Top 19 Best NYC Divorce Lawyers - Best Local Lawyer Guide

Best Divorce Lawyers in New York City

Divorce is always a difficult, painful decision, but the process itself doesn’t have to add to it. Having the right divorce attorney on your side can make all the difference in how effectively and seamlessly the process goes. If you live in New York City and need advice and representation on issues such as property division, child custody arrangements, spousal support, or any other aspect of divorce, you should consider hiring one of these 20 top-rated NYC divorce lawyers.

Green Kaminer Min & Rockmore LLP

420 Lexington Ave., Suite 2821, 10170, New York; 212-681-6400

Nancy Green has primarily focused on divorce and other family-related matters since co-founding the highly regarded New York City law firm of Green Kaminer Min & Rockmore LLP in 2007. She has extensive knowledge and extensive experience in high-asset divorce, property division, spousal support, child support, child custody, and international family law. She is authorized to practice law in all New York state courts, as well as the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. During her 30-year career, Green has received numerous honors, including a “Excellent” rating from Avvo and the designation of “Super Lawyer” for 8 consecutive years by Thomson Reuters. – gkmrlaw.com

The Mandel Law Firm

370 Lexington Avenue Suite 505, 10017-6593, New York; 646-770-3868

Steven J. Mandel has built a reputation as one of New York’s most respected divorce lawyers since founding The Mandel Law Firm in 1980. He has received the prestigious “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized by numerous publications, including the American Society of Legal Advocates’ Top 100 Lawyers in the United States and Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers. He represents clients in a variety of divorce proceedings, including collaborative law, contested divorce, uncontested divorce, military divorce, property division, same-sex divorce, and spousal support and alimony. – mandellawfirm.com

Chaim Steinberger, P.C.

150 East 58th Street, Suite 2701, New York, NY 10155; 212-964-6100

Chaim Steinberger is the principal attorney and owner of Chaim Steinberger, P.C., a well-known law firm in New York City that provides legal representation to clients in a wide range of divorce types, including contested and uncontested divorce, international divorce, Jewish divorce, and military divorce, as well as family law matters such as prenuptial agreements, spousal maintenance, child custody, and child support. – manhattan-law.com

Bryant & Bleier, LLP

299 Broadway, Suite 708, New York, New York 10007; 646-561-9227

Darren D. Bleier is a partner at Bryant & Bleier, LLP, a family law firm in New York City that provides expert legal services and advice on the financial and child-related aspects of divorce. Uncontested divorces, same-sex divorces, and high-asset divorces, as well as pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, are primary focus areas. Bleier has significant experience handling a wide range of cases, including child support, child abuse, domestic violence, and custody trials. His numerous distinctions include being named to the ASLA’s Top 40 Under 40 Family Lawyers list and the AIFLA’s 10 Best Attorneys list. He was among the first attorneys to be certified in mediation under Part 146 of the New York State Unified Court System. – gbbfamilylaw.com

Ingrid Gherman – P.C.

225 Broadway #307, New York, NY 10007; 212-941-0767

Ingrid Gherman of the family law firm in New York Ingrid Gherman, P.C. has spent over 35 years focusing solely on matrimonial law, with a particular emphasis on divorce and child custody. She has a thorough understanding of all aspects of divorce and family law, including child support, spousal support and maintenance, distribution of marital property and assets, child custody and visitation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and enforcement and modification proceedings. She has also handled cases involving domestic violence, interstate and international child abduction, and contempt of court proceedings. Her knowledge and strict ethical standards have earned her a stellar reputation as a negotiator and litigator, as evidenced by her perfect ‘10.0’ peer review rating on Justia. – nysdivorcelawyer.net

Eiges & Orgel PLLC

233 Broadway, Suite 2205, New York, NY 10279; 347-848-1850

Kenneth Eiges, a partner at Eiges & Orgel PLLC Law Offices in New York City, has been a divorce lawyer for over 40 years. He has handled over 3000 divorce cases since beginning his practice, gaining extensive knowledge and expertise in matrimonial matters. Whether you need advice on child custody, spousal support, or the division of conjugal assets, his experience in divorce and family law will ensure you get the best advice possible. – divorcelawfirmnewyork.com

Elliot Green Law Firm

32 Court Street, Suite 404, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 718-260-8668

Elliot Green, a Brooklyn native, is a respected child custody and support attorney with extensive experience handling all aspects of divorce. As the founding partner of Elliot Green Law Offices, he represents clients in family and divorce law matters in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the surrounding areas of New York, including contested, uncontested, and high-net-worth divorce cases. He also advises on property division, alimony, child custody, child visitation, and child support, as well as international child custody and religious belief protection in divorces. Although he always attempts to settle disputes through negotiation and amicable means, he is not afraid to take a case to trial if it is in his client’s best interests. – elliotgreenlaw.com

Lois Margaret Brenner Law

12 East 86th St, Suite 1230, New York, NY 10028; 646-663-4546

Lois Margaret Brenner, a highly skilled divorce attorney with over 40 years of experience, represents clients in New York City in all aspects of divorce and family law, including divorce, spousal support and maintenance, child support, child custody and visitation, equitable distribution of marital property, marital agreements, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, enforcement and modification proceedings, same-sex marriage and divorce. She uses her combination of legal and medical skills as an accredited mediator and a licensed psychologically trained medical professional to assess the psychological dynamics of marriage and guide her clients in deciding whether litigation, mediation, or negotiation is the best course of action. She has received a perfect “10” rating for “peer recognition & client satisfaction” from the online legal marketplace, AVVO, in recognition of her high standing. – divorcelawyerny.com

Jeffery B. Peltz, P.C.

26 Court Street, Ste. 503, Brooklyn, New York 11242; 718-625-0800

Jeffrey B. Peltz, P.C. has successfully handled thousands of divorce cases since founding the firm in 1986. He has handled a variety of divorce types, including contested, uncontested, and dissolution by publication. He provides focused, experienced assistance with all aspects of divorce, including spousal support, child custody, and asset distribution. – aaalawyer.com

Kleyman Law Firm

One Rockefeller Plaza, 11th Floor, New York NY 10020; 212-401-1977

Val Kleyman has focused on matrimonial and family law since founding Kleyman Law Firm in 2004, representing clients in New York in a variety of divorce types, including contested divorce, uncontested divorce, and annulments. He has handled several high-profile and high-net-worth divorce cases, as well as clients with limited financial resources. Kleyman provides advice on prenuptial agreements and cases involving domestic violence, in addition to asset and property division, child and spousal support, and post-divorce compliance and modification. – nyc-divorcelawyer.com

Juan Luciano Law Offices

347 5th Av #1003, New York, NY 10016; 212-537-5859

Juan Luciano understands that a divorce can be a vulnerable and painful time for both parties, regardless of how amicable they are. He aims to help his clients navigate difficult times and look forward by providing objective advice and guidance through negotiation, mediation, and litigation. He has extensive experience in a wide range of divorce types, including contested and uncontested, same-sex, and dissolution by publication, and he provides advice on a wide range of family and divorce issues, including child custody and support, as well as prenuptial and separation agreements. – divorcelawfirmnyc.com

Knaplund & Kelly

399 Knollwood Rd., Suite 220, White Plains, NY 10603; 914-631-2657

Mary Frances Kelly, the owner of the New York City law firm Kelly & Knaplund, is a highly experienced lawyer with a thorough understanding of family law. She is a member of the New York Association of Collaborative Professionals (an organization dedicated to alternative dispute resolution and collaborative practice in family law cases) and has extensive mediation experience. She has helped thousands of clients successfully settle cases involving all aspects of divorce and family law by drawing on her knowledge and experience of both traditional litigation and contemporary dispute resolution models. – kellyandknaplund.com

Mark Weaver Law Firm

44 Court St. Suite 1217, Brooklyn, New York 11201; 718-223-5641

New York attorney Mark Weaver, who describes himself as an “easygoing, trustworthy professional in the office and a brazen, dragon-slaying protector in the courtroom,” provides excellent representation in cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, family issues, and equitable asset division. As someone who has gone through a divorce, he understands how difficult it can be, but he strives to make the process as smooth and easy for his clients as possible through expert guidance and counsel. All new clients are entitled to a free initial consultation. – mweaverlaw.com

A. Cohen Law Firm

110 E 59th Street 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10022; 516-341-7770

Avi Cohen is a founding partner of the A. Cohen Law Firm, a top-rated New York City law firm recognized by Expertise as one of the best divorce firms in the city. Cohen has over 15 years of experience in areas such as annulments, legal separations, prenuptial agreements, and both uncontested and contested divorce, as well as related family law matters such as property division, child custody and support, and spousal maintenance. – acohenlawfirm.com

Paul E. Rudder Law Firm

950 3rd Avenue 11th Floor, New York, NY 10022; 212-826-9900

Paul E. Rudder, according to kevsbest.com, is a top-rated and highly regarded divorce lawyer in New York City with over 30 years of experience in divorce and family law. Unlike some lawyers who delegate work to legal assistants and other attorneys, Rudder takes a hands-on approach, personally handling all documents, phone calls, and court appearances. Among his many honors are inclusion in The National Advocates: Top 100 and an AV rating from Martindale Hubbel. His Midtown Manhattan law firm handles contested/uncontested divorce, same-sex divorce, separation agreements, high net worth divorce, divorce mediation, pre-and post-nuptial agreements, and child custody disputes, among other things. – divorcelawyersnyc.org

Cedeo Law Group, PLLC

111 Broadway, Suite 707, New York, NY 10006; 646-475-3656

Peter L. Cedeo, the managing and founding partner of the divorce, family law, and criminal defense law firm Cedeo Law Group, PLLC, represents clients in divorce and family law matters in New York, including child support, custody, property maintenance, division, and pre/post-nuptial agreements. He is also well-versed in dealing with criminal matters such as violation of protective orders and failure to pay child support. – nyc-divorces.com

Berkman Bottger Newman & Rodd, LLP

521 Fifth Avenue, 31st Floor, New York, NY 10175; 212-466-6015

Jacqueline Newman, the managing partner of the New York-based matrimonial law firm Berkman Bottger Newman & Rodd, LLP, provides exceptional legal representation to residents of New York City, Manhattan, and the surrounding areas. She is a Thomson Reuters “Super Lawyer” with ten years of experience who provides capable, compassionate mediation, negotiation, and litigation services in all aspects of family law and divorce. – berkbot.com

Treuhaft & Zakarin, LLP

305 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10007; 212.725.6418

Miriam E Zakarin of the New York law firm Treuhaft & Zakarin, LLP focuses her practice on divorce and family law, providing zealous representation to clients in New York in all divorce matters, including high net worth divorce, child custody and visitation issues, equitable distribution, support motions, and more. In recognition of her stellar reputation, she has received a perfect “10” rating from AVVO for “peer recognition & client satisfaction.” – treulaw.com

The Wallack Firm, P.C.

370 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1001, New York, New York 10017; 212-651-6461

Robert Wallack is the founder and principal of The Wallack Firm, P.C., a prestigious New York City matrimonial boutique law firm. Wallack has focused on high-net-worth divorce and family law matters since beginning his career as a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, representing numerous high-profile clients from the worlds of show business, fashion, sports, and music. He represents clients in divorce proceedings, equitable distribution of marital property and assets, child custody and visitation, and child support. – wallackfirm.com

Find a Divorce Attorney

New York City Divorce FAQ

NYC Divorce Requirements

In order to obtain a divorce in the state of New York, you must meet the residency requirements as follows:

The parties were married in New York and one of the parties was a resident of the state when divorce proceedings began and had been a resident for one continuous year prior to the proceedings, or
Parties have resided in New York as husband and wife and one of the parties is a resident of the state when divorce proceedings begin and has been a resident for one continuous year prior to the proceedings, or
The cause of the divorce occurred in the state of New York and one of the parties was a resident of the state when divorce proceedings began and had been a resident for one continuous year prior to the proceedings, or
The cause of the divorce occurred in the state of New York and both parties were residents of the state for one continuous year prior to the initiation of divorce proceedings, or
Either party has been a resident of the state of New York for a period of two continuous years prior to the initiation of divorce proceedings.

What are the Grounds for Divorce in New York?

The state of New York no longer requires grounds for divorce. Prior to July 1, 2010, the state of New York required ‘grounds’ for divorce, established based on one of the following reasons:

Cruel and inhuman treatment where the plaintiff has suffered a level of physical or mental abuse that reaches the point in which it is no longer safe for the plaintiff to live with the defendant. Grounds for divorce cannot be a matter of mutual disagreement or “irreconcilable differences.”
Abandonment for a continuous period of one year or more by the defendant prior to initiation of the divorce complaint.
Imprisonment for at least three consecutive years following the actual date of marriage and lasting to the time of the initiation of a divorce complaint.
Adultery is defined as a voluntary act of sexual intercourse with a person other than your spouse. Adultery is difficult to prove, and a defendant’s admission to the act is not enough to use this as grounds for divorce.
Conversion of a separation judgment that has been assigned by a judge or referee of the court. Parties are required to live separate and apart for at least one year prior to initiation of a divorce complaint.
Conversion of a written separation agreement that has been formed between the parties agreeing to the terms and conditions of separate living arrangements. This agreement must be signed by both parties in the presence of a notary public and then filed with the county clerk in the county in which one of the parties resides.

Grounds for divorce must be made in a verified complaint with relevant facts and details, dates, and places of occurrence. Even uncontested divorces must provide some grounds for filing a divorce complaint, which could be fulfilled with such grounds as the parties living separate and apart for one year after a written separation agreement.

How Long Does A Divorce Take?

An uncontested divorce between spouses who have no children can be completed in 60 days. In most straightforward cases, divorce papers are delivered within one week, and a judgment of divorce is completed within 3-5 months. More complicated divorces can take 5-9 months, depending on the issues at stake. Complex divorces, where there are many disputes to resolve, can take up to 18 months.

What about Child Custody and Visitation?

Child custody and visitation will be determined by the court with the best interests of the child in mind. In cases where child custody is disputed, New York will often appoint a law guardian (a lawyer appointed by the court to represent the child or children) who will make an investigation and issue a recommendation to the court regarding child custody and visitation. Some of the possibilities for child custody are sole custody, joint custody, or shared custody. It is advised that you speak with your lawyer about these options.

What About Child Support?

In the state of New York, children under the age of 21 are entitled to be supported by their parents, according to their parents’ income and ability. Support is paid to the parent who has physical custody or primary residence of the children by the other parent. The court decides how much child support is paid.