Best Family Lawyer in New Hampshire
Shaunna L. Browne
Family Lawyer
Attorney Shaunna L. Browne was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire. After graduating from Memorial High School she attended the University of New Hampshire in Durham and then transferred to Notre Dame College where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies.
Attorney Browne’s first law related employment opportunity occurred when she began working as a Court Assistant with the Hillsborough County Probate Court. She was then hired as a real estate paralegal for a national firm that concentrated in the areas of bankruptcy, foreclosure, and evictions.
In 1995, Attorney Browne graduated from Notre Dame College and began law school at New England School of Law, in Boston, Massachusetts. During her law school career, Attorney Browne worked as a family law paralegal for a sole practitioner who operates a successful family law practice in Manchester. After four years of working full time and commuting to Boston three evenings a week, Attorney Browne graduated and was subsequently admitted to the New Hampshire Bar.
Upon her admission to the New Hampshire Bar, Attorney Browne began practicing as an associate attorney, primarily in the area of family law. She has found that family law is a varied and dynamic area of practice. She is very aware of the emotionally charged atmosphere that family law matters create and is accustomed to dealing with a variety of minor and major “emergency” situations. She has litigated very complex and difficult divorce, custody and abuse and neglect matters and has strived to utilize her years of training and education to obtain the positive results every client deserves.
Heather M. Sekella
Family Lawyer
Areas of Practice
- Family Law
Bar Admissions
- New Hampshire
Education
- Franklin Pierce Law Center, Concord, New Hampshire
- Juris Doctorate – 1999
- Notre Dame College
- B.S. – 1992
- Major: Paralegal Studies
- University of New Hampshire
- Associates Degree cum laude
- Major: Business Management
Honors and Awards
- The National Advocates Top 100 Lawyers of 2017
- National Academy of Family law Lawyers Nationally Ranked Top 10 Attorney for 2017
- American Institute of Family Law Attorneys 10 Best in Client Satisfaction for 2016
- BBB Accredited
- AVVO Client’s Choice Award
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Bar Association Family Law Section, Member
- New Hampshire Bar Association Family Law Section, Member
- Manchester Bar Association, Member
- New Hampshire Women’s Bar Association, Member
- The American Academy for Certified Financial Litigators
Xiorli C. Bernazzani
Family Lawyer
Attorney Xiorli Bernazzani was born and raised in Venezuela. She immigrated to the United States with her family in the late 1980s and became a citizen of the United States in January of 2006. She is a native Spanish speaker, and she has working knowledge of Italian, German, and Portuguese. Attorney Bernazzani earned her law degree from New England School of Law after her undergraduate education at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, where she met her husband, whom she has been with for over 23 years. She and her husband are the parents of four beautiful children.
Upon graduating from law school in 2002, Attorney Bernazzani decided to take a “break” from the law and venture into another one of her passions — teaching. She became an ESOL (English for Students of Other Languages) teacher, helping immigrant students with the daunting task of learning the English language. Her students primarily ranged from kindergarten up to 8th grade. Attorney Bernazzani also worked as a part-time ESOL professor at the Nashua Technical Institute. After two years of working as an ESOL teacher, Attorney Bernazzani decided she was ready to go back to the law. Although she enjoyed teaching immensely, she felt compelled to help the community further by utilizing the law degree she had worked so hard to get. In 2004, she became employed with the Law Office of Amy Wolfson in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Katherine J. Morneau
Family Lawyer
I am a dedicated family lawyer and business owner. I am known for helping good people through tough times, such as divorce and parenting matters. As a child of an amicable divorce, I know how hard divorce can be on children, even in the best of situations. With a focus on working together for the interests of the family, I strive to give my clients the tools they need for a successful future.
I have a strong reputation of giving back to the New Hampshire community that I grew up in and support my team to do the same. I genuinely care about my team, clients and community and look forward to continuing to grow my practice in the Nashua area.
I attended Franklin Pierce University (formerly known as Franklin Pierce College) and received a Bachelor of Art in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology. I received my degree of Juris Doctor from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law (formerly known as Franklin Pierce Law Center). I am currently attending the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals Leadership Academy.
Joseph M. Annutto
Family Lawyer
Legal Fields:
- Divorce law
- Family law – custody, parenting plans, child support enforcement, paternity
- Bankruptcy law
- Criminal Defense law
- Personal Injury law
- Wills, Trusts, and Estates
Joseph M. Annutto is a graduate of UNH School of Law.
He holds a Master of Business Administration from Southern NH University.
He holds a Bachelor of Science, cum laude, from Syracuse University. He was an Adjunct Faculty member of Southern New Hampshire University where he taught courses in Business, Banking and Business Law.
Attorney Annutto is a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and is licensed to practice in both New Hampshire state and federal courts, as well as Massachusetts state and federal courts.
Cindy Clark
Family Lawyer
Cindy Clark graduated cum laude from Plymouth State College. She received her Juris Doctor degree from Franklin Pierce Law Center, now known as the University of New Hampshire – School of Law, in 1980. Prior to law school, from 1975 to 1976, Cindy was elected to the NH House of Representatives and served on the House Judiciary Committee. Governor Hugh Gallen appointed her Commissioner to his Commission on Children and Youth. While serving as a member of the NH House of Representatives, Cindy was the sole sponsor for legislation that fathers be given equal rights in contested custody cases, which at that time was a very controversial issue. Cindy was also a member of the Grafton County Delegation, a licensed NH real estate saleswoman, a member of the Board of Directors for the Lakes Region-Twin Rivers Coordination Council, a member of the NH Woman’s Correctional Facility Study Committee, a member of the Executive Committee for the NH Women’s Political Caucus, a volunteer for the NH Probation Department, a Legislative Chairman for the NH Task Force on Child Abuse, a member of the Advisory Board for the Youth Development Center, Regionalization Program, and a Chairwoman for the Women’s Auxiliary, Plymouth Area Little League. Cindy has also lobbied for the New Hampshire Probate Judges, the New Hampshire Dental Society, Rockingham Park, and Yankee Greyhound Park before the New Hampshire Legislator.
Cindy is licensed to appear before all New Hampshire State Courts and the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals. Cindy is a current member of the NH Bar Association, the Family Law section of the NH Bar Association, the Manchester Bar Association, the Collaborative Law Alliance of New Hampshire and the NH Conflict Resolution Association. Attorney Clark is experiences in litigation for family law issues including divorce, child custody/parenting, child support, Father’s Rights, guardianship over minors, Grandparent’s Rights, NH DCYF abuse/neglect cases, termination of parental rights, and domestic violence issues. Attorney Clark has also been trained as a Collaborative Law and a marital mediator as alternatives to litigation.
John J. Tenn
Family Lawyer
John J. Tenn is a founding member and senior trial lawyer of Tenn And Tenn, P.A. John’s practice areas include personal injury, medical malpractice, auto and motorcycle accidents, criminal defense, and DWI/DUI matters in New Hampshire.
John is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a prestigious honor only held for those who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. John has been designated in Super Lawyers as an outstanding top-rated attorney in his field through superior client and peer ratings.
John is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He also is admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court.
John is an active member of the American Bar Association, and the New Hampshire and Manchester Bar Associations.
John received his J.D. from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in 1992. He graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
John also serves as a judge for the Harvard Law School First-year Moot Court Program.
Andrew S. Winters
Family Lawyer
With over 21 years legal experience, Andrew Winters, co-founded Cohen & Winters in 2009. As one of the key strategic partners, he has helped the firm grow considerably.
After graduating from Duke University School of Law, Andrew spent more than six years honing his skills at the public defender’s office. Since entering private practice in 2006 Andrew has frequently appeared in court litigating different types of cases, particularly in the areas of criminal defense, personal injury and divorce cases. He has achieved victories before judges, juries, and the New Hampshire Supreme Court. In recent years Andrew has pivoted to become the firm’s point person for estate planning, drafts will, trusts, power of attorney, and related documents for firm clients.
A native of the Washington D.C. area, Andrew has called New Hampshire home for more than twenty years. His current community involvement include seats on the Concord Zoning Board, and the New Hampshire Bar Association Finance Committee. He lives in Concord with his wife and two school-age daughters.
There are several reasons why you may need the services of the best family lawyers in New Hampshire:
1. Legal Expertise: Family law in New Hampshire can be complex, involving various statutes, regulations, and case precedents. The best family lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience in this specific area of law. They understand the nuances of the legal system and can provide accurate advice tailored to your situation. Their expertise ensures that your rights and interests are protected throughout the legal process.
2. Objective Advice: Family law matters can be emotionally charged and stressful. The best family lawyers in New Hampshire can provide objective advice and guidance. They can help you navigate through difficult decisions and ensure that you make informed choices based on your best interests and the specific legal requirements.
3. Negotiation and Mediation: Resolving family law issues often involves negotiation and mediation. The best family lawyers have strong negotiation skills and can advocate for your interests during settlement discussions. They can help you achieve fair agreements on matters such as child custody, visitation, property division, and support. Their goal is to find mutually acceptable solutions that minimize conflict and promote positive outcomes.
4. Court Representation: In situations where a resolution cannot be reached through negotiation or mediation, family law cases may go to court. The best family lawyers in New Hampshire are skilled litigators who can effectively present your case in court. They can gather evidence, prepare legal arguments, and advocate for your rights and interests before the judge. Having a competent lawyer by your side ensures that your case is presented professionally and persuasively.
5. Protection of Rights and Interests: Family law matters involve significant personal and financial consequences. Whether it’s a divorce, child custody dispute, adoption, or any other family-related issue, the best family lawyers in New Hampshire work to protect your rights and interests. They strive to achieve outcomes that are favorable to you and your family, ensuring that your legal rights are upheld and that you receive a fair resolution.
6. Knowledge of Local Laws and Procedures: Family law can vary from state to state. Hiring a local family lawyer in New Hampshire ensures that you have someone who is familiar with the specific laws and procedures applicable in the state. They understand the local court system, judges, and legal community, allowing them to navigate your case efficiently and effectively.
In summary, the best family lawyers in New Hampshire provide essential legal expertise, objective advice, skilled negotiation, and representation in court. They work to protect your rights and interests, guide you through complex legal processes, and strive for favorable outcomes in your family law matters.