New York Family & Matrimonial Law Attorneys
Sophisticated counsel for complex divorce, financial and family law matters throughout New York.
What Does a Divorce and Family Lawyer Do?
A divorce and family lawyer represents individuals in legal matters involving marriage, separation, paternity and family relationships. The attorney’s role includes both legal advocacy and strategic guidance throughout emotionally complex situations. Family law attorneys also help clients understand their rights and obligations under New York law, prepare necessary documentation, negotiate settlements and represent them in court when necessary.
Led by Executive Partner and Practice Director, RoseAnn C. Branda, the department combines the focused experience of attorneys substantially or exclusively devoted to matrimonial and family law with the resources, litigation capabilities and interdisciplinary experience of a full-service New York law firm.
Comprehensive Representation
Family & Matrimonial Law Practice Areas
Abrams Fensterman provides comprehensive representation across divorce, financial, custody, support, family court, marital agreement, post-judgment and appellate matters throughout New York.
Divorce, Financial & Property Matters
- Divorce and Matrimonial Litigation
- High Net-Worth and Complex Divorce
- Same-Sex Divorce & LGBTQ+ Family Law
- Equitable Distribution and Property Division
- Business and Professional Practice Valuation
- Separate Property and Asset Tracing
Child Custody, Parenting & Support
- Child Custody and Parenting Time
- Child Support
- Spousal Maintenance and Support
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Postnuptial Agreements
- Mediation and Negotiated Resolution
Post-Judgment, Family Court & Appeals
- Post-Judgment Enforcement and Modification
- Custody and Support Modifications
- Family Court Proceedings
- Domestic Violence and Orders of Protection
- Matrimonial Appeals
Family & Matrimonial Leadership Across New York
Abrams Fensterman’s Family & Matrimonial Law Practice is led by accomplished matrimonial attorneys serving clients across Brooklyn, Long Island and Westchester as part of one integrated statewide practice.
RoseAnn C. Branda
RoseAnn Branda leads the firm’s statewide Family & Matrimonial Law Practice and represents clients in sophisticated divorce and family law matters.
Dina De Giorgio
Dina De Giorgio leads the Lake Success matrimonial team, representing clients throughout Long Island in divorce, financial, custody and family law matters.
Jill F. Spielberg
Jill Spielberg leads the White Plains matrimonial team, representing clients throughout Westchester in sophisticated divorce and family law matters.
Contact Our Team
Speak with a New York Family & Matrimonial Law attorney.
Abrams Fensterman represents clients in divorce, matrimonial and family law matters throughout New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Rochester, and Albany.
Contact our Family & Matrimonial Law Practice to schedule a confidential consultation.
New York Family Law & Matrimonial FAQ’s
How is property divided in a New York divorce?
New York follows the principle of equitable distribution, under which marital property is divided equitably rather than automatically divided equally. An important part of a matrimonial case is determining which assets constitute marital property, which may qualify as separate property, what those assets are worth and what distribution is appropriate under the circumstances.
What is the difference between marital property and separate property?
Generally, marital property includes property acquired by either or both spouses during the marriage, subject to exceptions under New York law. Separate property may include certain property owned before the marriage, inheritances, gifts from third parties and other assets meeting statutory requirements.
In sophisticated cases, establishing a separate-property claim may require extensive financial records and tracing of transactions over many years.
Marital & Separate Property Issues →
What happens when a New York divorce involves businesses, cryptocurrency, trusts or other complex assets?
Divorces involving businesses, professional practices, cryptocurrency, trusts, private investments, real estate or executive compensation often require additional financial investigation and valuation. Attorneys may work with forensic accountants, valuation professionals and other experts to identify ownership interests, trace assets, determine value and address whether property is marital or separate before negotiating or litigating an equitable distribution.
How are spousal maintenance and support determined in New York?
Spousal maintenance in New York may depend on statutory guidelines and a variety of factors relevant to the parties’ circumstances. These can include the length of the marriage, the parties’ incomes and earning capacities, differences in financial resources, age and health, the marital standard of living, contributions made during the marriage and future financial needs.
How is child custody decided in New York?
New York courts generally determine child custody based upon the best interests of the child. Depending on the circumstances, courts may consider factors relating to the child’s needs, each parent’s ability to provide care and stability, the existing parenting arrangement and other facts affecting the child’s welfare.
Custody arrangements may also later be subject to modification when there has been a significant change in circumstances affecting the child’s best interests.
Can a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement be challenged?
Disputes can arise concerning the interpretation, enforcement or enforceability of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Whether an agreement or particular provision can be challenged depends upon the facts surrounding its negotiation and execution, its terms and applicable New York law.
News, Insights & Results
Featured Family Law Insights
Matrimonial Recognition
- •Best Law Firms® — Tier 1, Family Law, New York City
- •Lawdragon 500 Leading Family Lawyers – Multiple Attorneys Recognized
- •The Best Lawyers in America® – Family Law Recognition Across New York
- •New York Super Lawyers® – Family Law & Top List Recognition
- •American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers – Fellows, Chapter Leadership & National Leadership
- •International Academy of Family Lawyers – U.S. Chapter Presidential Leadership
- •Bar Association Leadership – Brooklyn, Westchester & Statewide
- •Professional Education & Faculty – AAML, NYSBA, CLE & Advanced Family Law Programs
