Star Lake Family Lawyers

Worked 41 years for legal aid offices in Watertown New York. Managing Attorney. Free legal representation in all areas of Poverty Law and Public Benefits: Public Assistance Social Security Unemployment Benefits Family Law Foreclosure Defense Eviction Defense.

Thank you for considering my firm for your divorce or family law matter. I know the system and how to save you both time and money on your divorce.

Please contact me by phone or by email to schedule a free consultation.

I enjoy helping people transition in a difficult part of their lives. On average, I help about 100 people (per year) get divorced.

The fastest divorce I have done was about 30 days but (on average), a divorce takes between 60-90 days.

I have a proven track record of success, sound judgment and discretion.

As for our firm, we are conveniently...

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...

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,...

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...

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.

New York attorney Lisa DiPoala Haber is smart, tough, experienced and committed to the success of your case. Her practice areas include divorce, child custody and support, civil litigation, and appeals. She has handled both contested and uncontested divorces and cases involving alimony (also called “spousal support” or “maintenance”) and equitable distribution, as well as child custody and child support petitions. Attorney Lisa DiPoala Haber also handles related issues, such as enforcement and modification of post-divorce judgments, including enforcement and modification of custody, visitation and child support, and enforcement of spousal maintenance awards. In civil litigation, Lisa...

Maria is a Partner with Youngman & Morse, PLLC, focusing her practice on Family and Matrimonial Law, as well as Education/School Law. Prior to co-founding her own firm, Maria was an attorney with Nave Law Firm, PLLC, where she continues to practice as an Of Counsel Attorney. Maria has years of experience representing parents and grandparents in Family Court cases in New York State regarding custody, visitation, and child support matters, adoptions, juvenile delinquency, family offense and domestic violence, as well as child abuse and neglect proceedings. Similarly, Maria also represents parents and educators involved in Office of Children and Family...

The Law Offices of Andrew T. Coyle provides zealous legal advocacy throughout New York State and New Jersey with a focus on matrimonial, family law, and commercial litigation matters. Andrew T. Coyle, Esq. began his legal career with the express purpose of helping others. He is passionate about achieving his client's goals and navigating them through any complex legal issue. He strives to maintain open, honest, and prompt communications so that clients know what is going on in their cases. He is a highly experienced and competent attorney with judicial clerkship experience in both federal and state court. The Law Offices...

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...

Christopher served in the Marine Corps, graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. In Applied Economics and Business Management, attended Northeastern University's High-Tech MBA Program and received a M.S. In Computer Information Systems. He received is Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law

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...

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”...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

- 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.

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

The Law Office of Diane Martin-Grande is a New York law firm committed to helping individuals find solutions for their family law matters. The firm is led by Attorney Martin-Grande, who has over 21 years of legal experience, and an in-depth understanding of all New York family laws. Ms. Martin-Grande acknowledges that family law matters can be some of the most difficult issues to work through, which is why she makes sure her clients receive the individualized attention and trusted legal counsel they deserve. If you are ready to file for divorce, Attorney Martin-Grande is prepared to assist you in...

he Castle Law Firm is a General Practice Firm which has been practicing law in the Mohawk Valley area for more than 30 years. We handle all types of legal cases primarily in Herkimer, Oneida, Montgomery, Fulton and Otsego Counties, as well as other Upstate New York counties. At the Castle Law Firm, Attorneys Michael A. Castle and Scott H. Oberman put their combined legal experience to work for you to obtain the best possible outcome in your case. The Castle Law Firm utilizes the most up-to-date computer research and with their many years of experience, specializes in handling your...

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...

The majority of my practice is divorce and family law. I try to make what is usually a very difficult and emotional time for most of my clients as easy as possible. We have a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere at our office and I think that helps to put everyone at ease. I also represent several small business and understand that when representing them the course of action has to be economical and efficient. I do not believe that long protracted litigation benefits anyone but when a fight is...

Steve is highly regarded by his peers, and highly rated in the field of litigated and collaborative divorce as "preeminent and highly ethical".. Member of the prestigious AAML, President of CNY Collaborative Practice Group, with 40 years experience assisting families in need.

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.