Valley Cottage Family Lawyers

In 2001, James J. Sexton, Esq. founded the Law Offices of James J. Sexton, P.C. in a small New City office with one computer and a part-time secretary. Since that time, Mr. Sexton's skills as an advocate and trial lawyer have grown the firm to its current status as a dominating force in the New York State divorce and family law bar. The firm continues to grow and thrive and is now proud to offer clients the support of multiple attorneys, paralegals, and other support staff as well as two offices located in Rockland County and Manhattan. ...

Rick has over twenty years of experience in civil and criminal practice, in both state and federal courts. He appears in throughout Rockland, Westchester, and Orange Counties, as well as in New York City, and in the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. He specializes in estate planning, all trusts and estates issues and litigation, civil rights, criminal, and family law cases in trial level courts and on appeal.

Patrick Fischer is a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, New York and Pace Law School in White Plains, New York. He has been admitted to practice law in New York State for over 11 years. He is also admitted in Federal Court in the South District of New York. Patrick Fischer is a former Rockland County Senior Assistant District Attorney who prosecuted the most serious violent felonies including homicides, burglaries, and robberies. He is an experienced trial attorney, having prosecuted hundreds of felony indictments and tried over 30 felony trials. He also has vast experience in handling...

Mary F. Kelly, a founding member of Kelly & Knaplund, has practiced family law in Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Dutchess, and New York counties since 1978. Her achievements in the legal community include service as a charter member of the New York State Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children, which has advocated for court reform in the family law arena since 1988, and she has been a member of the Ninth Judicial District Gender Fairness Committee since 1994. A leader throughout her career, Ms. Kelly has served as President of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New...

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...

An experienced litigator, Christine Klein handles family law issues with sensitivity and understanding. Our practice focuses on your family's legal needs. Whether starting a new one by adopting a child or trying to protect the family you have in a custody or divorce proceeding, we'll work with you to help safeguard your family. We work with traditional families as well as with the LGBT community, and single individuals, taking care of your special family's legal needs.

I am here for you and I will fight for you. Working With You If you need a lawyer to help you with a divorce or another family law or criminal matter, you are likely going through one of the most stressful times of your life. You may feel as if you are on an emotional roller coaster. There are so many important decisions to make, it can be hard to keep track of all of them while focusing on your future. It is reassuring to know that an experienced legal advocate is on your side. My name is William Henig. From my...

Mr. Phillips practice has been devoted exclusively to the field of matrimonial and family law since he was first admitted in New York in 1974. He is a member of the Rockland County Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association and, the American Bar Association and is a member of the Family Law Sections of all of those bar associations. Mr. Phillips served on the Board of Managers, and then served as a vice president of the New York Chapter from 2002 to 2004, and then again served on the Board of Managers. He has lectured on various...

Barry S. Kantrowitz, B.A., J.D., received his undergraduate degree from Harpur College, SUNY Binghamton. During his studies at Boston University School of Law, he was honored as a Paul J. Liacos Scholar and an Edward Henessey Scholar. He graduated cum laude. Mr. Kantrowitz is admitted to practice law in the state and federal courts of New York, New Jersey and Florida, and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. Barry Kantrowitz is a member of the New York State and New Jersey State Trial Lawyers Associations, and the State Bar...

John A. Pappalardo is a Partner in the law firm of Farber, Pappalardo & Carbonari. He has been an active matrimonial practitioner for 32 years handling moderate to very complex litigation involving matrimonial and family law cases. He oversees a very experienced matrimonial department. He also has a private matrimonial mediation practice, is certified in matrimonial collaborative law, sits as a matrimonial arbitrator, and is New York State Certified as an attorney representing children. He has served as Guardian Ad Litem in matrimonial proceedings and is admitted to the State and Federal Bar in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts....

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...

I pride myself on being goal and solution oriented and bring that approach to the firm. Every matter presents its own challenges and I'm committed to overcoming them. My commitment is present from a client’s first contact with the firm to the conclusion of their respective matter. Whether it’s a contract review or a TN Visa, I'm thorough every step of the way. The firm currently handles contracts, business law, immigration and family. Currently, I am licensed in Ontario, Canada and New York State. In addition, I am a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and a Notary Public in...

Shari R. Gordon, Esq.
www.sharigordonlaw.com - Experienced Divorce and Family Attorney.
Since 1986, Shari R. Gordon has been practicing law. Her offices are located in Yorktown Heights and White Plains, New York. The law firm concentrates in matrimonial litigation and divorce mediation and criminal defense. Shari is also admitted to the Eastern and Southern District Courts as well as the United States Supreme Court. In addition to her divorce and family law practice, Shari has an extensive background in criminal defense as a former Senior Staff Trial Counsel with the Criminal Defense Division, Bronx County. She...

Peter Tilem’s legal career started in September of 1991 as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office in Manhattan, where he was assigned to the prosecution and investigation of hundreds, if not thousands, of criminal cases—including violent crimes, white collar crimes and homicides.

Since founding Tilem & Associates, PC, Mr. Tilem has continued to litigate in both state and federal courts and has continued his representation of clients involved in high-profile cases. Mr. Tilem appears regularly in the newspaper and on television concerning his representation in such cases and as a legal commentator. He is...

Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., a divorce and criminal defense lawyer in Duchess County, is the founder of the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC. At the firm, Attorney Vetrano offers those with family law concerns thorough and understanding legal representation. With 17 years of legal experience, he carries an ability to make a competent judgment of whether a client’s case should be negotiated or tried in the court of law. As a skilled negotiator and courtroom litigator, he can advocate for client interests’ in both contexts. Attorney Vetrano knows every divorce is unique, and his firm works...

As a former Assistant District Attorney in Westchester County, Andrew gained valuable experience while handling countless felony and misdemeanor cases. While an Assistant District Attorney he prosecuted a variety of criminal cases including murder, drug sale & possession, assault, DWI, theft and many others. Also, while a prosecutor he coordinated various investigations with state and local law enforcement, developing relationships he still maintains today. Now as a criminal defense attorney Andrew has defended all types of criminal investigations and offenses including complex white collar crimes, million dollar thefts, grand and petit larcenies, assault, drug offenses, sex offenses, DWI/DUI,...

For over 25 years, I, Stephen Riebling, have dedicated myself to defending the rights and interests of numerous clients across the Federal, State, and Local Courts of New York and Connecticut. I am recognized for my effective legal strategies and representation as a Westchester criminal defense lawyer and family law attorney. My work in criminal law and family law has led to my inclusion in several prestigious lists of top attorneys in Westchester County, New York. These recognitions include: - Super Lawyers Magazine and SuperLawyers.com - The New York Times (Top Attorney in the New York Metro Area) - Avvo’s Client Choice (Criminal Law) -...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

Laura Daniels is a solo practitioner who practices family and matrimonial law. Her experience representing clients in domestic violence cases gives her a unique perspective toward the emotional component of divorce and family court matters. She appears regularly in Supreme and Family Courts, and litigates vigorously for her clients, but is also committed to helping families reduce litigation by promoting mutual respect and cooperation to bring about amicable settlements. She graduated from St. Johns University School of Law in 2000, after receiving her B.A. magna cum laude from Hunter College, where she was elected as...

The Catalina Law Firm is a small, full-service firm dedicated to providing attentive service and tailored legal solutions to advance your interests. We strive to create lasting client relationships by comprehensively meeting all of your legal needs. Our experienced Westchester County divorce lawyers can guide you through family law proceedings, and we can also help you fight charges like DUI and drug crimes. The Catalina Law Firm can help buyers and sellers navigate real estate transactions, and we know how to assist businesses in protecting their interests during commercial litigation. From our office in Poughkeepsie, we serve clients throughout Westchester,...

David Fair is an attorney at The Fair Firm, PLLC. The Fair Firm is a general practice firm with a focus in real estate law, estate planning, contract review, and family law. David started off as a legal assistant for a class action recovery firm before moving his practice into the fields of real estate transactions, commercial lease review, and Wills, Trusts, and advanced directives. Mr. Fair is dedicated to helping his clients achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.