Divorce & family Law
- Successfully represented wife of local physician in multi-million dollar property settlement, able to be resolved through mediation;
- Spousal support award to non-working wife of over $150,000 overturned on appeal, as a result of successful defense of husband;
- Fourteen day family court trial over issue of custody of four children, where two wanted to live with the mother and two with the father, able to achieve full custody of all four children for our client the mother;
- Obtained large equitable distribution award and large non-taxable spousal support award in a favorable settlement for our client, the Wife, against her spouse who earned millions on Wall Street, in spite of his hiring Manhattan lawyers charging $600 per hour. Our client paid far less and got a whole lot more;
- Defended husband against false charges resulting in dismissal of protective order issued by Family Court;
- Represented Husband with a net worth of over $4 million in preparation of pre-nuptial agreement;
- Representation of numerous police officers, firefighters and military personnel in their divorce and family law matters and experienced with federal and state government benefits and retirement systems;
- Have represented many victims of domestic violence and obtained protective orders and generous monetary settlements;
- Representation of many local teachers and administrators, and experienced with NYS Teacher's retirement system plans and benefits;
- Successfully obtained hundreds of divorces involving closely held businesses, including large multi-million dollar corporations, involving valuations in the medical, construction, automotive, nursing home and other industries;
- 30 years of experience dealing with license/degree/enhanced earning valuations, real estate appraisals, business appraisals, custody trials, support proceedings, separate vs. marital property calculations, and the many other components of a divorce proceeding.
A few comments from clients:
"Andrea provided a positive experience that gave me the trust and comfort I needed during a very complicated journey that had a time span of over 12 years. She was supportive and transparent from the moment that I first sat down with her to discuss the representation that I needed. I talked to multiple lawyers and her approach during that visit was the winning factor in why I hired her to represent me. She is a great listener, gave clear and concise legal guidance and very empathetic. I learned a lot from Andrea over the years - the most important lesson was to trust the process. She was flexible and made sure she found time for me and my case. She made sure I understood what to expect at each phase of the process and that I was well-prepared. After many years of working with her - I highly recommended Andrea and have sent more clients her way and they, too, have been equally as satisfied with her services." N., Family Court and Divorce, March 2021
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"I want to start out by saying that when I was “attorney shopping” in December of 2019, about ~5 other local attorneys denied my case after brief consultations. Although I strongly believed in my case, my story & my reasoning as to why a change of custody (which is very hard to achieve once already in place) would benefit my child, I felt that no one would take the time to consider my situation or hear me out & I was at a dead end.
My first phone consult with Andrea was so relieving that I cried. She LISTENED, empathized & agreed to take my case even though it wasn’t nearly the strongest. Throughout the almost year that we worked together, I was NOT the easiest client (extremely anxious, sent lots of emails, very stressed out). She kept me grounded, was straight forward, put me in my place when I needed it (I definitely needed it sometimes), steered me away from fighting the wrong fights, didn’t sugar coat or promise anything, but always remained extremely respectful. She also ALWAYS advocated for my child even if it meant correcting me on what wasn’t worth fighting my ex over vs what was most beneficial for my child. She genuinely wanted what was best for my child & I.
Andrea also would provide me with/advise me on all options before speaking on my behalf but always ultimately followed my lead & respected my wishes as her client, even when she was unsure of what the outcome would be. Needless to say, her advisement & knowledge paired with my gut feelings/wishes achieved our ultimate goal, a change in custody!!! & even better- it was reached in settlement (I was able to avoid the stress/trauma of a trial as well as thousands more in attorney fees).
One year ago I felt so hopeless. Today life is beautiful & I don’t think it would be if it weren’t for Andrea’s services." E., November 2020, Custody
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"Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I ran into (the attorney who referred me to you) when I left your office. I told him what a great job you did for me and encouraged him to send more clients your way." T., Divorce, December 2019.
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"Thank you Andrea, It was a pleasure working with you... I would gladly recommend your services to anyone... Thanks again!" D, divorce, 2019
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"I appreciate all your patience and assistance in this matter.. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome." C., divorce, 2019
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"I'd like to thank you again for all of your help and generosity in my custody case. Your counsel is much appreciated!" J, 6 day custody trial, 2019
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"You are my angel. You have never failed me. You are the best!!!" C., msdemeanor criminal charges dismissed, 2018
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"Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! You are the Best of the Best!!" R., support litigation, 2018
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"i LOVE YOU!!!!" J., Divorce client, 2018
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"Dear, Andrea, How can I repay what you have done and are doing for me. I have tried to come up with countless ways. But if you see a shift in your life it's because I have been praying blessings for you and your family. Opportunities to come your way. Thank you so much" - M, Divorce Client, 2018
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"I appreciate you!" C., Support client, 2018
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"Thank you so much. You were a breath of fresh air after the other lawyer I dealt with." - J, Custody & support client, 2018
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"How did I not find you before? You helped me when no one else would or could" - S., Foreclosure arising from divorce, 2018
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"I cannot begin to thank you for all you have done" - N., Divorce, 2018
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"You are the only lawyer I will ever love." - N., Divorce, Custody modification, Support modification, 2018
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"You have been very good to me." E., Divorce and business law client, 2018
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"Thank you very much for assistance and guidance, I truly appreciate all you do for me." E., Custody, 2018
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"You are my angel!" - C., client charged with DWI, 2018
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"We Won!!!! Thank you, thank you!!" - L.. equine law client, 2018
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"You are very good to me." R., divorce client, 2018
What makes the difference?
1) Diverse Experience. In my years as a sole practitioner as well as prior years working for a large firm, I have developed many areas of expertise that are commonly found only cumulatively in a large law practice. I understand the short and long term consequences of financial settlements and have years of experience in business formation, employment discrimination, criminal defense, real estate, representation of banks, estate planning, preparing wills and trusts, municipal law, and other matters that are no longer the mainstay of my practice, but greatly enhance my representation of current clients.
2) Fees. Fees are reasonable, and I don't charge for many of the things that other lawyers do.
3) Personal attention. I care about my clients. I understand how difficult a divorce or a family law matter is and don't make light of it, while helping to steer you through to stay focused on what really matters--getting to the finish with your mental and financial health, reasonably intact.
4) No posturing. I tell it like it is up front, and won't make promises I can't keep.
PERSONAL INJURY
Experienced in prosecution and defense of negligence cases for injured parties and insureds. Plaintiff's cases have included strict liability injury in fall from scaffolding, injuries to plaintiffs in numerous motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall injuries, and other torts. Some of the recent results include:
$80,000 recovery for fractured thumb in auto accident
$175,000 recovery for fall on stairs with negligent mats leading to head injury
$85,000 recovery for injured bicyclist
$300,000 for injuries after fall from scaffolding
$60,000 policy and SUM policy recovery for knee and back injuries (car accident)
$80,000 recovery for fractured thumb in auto accident
$175,000 recovery for fall on stairs with negligent mats leading to head injury
$85,000 recovery for injured bicyclist
$300,000 for injuries after fall from scaffolding
$60,000 policy and SUM policy recovery for knee and back injuries (car accident)
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CRIMINAL DEFENSE
For 30 years I have represented.persons charged with misdemeanor offenses and felony offenses, and have prosecuted numerous appeals including argument to the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals, in a high profile larceny case. Particularly experienced with DWI offenses. |
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EQUINE LAW
Experienced in representing horse owners and equine professionals in all aspects of their lives. Have represented stable owners, boarders, buyers and sellers of high end horses and ordinary pleasure horses, breeders, veterinarians and others in all manner of transactions, reviewing and preparing contracts and leases, litigation, recovery for work labor and services, prosecution or defense of personal injury claims, filing of agister's liens, collection of accounts, and representation in real estate deals. Have advised nonprofit and rescue organizations and helped defend persons wrongly accused of neglect. Representation extends to NY residents and many out of state residents who have had dealings with someone in the state of New York, such as on a purchase or sale gone bad. Consultations can be done over the phone. Please feel free to call with your matter today.