Best Divorce Lawyers Syracuse ny
MICHAEL J. BELSKY
Divorce Lawyers
For years, Michael has been relentlessly fighting for the rights of Capital Region spouses, parents and grandparents in virtually every aspect of family and matrimonial law. As a Partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC, Michael provides representation in matters relating to divorce, parental alienation, separation agreements, annulments, child custody, child support, modifications to child support and child custody, enforcement of divorce decrees, spousal maintenance, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, orders of protection and family offenses.
Michael came to Tully Rinckey PLLC after operating a successful solo law practice in Clifton Park for nearly two decades. There, he primarily practiced family and matrimonial law and criminal defense. He has extensive experience serving as an Attorney for the Child for Saratoga County Family and Supreme courts as well as serving as assigned counsel for the Saratoga County Public Defender’s Office in the same courts. He also has experience practicing criminal law at many different courts.
Along with criminal law, Michael has experience with civil litigation, handling matters relating to contract disputes, education cases, and property damages, among others. Michael has handled both criminal and civil litigation cases at both his private practice and at Tully Rinckey. He has presented and settled a large range of cases in front of Judges for trials at many different courts. While many of his civil litigation cases did not involve an actual crime, his experience in that practice helped, as many times damages were awarded because of a criminal act.
Lisa DiPoala Haber
Divorce Lawyers
When looking for an attorney to help with your divorce, family law case, or civil litigation, you want an attorney that you can relate to, one with the right level of compassion and commitment to ensure your needs are met, and one that knows the law. That attorney is Lisa DiPoala Haber, Esq. Attorney Lisa Haber is a partner with Wesley Clark & Peshkin in Syracuse, NY who takes the time to get to know her clients on a personal level. With her assistance, you can efficiently and effectively resolve your divorce, family law matter, or civil litigation case.
Attorney Lisa DiPoala Haber is dedicated to providing her clients with attentive, personal service. Rather than treating her clients with a “one size fits all” attitude, she takes the time to get to know each one individually, so she can have a clear understanding of their needs and goals before suggesting an approach to their cases. This allows her to create plan that is individualized for each client, and increases your chances of a successfully resolving your case.
Because the matters that Attorney Lisa DiPoala Haber deals with can be very personal and sensitive in nature, including divorce and child custody litigation, she believes in providing compassionate service every step of the way. Her clients know they can trust her with their sensitive cases, knowing she will help them both legally and personally.
Attorney Lisa DiPoala Haber focuses several areas in her law practice. These include divorce, child custody, child support and civil litigation. She also handles appeals for clients who need to appeal court decisions. Lisa has a long track record of success in each of these areas of law.
Kevin M. Colwell
Divorce Lawyers
Albany Divorce Attorney Kevin M. Colwell is a founding partner of The Colwell Law Group, LLC, which has law offices in Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Syracuse, New York. Nationally ranked as among the top attorneys in the country, Mr. Colwell focuses his practice almost exclusively on divorce and family law. He provides unmatched representation and support to clients throughout the Capital Region, Hudson Valley, and surrounding areas who have legal needs involving any of the following:
- Divorce
- Separation and annulments
- Child custody
- Paternity
- Stepparent adoptions
- Interstate child support and custody issues
In honor of his outstanding professionalism and superior client service, Mr. Colwell was selected as a Super Lawyer in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. He has earned an AV Preeminent peer review rating* from Martindale-Hubbell as well as a Top 100 designation from The National Advocates. In addition, he has received “Superb, 10 out of 10 client” ratings on Avvo as a Top Divorce Attorney, and he has received the 10 Best in Client Satisfaction Award from the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. The firm has been honored at the Law Firm 500 for its impressive and rapid growth nationally each year since 2018. In 2023, The Colwell Law Group was named as one of the fastest growing companies in America and made the Inc.5000 list.
Mr. Colwell’s success as an Albany Divorce Attorney comes from his extensive legal knowledge and experience coupled with his unwavering dedication to his clients and helping them achieve the favorable outcomes they expect and deserve for their serious family-related legal issues as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. He works closely with his clients to help them make the best-informed decisions on matters that will affect them and their children for years to come. He aggressively pursues the positive results they seek both inside and outside the courtroom.
A graduate of SUNY Geneseo, Mr. Colwell obtained his Juris Doctor in 1997 from the University of Dayton School of Law. The New York State Bar Association admitted him to practice the following year, and he is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York.
Early in his legal career, Mr. Colwell served as assistant public defender with the Columbia County Public Defender’s Office, where he gained invaluable trial experience. Along with maintaining a successful legal practice, he enjoys camping, hiking and skiing with his family and two dogs (Elvis and Lucy).
Richard J. Bombardo
Divorce Lawyers
As a Syracuse divorce attorney, I’ve litigated family law cases for more than 27 years. In that time, I have handled hundreds of contested and uncontested divorces, including dozens of trials. I began my practice with a large upstate New York law firm and then practiced with a partner and several associates, where I was chief litigation counsel for seven years. In 2005 I began my solo practice, concentrating in divorce and family law. Located in Syracuse, New York, the Bombardo Law Office, P.C. regularly assists clients throughout central New York with all areas of matrimonial and family law.
Education
David C. Bruffett, Jr.
Divorce Lawyers
Mr. Bruffett is a partner in Azria & Bruffett Law Firm PLLC and heads the divorce, and civil law practice areas.
Mr. Bruffett represents individuals seeking to divorce, charged with felony and misdemeanor criminal offenses, including white-collar crimes, in both New York State and Federal courts. David also represents those individuals who have been charged with Driving While Intoxicated related matters and other violations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. Mr. Bruffett also counsels municipalities and governmental agencies with regard to claims and suits alleging municipal liability.
Mr. Bruffett served as an Onondaga County Assistant District Attorney in the Special Victims Unit and a Renssalaer County Assistant District Attorney in the Major Crimes Unit. Mr. Bruffett was elected in 2012 to a four-year term as Cicero Town Judge. Additionally, Mr. Bruffett served as an Environmental Consultant for the Galson Corporation. Prior to forming Azria & Bruffett, Mr. Bruffett worked on numerous civil, insurance defense, and criminal matters with the Syracuse-based Sugarman Law Firm.
lisa dipoala haber
Divorce Lawyers
Lisa focuses her practice on representing clients in divorce actions, and also serving clients in Family Court custody and child support matters as well as appeals. Lisa has decades of litigation experience, prior to starting her own Divorce and Family Law firm in 2014, she worked with businesses and individuals in complex commercial disputes. Lisa has the skills, expertise and passion necessary to tackle complicated cases, including those involving novel and difficult issues as well as high asset divorces.
Lisa is committed to keeping clients well informed and partnering with individuals and families to develop meaningful goals and a strategies for their case. Lisa works tirelessly for clients through the conclusion of their matter.
Lisa is also a trained and experienced mediator and Collaborative Law professional. Lisa previously chaired the Business Litigation Department of a Syracuse law firm and has served as a law clerk for judges of the Appellate Division, the New York Supreme Court trial level, and Federal Court. Lisa graduated magna cum laude from both Syracuse University College of Law and the SU S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
Nancy L. Giardina
Divorce Lawyers
Nancy’s practice is devoted to families. She is committed to solving problems in a way that best serves her clients, being mindful of their emotional needs and financial limitations. Nancy serves as a lawyer in collaborative divorce and family matters, and as a mediator. She offers limited scope representation, drafting letters on behalf of clients, drafting family court petitions, advising individuals who are in the mediation process, and assisting self-represented litigants to prepare for court proceedings. Nancy also drafts orders to divide pensions and other retirement accounts.
Nancy has practiced family law for over twenty years. Her extensive additional experience in bankruptcy, real estate law, estates and trusts, and traffic matters helps her serve clients in their family law matters. After years of litigation, Nancy chose to focus on serving her clients outside of a courtroom, through methods that better serve clients and their families. Nancy was collaboratively trained in 2010 and was instantly attracted to the concept as a way to resolve divorces, as she had always wanted to skip the financially and emotionally expensive process of litigation and get to a settlement.
Nancy is a lifelong learner and attends trainings in collaborative law, mediation, and peacemaking. Nancy is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, meeting and learning with collaborators from all over the world. Nancy received a Bachelor of Science Degree, Summa Cum Laude, in 1987 from Syracuse University. She was a Syracuse University Scholar, the highest honor bestowed on undergraduates. Nancy worked as a registered dietitian for several years, then returned to Syracuse University College of Law, after starting a family, receiving her Juris Doctor Degree in 1994.
Thomas J. Cerio
Divorce Lawyers
Tom started his career in public service as a law clerk in the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office and then as an Assistant District Attorney. After serving as a criminal prosecutor, Tom entered the private practice of law in 1998 serving his private clients as well as continuing his commitment to public service as an Onondaga County Assistant County Attorney.
Tom previously served as Director of Operations for Project Responsibility, an anti-underage alcohol consumption organization in Onondaga County. He taught business law as an associate professor at Cazenovia College and has been an assistant lecturer for the NYS Magistrates Association.
Having the best divorce lawyer in Syracuse, NY, can be crucial for several reasons:
Expertise in New York Family Law: The best divorce lawyers in Syracuse will have a deep understanding 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 Syracuse 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.
Difference Between Divorce and Separation:
Divorce:
Definition: Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage by a court or other competent body. It officially ends the marriage, allowing both spouses to remarry if they wish.
Legal Status: After a divorce, both parties are considered legally single and have the right to enter into new legal partnerships, including marriage.
Financial and Custodial Arrangements: In a divorce, the court addresses issues like property division, alimony, child support, and child custody. These decisions are legally binding.
Separation:
Definition: Separation is a legal or informal arrangement where a married couple lives apart and may lead separate lives. However, they are still legally married.
Legal Status: Even though separated, the couple remains legally married and cannot remarry until they obtain a divorce.
Financial and Custodial Arrangements: While separated, couples may choose to formalize financial and child custody arrangements, but these are not legally binding in the same way as a divorce decree.
Reconciliation Possibility: Separation allows couples the opportunity to work on their issues and potentially reconcile without the formal process of divorce.
It’s important to note that the legal details of divorce and separation can vary by jurisdiction, so consulting with a local attorney in Syracuse or seeking legal advice specific to your situation is recommended.