Navigating a divorce or family law dispute in New York demands expert guidance. With high stakes emotional, financial, and familial choosing the right attorney can transform a stressful challenge into a manageable process.
This article profiles the seven best family law firms in New York, each renowned for their specialized experience, tailored strategies, and commitment to clients.
Whether you need aggressive litigation, a streamlined uncontested divorce, collaborative law, or sensitive custody negotiation, you’ll find detailed firm descriptions, decision‑making tips, and answers to your most pressing questions.
Our Top Picks for New York Family Law Firms
David Centeno Law – NY Divorce Lawyer
David Centeno Law specializes in both contested and uncontested divorce across New York State, offering fast, flat‑fee options and free initial consultations. Attorney Centeno is a Super Lawyers Rising Star and Forbes Business Council member, with deep roots in NYC, he handles high‑net‑worth, same‑sex, and military divorces alongside prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Clients praise his empathetic approach and accessibility, from his Midtown East and Financial District offices.
Call: (866) 830-2064
Address: 767 3rd Ave #2400, New York, NY 10017
New York Family Law Group
Founded by Martin Mohr and Ethan Steward, this Bronx‑based firm brings over 30 years of combined experience in divorce, custody, visitation, and support matters. The team focuses on personalized attention, guiding families through complex proceedings with compassion. They advocate for father’s and grandparent’s rights, protective orders, and modifications, aiming to resolve disputes out of court whenever possible.
Call: (718) 293-1542
Address: 932 Sheridan Ave, Bronx, NY 10451
Vacca Family Law Group
Vacca Family Law Group in Midtown and Grand Central Place excels in collaborative divorce, negotiated agreements, and mediation consulting. Their attorneys—led by founding attorney Andrea Vacca—prioritize discretion, creative resolutions, and children’s well‑being. Services include pre‑divorce guidance, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and high‑net‑worth divorce support. Testimonials highlight their responsiveness and non‑adversarial style.
Call: (212) 768-1115
Address: 60 E 42nd St # 700, New York, NY 10165
Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. | Divorce Lawyer
Located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Richard Shum leverages over a decade of litigation and negotiation experience to protect families’ rights during divorce, custody, and support disputes. He emphasizes strategic planning over one‑size‑fits‑all approaches, offering evening and weekend appointments and free case assessments. His practice extends to transactional law and real estate, reflecting a versatile skill set.
Call: +1 646-259-3416
Address: 20 Clinton St # 5d, New York, NY 10002, United States
Rudyuk Law Firm, P.C. – Divorce Attorney NYC
The Rudyuk Law Firm under Ksenia Rudyuk delivers comprehensive support in contested and uncontested divorces, child custody, spousal and child support, prenuptial agreements, and post‑judgment modifications. Known as a child‑oriented firm, they uncover hidden assets, negotiate fair settlements, and handle enforcement proceedings across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond.
Call: +1 212-706-2001
Address: 20 Vesey St #400, New York, NY 10007, United States
Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein
As one of New York’s largest family law firms, Berkman Bottger offers all three divorce pathways: litigation, collaborative law, and mediation. With offices in Manhattan, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey, their team handles prenuptial agreements, custody disputes, spousal maintenance, appeals, and enforcement. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Super Lawyers, they blend trial advocacy with alternative dispute resolution.
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Kleyman Domestic Relations Law Firm
Val Kleyman leads this boutique Manhattan firm that focuses exclusively on complex and high‑net‑worth divorces. With over 1,000 cases handled, he offers litigation, mediation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and family court representation. Celebrated as “The Wall Street Divorce Lawyer,” Mr. Kleyman serves celebrities, executives, and pro bono clients, emphasizing strategy tailored to each unique situation.
Call: +1 212-401-1977
Address: 445 Park Ave FL 9, New York, NY 10022, United States
How to Choose the Best One for You
Selecting the right family law firm hinges on matching your needs with a firm’s strengths. Consider their area of specialization (e.g., high‑net‑worth, collaborative law, child custody), fee structure (flat fee vs. hourly), office location for convenient court access, and the attorney’s availability and communication style.
Look for credentials such as Super Lawyers recognition, experience in your county’s courts, and client testimonials. A free consultation can reveal whether your prospective attorney listens attentively, explains options clearly, and inspires confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What should I look for in a New York family law attorney?
Seek attorneys with specialized credentials—Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, or AV Preeminent® ratings—and experience in your particular matter, whether it’s contested divorce, collaborative law, or custody. Evaluate their communication style, availability for after‑hours calls, and whether they offer flat fees or payment plans to fit your budget.
Q: How do uncontested and contested divorces differ in New York?
An uncontested divorce proceeds smoothly when spouses agree on all terms, saving time and costs; firms like David Centeno Law and Rudyuk Law Firm streamline this process. A contested divorce involves disputes over support, property, or custody, requiring litigation and detailed strategic planning from firms such as Berkman Bottger or Kleyman Law.
Q: Can mediation or collaborative law save time and money?
Yes. Mediation and collaborative law focus on negotiated agreements outside court, reducing legal fees and emotional stress. Vacca Family Law Group and Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein specialize in these alternative pathways, guiding couples through amicable resolutions with professional facilitators.
Q: What factors affect child custody and support decisions?
Courts consider the child’s best interests, parental fitness, existing custody arrangements, and each parent’s financial capacity. Family court attorneys, like those at New York Family Law Group, Rudyuk Law Firm, and Shum’s office, prepare evidence and advocate for equitable parenting time and support aligned to statutory formulas.
Q: How much does it typically cost to hire a divorce lawyer in NYC?
Costs vary: flat fees for uncontested divorces can range from \$1,997 to \$3,947 (David Centeno Law) while contested cases billed hourly may accumulate more. Expect retainer requirements, hourly rates \$300–\$600+, and additional court or expert fees. Always clarify fee structures during the initial consultation.