David S. Schulman
Top rated Family Law attorney in San Diego, California
Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC
Practice areas: Family Law; view more
Licensed in California since: 1993
Education: Western State University College of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2009 - 2026 Call today:
858-755-3300
Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC
12220 El Camino RealSuite 300
San Diego, CA 92130 Visit website
Details 
Since 2009, family law veteran David Schulman has been honored as one of San Diego’s Super Lawyers. His peers recognize the Certified Family Law Specialist as well with nominations for San Diego’s Top Attorneys in 2009 and 2012. Mr. Schulman has been recognized by his peers with the distinguished AV® Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®. The AV® rating indicates he has the hightest level of professional excellence. Additionally, he received the prestigious Family Court Judiciary’s Norby Award.
For the past two decades Mr. Schulman has worked in every aspect of family law to help his clients with their needs throughout their lives. From crafting prenuptial agreements to developing custody and visitation plans. He has a passion for helping children and is frequently appointed as Minor’s Counsel to represent the often-controversial children’s interest in bitter divorce cases.
Mr. Schulman has demonstrated his commitment to the betterment of his profession by serving on the State Bar’s Family Law Commission for the past three years. He will serve a three-year term as the Vice Chair of the California State Bar's Family Law Commission set to start this fall. He will work with eight fellow advisors to assess applicants for legal specialization certification in California as well as draft and grade exams.
He demonstrates his dedication to children outside the courtroom by heading up the Juvenile Book Club each month to help make sure teenagers found guilty of committing crimes are able to read. Mr. Schulman serves on the board for Just in Time for Foster Youth helping to raise tens of thoudands of dollars each year for teenagers aging out of the foster care system. The Certified Family Law Specialists’ insight and practical experience make him a sought after speaker at family law seminars in San Diego and across the United States.
Mr. Schulman is a partner at Moore, Schulman & Moore APC. The family law firm is an AV-Preeminent Peer Review Rated law firm.
Practice areas
Family LawFocus areas
Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Father's Rights, Mediation & Collaborative Law, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Same Sex Family Law
- 100% Family Law
First Admitted: 1993, California
Professional Webpage: https://www.msmfamilylaw.com/attorneys/david-s-schulman/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Family Law Advisory Committee Co-Chair , 2015
- Member, California State Bar as Commissioner, Family Law Advisory Committee
- Chairman, San Diego County Bar Minors Counsel Subcommittee
- Member Executive Committee San Diego County Bar
Videos
- When parents go through a divorce one of the most difficult adjustments can be splitingt the time during the holidays with the other parent. Many worry about schedules, traditions, and emotions running high. But while the season can look different post-divorce, it can still be meaningful, joyful, and full of love—especially for your children. Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC Founding Partner David Schulman gives some guidance on how to facilitate happier holidays after divorce., Divorce: How to Handle the Holidays, Family Law, 2025
- Want to change your child custody order? The court is looking for a change in circumstances if it is to consider modifying an order. So what are qualifying changes in circumstances according to the Court? That is subjective and up to the judge. While technically age is not considered a change in circumstances many judges will consider age when they are looking to enforce or change custody orders especially if the children are teenagers at the time a change is requested. Once children turn 14 years-old the courts will consider their input when deciding where the teenagers are ordered to spend more of their time., Can Child Custody Orders be Changed When Kids Become Teenagers?, Family Law, 2025
- About 36% of divorces are now among couples in their 50's and older. Getting divorced during the golden years can come with challenging considerations when trying to maintain the marital standard of living (MSOL) which is the lifestyle the couple enjoyed during the marriage. Maintaining the marital standard can be a difficult if not impossible objective if one or both of the people in the marriage are retired. Moore, Schulman & Moore Founding Partner David Schulman explains that the Court may decide not to order spousal support If both people are not working. Schulman says the law spells out that workers have an absolute right to retire at 65 years of age., Gray Divorce: How is Spousal Support Determined?, Family Law, 2025
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Certified Specialist by the State Bar of California-Family Law, 2002
Pro bono / Community Service
- Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC Founding Partner, David S. Schulman is working to help some of the teenagers impacted most by the COVID-19 pandemic. He is serving as the Honorary Committee Co-Chair for the upcoming 2021 Walk the Talk event for Just in Time for Foster Youth (JIT). JIT works to help foster-youth become self-sufficient after they leave the foster care system by teaching them life skills and connecting them with the resources to help them peruse their dreams from going to school to getting a job. Schulman is honored with the Co-Chair position because of his long-term advocacy for children as a family law attorney and his personal commitment to helping needy children in the San Diego community. Schulman has raised tens of thousands of dollars and much needed awareness about foster youth and their struggles. , 2021
- David Schulman spearheaded the efforts to provide Santa Bags for about 100 foster youth. After being on the board for about a decade, David knows how important it is for the teenagers to get a gift bad during the holidays. Dave rallied volunteers to get donations so the teenagers received a gift basket full of treats for the holidays., 2025
- David Schulman answered the call to continue to serve on the board for Just In Time for Foster Youth. Schulman volunteers his time to help organize, gain support and implement various programs for the nonprofit. Schulman also helps to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year needed to support the programs the nonprofit offers for foster youth. , 2021
- Passionate about improving the lives of often forgotten foster youth, David Schulman serves on the board for Just In Time for Foster Youth. In this role, he volunteers his time for the various events the nonprofit does to support foster youth. He works throughout the year to make critical decisions for the nonprofit and helps to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars needed to fund the group's projects. , 2020
- David Schulman serves on the board for Just In Time for Foster Youth. In this role, he volunteers his time for the various events the nonprofit does to support foster youth, such as suppling backpacks and computers for foster youth and connecting the youth with mentors. He works throughout the year to make critical decisions for the nonprofit and to help raise hundreds of thousands of dollars needed to fund the group's projects. , 2019
- David Schulman provides pro bono legal services to victims of domestic violence in conjunction with Kathy's Legacy Foundation, 2015
Educational Background
- San Diego State University, B.A, 1988
White Papers
- The closing of some courthouses due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has pushed many people into a new personal frontier they aren’t quite prepared for by having to make appearances in virtual hearings for their divorce, child custody, child support, or other family law matters. But by planning ahead and making sure some minor preparations are done, this often-uncomfortable forum can work in your favor. Regardless if you are an attorney or appearing on your own behalf, these tips can help you look your best and be more effective., Make the Most of Your Virtual Court Appearances, Family Law Attorneys, Family Law Clients, Family Law Judges, Family Law Therapists, 2020
- For many families, the holidays bring a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and after a separation or divorce, a fair share of stress. Parents may worry about schedules, traditions, and emotions running high. While the season can look different post-divorce, it can still be meaningful, joyful, and full of love especially for your children. A few guiding principles and practical tips can help divorced or divorcing parents make the holidays a time of peace and comfort rather than conflict., Happy Holidays After Divorce: Co-Parenting to Keep the Season Bright for Children, Family Law, 2025
- Every year, family law attorneys across California see the same unmistakable pattern: divorce filings spike in January. In fact, the first working Monday after New Year’s has been informally dubbed “Divorce Day” for the sheer number of couples who choose that moment to begin the legal separation process. But what many people don’t realize is that the groundwork for those January filings often begins during the holiday season itself., Why the Holidays Spark Divorce Filings in California and How to Move Toward Separation With Clarity and Stability, Family Law, 2025
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Speaker, Family Law Seminars in San Diego, Juvenile Book Club Event
- David S. Schulman provided valuable insight into the impact of move-aways and relocating on children in a divorce. Schulman's extensive experience with working as minor's counsel for more than two decades provides the unique perspective of the children who must adapt to the changes in their home, friend and support base. The information can be extremely helpful in helping therapist and judges make their recommendations in family court., Featured Speaker, Minor Counsel's Perspective On Relocating and the Impact on Children In a Divorce, San Diego County Bar Association, Family Law, Family Therapy, Family Law Judges, 2019
Honors
- Family law practice Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC (MSM) recently announced that one of its founding partners, David S. Schulman, had been named as an Honorary Committee Co-Chair for the upcoming 2020 Walk the Talk signature celebration, hosted by Just in Time for Foster Youth (JIT). JIT works to help foster-youth achieve the self-sufficiency needed to succeed as adults. The annual Walk the Talk event is a celebration and fundraiser that inspires leaders in the community to get involved, brings awareness and raises funds for the various programs overseen by JIT. Schulman was honored with the Co-Chair position for both his role as an active family law practice attorney and his personal dedication to the service of youth of all ages., Honorary Co-Chair Just In Time For Foster Youth Walk The Talk Fundraiser, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/celebrated-san-diego-family-law-attorney-david-s-schulman-named-honorary-committee-co-chair-of-the-just-in-time-7th-annual-signature-fundraiser-301026654.html, 2020
- Moore, Schulman and Moore Founding Partner David Schulman is once again recognized by Super Lawyers for his legal skills and dedication to high eithical standards in the practice of family law. Super Lawyers is a rating service that recognizes outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area., Super Lawyers, https://www.superlawyers.com/for-lawyers/publication-information-california/, 2025
- Super Lawyers recognizes seven Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC Family Law attorneys for 2022. To be honored with the distinction the attorneys undergo a rigorous review after being nominated by their peers. From the firm’s founding partners to Of Counsel attorneys in their office, they are recognized for their outstanding achievements, level of client representation, verdicts and experience. Only the top five percent of attorneys in California are honored by Super Lawyers. Founding partners David Schulman has received the award for the past decade and a half. He is aCertified Family Law Specialists by the California Board of Legal Specialization. His decades of experience and commitment to making a difference in their community make him a standout in and out of the courtroom., Super Lawyers, https://www.msmfamilylaw.com/blog/2024/april/super-lawyers-2024-rising-stars-award-winner-joi/, 2024
- Martindale-Hubbell ranks David Schulman among its best for more than a decade. This year David is given the highest ranking possible; AV® Preeminent. Less than five percent of attorneys across the United Starts are given this distinction. To receive the ranking attorneys must be reviewed and recommended by their peers, members of the bar, and the judiciary. Only attorneys with the highest ethical standards, in-depth legal expertise, and communication skills are given this designation., AV® Preeminent, https://www.msmfamilylaw.com/blog/2023/february/moore-schulman-moore-founding-partner-david-schu/, 2023
- Super Lawyers recognizes seven Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC Family Law attorneys for 2022. To be honored with the distinction the attorneys undergo a rigorous review after being nominated by their peers. From the firm’s founding partners to Of Counsel attorneys in their office, they are recognized for their outstanding achievements, level of client representation, verdicts and experience. Only the top five percent of attorneys in California are honored by Super Lawyers. Founding partner David Schulman has received the award for the past decade and a half. He is Certified Family Law Specialists by the California Board of Legal Specialization. His decades of experience and commitment to making a difference in his community make him a standouts in and out of the courtroom., Super Lawyers, https://www.msmfamilylaw.com/blog/2022/march/a-record-number-of-moore-schulman-and-moore-apc-/, 2022
- Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC Founding Partner, David S. Schulman is working to help some of the teenagers impacted most by the COVID-19 pandemic. He is serving as the Honorary Committee Co-Chair for the upcoming 2021 Walk the Talk event for Just In Time for Foster Youth (JIT). JIT works to help foster-youth become self-sufficient after they leave the foster care system by teaching them life skills and connecting them with the resources to help them peruse their dreams from going to school to getting a job., Honorary Co-Chair For Just In Time Foster Youth Walk The Talk Fundraiser, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/child-advocate-david-s-schulman-rallies-to-help-foster-youth-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-301285731.html, 2021
- The Daily Transcript conducts a peer voting process to determine the best lawyers in private, corporate, academic and government practices in San Diego County, Top Attorneys Award Winner, The Daily Transcript, 2012
- An AV Preeminent® peer review rated attorrney signifiying the highest level of professional excellence, AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell, 2015
- The Daily Transcript conducts a peer voting process to determine the best lawyers in private, corporate, academic and government practices in San Diego County, Top Attorneys, The Daily Transcript, 2009
Office location for David S. Schulman
12220 El Camino Real
Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92130
Phone: 858-755-3300
Selections
18 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2009 - 2026
