Somers Family Lawyers

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.

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”...

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...

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...

Concentrating her practice in toxic tort insurance defense, Jessica works extensively with defendants alleged to have sold "asbestos-containing components" and provides experienced legal advice to a wide range of asbestos clients. These include equipment and friction manufacturers and retailers. This work involves coordinating a team of attorneys and paralegals in managing discovery and preparing cases for trial in high volume, document intensive cases. Jessica handles all aspects of non-asbestos litigation including other product liability matters, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, labor law injuries, coverage litigation, and dog bite claims. Jessica has tried one bench trial to a directed verdict and...

Denis has been a lifelong resident of Western New York, a graduate of Kenmore West, High School, a U.S. Naval Aviator, and an attorney for over 40 years.

Krieger Family Law has a "Unique Skill Set". We know how to win "Order Of Protection" and "Child Custody" cases. We focus specifically on only those 2 subjects. Only in Monroe County. Only in Family Court. No other subjects. No other courts. So we know just what to use in our "legal tool bag" - where to "tap" the case, where to "hit" if necessary - and where to not touch. That only comes from deep experience. Call For A Prompt Consultation: 585-773-1991 Please mention "Justia" for expedited handling of your inquiry.

Gabriella MacDonald, Esq. was born and raised in Monroe County. She is a graduate of the New York State University at Buffalo Law School, where she was presented with awards including a spot on the Public Service Honor Roll, and also the CALI award, which recognizes her outstanding achievements in trial advocacy.

While attending law school, Ms. MacDonald also spent time as a teaching assistant, she was a member of the UB Law Mock Trial Team, and she was a member of the Erie County Woman’s Bar Association. She also volunteered to coach mock trial students at a local...

20+ years experience in Divorce and Family Law, Support, Adoption, Order of Protection, Post-Divorce, and Estate Planning

Matthew Piston is a dedicated advocate for his clients, whether through court room proceedings or negotiating a resolution to his clients’ matters. His practice is focused on assisting individuals and businesses in a variety of litigation needs, including divorce, commercial, employment and personal injury litigation. Additionally, Matt’s past experience with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office affords him the ability to thoroughly represent individuals in all types of criminal proceedings and governmental investigations.

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...

Attended the Hornell School District my entire life, nearby Alfred State and Alfred University and returned to Hornell after attending Thomas Cooley in Lansing, Michigan to practice law in my hometown. Reside here in Hornell with my wife and two children.

I am a general practice attorney concentrating in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Administration, Family Law including Divorce and Uncontested Divorce and Criminal Law. Based in Auburn, New York the I service all of Central New York and the Fingerlakes Region including Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, Tompkins, Cortland and Oswego counties. I am a client focused Attorney. When you choose me to represent you you can rest assured that your matter will always take top priority and never get lost in the fray. My Office is dedicated to client satisfaction and customer service. In addition most services are...

- Eagle Scout - BS and MS in Computer Science - former Attorney for the Village of Cherry Valley New York - former Attorney for the Town of Edmeston New York - Attorney for the Cherry Valley Children's Christmas Fund, Inc.

Extensive courtroom experience.

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...

Heather's practice focuses on family and matrimonial law. She has extensive experience litigating family court and matrimonial matters, including complex matters of custody and equitable distribution. Heather’s other professional experience includes working as a journalist, editor, and marketing manager. She is a member of the Attorney for the Child panel in Onondaga County, the Onondaga County Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the Northern District of New York Bar Association. Heather graduated cum laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law, where she served as editor of the Buffalo Intellectual Property Law Journal and...

For over 35 years Bill Kurtz has been practicing in Syracuse, Onondaga County and throughout Central, New York. We pride ourselves in fighting for our clients and always preparing our cases to go to Court and proceed through the Court until a Judge or Jury makes a decision. We have found that being ready to go to trial allows us to avoid trials and still obtain the best results for our clients. When considering a lawyer ask the lawyer if he has actually had any trial recently in that court or in that area of the law....

Ms. Fazio is a partner with the law firm of Dentino, Cammarata & Fazio, LLP and is well respected in the legal community for her skills in the areas of matrimonial and family law. For nearly twenty-five years, she has assisted clients through the difficult transition of divorce, separation and other sensitive family law matters. Ms. Fazio offers compassionate yet effective legal services on the issues of premarital and post marital agreements, separation, divorce, support of children and spouses, division of marital assets and debts, custody and visitation, same sex marriage issues and dissolution of civil unions.

Although...

A licensed attorney for 31 years, Paul Wolf concentrates his practice in Divorce/Family Court matters; preparing and reviewing QDROs. Although located in the Buffalo, NY area, Paul can handle QDROs no matter where you are located. Paul's fees are frequently lower than many attorneys, especially in the expensive New York City area. Experienced in handling military pensions, state pensions, federal pensions, private pensions and 401ks.

I have spent thirty years representing families and professionals across the United States during times when they need a strong advocate by their side. As a member of the Supreme Court of the United States, as well as the Florida and New York bars, I represent men and women in matters such as high net worth divorce, child custody, international custody disputes, parental alienation cases, divorcing the narcissist, complex high-conflict divorce, family business dissolution, child support, and domestic violence. In addition to family law, I handle business matters, including providing human resource advice to small businesses, assisting with start-ups, representing businesses...

Attorney Charles A. Messina is a native of Buffalo who has devoted his career to matrimonial and family law. He graduated from the University of Buffalo Law School (SUNY) in 2004 with honors and established his own family law practice in November of 2009. Today, Attorney Messina is recognized for his reputation as a knowledgeable resource on the topics of divorce, child custody, and family court proceedings.

Jared Hirt is a Business Law, Divorce & Family Law, DWI & Criminal Defense, Litigation and Real Estate attorney in Rochester, NY.

A holistic approach to your legal matters. I am a trained divorce mediator and experienced attorney who works primarily with clients who choose to seek resolution of their divorce, family law, and other legal matters outside of the court room through mediation and collaborative law. In addition to his mediation practice, Tom has fifteen years of experience practicing matrimonial and family law, real estate law and elder law in the Finger Lakes and is the owner of Law Office of Thomas W. Seeley, PC and Finger Lakes Holistic Divorce Mediation, Inc.
Tom encourages clients to integrate...

Representation of individuals and closely held businesses in the following practice areas: Family Law/ Divorce Child Support Business Formation Civil Litigation Wills and Trusts Vehicle and Traffic

I have been practicing law for approximately 30 years, with a focus on family issues: divorce, custody, support and adoption. I recently become certified in mediation, and I now offer complete mediation services for those couples looking to mediate their divorce or custody issues. I pride myself in always being honest with clients, and trying to have clients form realistic expectations regarding what will happen with their issues if a court is forced to decide how to handle their case. I am not a yes person for my clients. i will absolutely advocate and work hard...

At a very young age, Jeff began to develop a passion for fighting injustices wherever and whenever they occurred. As he grew up, that passion became so deep and strong that he decided that only by becoming a lawyer would he be able to seek justice for those who needed it most. This passion led him to join the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office where he represented indigent criminal defendants for almost 5 years. Jeff has been in private practice since late 1990. A former partner in the law firm of Bansbach, Zoghlin, Wicks & Wahl, P.C., Jeffrey Wicks opened his...

Michael J. Ingham is a seasoned courtroom attorney with over twenty years of trial experience. He has served as a trial attorney/prosecutor on both the county and state levels. His practice includes all federal, state and local courts. Areas of focus are criminal defense, personal injury, DWI defense, traffic offenses and all family court matters.

Jennifer P Stergion, Esq. was the founding Chair of the Erie County Bar Association's Committee on Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Issues. She is the current Secretary of that Bar Association Committee and a member of the Bar's Family Law Practice and Procedure Committee. Jennifer has a Bacheolor's degree in Clinical Psychology, a Masters in Criminal Justice, and a J.D. with dual concentrations in International Law and Civil Litigation. She is admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, is a Department of Veterans Affairs accredited attorney, and admitted to the Appellate Division, 4th Department of...

Since 1984, David R. Addelman, Esq. has represented both individual and corporate clients in various areas of law which include criminal and civil litigation (personal injury, accident cases), divorce, real estate, immigration, estates and bankruptcy. Applying energy, experience, and resourcefulness to every project we accept, we are dedicated to your success. Mr. Addelman is experienced in handling Immigration court cases (removal and/or deportation proceedings) as well as criminal defense representation (in State and Federal courts).

Has been a matrimonial attorney for 15 years. For most people, going through a divorce or family court proceeding can be an emotionally draining experience. As an experienced attorney, Cheryl will guide you through this difficult process as fairly and quickly as possible. The majority of Cheryl’s cases are complex matrimonial and family court matters. While she can prepare the required paperwork for any uncontested divorce, she will also be there for you if the going gets rough and a trial is required.

My name is Mike Ranzenhofer. I assist residents of the Buffalo and WNY area with their legal needs in three specific practice areas, injury law, divorce and family law and DWI and other crimes. I am one of the managing partners of Friedman & Ranzenhofer. Our firm has been helping Buffalo and WNY area folks since the late 1950's so it's likely we've helped a family member or friend in the past. In fact, we're told numerous times weekly just that. Area residents come to us for help for three reasons. 1. We provide exceptional...

Ninety percent of my practice involves adoption and assisted fertility matters. I have represented adoptive parents or birth parents in more than 2,500 adoption and assisted fertility matters. I have successfully represented many LGBT clients in the creation of their families.