I am a Board Certified divorce and custody attorney and mediator based in Beaumont, Texas, having been a trial lawyer for over thirty years. My law practice is devoted solely to family law.
People often ask me why I practice family law. The short answer is because I care deeply about families and children and want to help them in their darkest hour. It’s part of my personal ministry. I understand that whether it’s a divorce, custody, decree modification, or enforcement issue, my clients trust me with all they hold most dear — their children, their homes, their assets, and their lives.
My job is to counsel clients, help them to identify their goals, develop a game plan to achieve their goals, guide and support them through the complex legal process, and be their zealous advocate — so they may focus on healing themselves and their children and laying a solid foundation for the future.
Clients who retain me know they are not hiring just any lawyer. In addition to being Board Certified in family law, I am a Certified Public Accountant. I also am a former securities broker and CFO of a closely held business. Numbers and complex financial scenarios do not phase me. I also bring to the table the local experience, knowledge, and judgment that collectively make a difference in my clients’ cases.
Confidentiality is important to me. Your communications with us are absolutely privileged and confidential. Even if you don’t retain our Firm, the fact that you consulted with me will remain confidential.
But if you work with me, you will not be just another case. My staff and I take to heart the trust our clients place in us. You will get to know me as we work through your case, so when I make a recommendation whether to settle or go to trial, you will know I have your best interests at heart. By the way, I live to cross-examine witnesses at trial. To learn more, read what my clients have to say.
So, why should you hire me to represent you? Because the key to winning is preparation and no one will out work us or out prepare us. We leave it all on the field.
Family law disputes and their aftermath are difficult. I take great satisfaction in fighting for my clients and giving them hope for a brighter future.
Education
University of Texas School of Law, J.D., with honors (1989)
University of Memphis, B.B.A. (Accounting), valedictorian and summa cum laude (1978)
Certifications
Board Certified in Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Certified Public Accountant
Texas Super Lawyer, Family Law
AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
Professional and Bar Association Memberships
State Bar of Texas – Family Law Section
College of the State Bar of Texas
Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists
Texas Family Law Foundation (Life Member)
Jefferson County Bar Association
Reported Cases – Appeals
I also handle appeals of family law matters. Here are my reported cases.
In re R.C.K.; No. 09-16-00132-CV; 2016 WL 3197585 (Tex. App.—Beaumont, June 9, 2016) (mandamus issued in favor of Sonya Coffman’s divorce client, a doctor, precluding the production of his medical records, pharmacy records, personnel records, and cell phone logs containing patient telephone numbers).
In the Interest of D.F.L.; No. 09-15-00310-CV; 2016 WL 423620 (Tex. App.-Beaumont, Feb. 4, 2016, pet. denied) (termination of mother’s parental rights) (judgment in favor of Sonya Coffman’s client (father).
Pekar v. Pekar, No. 09-14-00464-CV; 2016 WL 240761 (Tex. App.-Beaumont, January 21, 2016, no pet.) (property division) (judgment in favor of Sonya Coffman’s client).
In re Barnard; No. 09-13-00149-CV; 2013 WL 1790238 (Tex. App.-Beaumont, April 25, 2013, no pet.) (child custody) (judgment in favor of Sonya Coffman’s client).
In re C.M.F., L.M.F. and C.G.F.; No. 09-11-00626-CV; 2013 WL 476757 (Tex. App.-Beaumont, February 07, 2013, review denied) (child support) (judgment in favor of Sonya Coffman’s client).
In re J.E.; No. 09-09-00476-CV; 2010 WL 5232977 (Tex. App.-Beaumont, December 16, 2010, no pet.) (child custody) (judgment in favor of Sonya Coffman’s client).
Treuil v. Treuil, 311 S.W.3d 114 (Tex. App.-Beaumont 2010, no pet.) (divorce) (trial court reversed and rendered in favor of Sonya Coffman’s client).
Huckabay v. Moore, 142 F.3d 243 (5th Cir. 1998) (employment) (summary judgment affirmed in favor of Sonya Coffman’s client).
Community Service
Symphony League of Beaumont
President (2008-2009)
Board of Directors (1999-2011)
Third Vice-President (2006-2007)
Debutante Chair (2005-2006)
Symphony Ball Chair (2004)
Junior League of Beaumont (1994-present)
Lagniappe Chair (2000-2001)
Julie Rogers Gift of Life
Board of Directors (2000-2010)
Volunteer of the Year (2005)
Kickoff Chair for Breast Cancer Awareness (2004)
Neches River Festival
Board of Directors (2007-2011)
Invitations Chair (2007)
Reservations Chair (2006)
Beaumont Community Partners for Children (Rainbow Room)
Board of Directors (1995-2004)
