Best Family Lawyer in New York
Mitchell A. Greebel
Family Lawyer
Mitchell A. Greebel co-founded Greebel & Greebel in 1988 and practices in matrimonial and family law, corporate, commercial litigation and real estate law.
A graduate of SUNY at Albany and Brooklyn Law School, Mitchell has practiced law in New York since 1984 and is a member of the Nassau County, New York State and New Jersey Bar Associations.
Mitchell, who is married and the father of four young men, has recently moved back to Long Beach after being a resident of Woodmere for the past 29 years. When he is not an advocate for the special education community he is a volunteer wrestling coach in the Hewlett-Woodmere school district. As a result of his love for the ocean he and his wife, Nancy, moved back to the City of Long Beach where their marriage began almost 30 years ago.
Andrea Vacca
Family Lawyer
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.
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. I get to know my clients, their concerns, and their goals for their future. I then assist them by crafting solutions to meet specific needs before, during, or at the end of a marriage. 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.
Stephen Bilkis
Family Lawyer
After graduating from Touro Law School in 1997, Stephen Bilkis founded the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates. One of our primary areas of focus is family law. Over the past 20 years, we have been recognized by both our clients and our peers for our vigorous advocacy for our clients as we represent their interests with compassion and understanding.
Because we know that each case is different we do not take a cookie cutter approach to our cases. Instead we take the time to listen to our clients and create a customized legal solution designed to meet our client’s needs. We understand how emotionally draining and frustrating the process can be, and we will work to help our clients achieve a favorable outcome. The Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates is committed to sustained success by using our experience, knowledge, and resources to continue to provide our clients with excellent legal representation.
Marcos Fernandez
Family Lawyer
Hi, I’m Marcos. I practiced in litigation for nearly a decade, the latter half exclusively litigating divorce actions. I have seen the financial and emotional havoc hotly contested divorces wreak on families and have also seen how non-adversarial and collaborative tactics work to deescalate tensions and help families deal with unwinding their marriage compassionately. I joined the Vacca Family Law Group to help clients obtain their divorce with dignity and respect.
Marcos joined the firm in June of 2021. Immediately before joining, Marcos practiced as a traditional divorce attorney at boutique matrimonial firms located in New York City and Westchester County. Marcos is a certified trained mediator and collaboratively trained attorney. Having successfully litigated on behalf of clients, he is intimately aware of the dangers inherent in the adversarial process and the financial and emotional risks posed to families. Marcos began his career in commercial litigation before deciding to practice as a matrimonial attorney exclusively, experience which aids him in handling the complex and challenging financial dilemmas often associated with parties’ divorces. Marcos lives in Forest Hills with his wife, son and dog.
- One Grand Central Place 60 E 42nd St #764 New York, NY 10165
- 646-502-8591
- www.vaccalaw.com
Sandra Spennato
Family Lawyer
Sandra Spennato is a partner at Peter L. Cedeno & Associates, P.C. located in downtown Manhattan. Ms. Spennato has successfully represented clients throughout the five boroughs of New York City in a wide range of Matrimonial and Family Law issues, including child support and custody cases, spousal support, paternity, and family offense cases. She is an experienced and highly skillful Divorce attorney, handling all aspects of the case.
Ms. Spennato is proficient at drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and negotiating the division of high net-worth assets.
A graduate from Pace University School of Law, Ms. Spennato has been practicing matrimonial and family law exclusively since 2012. She is a fierce and aggressive litigator, having represented clients in New York Family Courts and Supreme Courts.
Lisa Beth
Family Lawyer
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.
Lisa Beth Older is a current member of the New York City Bar Association, and is a sustaining member of the New York State Bar Association, she has been a member of the family law section, and has in the past been an active member of the Ulster County Bar Association, the Saugerties Bar Association, and the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She served on the Law Guardian Panel for a term of four years and the 18-B Panel for four years. She has also served on the Membership Committee and the Judiciary Committee of the Ulster County Bar. Lisa Beth Older served as a delegate for her party and was later nominated by her political party to run for town judge.
Marie Claudio
Family Lawyer
Desiree M. Claudio is a proud native of Brooklyn, New York. Desiree Claudio is an established entrepreneur, an attorney and philanthropist with a demonstrated commitment to community development. Desiree is a graduate of Long Island University, Brooklyn campus. Following the completion of undergraduate courses with a major in Political Science, and a minor in Sociology she continued her formal education earning her master’s degree at The New School in Non-profit management and Urban policy.
An alumnus of Rutgers Newark School of Law Desiree Claudio is licensed to practice law in the State and Federal Courts of New York. Before starting her own law firm, Claudio & Associates, P.C. Desiree served as a Superior Court Law Clerk to the Honorable John A. Jorgensen, J.S.C in the fast-paced Family Court in Middlesex County, N.J.
Desiree is an active member of several bar associations including being name as the Queens County bar associations class of 2026 Board of Managers and is on the board of the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County. She has been recognized and awarded the coveted Super Lawyers award three (3) years consecutively and crowned Lawyer of Distinction in 2023.
Donald Mastrodomenico
Family Lawyer
With over 100 years of combined experience the Law Offices of Donald Mastrodomenico has devoted itself exclusively to the practice of Divorce and Family law. In fact each year for the past twenty years this firm has initiated over 400 divorces, more than any other private law firm in the New York City area according to the matrimonial clerk’s office of the City of New York.
Over 75% of our clients are referred from previous Divorce or Family law clients. Some are repeat clients. Sadly, since we have been doing Divorces for so long- we have actually divorced entire family members- aunts, uncles and brothers, sisters- mothers and fathers of former Divorce clients and this year children of former clients. Mr. Mastrodomenico is so well regarded that two matrimonial judges have referred their friends and family members to our firm to do their divorces.
A family lawyer plays a crucial role in New York, as they provide legal assistance and guidance in various matters related to family law. Here are some key reasons highlighting the importance of a family lawyer in New York:
Divorce and Separation: Family lawyers assist individuals throughout the divorce or separation process. They help navigate complex legal procedures, division of assets, child custody and visitation arrangements, and spousal support. A family lawyer ensures that the client’s rights and interests are protected during these emotionally challenging times.
Child Custody and Support: Family lawyers help clients establish child custody and visitation agreements that prioritize the best interests of the child. They also assist in determining child support amounts, ensuring that the child’s financial needs are adequately met.
Adoption and Surrogacy: Family lawyers provide legal guidance and handle the legal requirements for those looking to adopt a child or pursue surrogacy arrangements. They ensure compliance with relevant laws and help facilitate the legal process involved in these sensitive matters.
Domestic Violence and Protection Orders: Family lawyers play a vital role in cases involving domestic violence. They help victims obtain protective orders, ensuring their safety and providing legal remedies. They also assist in navigating the legal system to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Pre- and Postnuptial Agreements: Family lawyers help couples draft prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, which outline the division of assets and other important financial matters in the event of divorce or separation. These agreements provide clarity and protect individuals’ rights and interests.
Estate Planning: Family lawyers assist individuals in creating comprehensive estate plans, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. They help ensure that assets are distributed according to the client’s wishes, minimize tax implications, and protect the rights of family members.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Family lawyers can act as mediators, facilitating negotiations and helping parties reach mutually acceptable agreements outside of court. This approach can be more cost-effective, time-efficient, and less adversarial than traditional litigation.
Legal Advice and Guidance: Family lawyers provide legal counsel and advice on various family law matters, empowering individuals to make informed decisions. They educate clients about their rights, obligations, and the potential outcomes of their actions.
The role of a family lawyer in New York is crucial in protecting individuals’ rights, ensuring legal compliance, and providing support during challenging times. Their expertise and knowledge of family law help clients navigate complex legal processes and achieve fair and just outcomes.