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Adam Noel Schanz

Divorce and separation Attorney at Manhattan Beach, CA

5.0   28 reviews

Licensed for 16 years

Virtual consultation available

About Adam

Learn Adam’s areas of practice.

STRONG ADVOCACY. FOCUSED ON ACHIEVING REASONABLE AND COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR YOU. CALL TODAY.

Attorney Adam N. Schanz earned his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, with Honors, from University of California, Santa Barbara.  He earned his Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine School of Law in 2006. During law school, Mr. Schanz clerked for the Honorable Robert P. Applegate in the Los Angeles Superior Court, Family Law Division.  

Since admission to the California bar in 2006, Mr. Schanz has worked solely in the private practice of Family Law where he has built an exemplary reputation for integrity, professionalism, and dedication to his work. He has represented hundreds of clients including many professionals, celebrities, and high net worth individuals. He possesses a vast amount of experience successfully handling hundreds of complex litigation matters and virtually every aspect of family law matters.

Mr. Schanz provides legal counsel and representation in connection with these Family Law matters:

•  Dissolution of Marriage and Division of Assets and Debts;

•  Paternity;

•  Child Custody and Visitation;

•  Child Support

•  Move-away and Relocation;

•  Alimony/Spousal Support;

•  Prenuptial Agreements;

•  Post-Dissolution Modification Proceedings;

•  Contempt Proceedings; and

•  Requests for Attorney's Fees and Costs.

It is Mr. Schanz's unwavering goal to meet and exceed his clients' expectations. He always strives to accomplish his clients' goals in a manner that is efficient and cost-effective.  He informs his clients every step of the way, he makes himself available to discuss their matters, and as a result he has many satisifed clients.  

 

Awards

Client's Choice 2017,2016
Client's Choice
2017 2016
Licensed for 16 years
State CA
Status Active
Acquired 2006
Updated 12/04/2022
State MA
Status Inactive
Acquired 2012
Updated 12/26/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Adam

Schanz Law Corporation
1500 Rosecrans Avenue
Suite 500
Manhattan Beach, CA, 90266
Law Office of Adam N. Schanz (satellite office, by appointment only)
9701 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 1000
Beverly Hills, CA, 90212
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  28 customer reviews
5 Star
 
96%
4 Star
 
4%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Client's Choice 2017
Client's Choice
Adam received a significant number of 4+ stars in 2017
Posted by Dustin | May 1, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Adam helped get my daughter back!
Adam Schanz was my custody lawyer who helped me get custody back of my 2 1/2 year old baby girl. He is professional, knowledgeable and timely with his emails/ texts as well as with all appearances he made with me in court (we went four times within 5 months!). Adam was the friend in my corner when things seemed lost. He was always a text away and i really appreciated that when situations became difficult. Adam has a calm composure at the court house and gave me a real sense of confidence every time we went to court. He fought hard for me to make sure that my daughter was going to have the ability to have a great and loving relationship with her father, without the controlling nature of her mother. I couldn't be more excited to have my little girl home with me this coming weekend for the first time in almost a year. Thanks again Adam, this freedom is more than I have ever had as a father and i can't wait to see what life brings my daughter and I.
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Posted by anonymous | April 17, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce Attorney Adam Noel Schanz
Attorney Schanz was my divorce attorney, entering my dissolution case near the culmination of a 3 year court proceeding against my ex-husband, a judge. This was a very bitter and contemptuous case involving a marriage of 41 years.. Intense preparation was necessary to "catch up legally" and emotional stability and support were needed. Attorney Adam Schanz was very capable in all of the above challenges. Specifically: He traveled a great distance from Los Angeles to Orange County Courthouse and was always punctual and on time, looking very professionally dressed and willing to converse with me regarding any questions I had. He made me feel like I had to "friend who was on my side" after two previous attorneys who did not. I read some of his letters to the presiding Judge, and he was right on target with my main concerns and his writing was very eloquent and got right to the point legally. The one specific incident I will always remember is when Attorney Schanz volunteered to come to my home during a most heated property division and besides keeping a cool manner and being composed with chaos all around, he stopped the clock and stayed extra time without billing me, until the division had finished. This was beyond what was expected. He then called me the next day to see how I was doing. That was a very kind moment for me. I would highly recommend Attorney Schanz to anyone seeking a very qualified divorce attorney.
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Posted by Steve | November 17, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Advocate
I retained Mr. Schanz to represent me during my divorce. He was there to help, explain and support me thru this difficult time. His knowledge and expertise helped me obtain a fair and quick settlement. I would highly recommend Mr. Schanz.
Posted by Roni | April 12, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Second Parent Adoption (Same-Sex Couple) - Highly Recommend!
We are so grateful that Adam Schanz was our attorney. He helped us navigate the confusing and emotional journey for me to legally adopt my son. I really appreciated his prompt and effective communication of any issue and the resolution. I understood the process clearly and what I needed to do in order to adopt. Adam sent over all of the paperwork with explicit instructions that made this process very easy and efficient. Adam is extremely knowledgeable, thoughtful, and most importantly, he was always very generous with his time. My wife, son, and I did not have to go to court to finalize the adoption - Adam went and took care of everything on our behalf. Thank you Adam!
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Posted by Judi | March 15, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Client
Adam got me through one of life's most stressful times - divorce. I felt he was always there for me. He got back to me almost instantly with the answer to my "crisis" question of the moment. Equally as important, Adam knew the need for understanding and compassion during this time.
Posted by Jen | March 14, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fabulous!
I contacted Adam for a child custody case. Adam was easy to work with, quick, thorough, and understood my budget. He was available anytime I needed something - whether in person, over the phone, or via email. My kids are now happy with their situation & that is because of Adam's hard work.
Posted by anonymous | October 3, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
You will not find a better advocate!
I am very grateful for Adam’s help, and I would highly recommend his services to all. It is a very stressful to be in a situation that requires legal representation. However, if you find yourself in such a spot, Adam is the advocate to guide you. It makes all the difference to have an expert like Adam on your side as he was able to accomplish what I could not do on my own. Adam stepped in the night before my hearing and handled an unusual and very stressful matter for me, with great skill and compassion. His brilliant knowledge and composed professionalism achieved a positive resolution to the case. I enthusiastically give Adam a five stars rating. He was a superstar at my hearing. He helped me through a very difficult time while stepping in at the last minute, advocating for the best possible outcome. All the while having empathy for the stress I was going through. I would recommend Adam to friends, family and colleagues. You will not find a better advocate!
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Posted by anonymous | June 9, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Accessible, communicative Attorney
Due to a looming deadline within weeks, I needed an attorney for a prenuptial agreement. I had heard about Adam through a friend. I had also contacted two other attorneys, neither of whom were as quick to respond. Adam reached out to me within 1 hour. We discussed my case and within days the agreement was more or less done. All the paperwork, mailings, and communication with my (now) husband's attorney was done within 1-2 weeks. During that time, he was incredibly responsive, returning my emails/calls several times daily. Communicating with him was easy and efficient. Since then he referred me to another attorney for a unrelated matter, and despite the fact that I wasn't using his services, was impressed that he was just as responsive as if he had been my own attorney. I would recommend him.
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Posted by Angelina | June 5, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Angelina Gonzalez
Consulted Adam for a Joinder and felt confident and comfortable her would represent us properly so we hired him the same day. He worked great with my sons divorce attorney on the Joinder and I had a great outcome. Adam was very patient when he explained the process and what to expect. He was so patient listening to my frustrations. This was my first time having to deal with a Joinder or being brought in to court in general and he made me feel very comfortable with his skills. I strongly recommend Adam, he is professional and was a pleasure to work with.
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Posted by Reid | April 30, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A Compassionate, Forthright, and Talented Attorney
I had a family law issue that was unusual, and I contacted quite a few family law and elder law attorneys who I'd found online with quotes or articles about the issue central to my case. The bottom line was that none of them wanted to take it on, as it was not something they'd actually litigated before. Finally, an attorney I called, who had extremely impressive credentials, told me that while she wouldn't take my case, she knew an attorney she thought might be interested. She referred me to Adam Schanz, and after speaking with him on the phone, we met and spent about an hour discussing my case. Although Adam told me he'd never litigated this particular issue before, he demonstrated a sound understanding of the various arguments and aspects of the case, and said he was eager to represent our side, as he strongly believed we were in the right. The case was argued before two judges, and lasted several months. Adam was unfailingly diligent and caring, and remained supportive and optimistic even when things didn't go exactly as we'd have wished. He argued our case with passion and vigor, both in written filings and in the courtroom. He was well prepared, and articulate, and able to think on his feet. He seemed well liked by both judges and was very comfortable in the courtroom. The final result of our case was better than our most hopeful expectations. A total and complete victory, and vindication of our long held contentions regarding the law. Adam never wavered in his belief that this was the outcome we would achieve, and we were very grateful for his services. I do not hesitate to recommend Adam as a family law attorney. We consider ourselves lucky to have found him.
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Posted by April | February 27, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional, smart, honest, calm and driven!
Adam has been very good at mitigating issues throughout my case, he is a strong advocate for his clients . His interpersonal communicating style is uniquely calm, courteous and positive for a strong attorney. Absolutely excellent at child support issues. Adam is extremely thorough with documents and timelines and is always prepared in advance making the process a relief. Adam facilitates his entire firm in communicating well with their clients. He has been responsive and always available during my case and has been a wealth of knowledge. Great at explaining to me the unknown aspects of the process in a way I can understand easily. Throughout my case Adam has always worked extremely fast and efficiently and doesn't eat up billing time unreasonably by doing so. He has always prepared and ahead of the ball during my case. Adam has a friendly demeanor and has always remained calm and positive at all times. Adam speaks clearly and concisely, sticking to the facts, making him excellent in the court room. He also doesn't miss a beat and is always focused on the best outcome both in and out of the court room. Most importantly, I find Adam to be extremely trust worthy, which is difficult to find in an attorney. He has been a joy to work with.
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Posted by Anthony Ortiz | November 29, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Honest. Outgoing. Eloquent.
Adam was our first contact in a sea of lawyers who were either unable to be reached or wanted a hefty retainer to give any insight about anything. Adam is the most honorable person we have encountered regarding our case. He is so genuine, reasonable, and well spoken. He pointed us in the right direction when we were completely lost and vulnerable.
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Posted by Mandy | June 10, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
A Rare Competent Communicative Attorney
I consulted Attorney Schanz regarding attorney fees that my daughter had incurred while trying to keep her ex from challenging and lowering her support payments. I knew I could turn to him and receive a fair and unbiased assessment of what was right and wrong. I would have hired Attorney Schanz in the first place if I could if my daughter hadn't insisted on working with an attorney who had been a friend from High School. Adam reviewed legal documents on our behalf in a timely manner using out of office time to do so. THAT was really impressive. Attorney Schanz provided excellent analysis and advice and his comunication was timely and truly helpful. In working with Adam I have found him to be a sincere and caring professional. He is also most sympathetic and helpful when I consulted him about a friend of my son whose father refused to pay his college tuition even though it was part of his parents' divorce settlement. If you hire Adam you will not be disappointed. If he is on your team you will be supported, given professional and accurate legal advise. He will not mislead you and you will be treated fairly and ethically. Apart from his sympathy and compassion he is also a great communicator which is often lacking from representatives in the legal profession.
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Posted by anonymous | April 21, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
On Point
Adam Schanz has consistently delivered a delicate balance of fierce, witty, on point, thorough yet concise lawyering at every step of the process in my case. From the declarations that he has drafted to appearing in front of the judge, it has been a blessing to have him on my side. I would highly recommend his services.
Posted by anonymous | April 10, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Restraining Orders
Our family presented Mr. Schanz with a time-sensitive case involving multiple restraining orders against an inmate ready to be released from a community correctional facility. Mr. Schanz communicated with California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Victim and Survivor Rights and Services, and Division of Adult Parole Operations to guarantee proper handling of our case and provide us with resourceful knowledge, all while maintaining our safety a top priority. Mr. Schanz succeeded in serving the inmate in prison, presenting us with a picture of the inmate, filing all family members’ restraining orders in a single county although different members lived in different counties, and obtained restraining orders without us having to appear in court. The lengthy and tailored paperwork for each family member was processed accurately and promptly. Mr. Schanz sustained a highly confident, professional and caring demeanor while working with a complex case. His availability whether in person, phone or email was impressive. Since our initial meeting he reassured us that he would personally be representing us at all court hearings, a promise that he kept throughout the process. There would be no one else we would trust to handle such sensitive and confidential information like Mr. Schanz. Mr. Schanz sets the benchmark as to how domestic legal matters should be handled in and out of the courtroom.
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Posted by anonymous | January 5, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very professional and caring lawyer
I don't normally send reviews, but this time I felt it was absolutely necissary. Lawyers often get a reputation as insensitive and uncaring, but I have found the one attorney that changed my perspective on all lawyers. Not only was he the most professional person I have ever met, but more than that is the fact he truly cared about my family and my case. Adam was in the process of moving to California but still took the time out of his schedule to come to the proceedings at the last minute. Had it not been for Adam I am not sure what would have happened in court. As a result of his actions, we resolved the matter the same day and was able to get every point we wanted covered. I can not thank Adam enough for what he did for us and would recommend anyone that needs a family law attorney call Adam immediately.
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Posted by Marianne | December 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Adam Schanz
Adam did a great job for me. He was fair and honest, and even kept the cost down. He also was always available for me. I just can't say enough good things about him. Thank you Adam!
Posted by David | November 23, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Solid lawyer, easy to work with.
Reasonably priced, responsive via text and email. Was patient with my questions and helped me figure out what was and wasn't relevant information while we built a case together. I was unable to to keep him on as my lawyer but felt my experience with him helped me as I continued on my own. He was gracious enough to allow me to continue to ask occasional questions as well.
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Posted by anonymous | November 18, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellence all around!
Adam Schantz represented me in my divorce and I would highly recommend him. He responded quickly and thoughtfully to all questions and helped me reach a timely and fair settlement. He always made me feel like my case was important and responded to all of my concerns big and small. The process can be difficult and emotional but Adam's experience and straight forward approach moved things forward and ensured a positive outcome was reached. Adam is an excellent choice for fair, skillful and honest representation.
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Posted by Craig | October 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Adam did a fantastic job with a difficult situation.
Adam is a very capable and conscientious lawyer with a wonderful ability to cut to the chase and get to the issues that are most important. I have been in court with my ex-wife for 7 years with three different lawyers and Adam has provided me by far with the best advice, best actions and best results for what has been a difficult situation. He knew what was best for me and my family and the result was best for all.
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Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Attorney at Law
  • 2016 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Susan E. Wiesner, A Law Corporation
  • 2007 - 2016
  • Law Clerk for Judge Robert P. Applegate
  • The Los Angeles Superior Court
  • 2005 - 2006

Education

  • Pepperdine University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2006
  • Univ of California Santa Barbara
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2000

Legal Cases

  • Guardianship of Minor Child
  • Court Ordered Termination of Guardianship
  • Restraining Order
  • Entry of Restraining Order
  • Contempt Case
  • Dismissal of Complaint for Contempt
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • State Bar of California, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2021
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2018
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2016
  • Recognized for Pro Contributions
  • First Justices Forum
  • 2016
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2015
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2014
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2013
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2011
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2010
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2009
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)
Given (17)
Endorse Adam
Family Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Co-worker
"I had the pleasure of working with Adam for four years. He is a dedicated attorney and highly skilled in litigation, specifically in the area of high asset divorce, general family law and contentious custody matters. He is client focused and strives to settle cases when possible."
Family Attorney | Apr 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Adam for over ten years. He is extremely smart, trustworthy, and a great lawyer. I endorse this lawyer!"
Family Attorney | Jul 18
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Jun 21
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I strongly endorse Adam. He is smart, hard-working, and solutions-focused. He is honest, and cares a great deal about his clients. I could not more highly recommend."
Family Attorney | Mar 29
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Feb 23
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 20
Relationship: Co-worker
"I had the pleasure of working with Adam for over five (5) years so I am very familiar with him and his work. Adam is a great guy who is dedicated to helping people and is focused, determined, and dedicated to achieving the best results for his clients. He has an excellent knowledge of the law and believes in the meticulous preparation of his cases, which is evident when you discuss his cases with him. Very highly recommended!"
Family Attorney | Apr 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Adam is a smart and experienced family law attorney. He is a true asset to his clients."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Apr 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Apr 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 16
Relationship: Friend
"Adam is an experienced family lawyer, and I highly recommend him for any family law matters such as divorce, child custody, child support or alimony."
View more endorsements
Criminal defense
Divorce and separation
Securities and investment fraud
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Estate planning
Intellectual property

Avvo Contributions

This attorney hasn't created any legal answers in Q&A or legal guides recently on Avvo.

Manhattan Beach Divorce and separation Lawyer Adam Noel Schanz
Adam Noel Schanz
Divorce and separation Attorney
Manhattan Beach, CA
Licensed for 16 years
Virtual consultation available