Debra Ann Smith

Debra Ann Smith

also known as Debra A. Smith

4.1
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 40 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Riverside, CA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Domestic Violence, Child Custody

6690 Alessandro Blvd, #D, Riverside, CA

About Debra

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in California for 40 years

State: California

Acquired: 1986

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in New Mexico for 28 years

State: New Mexico

Acquired: 1998

Suspended

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Debra A. Smith

6690 Alessandro Blvd, #D, Riverside, CA, 92506

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Debra Ann Smith's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.1 /5.0

22 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (22) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Child Support

Posted by anonymous | March 22, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

My Divorce

My experience with story William Smith from Smith Law Group was extremely painful and disappointed. During my Divorce, I trusted him with my case and I was fighting to keep my home because my children were still minors, and I wanted to give them stability. I shared all the details of what I was going... through. I expected guidance, support, and someone who would advocate for my rights as woman, a mother, and an ex spouse. Unfortunately, I not felt like my concerns were not taken seriously and never happened nothing. Throughout process, I felt completely unsupported. Court dates were repeatedly cancelled, and every time I went to his office, I left without clear answers. I spent so much time driving there, calling, and trying to understand what was happening, but I never received the guidance I needed. It was emotionally exhausting and financially draining. My attorney did not speak for me even when a showed all the proof, I felt invisible in a moment when I needed strong representation the most. I was also surprised by the final cost of his services. A large amount was taken from the sale of our home, and I did not feel that the work done matched the amount I was charged. This added even more frustration to an already difficult situation. To this day, I am still living with the consequences of that outcome, receiving very little support for my children and myself. Also, one of the employees treated me with very little respect on the last day I saw them; when I went to pick up my final documents, she spoke to me very rudely, simply because I asked her why thy had charged me so much. I am share my personal experience so that others can make informed decisions when choosing legal representation and definitely I’m not recommending this Lawyer.

Posted by Crystal | June 15, 2017 | Child Support

Buyer Beware

I hired Debra with high hopes because she specializes in abuse. I very extremely disappointed when she showed up late and asked the judge to hurry since she had to teach class. She was not prepared because she showed up expecting a continuance and one was not granted, since she had already been grant...ed one. She never filed my paperwork and just sat they as the judge gave orders for me to pay child support and attorneys fees to my spouse under bogus pay stubs and told me don't worry I'll fix it all later. Never happened. Now I have to hire an attorney to fix her mistakes and completely unethical presentation.

Debra Smith

Replied last June 15, 2017

Uncertain who this client is. There is no case we can find with similar facts. Support does go by computer guidelines based on income, but we are not investigators re: phony pay stubs. Also, I do not teach classes, never have. Debra Smith

Posted by Amber | August 05, 2011 | Child Support

Amazing Divorce Attorney!!!

I came to Debra not knowing what to expect from my situation, I went on her website and I she related to me. My ex-husband was a jerk and I needed out of my current situation. I knew I needed to file for a divorce and get custody of my 2 kids. Debra was great in the court room and took my ex down! I ...got full custody of my kids and he has to pay me child support and alimony. Her staff filed my documents timely and they always stayed in communication with me about my case. I would surely recommend Debra if you are looking for a great divorce attorney.

See All Client Reviews

Debra Ann Smith's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Debra
Rebecca M. Perkins headshot
Rebecca Perkins

Domestic violence lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Frederick Blaisdell headshot
David Blaisdell

Family lawyer | Dec 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Debra is an excellent lawyer. She is tough but fair in negotiations and presents her case well in court. She is very ethical. Dave Blaisdell"

Thomas Murray Derryberry headshot
Thomas Derryberry

Family lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Debra Smith for your Family Law needs."

Sharon Paris Babakhan headshot
Sharon Babakhan

Unknown lawyer | Dec 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Detail Oriented, experienced and highly committed."

Dan Eugene Chambers headshot
Dan Chambers

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Rebecca M. Perkins headshot
Rebecca Perkins

Family lawyer

Thomas Murray Derryberry headshot
Thomas Derryberry

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2021

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2020

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum

2013

Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine

1996

Jury Verdict of $1,266,983, Los Angeles County Superior Court

Work Experience

1986 - Present

Owner, Law Office of Debra A. Smith

1994 - 1994

Course Instructor, Death Penalty Litigation Clinic

Associations

2012 - Present

Mock Trial Program

Attorney Scorer

1996 - Present

State Bar of New Mexico

Attorney

1986 - Present

Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Trial Attorney

1986 - Present

American Bar Association

Attorney

1986 - Present

State Bar of California

Attorney

1986 - Present

California Public Defender's Association

Attorney - Instructor

Riverside County Bar Association

Member

Advisory Panel, Domestic Violence Committee

Member

Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Lifetime Member

Education

1985

Southland University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1985

Southland University

JD

N/A

California State College, Bakersfield

Speaking Engagements

2008

Riverside Medical Center

Abuse and Domestic Violence In Home

2007

Domestic Violence Workplace

Domestic Violence

2005

Social Workers Elder Abuse Seminar

Elder Abuse

Publications

2010

Debra A. Smith Had Enough? Part 1

2010

Debra Smith Had Enough? Part 2

2010

Debra Smith Had Enough? Part 3

Languages

English

Spanish

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution