Best Divorce Lawyers Rochester ny
sarah wesley
Divorce Lawyers
Sarah concentrates her practice in Family Law and Criminal Defense, as well as the intersection between the two that can often arise in difficult relationships. Sarah has handled countless criminal matters and family disputes.
She is a former prosecutor which gives her the unique experience of knowing how prosecutors work and she has the extensive trial experience needed to fight aggressively for her clients. Sarah works to ensure that her clients are informed and involved every step of the way. Sarah is a graduate of Cornell University and University at Buffalo Law School. In 2020, Sarah was voted “Best Divorce Attorney” in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle’s Community Choice Awards.
Michael D. Schmitt
Divorce Lawyers
Rochester Divorce Attorney Michael D. Schmitt has handled various divorce cases throughout New York state courts. Regardless of the case, attorney Michael D. Schmitt always takes the time to care for the individual needs of the clients he represents.
Attorney Schmitt is committed to individualized client services in the Greater Rochester area and the nearby communities of western and upstate New York.
As a Rochester Divorce Attorney I have handled million-dollar divorce cases and high-profile murder trials throughout New York state courts. Regardless of the case, I always take the time to care for the individual needs of my clients.
I have more than 20 years of trial experience focused on family law and criminal defense matters. I am also skilled with the analysis and resolution of property division problems in divorce cases of all kinds.”
Catherine M. Fafone-Moyer
Divorce Lawyers
Catherine M. Fafone-Moyer is an experienced and highly qualified family law attorney. She graduated from Syracuse University College of Law in May 2017. While in law school, she served as a student intern (in the Family Law Unit) for The Legal Aid of Rochester and later as a student extern for the New York State Attorney General.
After graduating with a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University, she began working as a Staff Attorney at The Legal Aid Society of Rochester—in the Family Law Unit again. During her tenure there, Attorney Fafone-Moyer gained more experience as a litigator and represented clients in Supreme and Family Courts. She also had the privilege of representing survivors of domestic violence in divorce, custody, child support, and order or protection cases.
Respected by her peers and previous clients, Attorney Fafone-Moyer is known for her public speaking skills, legal writing and research skills, and creative thinking. We are honored to have her as part of our team, benefitting as our clients with her expertise and family-focused background.
Jonathan C. Trotto
Divorce Lawyers
At The Trotto Law Firm, our attorney, Jonathan C. Trotto Esq., has worked diligently to gain the education and knowledge needed to carry on the strong reputation associated with our long standing family run firm. With a detailed knowledge of family law, estate planning and estate administration, Mr. Trotto is able to offer the knowledgeable and dedicated legal assistance families in the Rochester, New York, area need to find resolutions to even the most complicated concerns.
Areas Of Practice
- Divorce and Family Law
- Estate Planning and Probate/Administration
Bar Admissions
- New York, 2009
Education
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing, Michigan
- Juris Doctor – 2008
- Honors: Dean’s List
- Major: Litigation
- Saint Joseph’s University – Erivan K. Haub School of Business, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- B.S. – 2006
- Major: Finance and Economics
- McQuaid Jesuit High School
Mark Bezinque
Divorce Lawyers
As a Collaborative Divorce Attorney in Rochester, Marks helps clients simplify the confusion of the divorce process and enables them to prioritize their needs. He firmly manages his client’s concerns regarding parenting plans and residency schedules, spousal and child support, location and valuation of assets and valuation of businesses and real estate. He empowers his clients to make good legal decisions to achieve a result they can be proud of and that will last into the future.
Mr. Bezinque also has close working relationships with professionals in financial management, mental health and valuation that can support the effective implementation of the Collaborative Law process. Since first introducing Collaborative Law to the Rochester community, Mr. Bezinque continues to facilitate conferences and workshops on the topic. He is a frequent speaker on Collaborative Law to professionals and the public and is a founding member and past president of the Collaborative Law Association of the Rochester Area, Inc.
MICHAEL J. CAPUTO
Divorce Lawyers
Michael J. Caputo is a partner in the law firm of Fero & Caputo, LLP. He is engaged in the general practice of law with a specific concentration on family law.
Mr. Caputo received his Bachelor’s Degree from Seattle University in 2005, his Master’s Degree from Fordham University in 2008, and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2013. Mr. Caputo was admitted to the New York State Bar, Third Judicial Department in 2014 and subsequently to the Federal Bar in the Western District of New York. He is a member of the Monroe County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association.
Before joining Fero & Caputo, LLP in 2021, Mr. Caputo litigated commercial and employment disputes for seven years, including at major international law firms in Jones Day’s Manhattan office and Nixon Peabody’s Rochester office.
Leah Tarantino Cintineo
Divorce Lawyers
Leah focuses her practice on divorce and family law. Serving clients in multiple local counties, her insightful interpersonal skills and ability to strongly negotiate has made a positive impact on the lives of many families. Leah practices in both Supreme and Family Courts throughout the Seventh Judicial District.
Issues of divorce, custody, and child support can often be tumultuous for the parties involved. Leah’s goal is to create a strategy which helps her clients reach a favorable outcome while minimizing the stress and emotional toll. She applies a personal approach to each case and listens closely to clients to ascertain what is most important them.
Leah successfully guides clients through divorce and post-divorce matters, negotiating pre-nuptial agreements, high conflict child custody litigation and child support litigation. Leah has multiple years of experience handling divorce matters involving businesses, complex financial issues and extensive marital estates. She handles appeals and prepares QDROs for division of retirement assets at the completion of a divorce.
A trustworthy, compassionate, and effective advocate, Leah serves on the Attorneys for Children panel for the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, and is certified as a collaborative divorce attorney and is a member of Collaborative Law Association of the Rochester Area (CLARA). Leah prides herself on being able to represent clients in either litigated court matters, having over ten years of trial experience, or in a collaborative setting. Her goal is to obtain the best possible outcome for her clients.
Prior to practicing family law, Leah was a criminal prosecutor in Virginia, giving her a unique perspective when handling divorce and family law cases.
Jeffrey Wicks
Divorce Lawyers
At a very young age, Jeff began to develop a passion for fighting injustices wherever and whenever they occurred. As he grew up, that passion became so deep and strong that he decided that only by becoming a lawyer would he be able to seek justice for those who needed it most. This passion led him to join the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office where he represented indigent criminal defendants for almost 5 years.
Jeff has been in private practice since late 1990. A former partner in the law firm of Bansbach, Zoghlin, Wicks & Wahl, P.C., Jeffrey Wicks opened his own practice in 2002. He has been practicing law for over 30 years.
His work helped him achieve a landmark appellate court decision in the case of Martinez v. County of Monroe in 2008. The appellate court found that valid marriages of same-sex couples conducted outside New York State must be recognized legally within New York State—well before same-sex marriages were recognized in New York. Jeffery Wicks taught in the Criminal Justice Department at SUNY Brockport for 12 years, offering such courses as the Death Penalty in America – a course which he designed- and Forensic Evidence in Criminal Cases. What’s more, because Jeff has served as an Assistant Public Defender, his firm has gained added insight into the opposition. He knows what to expect, so he can anticipate their actions and arguments, and counter them.
Jeff is a life-long resident of Rochester, New York where he resides with his wife Rachel and his daughter Jane. Jeff has a passion for politics and for the arts, particularly movies, on which he is a wealth of knowledge, information and trivia. Jeff also has been a musician – and music aficionado – for most of his life, playing and performing in a local band, in which he plays guitar, slide guitar, baritone guitar, mandolin, banjo, and harmonica.
Hiring the best divorce lawyer in Rochester, NY, or any location, can provide several benefits when navigating a divorce. Here are some of the reasons why having a skilled divorce attorney is important:
Legal Expertise: A top divorce lawyer in Rochester will have a deep understanding of New York’s divorce laws and procedures. This knowledge is essential to ensure that your case is handled in compliance with state regulations.
Objective Advice: Divorce is emotionally charged, making it challenging to make rational decisions. A divorce lawyer can offer you objective advice and help you make informed choices about important matters, such as property division, alimony, child custody, and child support.
Negotiation Skills: Many divorce cases are resolved through negotiation rather than going to court. An experienced attorney can negotiate effectively on your behalf, aiming to achieve a fair settlement with your spouse and potentially saving you time and money.
Legal Documentation: Divorce involves a significant amount of paperwork, including legal documents and court filings. A top divorce lawyer will ensure that all necessary documentation is prepared accurately and submitted on time to avoid delays or complications.
Court Representation: If your divorce case does proceed to court, having a skilled attorney by your side can be invaluable. They will represent your interests effectively before a judge, present your case persuasively, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for your rights.
Asset Protection: If you have substantial assets or complex financial holdings, a divorce lawyer can help protect your financial interests and ensure a fair division of property in accordance with New York’s equitable distribution laws.
Child Custody and Support: If you have children, a top divorce lawyer will work diligently to secure a fair custody arrangement and child support agreement that is in the best interests of your children.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Some divorces can be resolved through mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods. A knowledgeable attorney can represent you during these processes and help you reach a mutually acceptable agreement with your spouse.
Post-Divorce Issues: Even after the divorce is finalized, there may be post-divorce issues that arise, such as modification of custody or support orders. Having a trusted attorney can be helpful in addressing these ongoing legal matters.
Regarding the impact of divorce on spouses, divorce is a significant life event that can have both emotional and practical consequences. The impact of divorce on individuals can vary widely, but here are some common ways it may affect spouses:
Emotional Distress: Divorce can lead to emotional distress, including feelings of sadness, grief, anger, and anxiety. The process of ending a marriage and dealing with the associated challenges can be emotionally draining.
Financial Stress: Divorce often involves financial changes, including the division of assets, potential alimony or spousal support payments, and adjustments to living arrangements. These changes can create financial stress for both spouses.
Loss of Social Support: Friends and family dynamics may change after a divorce, leading to feelings of isolation or a reduced support network.
Parenting Challenges: If children are involved, co-parenting challenges can arise. Disagreements over parenting decisions, custody arrangements, and visitation schedules can create tension and stress.
Self-Esteem Issues: Some individuals may experience self-esteem issues following a divorce, particularly if it involves blame or feelings of failure.
Health Impact: Prolonged stress associated with divorce can have physical health consequences, such as sleep disturbances, weight changes, and increased risk of certain health conditions.
It’s important to note that while divorce can be emotionally challenging, many individuals find ways to cope and adapt to their new circumstances over time. Seeking support from friends, family, and mental health professionals can be valuable during this period of adjustment. Additionally, engaging in self-care practices and maintaining open communication with your ex-spouse, especially if you share children, can help alleviate some of the stress associated with divorce.