Law Offices of Schwartz & Godbey - Riverside, CA

Dedicated Family Law and Criminal Defense in Riverside, California

Legal challenges involving family transitions or criminal investigations are among the most stressful events an individual can experience. Conveniently located on Magnolia Avenue in Riverside, the Law Offices of Schwartz and Godbey provides comprehensive, compassionate, and aggressive legal counsel for families and individuals throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Founded by lifelong Riverside resident Catherine A. Schwartz, the firm combines more than thirty years of litigation background with personal dedication to client welfare. When your parental bonds, household stability, or individual liberty are challenged, retaining seasoned divorce lawyers and criminal defense advocates makes all the difference.

Strategic Family Law and Domestic Relations Advocacy

Navigating divorce or custody disputes requires empathetic guidance and courtroom strength. Core domestic practice areas include:

• Divorce and Separation: Managing contested dissolutions, complex community property division, spousal support, and retirement asset allocation.
• Child Custody and Visitation: Establishing parenting plans that protect parental rights and prioritize minor children best interests.
• Child Support Calculations: Ensuring accurate child support orders based on California statutory formulas and true income.
• Domestic Violence Protective Orders: Securing restraining orders for abuse victims and defending against false accusations.
• Guardianships and Minor Adoptions: Assisting relatives and stepparents in securing legal guardianship or formal adoption rights to ensure children grow up in safe environments.

Assertive Criminal Defense and Juvenile Law

When clients need to hire a criminal defense lawyer, the firm delivers aggressive defense across state and juvenile courts:

• DUI and Driving Offenses: Challenging blood alcohol testing accuracy, unlawful traffic stops, and DMV license suspensions.
• Drug Charges: Defending against narcotics possession, prescription drug allegations, and illicit distribution charges.
• Assault and Violent Crimes: Representing defendants accused of domestic battery, assault with a deadly weapon, and criminal threats.
• Juvenile Law and Dependency: Defending minors in delinquency proceedings and protecting parental rights in child welfare hearings.
• Expungements and Record Clearing: Petitioning courts to dismiss past misdemeanor and felony convictions to restore civil rights and career opportunities.

The Advantage of Integrated Legal Knowledge

Domestic conflicts and criminal allegations frequently intertwine, such as when a family dispute involves police intervention and custody proceedings simultaneously. Because the Law Offices of Schwartz and Godbey handles both criminal defense and family law, clients receive seamless, coordinated defense strategy rather than contradictory advice from separate firms.

Respected Accolades and Community Leadership

The firm has garnered numerous professional honors reflecting client satisfaction and legal ethics, including an Avvo 10.0 Superb rating, the Avvo Clients Choice Award, and recognition as a Top Divorce Lawyer in Riverside. Attorneys Catherine Schwartz and Christina Godbey remain dedicated contributors to the Riverside County Bar Association and local community programs.

Why Clients Find a Lawyer at Schwartz and Godbey

When you need a lawyer who will treat you with dignity and advocate tirelessly for your rights, the Law Offices of Schwartz and Godbey offers responsive communication, evening and weekend appointments, flexible payment plans, and free initial consultations to help you protect what matters most.