Highmount Family Lawyers

Kimberly B. Allen opened her divorce and family law practice in 1995 in Garden City, Long Island. After ten successful years, she chose to relocate her home and her law office to enjoy the quality of life that the Capital Region offers.

Although she has extensive litigation experience in both Federal Courts and State Courts located on Long Island, the five boroughs of New York City, and Westchester, her practice concentrates in the Capital Region ranging from Colombia, Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Saratpga Counties through Fulton, Essex and Montgomery Counties up through Warren and Washington Counties.

She is recognized...

Ephraim Jacob (‘E.J.”) Fink has been litigating in the Connecticut and New York Courts since 2000. After representing hundreds of carriers and their policy holders as well as corporations, product manufacturers and healthcare facilities from negligence and contract claims, EJ practiced at a boutique in the areas of personal injury, family law/divorce, estate and trust litigation. EJ graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications with a degree in journalism and thereafter obtained his JD at New England Law-Boston where his dean’s list grade average earned him an associate editor position on the New England Journal on Criminal...

Divorce Done Differently. Choose Vacca Family Law Group for Court-Free Creative Family Law Solutions. At Vacca Family Law Group, we focus on resolving family and divorce-related legal disputes through non-adversarial methods, avoiding the emotional and financial turmoil associated with courtroom proceedings. Our approach centers on mediation and collaboration, allowing our clients to maintain more control over the outcome of their cases and reach innovative solutions that are tailored to their family’s needs. As a leading family and divorce law firm in New York, we know that each family’s situation is unique. We have seen the damaging effects of traditional, litigated divorces and...

Jacqueline Newman joined Berkman Bottger Newman & Rodd, LLP in 1998 and is now the managing partner of the firm. Ms. Newman's practice consists of litigation, collaborative law and mediation. She specializes in complex high net worth matrimonial cases and negotiating prenuptial agreements. Ms. Newman has taught the Collaborative Family Law class for The NY Association of Collaborative Professionals and the Center for Mediation in Law, as well as the Introduction of Matrimonial Law for Collaborative Divorce Professionals for the New York State Unified Court System. At Fordham University School of Law, she taught Family Law Practice with Barry Berkman....

Joel R. Brandes, of the New York Bar, concentrates his practice in New York divorce and family law appeals. He also consults with and advises attorneys on appellate, trial court and international child abduction matters in all of the New York state and federal courts. He has been recognized by the New York Appellate Division as a "noted authority and expert on New York family law and divorce .” He is the author of the treatise Law and the Family New York 2024-2025 Edition (12 Volumes), Law and The Family New York, 2d (9 volumes), Law and the Family...

For the past 30 years Valerie Wolfman Esq. has concentrated her law practice on Family, Matrimonial and Divorce Law, Child Custody, Divorce and Equitable Distribution (both simple and complex). Many of her cases have International components, including issues such as whether a French or Chilean or Swiss pre-nuptial agreement is valid; whether a divorce should proceed in France, New York or Australia, whether the mother may relocate the residence of the child away from the father. She has also litigated Will contests and has proven heirship with the aid of a genealogist and has been a guardian in guardianship...

Howard B. Leopold is Brooklyn born and a member of the New Jersey, New York, and Bergen County Bar Associations. He graduated from the State University of New York at Albany in 1987 (Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude) with a B.A. in U.S. History and Minors in Hebrew and Business. Mr. Leopold went on to attend Albany Law School and earned a J.D. in 1990. After graduating, he worked as an associate in the litigation department of a New York City law firm for numerous years and then spent four years at a law firm in Rochelle Park,...

Emily Ingall is an attorney in Offit Kurman’s Family Law Practice Group. She represents clients in cases involving divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, property distribution, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, adoption, and domestic custody disputes. She has focused her practice on all matrimonial matters, providing her services to clients in New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. Ms. Ingall received her Juris Doctorate from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 2020 with a concentration in Family Law. While obtaining her J.D., Emily interned at the Benjamin N. Cardozo Divorce Mediation Clinic. She served as a Research Assistant for Matrimonial...

Manuel Portela Manuel@portelalaw.com Law School: The Washington College of Law at American University, Degree: JD 1990 Undergraduate School: Fordham University, 1986 Foreign Language: Spanish Manuel Portela Esq. is the founding partner of The Portela Law Firm, P.C. He specializes in Criminal Defense, Immigration, Family Law and Personal Injury. After graduating from Fordham University and American University Washington College of Law, Mr. Portela accepted an appointment as an Assistant District Attorney at the Kings County District Attorney‘s Office in New York. During his tenure as an Assistant District Attorney, he received extensive training and instruction in the Criminal Court...

I am a graduate of Wesleyan University and the Boston University School of Law. During my career as an attorney, prior to my current solo practive, I have worked as a government regulatory trial attorney for the State Public Service Commission, an in house counsel for a Fortune 100 corporation, and as a partner or counsel for a several Albany and Syracuse based medium sized law firms. I am committed to helping people and small businesses with their legal problems at a reasonable, fixed "no surprises" rate not based on the common "hourly billing" model. I am...

Cindy N. Brown practices in the areas of criminal defense, civil litigation, family law, and landlord/tenant, defending the interests of the everyday man. While she feels strongly about the work that she does for all her clients, she is especially passionate about fathers, and their ability to maintain meaningful relationships with their children after divorce or failed relationships. All too often, the end of romantic relationships result in diminished contact with children through no fault of the fathers, and once the matter has made its way into the Family Court system, many fathers feel as though the odds are stacked...

I advocate for clients who want to take charge of their lives and resolve conflict using a common sense approach. During my more than 20 years of practice, I have handled hundreds of matrimonial and family law matters. While I have extensive litigation experience, I now focus my practice on mediation and collaborative law because most of my clients fell strongly that they want to stay out of court. I want to make a positive difference in the lives of clients going through stressful family transitions. I help mothers and fathers in developing parenting plans that are practical and that...

Licensed in New York and New Jersey, Kevin Abessi is a heavily credentialed attorney with a background that is tailored to handle the challenges of family and business. As a client-facing professional with deep academic and professional exposures to finance and investment, Kevin and Abessi Law are well-equipped to handle the sort of financial and business matters that are often at play with matters pertaining to divorce, spousal/child support, contract negotiation, estate planning, and so much more. Abessi Law understands that facilitating legal services is about more than just lawyering, which is why it endeavors to be just as well...

"When representing clients, I am consciously aware of the stress associated with any type of litigation. I try to reduce that stress by being available on a nearly 24/7 basis to answer questions and head off potential problems. I pride myself on prompt return of telephone calls, and I am also sensitive to the importance of the cost considerations of effective representation." My work focuses on all aspects & types of Family Law including High Net-Worth/High Income Divorce, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Child Relocation, Alimony/Spousal Support/Spousal Maintenance, Property...

Experienced and dedicated matrimonial Attorney. I will fight aggressively for your family. Call me today! Kim M. Rayner has over 30 years of experience as a matrimonial lawyer. As such, she has extensive litigation skills, developed through trials regarding custody, maintenance, child support, and equitable distribution. Ms. Rayner’s experience is shown through her ability to form a trusting and enduring relationship with her clients. She zealously advocates for her client in and out of the courtroom, and is an effective negotiator. Ms. Rayner always implements the best possible strategy in order to best suit her client’s needs and...

Teresa G. Donnellan is the managing partner of DONNELLAN & KNUSSMAN, PLLC. Attorney Donnellan is a graduate of Albany Law School and has more than 25 years experience in matrimonial and family law, both in litigated court proceedings and collaborative law matters. Teresa has been a member of the Saratoga County and Warren County Attorney for Children panels throughout her career in the Capital District and served as the Saratoga County Attorney for the Child Liaison. Teresa is an active member of multiple area organizations such as: the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, the Saratoga County Bar...

Mediator and attorney with extensive experience in prenuptial, separation, divorce, custody, visitation, alimony, elder, business, estate and other family law and adult family issues. Serving mediation clients in Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess Counties in New York and Fairfield, New Haven & Litchfield Counties in Connecticut. Disputes are stressful, and it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable with whatever resolution process you choose. During our 30 minute free consultation, I can answer any questions you might have and let you get a sense of what it would be like to work together.

Joshua is a native of Herkimer County. After college, he served our country as a Marine Officer, achieved the rank of Captain, and served on three deployments to the Middle East. Following service in the Marines, Joshua attended the Thomas M. Cooley Law School where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2015. Joshua gives 100% to everything he does. Following a recent jury trial in the Village of Herkimer [Docket No. 17050159], Joshua's client was found not guilty on all counts which was the first misdemeanor acquittal in Herkimer County in...

Heidi A. Gifford is a dynamic and dedicated legal professional with a passion for advocating for her clients. A graduate of the esteemed New England School of Law, Heidi has been practicing law in Fulton County, New York since being admitted to the New York State Bar in 2005. Specializing in divorce, family law, child custody, fathers rights, criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, she has established herself as a trusted advocate for individuals facing challenging legal situations. In 2009, Heidi took on the leadership of her practice and has since been committed to delivering exceptional results for her...

Most people never imagine that they will be arrested and charged with a crime and assume that anyone who is arrested must be a criminal. The truth is that anyone can be arrested. A mistaken identification, a misunderstanding or dispute with the police or another party, even simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time can lead to being taken into custody by the police and charged with an offense. Being arrested can be one of the scariest moments in anyone's life. Suddenly your liberty is taken away and you may face the prospect...

I am a Central New York Native, and in addition to my law practice experience, I have over 30 years of experience as an educator at the grade school and college levels. I am also the step-parent of a special needs child, and this has been instrumental in my development of skills as an advocate for special needs students. I have also had extensive experience as a Managing Partner for two law firms in Central New York. In September of 2021, I returned to Madison County to continue my practice with Taylor & Miller, a highly respected law...

Johnathon P. Hardaway III is a Partner of Lord & Hardaway LLP. Mr. Hardaway is a well-rounded lawyer. A corporate attorney with an MBA, a certified sports agent, and a battle tested litigator.

Mr. Hardaway has extensive trial and litigation experience, defending and prosecuting complex criminal and civil matters. Mr. Hardaway represents a roster of professional athletes, government officials, and celebrities and is adept at resolving sensitive matters both in and out of the courtroom.

Before joining Lord & Hardaway LLP, Mr. Hardaway worked for several years as an attorney with a top litigation law firm.  Mr. Hardaway has...

Matrimonial and Family Law

For over three decades, Lois M. Brenner, Esq. has provided her clients with aggressive representation in cases dealing with divorce, child custody, child support, estate planning, family business, separation agreements, or other family law matters. No matter what the case may be, Attorney Brenner can take the time to understand the various intricacies of your case and devise a strategy specific for your needs and desires. She is passionate about forming a client-based relationship and treating her clients with the utmost respect and compassion as they deal with difficult family hardships. To see what she can do for you, call...

Extensive courtroom experience.

An experienced litigator, Christine Klein handles family law issues with sensitivity and understanding. Our practice focuses on your family's legal needs. Whether starting a new one by adopting a child or trying to protect the family you have in a custody or divorce proceeding, we'll work with you to help safeguard your family. We work with traditional families as well as with the LGBT community, and single individuals, taking care of your special family's legal needs.

Amy J. Knussman is a partner with DONNELLAN & KNUSSMAN, PLLC. Attorney Knussman is a graduate of Albany Law School and has been admitted to the New York State Bar since 2003. Ms. Knussman’s career began at The Donnellan Law Firm in 2001, while she was still attending Albany Law. After many years of hard work and dedication, Amy became a partner at DONNELLAN & KNUSSMAN, PLLC in January 2008. Amy focuses her practice in the areas of Matrimonial and Family Law and has been a member of the Saratoga County and Warren County Attorney for Children Panels...

Jonathan M. Victor, Esq. set up the Law Office of Jonathan Victor PLLC in 2012 and expanded to Connecticut in 2014. He is your Mahopac lawyer and New Fairfield lawyer happy to help with divorce law, real estate law, estates, wills trusts and elder law, and more.

I joined the Matrimonial and Family Law Department of McNamee Lochner P.C. in 2014. My practice is focused on Matrimonial Law, Family Court, Plaintiff's Personal Injury, and Civil Defense matters. With 20 years of experience, I am a skilled and accomplished civil litigator. Upstate New York Super Lawyers Magazine has honored me as a Super Lawyer for Family Law in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

In 1994, I received my B.B.A. from the University of Hartford. I earned my J.D. from Albany Law School of Union University in 1999. I am a member of the Capital District Women's Bar Association, Albany County...

Bruce J. Wagner practices exclusively in the field of matrimonial and family law, and represents clients in the negotiation and litigation of pre-nuptial agreements, separation and divorce. His areas of concentration include divorce; high net worth property cases; prenuptial agreements; interstate support; and international custody.

Bruce joined the firm in 1987, has been a principal since 1994, and chairs the firm's Matrimonial and Family Law Department. He also has a successful statewide appellate practice before the Appellate Divisions and the New York Court of Appeals. In January 2005, he began a two-year term as President of the American...

Wayne F. Jentis, Esq.

• Member in Good Standing of the State of Florida Bar

• Member in Good Standing of the State of New Jersey Bar

• Member in Good Standing of the State of New York Bar

• Admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey

• Member Brevard County Bar Association

• Member Florida Bar Association and Family Law Section

• Member of the American Bar Association

• Member New Jersey Bar Association and Family Law Section

• Member Mercer County Bar Association

• Prior Law Clerk to the Honorable F. Lee Forrester.
(During Presiding Judgeship of the Family Part, Superior...

Mr. Sergey Mekhtiyev is a preeminent New York City attorney specializing in real estate, working on complex commercial, multi-use, and residential projects. He is extremely valued by his clients for his vast knowledge and for always being accessible. Mr. Mekhtiyev is a recipient of AVVO Client's Choice Award for the years 2014 and 2015.

I help clients navigate probate and draft wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care proxies. I mediate estate distribution, prenuptial agreements, and elder issues including long term care. I also guide families with individuals with disabilities on special needs planning and guardianships. Business services include litigation, contracts, and family business succession planning.

Lorna J LaMotte graduated from St John’s University School of Law in 1996 after having earned her BBA in accounting from the City University of New York, Baruch College. Lorna started her legal career as the Staff Attorney at Budget and Credit Counseling Services (BuCCS), a non-profit credit counseling agency. Lorna headed the consumer bankruptcy department, a unique program, authorized by the State of New York to provide pro-se legal services to consumers. Through her time at BuCCS, she gained a wealth of experience working directly with consumers undergoing financial hardship, providing them with the relief and fresh start...

I am a litigation lawyer based in Midtown Manhattan, New York. Practicing before the New York State and Federal Courts; Practice in the areas of Employment Law (employment discrimination actions before the EEOC and Federal and State Courts; pay-scales and union matters); Negligence (personal injury, product liability and slip-and-fall); Immigration (removal proceedings; asylum; employment and family-based permanent residency petitions; investment visas (EB-5); Business Visas (L-1)); Wills and Trusts and Estates; and Real Property (Property closings; mortgage modifications).

Harriet Newman Cohen, known as one of the "heavy hitters" of matrimonial and family law attorneys in New York City, is a founding partner of Cohen Stine Kapoor LLP. Ms. Cohen represents celebrities and other high net worth individuals, as well as other worthy clients; she has represented Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the former wives of the Weinstein brothers, NBA star Paul George, Howard Stern’s former wife (Alison), Laurence Fishburne, Ute Lemper, Linda Lavin, among other celebrities. Ms. Cohen is dedicated to the practice of law in the finest tradition and is known for fierce advocacy and passionate representation. She...

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