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Paul Frederic Donsbach

Divorce and separation Attorney at Pleasanton, CA

4.8   70 reviews
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • State Years
    Hawaii - HI 24 years
    California - CA 28 years
    Texas - TX 30 years
    Pennsylvania - PA 15 years
    Alabama - AL 30 years
  • Licensed for 24 years
    State HI
    Acquired 1998
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 28 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1994
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 30 years
    State TX
    Acquired 1992
    Status
    Eligible to Practice in Texas No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 15 years
    State PA
    Acquired 2008
    Status
    Inactive No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 30 years
    State AL
    Acquired 1993
    Status
    Special Member No misconduct found

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

About Paul

Learn Paul’s areas of practice.

Paul has practiced law for 29 years and has extensive experience in all aspects of family law. He represents clients in complex family law cases, with an emphasis on handling business ownership and valuation issues, executive and equity compensation, premarital and post-marital business interests, asset tracing, determination of income available for support, parental relocation and other complex family law issues. Paul is an experienced trial attorney and has successfully handled numerous trials, arbitrations, mediations and evidentiary hearings in divorce and other family law cases. He is licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in California and Hawaii and is admitted to practice in and has experience with several cases before the United States Supreme Court.

Paul has dedicated his law practice to helping clients succeed in difficult situations and turn adversity into success. He understands that family law is not always about winning or losing, and that it is essential to fully understand each client’s goals and needs in order to effectively represent them in court and in negotiations. Paul strongly believes in the core values of honesty, integrity and transparency, and he has a reputation of honesty and thorough preparation with judges where he practices. He recognizes that favorable settlements can be achieved at the early stages when the attorney and client are prepared for success in the courtroom. He has great depth of knowledge on settlement and negotiating strategies and works hard to settle cases early without the costs and burdens of litigation.

Contact Paul

Next Legal
349 Main St.
Suite 205
Pleasanton, CA, 94566
Next Legal
2100 Geng Rd.
Suite 210
Palo Alto, CA, 94303
Next Legal
1990 N. California Blvd.
8th Floor
Walnut Creek, CA, 94596
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Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  70 customer reviews
5 Star
 
94%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
6%
Posted by Jennifer | July 4, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Attorney - He Won My Case
I hired Paul Donsbach of Next Legal in the Spring of 2021 to represent me for a post-divorce financial and custody dispute with my ex-husband. From our first Zoom call, I knew I was in excellent hands. His knowledge of the law and sharp grasp of my specific case showed that not only was he a highly experienced attorney but also an unusually good listener. These skills continued to shine over the next year that we worked together on building strategies that ultimately led us on a path to victory. Paul was extremely honest about the pitfalls that might be ahead and instead of making me feel discouraged, he outlined what our responses would be if the opposing attorney took certain tactics. I sensed his commitment to integrity when it was clear he did not advocate "playing dirty" but did present traits of strong leadership. I knew he would go to the mat for my case. Paul also has an excellent team of experienced attorneys and paralegals who assisted on my case. This helped to keep overall fees down and gave me a sense that I had several people reviewing my case. They were responsive and available when I needed it most. In the end, I believe Paul won the case for two main reasons: He has extensive experience in many areas of law which proved pivotal in shutting down the weak arguments of my ex husband's attorney, and Paul was very quick on his feet during the trial. Ultimately, he proved masterful at pivoting the opposing witness testimonies to benefit our case. During the trial, I was in awe of his sharpness as well as his respectful manner towards everyone in the courtroom. You will be in excellent hands with Paul Donsbach as your attorney!
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Posted by Bryan | December 6, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Beyond Stellar - child custody
Paul was an exceptional lawyer in my child custody case. In my situation, I already had a different lawyer who was awful and I had to let go. I found Paul, met him over the phone and really dived in on how he would handle my case. I loved his answers, his passion and he mentioned specific strategies which made lots of sense (strategies which my previous lawyer had never mentioned or followed). I was able to retain Paul and he joined an effort that was already in progress. With his supportive team, every step was addressed carefully and methodically. Paul was professional, punctual and more than competent... he was exceptional in every regard. We achieved the goals we needed, which has allowed my only daughter to live a safe and happy life. I am eternally grateful and recommend Paul and his amazing staff to anyone fortunate enough to be able to retain them.
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Posted by connie | August 22, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I am happy
Paul handled my situation promptly and efficiently. He was both personable and professional. I am happy to recommend him.
Posted by Melvin | August 21, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional
I was in dire need of advice and Paul jumped right in making all of the contacts necessary to help my situation. He was responsive, he educated me on the processes I needed to go through to complete under the circumstances we were facing. I really appreciated his clear, concise communication, and his ability to reach out to other professionals to make things happen.
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Posted by Hazel Rivera | August 13, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Superb Lawyer
Paul is the definition of a superb lawyer. I needed help dealing with an issue and Paul was able to get me through. He was always available, giving the best advice and is one of the most educated people I've met regarding the law.
Posted by Patricia White | August 13, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Strong recommendation
I found Attorney Paul Donsbach to be as he appeared.... smart, organized, friendly, sharp, trustworthy. I was Impressed by his demeanor and expertise. I ‘ve referred other clients who agreed with my selection. Strong recommendation!
Posted by Aletha Cooper | April 7, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Paul is an amazing
Paul is an amazing attorney who helped, and is still helping, with ongoing legal issues. He has been in my corner since the beginning, and I could not imagine what my situation would be like if Paul was not leading our ship. Thanks again, Paul!
Posted by Darren McDowell | April 7, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Paul was exceptional in representation of my case
Paul was exceptional in representation of my case. I was and still am going through a very difficult period in my life and his confidence and understanding of the legal process helped me through. I would highly recommend Paul to anyone!
Posted by Kelly Layman | April 7, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Recommend Paul to anyone
This was my first experience dealing with the legal system and having a lawyer. I knew just by speaking with him on the phone, that Paul was going to be my new lawyer- he was so kind, knowledgeable. He kept in touch with me regarding the progress and next steps, as well as answered all my questions. I would recommend Paul to anyone.
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Posted by James Worley | February 23, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I definitely would recommend Paul’s service to anyone seeking legal help.
I definitely would recommend Paul’s service to anyone seeking legal help. Thankful for his time. I will refer to my friends and family. It is clear he is very good at what he does and makes himself available. He really cares for his clients and he really fought to seek justice for my case. Paul provided assistance and help at the time we needed most and did so willingly. I highly recommend you give his firm a try!!
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Posted by Nora Washingtona | February 23, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
He’s a brilliant, professional lawyer and provides excellent customer
I highly recommend Paul and his incredible team as they provided me the confidence from the incredible information I needed to determine my next steps. He’s a brilliant, professional lawyer and provides excellent customer service when others wouldn't even take my calls. We need more lawyers like this one.
Posted by Travis Sardina | February 22, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
incredible!
Wow where do I start? I must have contacted about 7 lawyers. Paul was the last lawyer I contacted and the first to email me back. Just that alone, tells me how prompt and responsible he was. I explained to him my issue, and he listened and responded by explaining everything to me clearly. He kept me up to date with everything single thing and never kept me out of the loop. I am so glad that I contacted Him and I would suggest him to everyone. If you have any law issues whatsoever, I highly recommend Paul! He’s incredible!
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Posted by Michael | November 13, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
outstanding
Paul Donsbach’s results are outstanding and I have never met one of his clients that was not 100% satisfied with the work that Paul did on their case. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of an attorney.
Posted by Ernesto | November 8, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
One of the Best
One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse Paul Donsbach without hesitation.
Posted by Logan | November 7, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
He is best
Paul is an excellent attorney. He uses his extensive knowledge and superb understanding of the law to provide incredible results for his clients. I highly recommend him.
Posted by Noah | November 7, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer
I have had the pleasure and honor of receiving Mr. Donsbach’s advice on a couple of matters. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable, but he has a heart of gold and is a real gentleman. The dedication and time that he gave me indicated the dedication, time, and devotion that he commits to his cases. He truly cares, and that combined with his incredible legal knowledge, makes for an amazing attorney. I recommend Paul in the strongest terms possible!
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Posted by Aurora | November 2, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great
Paul is diligent, creative, and an incredibly resourceful trial lawyer. I have personally witnessed the professional manner in which he takes care of his clients' matters. Courteous, approachable, responsive, and aggressive, Mr. Donsbach possesses all the attributes that make an exceptional lawyer. If you find yourself in a jam, I wholeheartedly recommend Paul.
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Posted by Martina | November 1, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Lawyer
Excellent service! Paul has not only met but exceeded my expectations. He managed to secure a much more favorable outcome than I had expected. Paul was easy to contact--never once avoiding a phone call--and answered all questions clearly and competently. His proficiency in law, as demonstrated in his practice, is simply second to none. Five stars is not enough!
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Posted by Jack D | October 31, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
One Of the Best Lawyer
I was lucky enough to have Paul as my representation when I was going through a difficult time. He was quick to return phone calls and always explained thoroughly what was going on and what the next step would be. He patiently answered every question that I had. I truly believe that he got me the best result possible. I enthusiastically endorse him to anyone who needs legal help.
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Posted by Pamela | August 10, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Highly professional and efficient!
Paul is a fantastic lawyer who helped me with a very time-sensitive issue. It was my first time working with him and found him extremely easy to communicate with and efficient with time (which is important!). He broke things down for me in a way that was easy to understand, given that the issue was rather complicated. That type of thoughtful communication made it much easier for me to best weigh the pros and cons of different approaches. Overall I'm very pleased to have worked with him, and will do so again when I'm in need of legal services.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Education

  • Southern Methodist Univ SOL
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1992
  • University of Texas System, Dallas
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1989

Legal Cases

  • Marriage of Jolly
  • Judgment
  • Marriage of Amster
  • Settlement
  • Marriage of Kessler
  • Trial
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Bar Association of San Francisco, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2017 - Present
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2017 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 1994 - Present
  • California Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 1994 - Present
  • American Bar Association, Dispute Resolution Section
  • Board Member, Officer
  • 1992 - Present
  • American Bar Association, Arbitration and Mediation Committees
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Alimony and Spousal Support and Marital Property Committees
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • American Bar Association, Litigation Section
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Gujarati
  • Hindi
  • Russian
View all languages

Honors and Awards

  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2020
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • Legal Writing
  • American Jurisprudence
  • 1989
View all awards

Attorney endorsements

Received (2)
Given (2)
Endorse Paul
Family Attorney | May 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Litigation Attorney | Feb 04
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Mr. Donsbach was a tough adversary in a highly contentious dissolution case. Although tough, he was always professional and courteous. I look forward to working with him again in the future."
Divorce and separation

Avvo Contributions

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

Pleasanton Divorce and separation Lawyer Paul Frederic Donsbach
Paul Frederic Donsbach
Divorce and separation Attorney
Pleasanton, CA
Licensed for 30 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available