I am a CPA and a trial lawyer Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I am also AV Peer Review Rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, the highest rating possible by judges and other lawyers, for professional excellence, legal knowledge, analytical capabilities, judgment, communication skills, legal experience and legal ethics.
I have a broad business background having practiced with an international accounting firm, served as Chief Financial Officer of a small closely-held business and worked as a securities broker for two national firms. No one will out strategize my team, out research us, out write us or out work us.
My family law practice, which is focused in Southeast Texas, is based on the following core values:
WE ARE GOAL SETTERS. Setting—and achieving—objectives is important to our clients and second nature to us.
WE ARE SELF-MOTIVATED. We are internally driven to win. We will not back down from a fight. There are no problems—only opportunities to succeed.
WE ARE STRATEGIC. We work hard to stay three steps ahead of the competition.
WE ARE RISK TAKERS. Progress always involves risks. We carefully assess the pros and cons associated with important decisions in order to minimize risk. However, when the time comes, we are not afraid to pull the trigger and move forward.
WE ARE WELL NETWORKED. We are connected—both technologically and from the human perspective. Our networks are a source of support and information critical to our success.
WE ARE WELL PREPARED. We go the extra mile to be ready to address the twists and turns that will arise during your case. No one will out prepare us.
WE ARE NIMBLE. We embrace technology. We quickly and efficiently respond to our clients’ needs.
WE TAKE ACTION. We assess the situation, prepare for the challenge and take action when warranted. Timing is a critical part of our case strategy.
Confidentiality is a hallmark of my practice. The identity of my clients and the nature of their cases is personal and confidential. Maintaining my clients' privacy as they work through their private--and sometimes painful--family issues is very important to me.
Practice areas
Sonya Coffman, a Board Certified family lawyer and CPA, represents individuals and families in a variety of family matters, including divorce, custody/visitation, support, pre- and post-marital agreements, adoptions, and high net worth situations.
I treat my clients as partners and work hard to keep them well informed, respond to their needs, and make a difference in their lives.
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
TX | Eligible To Practice In Texas | 1989 | 12/05/2020 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Texas Super Lawyer (Family Law) | Super Lawyers | 2018 |
AV Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory | 2018 |
Best Lawyers in America (Family Law) | U.S. News & World Report | 2018 |
Board Certified, Family Law | Texas Board of Legal Specialization | 2010 |
Life Member | Texas Family Law Foundation | 2009 |
Member | Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists | 2009 |
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Contributor | Family First | 2009 |
Member | College of the State Bar of Texas | 2008 |
Certified Public Accountant | Tennessee State Board of Accountancy | 1982 |
Life Member | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | N/A |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Principal | The Coffman Law Firm | 1997 - Present |
Partner | Provost & Umphrey, LLP | 1992 - 1997 |
Associate | Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP | 1989 - 1992 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Texas Family Law Foundation | Life Member | 2009 - Present |
College of the State Bar of Texas | Member | 2008 - Present |
Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas | Member | 2007 - Present |
Junior League of Beaumont | Member | 1994 - Present |
Jefferson County Bar Association | Member | 1992 - Present |
State Bar of Texas | Member | 1989 - Present |
---|---|---|
Kappa Delta Sorority Parents Association, Washington & Lee University | Treasurer | 2013 - 2015 |
Symphony League of Beaumont | President | 2008 - 2009 |
Neches River Festival | Board of Directors | 2007 - 2011 |
Julie Rogers Gift of Life | Board of Directors | 2000 - 2010 |
Symphony League of Beaumont | Board of Directors | 1999 - 2011 |
Beaumont Community Partners for Children | Board of Directors | 1995 - 2004 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
The Review of Litigation | The Abuse of Rule 11 and Forum Non Conveniens: Fast Effective Relief for Federal Docket Congestion? | 1988 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Texas School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1989 |
University of Memphis | BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration | 1978 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Live at Five, KFDM-TV, Channel 6 | Family First Contributor | 2015 |
Austin Community College | Accounting | 1986 |
Case name | Outcome |
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In re R.C.K.; No. 09-16-00132-CV; 2016 WL 3197585 (Tex. App.—Beaumont, June 9, 2016) | Mandamus issued in favor of Sonya Coffman’s client, a doctor, precluding the production of his medical records, pharmacy records, personnel records, and cell phone logs containing patient telephone numbers. |
In the Interest of D.F.L.; No. 09-15-00310-CV (Tex. App.—Beaumont, February 4, 2016, pet. denied) | Judgment in favor of Sonya Coffman’s client (Father) affirmed. |
Pekar v. Pekar; No. 09-14-00464-CV; 2016 WL 240761 (Tex. App.—Beaumont, January 21, 2016, no pet.) | Amended final decree of divorce and judgment in favor of Sonya Coffman’s client affirmed. |
In re Barnard; No. 09-13-00149-CV; 2013 WL 1790238 (Tex. App.-Beaumont, April 25, 2013, no pet.) | Mother's petition for mandamus denied; temporary orders in favor of Sonya Coffman's client (Father) remained in place. |
In re C.M.F., L.M.F. and C.G.F.; No. 09-11-00626-CV; 2013 WL 476757 (Tex. App.-Beaumont, February 07, 2013, review denied) | Child support award was affirmed on appeal in favor of Sonya Coffman's client. The Texas Supreme Court declined to review the holding of the appellate court. |
In re J.E.; No. 09-09-00476-CV; 2010 WL 5232977 (Tex. App.-Beaumont, December 16, 2010, no pet.) | Decision of the District Court affirmed in favor of Sonya Coffman's client. |
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Treuil v. Treuil, 311 S.W.3d 114 (Tex. App.-Beaumont 2010, no pet.) | Reversed and rendered in favor of Sonya Coffman's client. |
Huckabay v. Moore, 142 F.3d 243 (5th Cir. 1998) | Summary judgment affirmed in favor of Sonya Coffman's client. |
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Aaron Thomas, Family Attorney on Feb 26, 2018
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I strongly endorse Sonya Coffman - I had a matter in Georgia that required a co-counsel in Texas that Sonya was able to handle effectively, expeditiously, and ultimately, successfully. She was communicative and a pleasure to work with and I would trust her with any matters in her area again should the need arise.
I endorse this lawyer. Whether we are on the same side or opposing sides, I am always impressed with Ms. Coffman's knowledge, thoroughness, professionalism, integrity and commitment to her clients.
Patrick Brinkley, Family Attorney on Aug 22, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Sonya Coffman. She is one of the top family attorneys in the area and is highly respected by her peers and by the courts. I know of few other attorneys that work so diligently for their clients.
Michael Catt, Family Attorney on Aug 10, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse Sonya Coffman. She does an excellent job representing her clients and does so in a professional manner. I admire the way she aggressively advocates for her clients, while at the same time being respectful of her opponents and their counsel. I would definitely recommend her.
W. Bush, Family Attorney on Jul 23, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Sonya is my first choice and sometimes my only choice when I am asked to recommend a family law attorney. Her competence, character, compassion and work ethic assure her clients of the best possible representation.
Jonathan Stovall, Family Attorney on Nov 11, 2009
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer's work. She is always prepared and very professional. She is also one of the few lawyers who returns phone calls and delivers discovery on time. I enjoy working with and against Sonya on a regular basis. She is a fine, hard working attorney who zealously represents her clients interests.
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