Jason M. Schwartz
Jason M. Schwartz is a Partner at Stegmeier, Gelbart, Schwartz & Benavente, LLP, and exclusively practices family law. Jason has been with the firm since he was admitted to the State Bar of California in summer 2001. Jason earned his Juris Doctor Degree from Western State University College of Law in December 2000, and his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of North Texas, where he majored in political science with a double minor in criminal justice and journalism.
Jason has been a Certified Family Law Specialist since 2007, which is a level of achievement reserved for those attorneys who have the requisite level of trial experience and have passed a special examination administered by the State Bar.
Jason has successfully litigated many issues in multiple-day trials regarding child custody and visitation, domestic violence, child support and spousal support, attorney's fees, characterization, valuation and division of community estate assets, valuation of business interests, as well as trials on the issues of the validity of a pre-marital agreement, transmutations, breach of fiduciary duty and date of separation.
In his spare time, Jason enjoys running, reading, baseball, and spending days at the beach with his wife, Susy, who is an attorney practicing immigration law.
Areas of Practice
- 100% Family Law
Litigation Percentage
- 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Certified Legal Specialties
- Family Law, State Bar of California, 2007
Bar Admissions
- California, 2001
Education
- Western State University College of Law, Fullerton, California
- J.D. - 2001
- University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
- B.S. - 1994
- Major: Political Science
Published Works
- Co-authored the article “When Family Law Meets Criminal Law: Mastering the Interplay Between Domestic Violence Litigation and Criminal Procedure” , ACFLS Family Law Specialist (Journal of the California Association of Family Law Specialists) , Fall, 2014
- Co-authored the article “Immigration and Family Law: What a Family Law Practitioner Needs to Know About the Evolving Field of Immigration Law”, ACFLS Family Law Specialist (Journal of the California Association of Family Law Specialists) , Winter, 2015
Classes/Seminars
- Panelist, "Crossover Issues in Trust & Estate Law and Family Law", Orange County Bar Association & Trusts and Estates Section, (Oct. 6, 2015)
- Presenter, "Protecting the Separate Property Interest (Or, would you rather go to the dentist?)", First American Trust Family Law Seminar, (May, 2015)
- Presenter, "How to Comply with Subpoenas and Earning Assignments in Employee Proceedings." Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce (April, 2015)
- Presenter, "Substance Abuse Issues in Family Law Litigation." Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, Orange County Chapter (November 2014)
- Presenter, “Divorce Cases from Start to Finish.” National Business Institute (November 2014)
- "Million Dollar Pre-Nup" Money Matters With Dino (November, 2014)
- Presenter, “An Open House at 2640 Family Court: How to Properly Present Your Neighbors – the Epsteins, Watts, Moores, Marsdens, Nelsons, Brancos, Grinus and Dukes at Trial.” White, Zuckerman, Prego Program (May 2014)
- Moderator, "Beyond the Basics: An Expert's Guide to Litigation of Complex Business Valuation and Cash Flow Issues.” Association of Certified Family Law Specialists – Orange County Chapter (November 2013)
- “When Family Law Meets Criminal Law: Mastering Interplay Between Domestic Violence Litigation and Criminal Procedure.” Orange County Bar Association (September 2013); South Orange County Bar Association (June 2013)
- Presenter, “If I Knew Then, What I Know Now: Practical Advice for Aspiring Attorneys.” Western State University College of Law (November 2012, November 2013)
- Presenter, “How to Keep Your Client Out of Jail When Faced With a Contempt Action.” Bremer, Whyte, Brown & O'Mera (June 2012)
- Presenter, “To Be or Not to Be Taxable: The Treatment of Perquisites in Determining Cash Flow Available for Support.” White, Zuckerman, Prego Program (May 2012)
- Presenter, “Oral Advocacy in the Courtroom.” Western State University College of Law (July 2011)
- Presenter, Appellate Advocacy Moot Appellate Court Justice, Western State University College of Law, 2010 - Present
- Presenter, 2011 “Family Law from A to Z.” National Business Institute (January 2010)
- Presenter, “Date of Separation: Its importance from Petition to Trial.” White, Zuckerman, Prego Program (April 2008)
- Presenter, “Family Law Litigation: 101.” University of California at Irvine (May 2008)
- Presenter, “Litigation of Custody and Visitation Issues.” Chapman University School of Law - Family Law Panel (May 2008)
- Presenter, “Navigating from Law Student to Attorney.” Chapman University School of Law (April 2007)
- Presenter, “Litigation of Family Residence Issues.” Orange County Paralegal's Association (April 2006)
- Presenter, “Family Law Basics.” Orange County Paralegal's Association (April 2005)
Honors and Awards
- Los Angeles Magazine's Top Young Lawyers in California, 2008 - 2010
- ACFLS: State Board of Directors, Legislation Advisory Committee, Membership Benefits Committee, 2014 – present
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, 2011
- Orange County Bar Association – Family Law Section, 2001
- Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, Orange County Section, Executive Board Member, 2012 – Present
- Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, Orange County Section, Associate Director, 2014 – Present
- Association of Certified Family Law Specialists State Board of Directors, Board Member, 2014 – Present
Pro Bono Activities
- Orange County Bar Association - Speakers Bureau, 2008 - Present
- Moot Court Judge for Law School Competitions, 2010 - Present
Irvine, California 92612
