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

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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

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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 - 5 of 19 reviews | Case Results

Posted by anonymous | March 22, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

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 Cynthia | August 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

Best family law firm in the IE

Exceptional law firm. I was referred to her by a well known private investigator. Debra Smith is an elite five star aggressive attorney. Her representation was impeccable. I'm very please with my outcome. It was a very stressful and strenuous process however now I can move on with my life and start d...ating again. Thank you to her investigations/ support staff, for their hard work, dedication and great customer service. I encourage anyone who is dealing with domestic violence, divorce and restraining orders to consult with this law firm. I made the right choice. Don't waste your money someplace else.

Posted by Fidel | July 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Exceptional Law Firm

Exceptional law firm. The Smith law office, specifically Debra and William are excellent aggressive attorneys. Very satisfied with results. Affordable legal representation and excellent customer service. Phone calls and emails are returned in a timely manner. The support/ Investigations staff ( Ma...ry & Susan) are very helpful as well. I recommend this law office. FN

Posted by Lynn | June 19, 2017 | Divorce & Separation

Worst experience with a lawyer I have ever had

I hired this attorney with a list of specific things I wanted accomplished. Prior to hiring her I asked her if she would do these things immediately. They were a condition of her employment and I said if she could not or would not then I would go elsewhere. She assured me that they could and should ...be done. Over a year later there was no progress on the case. She showed up in court late without letting anyone know and she was completely unprepared. She sat on the case and billed me for reading my letters asking why nothing had been done. She waited while my ex sold off community property, and she did nothing when he failed to pay me money the court had ordered him to pay.

Debra Smith

Replied last June 19, 2017

I never promise client's any specific results, and I do not take cases based on client's facts or their expectations. If this client thought I did, she must have had an agenda coming in and did not listen to me. I am often "late" to court due to having multiple matters on any given day. My staff ALWAYS checks in with the courts first thing and provides them with estimated times of my arrival. I have never simply been "late". Upon realizing that a client is unreasonable, I always offer them a way for both of us to get free of the relationship. I am seldom taken up on it though, more often just complained about after the fact.

Posted by JimPeralta | June 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

STOP!!! DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY!!

Hired Debra for domestic violence case. She was not prepared and lost my case. Very disappointed how poorly she handled my case. I should have done my homework!! She allowed the surprise witness to stay in the courtroom and listen to my testimony. When opposing counsel called their witness, she disc...redited all the points and testimony I gave. Debra never objected nor did she ask the witness to be removed from the courtroom. What a waste of time and money!!!!

Debra Smith

Replied last June 19, 2017

I met with this client in my office a few days before the hearing to prepare for her testimony of 3-4 alleged incidents of abuse. We spent over an hour going over each and every incident, including the dates. We were very prepared. At the hearing, after the client testified, the judge denied her restraining order saying she was not "credible". We always prepare our clients in advance of contested hearings, but we can't "suggest" the answer to them at the hearing. Although we offered her alternative solutions to protect her through the divorce case, she refused to accept any. Her animosity overshadowed her ability to be believable, and it hurt her case tremendously.

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

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