Hankins Family Lawyers

April is a Partner at Whiteman Osterman Hanna LLP. With over 20 years of experience, she is a seasoned litigator and trial lawyer. Her practice focuses in the areas of Matrimonial and Family Law, and Personal Injury including divorce, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, separation agreements, custody, family offenses and child support. April received her B.A., cum laude, from the State University at Albany in 1998. Her J.D. was earned, cum laude, from Albany Law School in 2001. April is admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals For the Second Circuit, United States District...

EXPERIENCED, COMPETENT AND COMPASSIONATE DIVORCE ATTORNEY Moving forward towards separation and divorce can be a difficult and confusing time. Jo Ann Shartrand has the experience to guide you through the best legal process to meet your individual situation. She is an experienced Divorce and Family Law Attorney, but she also specializes in alternative dispute resolution options such as Collaborative Divorce and Divorce and Family Mediation. Choosing the best option for your divorce and separation is an important first step, so please contact Ms. Shartrand for a consultation to discuss all of the options for your individual...

Since his time at Syracuse University College of Law, David has had a passion for Criminal Defense and made his career about representing clients in need.

David prides himself on client-centered representation. He believes in the diligent and aggressive defense of the client’s rights and a maintains a strong commitment to the field of Criminal Defense.

Early in his career, David learned that often with criminal matters, clients also need assistance with Family Law matters.

As a result, David turned his focus not only on Criminal Matters but also on being able to provide premium Family Law services.

I am a Bronx, New York attorney with over 37 years of experience practicing law. I handle family law, contested and uncontested divorces, bankruptcy, accidents, medical malpractice and personal injury cases. I offer free in-person initial consultations. I enjoy explaining the law and helping each client understand his or her rights in each personal situation before starting the case. While I emphasize cooperation, I am a tough negotiator in court. Over the years, I have represented many satisfied clients and have helped recover millions for victims of accidents. One of my staff members has been with me for over...

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”...

My name is Elliot Green. Born and raised in Brooklyn, I am proud to serve as a family law attorney for people throughout New York City. I am dedicated to using my experience to help people like you get through very stressful times.

I am not just a family lawyer — I am a family man. As husband and father of three, I know the value of family. I understand what is at stake and will work to protect you during highly emotional legal situations.

Licenses: New York, New Jersey, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit  Main Practice Areas: Immigration Law, Family Law, & Litigation Amanda was born and raised in New York and currently resides in the East Village with her dog Bailey.  She joined The Shapiro Law Firm, LLC, as a legal assistant in August 2012, and was promoted to of-counsel in November of 2012, when she was admitted to the New Jersey bar.   Amanda enjoys working at The Shapiro Law Firm, LLC, because she is able to meet and engage with clients and make a real...

Kaliopi Vasiliou, Esq. Kaliopi Vasiliou has over 20 years of combined experience in the criminal justice system, bringing a unique and compassionate approach to her legal practice. Her background in forensic psychology, criminal defense, and estate planning distinguishes her as a versatile and dedicated attorney. Ms. Vasiliou earned her B.A. in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she graduated with honors. During her undergraduate studies, she completed a clinical externship at Bayview Correctional Facility, counseling women nearing the end of their prison sentences to help reduce recidivism. After graduation in 2007, she worked as a court liaison for...

A New Jersey family lawyer who is Certified as a Matrimonial Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court. Areas or practice include divorce, same-sex divorce, child custody, high income child support, pre-nuptial agreements and mid-marriage agreements. Represents clients in the family law courts of Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Passaic County and Morris County.

Mrs. Rudyuk is a very passionate and devoted divorce and family law attorney. A lot of times her adversaries ask why she cares so much about her clients and their children. Her answer is - because she does; because her clients chose her to help them navigate the NY legal system through very difficult emotional times, they trust her and she feels it is her duty to obtain the best possible results for them.

Mrs. Rudyuk has been representing clients in all aspects of divorce and family law including but not limited to child custody and visitation, child support, spousal...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

"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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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.

Stephan Shattuck, Esq. is a New York attorney who represents clients in divorce and family court proceedings. Appearing regularly in court throughout all the Boroughs of New York City and Westchester, Mr. Shattuck is experienced in both litigating cases and reaching favorable outcomes through negotiation.

Mr. Shattuck handles all phases of the divorce process, and is knowledgeable in the legal nuances of “equitable distribution” (i.e. property and debt division) as well as “maintenance” (often called alimony or spousal support). Mr. Shattuck also is experienced in representing clients in matters of child custody and visitation, including enforcement actions and relocation cases.

In...

Stephanie has demonstrated resolve and determination as a strong advocate for her clients. She is experienced in a broad range of areas, including General Litigation, Family Law, Joint Custody, Contested Matrimonial Actions, Conflicting Prenuptials, Partnership Agreements, Separation Agreements and Parental Custody Agreements.

For seven years, Stephanie was a Nassau County Assistant District Attorney, where she gained comprehensive experience in all phases of litigation. She is dedicated to providing exceptional advocacy, and pursuing the best possible outcomes for her clients.

Thomas J. McManus is as managing partner at Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo P.C. He specializes in cases relating to municipal law, premises liability, and firefighting related injuries.

Here at Dow Divorce Law, we work with those in New York to obtain positive endings in their family law cases. Our Staten Island divorce lawyer is a qualified individual who grew up in New York herself. She calls this place home and uses her understanding of the law to offer solutions to those she considers neighbors. Our team works in many area of family law, including divorce cases, mediation, or outside matters including seeking a modification or establishing paternity in a case. We work tirelessly for the good of our clients and provide diligent representation to every person we...

Joseph A. O'Shea is a trial attorney with over 35 years of experience representing clients in a wide range of areas. He focuses his practice on divorce and matrimonial law, family law issues in family court as well as criminal defense in the various courts throughout New York and New Jersey.

Mr. O'Shea also advises clients in residential and commercial real estate matters, including contracts and closings. In addition, he has also handled plaintiff's personal injury cases.

Prior to entering private practice, Mr. O'Shea was an Assistant District Attorney in Bronx County. In that role, he prosecuted and tried numerous criminal...

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...

Patrick R. Garcia is an experienced attorney in the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates. His practice areas include Family Law, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Juvenile Law, Elder Law and Estate Planning. Mr. Garcia received his J.D. from the New York University and has been licensed in the State of New York since 1983.

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...

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,...

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...