Best Custody Attorneys in New York
Martin Mohr
Custody Lawyer
Martin Mohr is a partner and founder of New York Family Law Group. With more than 20 years of experience, Mr. Mohr helps families solve and navigate complex legal issues related to divorce, child custody, spousal support, visitation, juvenile law, and more.
Mr. Mohr graduated from the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in 2000. Following graduation, Mr. Mohr served as a District Attorney in Bronx, NY. Then, in 2003, Mr. Mohr founded the Law Firm Of Martin Mohr, a New York law firm specializing in a wide variety of family law cases. Over nearly 20 years, he has assisted mothers, fathers, grandparents, and other parties with complex legal situations involving divorce, paternity, custody disputes, post-decree modifications, child abuse and neglect, and domestic violence, to name just a few. He started New York Family Law Group with partner Ethan Steward in 2021.
Throughout his career as a New York family lawyer, Mr. Mohr has developed a deep understanding of the family courts, the legal rights available to parents and other interested parties under New York law, and the options available to clients for both out-of-court settlements and courtroom litigation of divorce and other family disputes.
JESSICA L. TOELSTEDT
Custody Lawyer
Jessica L. Toelstedt joined the predecessor firm Berkman Bottger Newman & Rodd, LLP (now Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP) in 2012 and was named partner in 2016. Ms. Toelstedt’s practice focuses on mediation, collaborative law and litigation. Ms. Toelstedt also specializes in drafting Pre- and Postnuptial Agreements for high net worth individuals.
Ms. Toelstedt was exposed to matrimonial law at an early age when as a young teen her own parents were divorced. Having dealt with a parent that had a history of drug and alcohol abuse, Ms. Toelstedt learned firsthand the importance of representing a client going through what may be one of the most difficult times in their lives and the lives of their children.
Ms. Toelstedt began her career focusing on litigating matrimonial matters and since then has appeared regularly in Supreme and Family Courts throughout New York City and the surrounding areas. Ms. Toelstedt has also handed appellate matters and argued the landmark case Fields v. Fields in the Appellate Division of the First Department. After having spent nearly the first half of her career litigating matrimonial matters, Ms. Toelstedt expanded her practice to include process choices that can address family matters outside of court, without litigation.
DONNESHIA HALL
Custody Lawyer
Attorney Donneshia Hall has a deeply personal understanding of what it is like to go through family law matters for the first time, including shared parenting time and other familial issues. Many clients have never been through the family law process before or are misinformed about what the process entails. In addition to providing legal advice to her clients, she also acts as their support system during what can be a stressful and emotional time, always focusing on the positive.
She often works with families to help them resolve custody issues and enjoys helping parents navigate their new roles after divorce, always keeping the best interests of their children top of mind. Donneshia Hall was initially attracted to the Mandel Law Firm because the firm puts families first, and that impacts every aspect of their work.
This focus on the wellbeing of New York families is central to Donneshia Hall’s work. As a parent and single mother, she has the unique ability to relate to her clients and guide them through the legal process until their cases are resolved.
Angel Hristov
Custody Lawyer
Mr. Hristov believes that his primary purpose as an attorney is to serve the needs of his clients in a courteous and professional manner. He comes from a family of hard-working, blue-collar immigrants who have taught him that honesty, hard work and dedication are the key ways to achieve one’s goals. Mr. Hristov has reciprocated these values in his academic and professional experience which has been commended by clients and colleagues alike.
As an associate of the Law Offices of Donald Mastrodomenico, P.C. he is in charge of the uncontested divorces and also handles contested divorces in the law firm. In fact, Mr. Hristov handles more than 200 divorces a year and works zealously for his clients, often times until 10 p.m. He is always responsive to the clients’ concerns and goes the extra mile to bring a successful resolution to their cases.
Further, Mr. Hristov assists Mr. Mastrodomenico with another core practice area the law firm handles: child support. Mr. Hristov has absorbed Mr. Mastrodomenico’s vast experience and knowledge of child support cases and is always prepared to provide the correct type of legal advice to clients. Mr. Hristov does the initial child support interviews with clients and carefully reviews each case to structure the best strategy for every client’s case. Often times he meets with clients who have consulted with other more expensive and high profile matrimonial and family law attorneys only to discover that these other attorneys have missed key points about child support aspects of the client’s cases.
Mr. Mastrodomenico’s emphasis on child support ranges on fanaticism and every little detail is considered in order to raise or reduce the amount of child support paid or received by our clients. The office’s strategy sessions on child support are more like seminars than consultations and contribute immensely to the successful resolution of the clients’ child support cases.
SARAH SMITH
Custody Lawyer
Sarah Smith received her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law in 2016. After law school, she worked in no-fault before making the switch to family and matrimonial law in 2018. Since 2018, she has worked on all of the different aspects of family law, including custody and child support matters, but also family offense proceedings and ACS proceedings. She is a zealous advocate who has guided clients through a variety of difficult divorce situations and has successfully conducted hearings and trials. Despite the challenging nature of her cases, Ms. Smith strives to lend an empathic ear and give her clients the best advice possible.
St. John’s University School of Law, New York, J.D., 2016
SUNY, Albany, New York, B.A., 2013
Kenneth Eiges
Custody Lawyer
Kenneth Eiges has represented clients in matrimonial matters for 40 years. He has successfully completed over 3000 divorces. He is not only an aggressive litigator he is a skilled divorce mediator. The combination of these two skills lead to creative and lasting divorce settlements. He is AV rated. This top rating is determined by the opinions of over 30 attorneys who recognized his skill and professionalism.
As an award winning attorney he has hosted radio shows and appeared on television. He has lectured and writes extensively on divorce matters. During his career he has developed a conceptual understanding and unique insight of the interplay between the legal system and emotional reactions of his clients during the divorce process.
His quote “Creating reasonable expectations for the client is the foundation of successful divorce negotiations” has been followed by many lawyers in the divorce field. He strongly believes that creating reasonable expectations means standing in the shoes of the client and making the client part of the divorce process. You can trust that should you work with Kenneth Eiges that his philosophy, his experience and the depth of his knowledge all will work to together to provide you with the best legal representation available.
Deborah G. Fiss
Custody Lawyer
Deborah G. Fiss has been practicing law in the State of New York since 1982. She has been exclusively practicing in the area of divorce and family law, from the same offices, since 1983.
The lawyer received her B.A., with honors, from SUNY at Binghamton, Harpur College, in 1978 where she majored in Political Science and the Spanish language. She earned her Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School in 1981.
Our dedicated and conscientious staff, who have been working with Ms. Fiss for many years and are fluent in Spanish, will diligently work their hardest to create the positive outcome you seek regarding the intricacies of divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, maintenance (alimony), property and retirement benefit distribution, and all other issues related to the dissolution of the marital bond or problem within the family structure.
The attorney, who is fluent in the Spanish language, predominantly works in the supreme court representing parties in divorce, separation and family matters.
She has also lectured, on family law topics, at the Queens County Bar Association.
Gabrielle H. Hagege
Custody Lawyer
Gabrielle Hagege graduated from Georgetown University Law School in 2014, and is admitted to the New York State Bar.
Ms. Hagege joined Brian D. Perskin & Associates P.C. in 2014, and has worked tirelessly to provide outstanding service to the firm’s clients.
Ms. Hagege lives in Manhattan.
Navigate Child Custody in New York with a Skilled Attorney
Child custody disputes in New York can be emotionally charged and complex. Partnering with a skilled New York child custody lawyer can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. Here’s why a child custody lawyer is uniquely qualified to handle these sensitive cases:
Deep Understanding of Child Custody Law:
New York child custody lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of the state’s child custody and visitation laws ([invalid URL removed]). They understand the factors that family courts consider when determining custody arrangements, such as:
- Child’s Best Interests: Ensuring any agreement prioritizes the child’s well-being and development.
- Parental Fitness: Evaluating each parent’s ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment.
- Child’s Preferences: Considering the child’s wishes, depending on their age and maturity.
This expertise allows them to build a strong case that prioritizes the best interests of your child.
Focus on Family and Children’s Rights:
Unlike other lawyers, child custody lawyers dedicate their practice solely to family law matters. Their primary focus is protecting the rights and well-being of children involved in custody disputes. They understand the emotional impact of these cases and prioritize a child-centered approach.
Skilled Negotiation and Mediation:
Many child custody cases involve emotional conflict. A skilled child custody lawyer will be adept at negotiation and mediation. They will strive to find amicable solutions and agreements that benefit both parents, ultimately creating a stable environment for the child.
Advocacy for the Child’s Voice:
In some situations, the child may need legal representation to ensure their voice is heard. Child custody lawyers can act as guardians ad litem, advocating for the child’s best interests in court.
Handling Custody Modifications:
Life circumstances can change, and existing custody arrangements may need to be modified. A child custody lawyer can assist parents in seeking modifications to existing custody orders when necessary.
Compassionate and Understanding Representation:
Child custody battles can be emotionally taxing. A skilled child custody lawyer will approach your case with compassion, understanding, and sensitivity to your unique situation.
Prioritizing the Child’s Well-Being:
Unlike other types of lawyers, child custody lawyers prioritize the child’s well-being above all else. They work tirelessly to create custody agreements that promote a stable and nurturing environment for the child.
Experience in Courtroom Advocacy:
If a custody dispute goes to trial, a child custody lawyer will represent you effectively in family court. They will present evidence, advocate for your position, and ensure your child’s best interests are protected throughout the legal proceedings.
In Conclusion:
New York child custody lawyers are specialized family law attorneys who dedicate their practice to protecting the rights and best interests of children in custody disputes. Their expertise, experience, and child-centered approach make them uniquely qualified to guide you through this challenging process.