Essex Family Lawyers

Former prosecutor, who spent the last 27 years specializing in matrimonial and family law. An experienced mediator, Certified Divorce Specialist and collaborative divorce practitioner as well as a recognized expert in working with victims of domestic violence. I believe that legal battles are more harmful to families than helpful, and am passionate about helping people find ways to make their own decisions for their families, rather than leaving their outcomes in the hands of a stranger in a black robe. When court is unavoidable, I aim to educate and support people to make the legal process less costly, scary, uncertain,...

I am a native of Rutland, Vermont, and attended Duke University and graduated from what is now Castleton University before obtaining my JD degree from Washington & Lee University in 1974. I became admitted in 1974 in Vermont and practiced in Rutland until 1999, although I continue to have an active license in Vermont. I became admitted in 1999 in New York State, and have been practicing in Lake Placid since that time. I am a former member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the American Bar Association, the Commercial Law League, Vermont Trial Lawyers Association, and...

You deserve family law representation that is committed to you and which has the skills and experience to deliver the best possible results.

Facing a divorce or other type of family law matter on your own can be stressful and can create serious anxiety. We know what our clients are going through as they work through the family law matters they are confronting. This is why we focus on providing the most effective representation and the highest levels of personal service for our clients.

We know that ultimately people come to us for results. Our decades of combined experience negotiating and trying...

Mary T. Colwell (nee Pasqualino) graduated from Albany Law School of University in Albany, New York in 2001 with a concentration in Criminal Law. While at Albany Law School, Mary was a member of the Moot Court Board, the Women’s Law Caucus and Vice-President of the Italian-American Law Students Association. Ms. Colwell was admitted to the New Jersey State bar in December of 2001 and the New York State bar in January of 2002. She is also admitted in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the United States District Court for the Northern District...

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...

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...

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...

Kaitlin Foley is the managing attorney at The Colwell Law Group, having joined the firm in August of 2016. Kaitlin graduated cum laude from Albany Law School of Union University, located in Albany, New York, in May 2016. During her time at Albany Law School, Ms. Foley served as the Executive Editor of Research and Writing for Albany Law Review, was the Family Law Associate on the Moot Court Board, and acted as a Teaching Assistant in Criminal Law under the supervision of Professor Vincent Bonventre. Ms. Foley is currently admitted to the New York State Bar and is...

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...

A 2007 graduate of Western New England University School of Law, Ms. Gilmartin spent nearly 30 years in Technical and Operational roles for a variety of manufacturers before her career in the law. Her most recent non-legal role was as Vice President of Global Quality and Regulatory Affairs for a mid-sized adhesive film manufacturer based in the UK. Ms. Gilmartin knows firsthand as a business executive what is required of a legal counsel in a business environment and the breadth of experience to understand the subtle ramifications of the decisions concerning the businesses of her clients. As the former North...

Kelly M. Curro has been a practicing Attorney for 23 years. She has varied experience in the general practice of law including civil litigation, criminal defense, real estate and business matters. Her active practice in the area of Matrimonial and Family Law benefits from her varied legal background to best serve the diverse needs of her clients. Ms. Curro represents clients in divorce, separation, custody, paternity, child and spousal support, property distribution, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and post-divorce issues such as enforcement and modification. Her goal is to assist clients to achieve clear and practical resolutions during...

Ellen S. Ross was admitted to the practice of law before the courts of the State of New York in January 1983. In 1986 she established her own law office, initially in Schenectady, New York and later in Albany, New York. In 1989 she moved to her current location in Johnstown, New York. Attorney Ross practices primarily in the areas of family and matrimonial law.

For years, Michael has been relentlessly fighting for the rights of Capital Region spouses, parents and grandparents in virtually every aspect of family and matrimonial law. As a Senior Counsel at Tully Rinckey PLLC, Michael provides representation in matters relating to divorce, parental alienation, separation agreements, annulments, child custody, child support, modifications to child support and child custody, enforcement of divorce decrees, spousal maintenance, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, orders of protection and family offenses.

Michael came to Tully Rinckey PLLC after operating a successful solo law practice in Clifton Park for nearly two decades. There, he primarily practiced family and matrimonial...

Tammy J. Arquette, Esq. has been practicing law in the Capital District and..beyond, including Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Rensselaer, Schoharie, Fulton and Montgomery Counties for over 20 years. Tammy J. Arquette is an experienced trial attorney, practicing primarily in the areas of divorce law, matrimonial law, family law, child custody, child support, paternity, separation agreements, and adoptions. Tammy J Arquette is also experienced in the areas of consumer bankruptcy law, vehicle and traffic law, DWI law, Real Estate including the purchase and sale of residential real estate, and criminal law.

Jonathan May, Esq., M.A. studied communications at the University of Illinois, the University of Miami and Law at Nova Southeastern University. Attorney May developed skills in leadership, teaching, coaching and physical training as a collegiate football coach with the University of Miami, University of Illinois and Florida International University.
Attorney May then became a communications professor and has taught at over sixteen schools in the area. This is a unique background that has helped contribute to his success in the legal field. Most people are not aware that a communications background involves education and the development of...

I was admitted to practice law in 1994, and since then the bulk of my practice has been focused on matrimonial and divorce law, appeals and closely related areas such as foreclosure defense.

My approach in representing clients is straightforward. Good people sometimes find themselves in bad situations, and people come to lawyers for solutions. That means whenever possible, negotiating a fair agreement is often the best route. Nevertheless, agreements, negotiations, litigation and appeals are only the tools used to obtain these answers. By taking a broader holistic approach, it allows me to see solutions that others may miss.

Reaching a fair...

David Storobin is a former New York State Senator who is now the managing attorney at The Storobin Law Firm. ?He has been listed on the Thomson Reuters "Super Lawyers" list for the last 4 years. Sen. Storobin has been interviewed and profiled by much of the major media including the New York Times, New York Post and the Daily News.

With a progressive law practice since 2007, Mr. Ali Shahrestani is a bi-coastal litigation attorney representing international and domestic clients in state and federal legal matters in CA, NY, and MA. He has been featured in print and TV news for his legal expertise, is a recipient of multiple awards and a graduate of top rated universities with honors, and has donated much effort and time to public education, legal journalism, and social justice activism. 1) Education Law - K-12, College, Graduate, Students, Teachers, Schools 2) Divorce & Child Custody - High Conflict, LGBTQ, Father's Rights 3) Business, Contracts, & Real Estate Law...

Julie Rendelman began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Kings County, Brooklyn, where she investigated and prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases and quickly earned a reputation as a tough and tenacious trial attorney. While in the office, Julie was lead counsel in over 60 felony jury trials that involved a wide variety of crimes, from drug offenses to sex crimes to homicides. Julie quickly rose to the level of Senior Trial Attorney and was eventually promoted to the elite Homicide Bureau where she became the Deputy Bureau Chief.

Additionally, while working as a prosecutor, Julie also...

During this difficult time, the law office of George E. Patsis is offering free video chat consultations. Additionally, the office is available to provide remote estate planning and notarization. With remote estate planning and notarization, clients are able to execute wills, powers of attorney, trusts, living wills, and health care proxies from the comfort of their homes. After two decades of practicing law, George E. Patsis has served each and everyone of his clients with the utmost dedication, honorability, experience and success. Mr. Patsis is more than just an Attorney, he is someone you can count on....

Attorney Kenneth Eiges has handled more than 3,000 divorce cases over the last 40 plus years.

A skilled divorce mediator and an equally powerful litigator, he has earned an AV®Preeminent™ Rating with Martindale-Hubbell® - the highest rating possible from this trusted service - as well as a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating from Avvo.

Ken has a keen understanding of the interplay between the legal system and the emotional needs of his clients – an insight which makes him an effective advocate who is able to craft strong, lasting divorce settlements. He has appeared on television and hosted radio shows, and has also...

Stephen Bilkis graduated from Touro Law School in 1997. Soon after he passed the bar exam of New York and established the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates. In over 20 years of practice, Mr. Bilkis has successfully represented scores of clients throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Long Island, and Staten Island in matters related to personal injury, probate law, criminal law, and family law.

Mr. Bilkis strongly believes that each client is unique and each case is different. His solutions are never “one size fits all.” He prides himself...

Clifford J. Petroske was born and raised on Long Island, the son of public school teachers. He graduated from Half Hollow Hills High School, and earned his undergraduate degree, cum laude, in 1986 from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Thereafter, Mr. Petroske attended Hofstra University School of Law, where he was editor of the Environmental Law Digest, and earned his law degree in 1989. He was admitted to the New York Bar in 1990. Since handling his own divorce twenty years ago, Mr. Petroske has devoted his practice to matrimonial and family...

Attorney David Bliven graduated with honors from Syracuse University in 1993 with a B.A. in Sociology. He went on to serve as a judicial intern and statistician with the NYS Commission on City Court Judicial Reallocation with the Office of the Deputy Chief Administrative Judge.

David Bliven then attended law school at New York Law School, where he graduated with honors and ranked within the top 15% of his class.

He then worked in private practice for a year, doing mostly matrimonial work, before serving as a prosecutor for nearly 3 years with the NYC Administration for Children's Services. There he prosecuted...

Adam David Goldstein is a partner at Cobert Haber & Haber whose practice focuses on all aspects of Matrimonial and Family Law.

Adam began his career in Matrimonial Law writing drafts of judicial opinions for the Administrative Judge of the Matrimonial Part in Kings County Supreme Court. There he gained invaluable insight into judicial reasoning which guides his approach to providing effective strategies and solutions to his clients.

Adam now represents litigants from all backgrounds, navigating them through the divorce process with equal parts calculation and compassion.

In addition to his primary focus on Matrimonial matters, Adam has experience in areas...

Rachel J. B. Weisman


Rachel Weisman, a strong, cunning, and dedicated divorce lawyer on Long Island, is considered one of the most captivating divorce litigators in the Greater New York City Area. She provides her clients with very specific, personal attention to their divorce and family law cases and gives special care when dealing with domestic violence cases.

If you're looking to get a divorce, or looking for a trusted, unbiased divorce mediator to handle the finalization of your marriage, look no further. Rachel Weisman is a certified divorce mediator and has participated in many previous divorce mediations, several of which actually...

At Robert Aronov & Associates, our commitment is to deliver exceptional legal services and guidance tailored to the unique needs of our clients. With a collective legal experience of over 60 years, we focus on addressing challenging divorce and family law matters. Led by attorney Robert Aronov, our team is well-versed and experienced in all aspects of family-related legal issues, real estate law and consumer credit law. Our primary focus is always on our clients, ensuring the protection of their best interests. When you choose our team, you can anticipate a legal group with extensive courtroom and litigation experience. We handle...

Derrick Storms, Esq., of Queens Divorce Lawyers & Family Lawyer, leaves no stone uncovered in his pursuit for justice. He provides a level of one-on-one attention that few firms can match. He tirelessly finds witnesses, documents, and other evidence to give clients the most favorable outcome possible. In addition, Mr. Storms is an appellate practitioner and skilled brief writer. He has won appeals against large corporations, such as State Farm, and Judges know he will appeal if they deviate from the law. He carefully weighs evidence and presents it in a highly persuasive fashion in...

Joseph H. Nivin has been named a top-rated family law attorney in New York every year since 2015. The Law Offices of Joseph H. Nivin, P.C. is a general practice law firm with a focus on family law. He and his team have years of experience with ACS, Family Court, and Supreme Court. Mr. Nivin represents families in court, litigation, hearings and appeals. He has argued successfully before the Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department. At the Law Offices of Joseph H. Nivin, you will receive expert legal advice and compassion that will reduce time, legal expenses and...

If you are facing a divorce and/or issues of child custody, you need to be certain that you are being represented by a family and divorce attorney who has solid experience and knows exactly how to secure your best interest. With more than 2 decades of experience and thousands of successful representation of clients going through divorce and family issues, Yuliya Vangorodska is one of New York's most experienced divorce and family attorneys.

Her specific areas of specialty include divorce and separation, marital property, child custody, support and maintenance, domestic violence and uncontested divorce. Very few divorce attorneys in New...