Paul Smiths Family Lawyers

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,...

JULIE V. MERSEREAU, ESQ. focuses her practice on Collaborative Family Law and Divorce Mediation. MEDIATION provides assistance to couples as they negotiate towards the resolution of divorce, separation, reconciliation, parenting and other family issues. Mediation is a cooperative settlement process entered into voluntarily. The mediator acts as a neutral professional who helps the participants make practical, informed decisions to resolve their differences. This process encourages the participants to reach a voluntary agreement that is mutually satisfactory. The goal is to accomplish a “win – win” outcome wherein both parties have their needs and goals addressed and are “okay”...

Our firm focuses on providing effective, compassionate representation in family law cases. Our attorneys have years of experience in representing individuals and families in all areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, adoption, and support. We provide aggressive advocacy when warranted while seeking a fair outcome which will help our clients get through a difficult period and on the road to a brighter future. If you are seeking responsive, dedicated representation, please contact our firm to see if you are a good fit for our services.

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Ariel A. Bauerle is a litigation attorney practicing in HoganWillig’s Business, Estate Planning and Matrimonial & Family Law departments. She brings with her a wealth of legal knowledge as a student attorney working for the Family and Women’s Rights Clinic in Buffalo, representing clients in family law issues, including custody, visitation, and support cases. As well as court room experience while serving as a Judicial Intern in Erie County Court.

While receiving her J.D. at the University at Buffalo School of Law, Ms. Bauerle was the Vice President of the Domestic Violence Task Force, a contributing editor for the Buffalo Public...

Jeffrey Reina is a senior partner at Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria and is the head of the Matrimonial Law Practice Area. He has experience handling a variety of matrimonial issues, including divorce, separation, spousal support, same sex marriage, prenuptial agreements, post-judgment, and complex high net worth divorce. Mr. Reina also oversees the firm’s Business & Commercial Litigation Practice Area. He resolves disputes for clients involving contracts, employment agreements, trademarks, copyrights, and partnership and shareholder matters. Prior to becoming an attorney, Mr. Reina spent nearly a decade working in the restaurant industry. For several years, he served as...

Jane E. Hughes is a skilled and experienced matrimonial and family law attorney with a proven track record of success in complex and emotionally sensitive cases. She is equally comfortable using a collaborative approach or an aggressive litigation-focused approach to solve her clients’ conflicts. Ms. Hughes is certified in Interdisciplinary Collaborative Law, which allows her to work with clients and other professionals to develop creative and mutually agreeable solutions. She has extensive experience in a wide range of matrimonial and family law matters, including divorce, custody and visitation, child support, domestic violence, neglect, relocation, multi-jurisdictional matters, guardianship, habeas corpus, and grandparent rights. Ms....

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...

Derrick Rubin is recognized as a leader in the New York matrimonial law community. Since 1997, he has worked with Wisselman, Harounian & Associates to bring clients skilled legal guidance in divorce, child custody, alimony, and matrimonial law matters. Derrick’s cases have been featured on the front page of the New York Law Journal, and he has been recognized by Newsday as an expert in the matrimonial law field. Derrick is a graduate of Hofstra University School of Law (J.D., 1984). He is admitted to the New York State Bar, and the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York.

Prior to founding Wisselman, Harounian & Associates in 1976, Attorney Jerome A. Wisselman, Esq. served as a law clerk to Honorary Maxine K. Duberstein and Honorary Stanley Gartenstein in the areas of matrimonial and family law. His passion for people allowed him to fully devote his life to helping those facing hardships involving divorce, child custody and support, marriage, wills and estate planning, business law, and real estate law. His background in tax law and accounting gives him the ability to address complex financial issues that are involved with many family law matters. Over the years, Attorney Wisselman...

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...

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...

A graduate of Cornell University and the University of Buffalo Law School, Mr. Ieraci has been a practicing attorney in the Buffalo/Niagara region since 1988. A lifelong resident of western New York, he has dedicated his practice to the representation of individuals with common legal issues.

Divorce, Real Estate & Bankruptcy Lawyer Serving Buffalo, NY

For more than 30 years, Frank S Ieraci has been representing clients throughout Buffalo, NY. While he concentrates his practice in bankruptcy, custody and divorce cases, he offers representation for all kinds of areas of the law. Additional practice areas include real estate and wills...

Gary M. Freedman is a highly experienced litigation attorney, currently serving in the Matrimonial & Family Law and Criminal Defense departments. With over 30 years of legal experience, Mr. Freedman has established himself as a respected advocate, known for his strategic approach to complex legal matters and his dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. Mr. Freedman earned his Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he developed a strong foundation in legal principles and practice. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Ohio State University, where his interest in law and governance began to...

Frank Gerber is an attorney in Tiveron Law’s Matrimonial and Family Law department handling all aspects including Divorce, Support & Visitation Agreements, and Enforcement/Modification of Court orders. Mr. Gerber received his Juris Doctorate with cum laude from Ave Maria School of Law in Florida and his undergraduate degree from Montclair State University in New Jersey. Frank has been admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey. With nearly a decade of litigation experience, Mr. Gerber is known for his tenacity in the courtroom on client’s behalf. Frank also strives to be as forthright with clients to enable them to...

Harmony A. Healy is an attorney practicing in HoganWillig’s Matrimonial & Family Law, and Criminal Defense departments. Prior to joining the firm, Harmony was recognized as a focused, ten-year veteran of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office, and an undefeated felony trial attorney with unparalleled experience. Ms. Healy’s previous casework included a broad range of duties, from litigating diverse actions involving violent felonies to leading narcotics investigations and drafting and executing search warrants. Ms. Healy was the Managing Partner of her previous firm, which she led as a highly meticulous and diligent practitioner. Exemplary research and writing skills, along with...

Attorney Jason M. Barbara is the establishing lawyer at the Long Island legal office, Jason M. Barbara & Associates, P.C. Mr. Barbara has been practicing law for over a decade, during which he has become well-known for the services he offers. He is admitted to the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and is a member of the New York State Bar, the American Bar Association, and the Nassau County Bar Association. Over the years, Attorney Barbara has been featured in numerous media outlets including Anderson Cooper, Good Day New York, Good Morning...

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...

Todd Spodek is the managing partner of Spodek Law Group P.C., a family owned and operated litigation law firm with offices in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. Over the years Mr. Spodek has won verdicts in a wide varietyof complex criminal cases including Murder, Assault and Harassment. Mr. Spodek has also been sucessful in resolving criminal cases pre-trial through strategic plea bargaining and avoid criminal charges from being brought from inception. Mr. Spodek also represents clients in a wide array of divorces and litigates issues of child support and custody along with the equitable distribution of marital property.

For 45 years I have answered thousands of telephone calls from people looking for the best legal advice because of my vast legal experience. Since I know the law and listen to you with compassion to understand your facts, I figure out the best solutions for your legal problems. We then personally prepare every part of your case in our office with you to obtain the results you have a right to expect!'

'For those reasons many of our clients are referred to me from the referral services of the local bar associations, other attorneys, part time judges, doctors,...

Dan is originally from Montreal, Canada. Following his graduation from McGill University with an Honors Degree in Political Science, Dan moved to Japan where he worked as an English Teacher for 2 years. Upon his return to North America, Dan relocated to New York City and subsequently enrolled in the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he was an Editor of the school’s Moot Court Honors Society. Following his graduation from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and prior to establishing his own law practice, Dan worked as an Associate at two established Manhattan law firms.

In 2008, Dan...

Debrina received her BA from Skidmore College with a dual major in Business and French and her JD from the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Law. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2006. Before admission to the bar, she provided legal services to the modest-income community in Pittsburgh. Her proudest accomplishment to date is being a single mom to a beautiful, energetic toddler. When time permits, she provides pro bono legal services to the New York City community. The focus of DL Washington law is to provide affordable legal services to all New Yorkers, with a...

Eugenie F. Temmler is a partner of Rabner Baumgart Ben-Asher & Nirenberg, P.C. Her areas of practice include family law and litigation, including employment litigation. Ms. Temmler joined the firm immediately after graduation from law school and later spent many years in a boutique firm devoted exclusively to family law prior to re-joining the firm.

Ms. Temmler is admitted to the Bars of the State of New Jersey, the United States District Court (District of New Jersey) and the United States Courts of Appeals (Second and Third Circuits). She is an active member of the Essex County Bar Association and the...

Bryan L. Salamone, Esq. has successfully represented thousands of clients in matrimonial and family law cases. He is a seasoned trial attorney who is well-known for his aggressive courtroom style. Mr. Salamone was voted best on Long Island. Mr. Salamone is known to be a tough trial attorney whose trial tactics are different from anyone in his field. He has handled many celebrities and high-profile divorces and has prevailed in the toughest cases with aggressive representation in complex divorce and family law cases. Bryan L. Salamone, Esq. welcomes challenges and has obtained ground-breaking results in new areas of...

Mr. Carden was an Assistant District Attorney with the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office in Syracuse, NY, where he was assigned to the DWI Bureau.

The DWI Bureau prosecutes cases involving alcohol and driving offenses or the sale of alcohol to minors. Mr. Carden supervised a county-wide case load consisting of a felony and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, boating while intoxicated, snowmobiling while intoxicated, and aggravated unlicensed operation crimes.
Mr. Carden has instructed for the Prosecutor’s Training Institute, District Attorney’s Office, County Magistrates Association, Syracuse University Moot Court Team, and Stop DWI Driver Improvement Program.

In addition to his DWI duties, Mr. Carden...

I am dedicated to providing quality and affordable legal representation to all of my clients. I care about each and every client's individual needs and goals and work vigorously to allow my clients to realize their goals. I am available to my clients 24/7 should they need me. I treat my client's cases as if they were my own and will never stop fighting on their behalf. I am honest with all of my clients and will always advise my clients as to what is in their best interests.

Designated Board Certified Family Law Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and recertified five times; Super Lawyers Designation for a total of 15 years; in practice for 50+ years and practice limited to Matrimonial and Family Law matters for 45+ years. Various lectures given on Family Law matters and various leadership positions in local, state and American Bar Association.

Innovative, Results Driven, Compassionate Seasoned Attorney with a proven track record and 30 years of experience. My firm's practice areas are Criminal Defense, Immigration (Removal Proceedings, Family and Business Based Immigration Matters); Family, Matrimonial (Divorce, Child Custody, Support and Visitation Hearings) and Personal Injury. I handle cases in State and Federal Courts. I am admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, U.S. District Court - New Jersey, U.S. District Court-Eastern District of New York and U.S. District Court - Southern District of New York. I have been providing high quality legal representation to my clients for over...

Call The Law Firm of Vaughn & Weber, Pllc, at 516-858-2820 for help with your specific legal issue. Robbie and John are caring and dedicated New York lawyers. They provide their clients with fine legal service at a reasonable fee. They assist Suffolk County, Nassau County, Queens and Brooklyn residents with their Family Law Matters, Real Estate Closings, Real Estate Litigation, Collection Matters, Uncontested and Contested Divorces, Landlord-Tenant Matters, Foreclosure Defense, Loan Modifications, Foreclosure Settlement Conferences, General Civil Litigation and Bankruptcy Filings. They look forward to providing you with answers to your specific legal questions. You can call Robbie L. Vaughn...

Attorney Jonathan Edwards is a Long Island native who provides clients with excellent divorce and family law counsel from his office in Garden City. Attorney Edwards earned his Juris Doctor at Hofstra University School of Law and has practiced law in New York since 1987. He has been awarded an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell for his outstanding legal counsel.

Howard B. Leff is a prominent and highly respected attorney with over 35 years of experience concentrating in the areas of matrimonial and family law. The firm represents clients in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties, and all of the boroughs of the City of New York. The firm's extensive experience in trying cases in the Supreme and Family Courts, over the past 35 years, is unsurpassed. Howard is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, Eastern and Southern Federal District Courts and all other Courts in the state of New York. Howard is a member of, and has lectured extensively...

Benjamin Perez has the skills and knowledge to assist with both family law and criminal defense related matters.