Mr. Kleyman’s clientele has included many high-profile celebrities, Grammy-winning musical artists, Wall Street executives, professional athletes and others with considerable means; however, he is also a selfless attorney who has also volunteered his time and services pro bono for those less fortunate in his community.
Best Divorce Lawyers Manhattan
VAL KLEYMAN
Divorce Lawyers
Attorney Val Kleyman is the founder and owner of The Kleyman Law Firm in New York, New York. Nationally ranked as among the top attorneys in his region, as well as the entire country, Mr. Kleyman devotes his practice exclusively to family law, and he provides unmatched representation and support to clients throughout New York City and beyond who are going through a divorce or have other serious legal issues affecting their families.
Having handled more than 1,000 divorce and family law cases in New York, Mr. Kleyman has achieved significant success assisting and guiding his clients through the process and helping them make the best-informed decisions that will affect their families for years to come. With extensive experience handling high net worth divorces and complex property division matters involving investment portfolios, real estate, foreign assets and other complicated financial issues, he has earned the moniker “The Wall Street Divorce Lawyer.”
Over the course of his legal career, Mr. Kleyman has gained a reputation as a leader in his field, and he has appeared on several local and national news programs and other outlets, where he has offered in-depth legal commentary on a variety of topics related to family law. He has also conducted lectures and continuing legal education seminars across his region, and he has served on the legal faculty at Marino Legal Academy.
A 1999 graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience and psychology, Mr. Kleyman obtained his Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School in 2004. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and he is an active member of the Libra Professional Network, the New York State Bar Association and the Psi Chi National Honor Society, among his other professional affiliations.
PENINA R. GOLD
Divorce Lawyers
Penina is an Of Counsel attorney at Krasner Law, PLLC. She handles Family Court and matrimonial matters, including drafting motions and responsive pleadings, separation/divorce agreements, and consent orders; and negotiating with opposing counsel in a culturally informed manner.
She received her Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School in May 2017 and her Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics and Political Science from CUNY – Brooklyn College in May 2013, Magna Cum Laude.
While studying for her law degree at Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Gold was a Legal Intern at the Kings County Family Court with several judges, referees, and support magistrates, where she gained invaluable insight of the inner workings of the family court system by discussing and analyzing ongoing custody, visitation, family offense (“Orders of Protection”), and child support matters in real time with the respective jurists, researching complex legal issues, and drafting decisions. Penina was also an intern for the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (“ACS”) where she drafted and edited court documents, motions, and orders, appeared on the record on Permanency Hearings, and participated in interviews and meetings with ACS case workers. She also interned at a boutique law firm in Brooklyn where she drafted and edited affidavits, sperm donor agreements, prenuptial agreements, separation agreements, adoption agreements, and court documents, and uncontested divorce documents, and more.
In her downtime, Penny enjoys photography (currently using Polaroid and Sony α7s cameras), rollerblading, taking walks along the East River, spending time with friends, and traveling. Penny is a fluent speaker of Yiddish and Hebrew, and understands Spanish and German at an intermediate level.
Lisa Beth Older
Divorce Lawyers
Lisa Beth Older is a highly-experienced and seasoned divorce and custody attorney. She was admitted to practice law in the State of New York in June 1986; admitted to practice in Federal Court: the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, on December 9, 1988, in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York on May 23, 1991, and in the United States District Court, Northern District of New York on August 29, 1997.
Professional Background
From 1986 to present Lisa Beth Older, Esq. has appeared regularly in Family Court, Supreme Court and Criminal court, handling literally hundreds of cases and worked on several appeals. Lisa Beth Older has appeared as counsel in all four Departments of the Supreme Court, State of New York
As to her matrimonial and family court practice, Lisa Beth Older, Esq. has handled each and every aspect of a divorce, separation, custody and child support matter, even if necessary through to the appellate division levels.
Lisa Beth Older has successfully handled several prenuptial Agreements and Postnuptial Agreements. She has successfully mediated countless separation and divorce matters. She has handled countless child custody, child support and all other family law related cases in the Supreme Court of the State of New York and in the New York Family Court State of New York from inception to trial or Fact-Finding, including at times dispositions on appeal. These cases involved issues of custody, visitation, paternity, child support, equitable estoppel, challenges to paternity, equitable distribution, alimony and maintenance, grounds, and further involved appearing in court conferences, conducting depositions, attending depositions, and participating in trials, hearings, and preparation of pleadings. Matrimonial cases also entail dealing with several issues and Lisa Beth has had first hand experience in dealing with all aspects of a divorce or custody case, including but not limited to complex or complicated factual situations, filings, motions, discovery devices, subpoenas, separation agreements, stipulations of settlement of settlement of divorce issues, QDROS, decisions, judgments and post judgment enforcement actions.
CHAIM STEINBERGER
Divorce Lawyers
Chaim Steinberger, by nature a perfectionist, did rather well in law school, then clerked for a United States District Court judge, and was recruited by some of the largest, most prestigious law firms in the country. During this time he went through his own nasty divorce and said to himself, “There’s got to be a better way.” He now dedicates his life to practicing that better way, bringing large-firm professionalism, practice, and polish to the area of matrimonial and family law.
Mr. Steinberger continues to study litigation, negotiation, and mediation so as to employ the latest and best techniques in each of these and other areas for the benefit of his clients. He serves as an arbitrator, judging disputes in Small Claims Court and other venues. There, and through his service as a law clerk and mediator, he sits in the “middle” of others’ disputes and gets to “feel” what arguments are persuasive and compelling and which fall flat, making him a better advocate, litigator, and negotiator.
As detailed in his article, Mediation Techniques Every Litigator Can Use, Mr. Steinberger also uses his mediator’s techniques when he’s advocating for his clients, sensing where an opening for resolution might lie, and then finding ways to achieve consensus to his client’s advantage.
Paul E. Rudder
Divorce Lawyers
Paul E. Rudder, Esq. is a single practitioner and practices in all areas of family and matrimonial law for more than 30 years. While his goal is to negotiate and secure fair and just settlements for his clients, Paul has significant litigation and court room experience in New York State’s Family and Supreme courts. Having handled multitude of cases in front of most matrimonial judges and with many prominent opposing counsel, Paul E Rudder has a very REALISTIC view of the legal process, issues involved and possible and likely resolution.
He started his career as a civil rights and criminal defense attorney, and then administering a community legal services program; all in all, gaining extensive insight into human frailty, real life drama and experiences – in and out of the court room – before focusing on family law.
Paul has a reputation amongst the members of the Matrimonial Bar and the Judges before whom he appears as an outstanding advocate; not only for the spouse he represents but also, separately and distinctly, as the court appointed attorney for child(ren) whose parents are engaged in “high conflict” divorces.
Each client represented by Mr Rudder receives PERSONAL ATTENTION from the beginning to the end of the case. Mr.Rudder personally handles all legal aspects of every case.
Paul Rudder has strong CONFLICT RESOLUTION skills. He has a unique ability to bring conflict between parties to a successful resolution. He has strong negotiation skills, wisdom and integrity which serve his clients well.
In his role as advocate, it is necessary to provide counsel and advice and then plan and execute appropriate legal action, or defend against same and even occasionally to suggest refraining from same. All this while always aware of the boundaries of propriety and privacy.
Mr. Rudder is an OUTSTANDING LITIGATOR and has a solid understanding of personal ASSETS, FINANCE and BUSINESS issues. He offers legal guidance and fair and realistic assessment of conflicting claims, rights and responsibilities. He obtains favorable results for thousands of clients which is why most of his referrals are from peers and clients.
Ryan Besinque
Divorce Lawyers
Ryan Besinque, Esq. is a dedicated and experienced divorce lawyer and family law attorney in New York City. Although he prefers to take a more collaborative and communicative approach to provide the least animosity possible, when the occasion calls for it, he has no problem using more aggressive strategies to ensure the best results for his clients. Over his time in practice, he has seen, firsthand, the devastating emotional and financial toll that divorce can have on a family. Consequently, he finely tailors his approach so each client can be thoroughly represented and feel optimistic about the future.
Ryan is licensed to practice in both the state of New York and California. Throughout his career, he has represented hundreds of clients in all facets of divorce, custody, support, and family offense cases throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and neighboring Westchester county and Nassau county. He prides himself on his detailed communication with his clients, his consistent availability, and his meticulous efficiency. In addition to his private practice, provides quality legal services to indigent individuals through the Manhattan Assigned Counsel Panel.
Peter L. Cedeño
Divorce Lawyers
Attorney Peter L. Cedeño’s unfailing dedication to clients and unparalleled work ethic have led to outstanding results for families in difficult situations. Mr. Cedeño’s history of excellence has been recognized by the people he has helped, as well as by trusted legal organizations. Along with being selected annually to the New York Metro Super Lawyers list since 2016, he has a perfect Avvo rating of 10.0 Superb due to his service, experience, and strong ethics.
Mr. Cedeño started out as an Assistant District Attorney in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, where he gained valuable experience as a prosecutor. There, he handled a wide range of cases involving everything from minor criminal violations to felonies. Just a few years later, he began his practice as a divorce and family lawyer.
For the more than 25 years, Mr. Cedeño’s private practice has centered on matrimonial and family law matters, where he is trusted by clients and peers alike. Handling everything from high net-worth divorces to amicable, uncontested separations.
Mr. Cedeño has successfully represented New Yorkers who have faced a wide array of criminal charges.
Mr. Cedeño’s unwavering commitment to clients has led to many favorable resolutions. He has even been asked by the New York State Bar Association to provide lectures on divorce and family law issues. If you need counsel or representation for a divorce action or family law matter, you can rely on him.
Areas Of Practice
- Family Law
- Divorce
- Criminal Defense
- DWI
Bar Admissions
- New York, 1994
- U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, 1994
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York, 1994
Education
- Pace University School of Law, White Plains, New York
- J.D.
- Fordham Prep High School, Bronx
- University of Scranton, Pennsylvania
- B.S.
- Major: Political Science
Andrea Vacca
Divorce Lawyers
I’m Andrea, and I believe it’s possible to resolve family law matters without tearing your family apart.
Whether you are ending a relationship or trying to prevent potential problems in your current relationship, I want to help you reach your goals with minimal conflict.
Together, we will create an agreement that helps you and your partner understand your obligations so there is less likelihood of anger and misunderstanding in the future. I use a variety of non-adversarial strategies to set boundaries and resolve disagreements between couples who are divorcing as well as those making a commitment to marry or stay married.
As an attorney in the collaborative process, I am a strong advocate for my client without being adversarial, and without inflaming the strong emotions that can arise during divorce.
When serving as a mediator, I help both parties understand each other’s concerns, bridge their differences, and arrive at an agreement that works for both.
Divorce agreements, prenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements involve much more than protecting assets. These agreements protect your future as well as your children’s future. The process you use to come to decisions with your partner, as well as what those decisions are, can affect you and your family for the rest of your life. By being educated on your options, you will be better prepared to make decisions that will allow you to move forward without regret.
I’d be happy to explain the available process choices and assist you in selecting the best option for you and your family.
Having the best divorce lawyer in Manhattan can provide several advantages:
Expertise in New York Family Law: The best divorce lawyers in Manhattan will have in-depth knowledge of New York’s family laws and regulations, including those related to divorce, child custody, property division, and spousal support.
Local Court Knowledge: They will be familiar with the Manhattan court system, judges, and local procedures. This familiarity can be invaluable in predicting how your case may be handled and in effectively navigating the legal process.
Strategic Planning: A top divorce lawyer will develop a tailored strategy based on your unique circumstances, considering factors such as assets, liabilities, children, and your specific goals for the divorce.
Negotiation Skills: Many divorces are settled through negotiations. A skilled lawyer will be an effective negotiator, working to achieve the best possible outcome for you in terms of property division, alimony, child support, and custody arrangements.
Emotional Support and Objectivity: Divorce is an emotionally charged process. A seasoned attorney can offer objective guidance, helping you make rational decisions and navigate the emotional challenges.
Legal Paperwork and Procedures: A divorce involves a significant amount of paperwork, filings, and deadlines. A knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that all necessary documents are prepared correctly and submitted on time.
Alternatives to Divorce:
Legal Separation: This allows couples to live separately while remaining legally married. It can address issues like property division, spousal support, and child custody, but without officially terminating the marriage.
Mediation: In mediation, a neutral third party (the mediator) helps couples communicate and reach agreements on issues like property division, child custody, and support. This can be a more cooperative and less adversarial approach than traditional litigation.
Collaborative Divorce: In a collaborative divorce, each spouse has their own attorney, but the process is focused on negotiation and settlement rather than litigation. It often involves other professionals like financial advisors and therapists.
Arbitration: This involves hiring a neutral third party (the arbitrator) who acts like a private judge. The arbitrator makes decisions on the issues in dispute, and these decisions are legally binding.
Annulment: An annulment legally voids a marriage, essentially treating it as if it never happened. This is different from divorce, which ends a valid marriage.
Marriage Counseling or Therapy: Seeking professional help to improve communication and resolve issues in the marriage can be an alternative to divorce.
It’s important to consult with a legal professional to understand which option is best suited to your specific situation. Keep in mind that the availability and suitability of these alternatives may vary based on jurisdiction and individual circumstances.