law or criminal law, it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, we are advocates. Advocacy is what drew me to a career in the legal industry, it drew me to family law, it’s the reason I love what I do.”
Navid Moshtael
Divorce Lawyers
Mr. Moshtael limits his practice to family law and divorce matters. Mr. Moshtael has acquired substantial experience handling all levels and types of family law matters, including complex matters such as divorces involving high net worth marital estates.
Mr. Moshtael has obtained a great reputation in court for aggressively representing the interests of his clients, using his experience and knowledge to skillfully navigate their cases.
Mr. Moshtael’s goal is to identify client objectives and help them achieve those objectives efficiently, thoroughly, and aggressively. He currently accepts cases in Orange County, as well as the Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
Education
- Juris Doctorate – Chapman University School of Law
- Undergraduate Degree – University of Oregon
Associations
Iranian American Bar Association, Member 2014 – Present
Orange County Bar Association, Family Law Section Member 2006 – Present
State Bar of California, Member 2006 – Present
Beverly Hills Bar Association, Family Law Section Member
Publications
Los Angeles Daily Journal Stepparent adoption & termination of parental rights: roadmap 2016
Los Angeles Daily Journal Pending Legislation in the Senate Seeks to Clarify the Meaning of “Date of Separation” 2016
Los Angeles Daily Journal Controlling Behavior is Now Sufficient for Issuance of Domestic Violence Restraining Orders 2016
Los Angeles Daily Journal Tax opinion may affect support deductions 2016
Los Angeles Daily Journal Grandparents Visitation: A recent California case expands grandparent visitations rights 2016
Los Angeles Daily Journal Modification of spousal support: taking party expectations into account 2014
Los Angeles Daily Journal Want to pay your ex’s attorney’s fees? Ignore discovery requests 2013
Los Angeles Daily Journal When is a premarital agreement unconscionable? 2012
Los Angeles Daily Journal Be wary of using boilerplate provisions 2012
Los Angeles Daily Journal Good concept, bad outcome 2011
Los Angeles Daily Journal Did you advise your client to change his or her beneficiary designation after the divorce?
Beshoy F. Shehata
Divorce Lawyers
Beshoy F. Shehata Esq., is the Chief Executive Officer and proud owner of Family Law Matters. He goes by “B.” B graduated from California Western School of Law Cum Laude and was admitted to the California State Bar in 2017. B is passionate about his career choice and loves helping his clients.
B was raised in Cairo, Egypt. He migrated to the United States with his family in 2000. He has six siblings. He always wanted to become an attorney to help those going through tough times. He understands how difficult it is to go through a divorce or a custody battle. He understands the stress and uncertainty that accompanies this unfortunate situation. B comes from a strong religious background. He is a Coptic Orthodox Christian. He has strong ties with his family, church, and the community.
His mission is to help his clients through this difficult time. He enjoys counseling them and guiding them through this complex legal system.
B has a beautiful young daughter whom he enjoys spending time with. B also has two dogs, a blue-nose brindle Pitbull and a German Shepherd. In his spare time, he loves spending time with his daughter, teaching her new things, walking his dogs, and working out. His favorite foods are steak and ice-cream. Can you blame him?
At Family Law Matters, B believes that YOUR family matters. This is why he strives to create an environment that fosters high work ethics, productivity, and compassion. B interviews and only hires staff members that understand his mission and share his vision. His legal team and support staff undergo rigorous training and mentoring to care for your family. His work family and colleagues are his second family.
Debra R. Schoenberg
Divorce Lawyers
More than thirty years ago, she established her own firm, which has vast experience and expertise in family law’s highly sensitive and complex practice. Ms. Schoenberg has established a professional reputation for thoroughness, strategic thinking, keen attention to detail, loyalty, and dedication to client service.
Ms. Schoenberg handles cases that range from complex financial issues and extensive marital estates to high-conflict custody matters. Adept at negotiating resolutions and 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 justice, and because of her vast experience she can 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. She has been named a Super Lawyer for more than a decade following rigorous vetting by fellow Bar members.
Debra has consecutively been named to the Daily Journal’s list of Top Family Law Lawyers in California since its inaugural, recognized for her 30+ years of experience as a leading divorce attorney. Her expertise and compassionate advocacy in the practice of family law has earned her a spot in the Hall of Fame of The Recorder’s Best of Awards for Family Law Firms after being named to the list for the last three consecutive years (2021-2023).
Most recently, Debra was honored as one of the 10 Influential Leaders in the World by Insights Success for redefining family law with compassion and expertise. The San Francisco Business Times has named Debra Schoenberg to their Top 100 Women-Owned Businesses for the eleventh year, their 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Bay Area, and one of the Top 25 LGBT-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area. Due to her commitment to supporting and serving her community, the San Francisco Business Times has also named Debra a top Corporate Philanthropist in the Bay Area for the sixth year.
Debra made the 2022 National Law Journal’s Family/Elder Law Trailblazers list, recognizing attorneys who have made significant marks on their sector’s practice, policy, and technological advancements. The San Francisco Business Times repeatedly names Debra Schoenberg to their Top 100 Women-Owned Businesses, their 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Bay Area, the Top 25 LGBT-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area, and a Leading Corporate Philanthropist. US News and World Report has recognized Ms. Schoenberg as one of the nation’s Best Lawyers.
Additionally, Ms. Schoenberg was selected by peer recognition and professional achievement as one of the Top Women Attorneys in Northern California. She 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. Parents Press East Bay has also voted Schoenberg Family Law Group Best of Bay. Most recently, Ms. Schoenberg was named to the American Institute of Legal Counsel Top 10 California Attorneys for her dedication to families and working out the best solution for each of her clients. She is the author of a book entitled “Divorce in California.”
Bettina Yanez
Divorce Lawyers
At Yanez & Associates Family Law & Divorce Attorneys, we understand that family law matters can be emotionally challenging and complex. Whether you are facing a divorce, child custody dispute, spousal support issue, or any other family-related legal concern, our team of dedicated attorneys is here to guide you through the process with compassion, expertise, and unwavering support.
With years of experience serving clients in Orange County, California, we have established a reputation for providing exceptional legal representation in all aspects of family law. We are committed to understanding your unique circumstances, tailoring our approach to your specific needs, and advocating fiercely for your rights and best interests.
Why Choose Yanez & Associates Family Law & Divorce Attorneys?
1. Expertise and Specialization: Our attorneys practice exclusively in family law, ensuring that we possess the in-depth knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of your case effectively. We stay up to date with the latest legal developments and leverage our expertise to develop innovative strategies tailored to your individual situation.
2. Client-Centered Approach: At Yanez & Associates Family Law & Divorce Attorneys, we prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of our clients. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide personalized guidance. Our compassionate attorneys are committed to understanding your goals and working diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.
3. Respected Reputation: We take pride in our reputation within the legal community and among our clients. Our attorneys are recognized for their professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence. We have successfully resolved numerous family law cases and have received accolades for our unwavering dedication to our clients’ success.
4. Clear Communication and Transparency: We understand the importance of open and transparent communication throughout the legal process. Our team ensures that you are well-informed about the progress of your case, the available options, and any potential risks or challenges. We are readily available to address your concerns promptly and keep you informed at every step.
5. Strong Advocacy: When you choose Yanez & Associates Family Law & Divorce Attorneys, you can trust that we will be your strong advocates both in and out of the courtroom. We are skilled negotiators and mediators, dedicated to finding amicable solutions whenever possible. However, when litigation becomes necessary, our attorneys have the experience and tenacity to protect your rights and fight for your best interests.
Stephen Chen
Divorce Lawyers
Stephen Chen is a Certified Family Law Specialist (“CFLS”), has been selected as a top rated Family Law attorney in Los Angeles, California and is a Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2018 through 2023. Furthermore, Stephen has been recognized as a top 100 Super Lawyers Rising Star across all areas of law for 2021 through 2023 and was recently featured on the cover of 2023 Super Lawyers Rising Stars magazine.
During his time practicing Family Law, Stephen’s primary goal has always been to achieve the best possible results for his clients while also being as cost efficient as possible in his approach.
Stephen graduated from Loyola Law School, where he found his passion for Family Law. Prior to law school, Stephen attended the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) where he graduated with a B.A. in Political Science.
Roy M. Doppelt
Divorce Lawyers
For nearly 30 years, San Diego family law attorney Roy M. Doppelt, Esq. has been providing clients in Southern California with comprehensive legal services. He is currently an active member of the California and San Diego Bar Associations, and he is admitted to practice law in both California and Illinois state courts, as well as the Federal District Court for the Southern District of California.
Roy was raised in Chicago and attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He relocated to California to attend the California Western School of Law, where he obtained his J.D. in 1988, graduating with honors. He thereafter passed both the California and Illinois bars, and he currently serves clients in and around the greater San Diego metropolitan area. Roy is experienced in all matters related to separation and divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, adoptions, paternity proceedings, and modifications of final judgments, among other family law issues.
Steven K. Yoda
Divorce Lawyers
Celebrity divorce lawyer Steven K. Yoda draws upon his diverse experience as a corporate litigator to offer clients exceptional representation in family law cases. He spent 10 years as a corporate and white-collar criminal litigator at some of California’s most prestigious law firms, where he represented clients, in both state and federal court, in a wide array of cases relating to business torts, insurance recovery, intellectual property, securities, antitrust, professional malpractice, employment law, and real estate. This experience, coupled with his energy and attention to detail, helps his clients obtain successful outcomes in complex family law matters. In 2021, he received his accreditation as a Certified Family Law Specialist.
Actively engaged in the legal community, Steve has served as President of the Japanese American Bar Association (JABA), a Trustee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA), and a Board Member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association (APABA). He currently serves on the editorial board of the Family Advocate, a quarterly magazine publication of the American Bar Association’s Family Law section. Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine named Steve a “Super Lawyer” from 2017 to 2022 and a “Rising Star” from 2013 through 2016. The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) named him a “Best Lawyer Under 40” in 2009. Chambers and Partners named him a “Leader in Their Field” and ranked him in Band 2 for its 2022 High Net Worth Guide for Family Law.
Steve is a graduate of Stanford University where he received both his bachelor and master’s degrees. He received his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall) School of Law. From 2004 to 2005, Steve served as a federal law clerk to the Honorable James Ware, United States District Judge for the Northern District of California.
Having the best divorce lawyer in California can provide numerous advantages if you’re going through a divorce. California is known for its complex divorce laws, and having a skilled attorney on your side can greatly benefit you in navigating the process. Some benefits include:
Understanding of California Law: Divorce laws can vary significantly from state to state. The best divorce lawyer in California will have an in-depth understanding of the state’s specific laws and regulations related to property division, alimony, child custody, child support, and other relevant matters.
Experience in California Courts: A skilled divorce lawyer will have experience working within the California court system, understanding its procedures and expectations. This experience can help streamline the legal process and potentially lead to more favorable outcomes.
Expertise in Complex Cases: If your divorce involves complex financial situations, high-value assets, business interests, or other intricate matters, an experienced attorney can help ensure that your interests are protected and that equitable settlements are reached.
Negotiation Skills: Divorce often requires negotiations for settlements. A proficient lawyer can effectively negotiate on your behalf, striving for agreements that align with your best interests.
Child Custody and Support: If you have children, a knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of child custody and support arrangements. They can advocate for your parental rights and ensure the well-being of your children is prioritized.
Asset Protection: California is a community property state, meaning that assets acquired during the marriage are generally considered community property. An experienced lawyer can help protect your assets and ensure a fair distribution.
Legal Documentation: Divorce involves a substantial amount of paperwork, including legal documents, financial records, and agreements. A skilled attorney can manage this documentation efficiently, reducing the chances of errors that could delay the process.
As for the impact of divorce on a family, it can have wide-ranging effects on various aspects of family life:
Emotional Impact: Divorce can be emotionally challenging for all family members. Children may experience feelings of sadness, confusion, and insecurity. Adults often go through a range of emotions including grief, anger, and anxiety.
Changes in Living Arrangements: Divorce can lead to changes in where family members live. This can impact routines, school attendance, and social relationships.
Financial Changes: The division of assets and potential alimony or child support payments can lead to significant financial changes for both spouses. Maintaining two separate households can also increase expenses.
Child Custody and Parenting Arrangements: Determining child custody and visitation arrangements can be emotionally charged. These decisions can affect the children’s relationships with both parents and their overall well-being.
Social Dynamics: Extended family relationships may change due to divorce. Connections with in-laws, mutual friends, and community involvement might be affected.
Co-Parenting Challenges: Divorcing parents often need to establish effective co-parenting strategies to ensure the well-being of their children. Communication and coordination become crucial.
Long-Term Adjustment: Family members may need time to adjust to the new family dynamic. This adjustment can impact relationships, emotional well-being, and daily routines.
In summary, the best divorce lawyer in California can assist you in navigating the legal complexities of divorce, while it’s important to recognize that divorce can have substantial effects on family members’ emotional, financial, and social well-being.