Best Family law attorneys in New York, NY (2026)

How we ranked: Our editorial team evaluated candidates using four weighted criteria. We prioritized practice focus and specialization in family law matters (40%), valuing firms that dedicate significant resources to divorce, custody, and matrimonial issues. Online reputation signals including peer recognition, directory listings, and professional awards accounted for 30% of our assessment. We allocated 20% to accessibility and client service indicators, examining how firms present their services to prospective clients. Finally, breadth of services within family law (10%) helped us identify practices capable of handling diverse case types from high net worth divorces to child custody disputes.

1. Cohen Clair Lans Greifer & Simpson LLP

Our top editorial pick for 2026, Cohen Clair Lans Greifer & Simpson LLP stood out to us primarily for its consistent Band 1 ranking in the Chambers Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth Guide over eight consecutive years. Named partners Robert Stephan Cohen, Bernard E. Clair, and Deborah L. Lans bring impressive credentials to the practice. The firm appears to focus particularly on high net worth clients, which in our assessment signals deep expertise in complex asset division, prenuptial agreements, and sophisticated financial matters. We selected this firm for the top position based on the sustained peer recognition it has received, which in our view indicates both longevity and quality in one of the most competitive legal markets in the world.

2. Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP

Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP impressed our editorial team as one of the largest divorce and family law firms operating in New York. Scale matters in family law practice, and the firm's size suggests to us a depth of resources that can benefit clients facing complicated divorce and family disputes. The firm appears to service a wide range of family law needs including custody disputes, support orders, and various divorce-related matters. We ranked this practice second because its combination of size, specialization, and multiple directory recognitions presented as particularly strong. The firm's focus on both divorce and broader family law issues gives it versatility that we believe serves clients well across different case types and complexity levels.

3. Krauss Shaknes Tallentire & Messeri LLP

We selected Krauss Shaknes Tallentire & Messeri LLP for third position based on its strong reputation in Chambers rankings as one of the leading firms for family and matrimonial matters in New York. Partner Heidi Tallentire's inclusion on the Best Lawyers directory further reinforced our editorial assessment. The firm appears particularly well-regarded for high net worth cases, suggesting expertise in complex financial situations that characterize many New York divorces. In our view, the combination of Chambers recognition and peer-reviewed accolades indicates a practice that has earned respect from other family law professionals. This type of reputation signal carries significant weight in our methodology because it reflects sustained quality over time rather than marketing claims.

4. Aronson Mayefsky & Sloan LLP

Aronson Mayefsky & Sloan LLP earned our fourth spot through the recognition of partner David Aronson on the Best Lawyers directory, a peer-reviewed publication we consider credible in our assessment process. While less information was available about this firm compared to higher-ranked practices, the Best Lawyers designation carries weight in our editorial judgment because attorneys cannot pay for inclusion and must be nominated by peers. The firm name suggests a partnership structure, which often indicates established practice with multiple attorney resources. We view this practice as a solid choice for clients seeking experienced family law representation backed by peer recognition. The firm's presence in multiple legal directories reinforced our decision to include it in our top ten.

5. Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP

Our editorial pick for fifth position, Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP appeared on the Best Law Firms directory for family law in New York. This recognition, combined with the firm's established presence in the New York legal market, made it stand out to us during our evaluation process. The partnership structure and firm name longevity suggest to us a stable practice with multiple attorneys who can handle various family law matters. While we had less detail about specific practice areas compared to some higher-ranked firms, the Best Law Firms listing carries credibility in our methodology. We believe this firm represents a strong option for clients seeking established counsel with peer-validated quality in family law matters throughout New York City.

6. Barrows Levy PLLC

Barrows Levy PLLC distinguished itself in our editorial assessment through its dual geographic focus on both New York City and Long Island. This broader service area stood out to us because it suggests resources and capabilities beyond a single borough or neighborhood. The firm describes itself as highly experienced and focused on providing quality legal services, which aligns with our criteria around accessibility and client service. While the firm serves Long Island extensively, its New York City presence made it eligible for our ranking. We positioned this practice sixth because the geographic versatility combined with the firm's stated experience level presents as valuable for clients who may have ties to multiple areas or assets distributed across regions.

7. Law Offices of Elliot Green

The Law Offices of Elliot Green earned seventh position in our ranking through its specialized Brooklyn focus and particular expertise in child custody and domestic violence cases. We selected this firm because specialization in sensitive matters like domestic violence signals to us both experience and commitment to challenging case types. Brooklyn clients often seek local attorneys familiar with Kings County courts and procedures, making this borough-specific practice valuable. Attorney Elliot Green's focus on family law, divorce, child custody, and domestic violence presents as a well-defined practice area rather than a generalist approach. In our editorial judgment, this specialization serves clients well when facing these specific legal challenges. The firm's clear articulation of its practice areas helped it stand out during our evaluation.

8. Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC

We ranked the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC eighth based on founding attorney Robert Tsigler's recognition as a Top 40 Under 40 lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers Association. This designation stood out to us as evidence of rising talent and recognition among younger attorneys. While the firm may have less longevity than some higher-ranked practices, the professional accolade suggests strong capabilities and growing reputation. In our editorial view, awards recognizing younger attorneys can indicate fresh perspective combined with demonstrated skill. The firm's New York City focus and family law practice area alignment made it a strong candidate for inclusion. We believe clients seeking energetic representation with recognized talent may find this practice particularly appealing given the founder's professional recognition.

9. Law Offices of Andreas Vasilatos

The Law Offices of Andreas Vasilatos secured ninth position through its impressive 90 years of combined legal experience across the team and its Queens focus. This substantial collective experience stood out to us during evaluation, suggesting deep knowledge accumulated across multiple attorneys over time. The firm's marketing emphasizes exceptional skill and insight, and while we treat such claims as promotional, the experience metric provides concrete support. Queens represents a large and diverse borough with its own family court system, making local expertise valuable. In our assessment, the combination of geographic focus, substantial team experience, and family law specialization presented as solid credentials. We view this practice as particularly well-suited for Queens residents seeking attorneys familiar with local courts and procedures.

10. Levoritz Law Firm

Rounding out our top ten, Levoritz Law Firm earned selection based on its Manhattan focus and decades of combined experience among its family lawyers. The firm's emphasis on providing solutions tailored to unique situations resonated with our accessibility and client service criteria. Manhattan represents the heart of New York City's legal market, and firms practicing there face significant competition, which in our view means survival and growth signal quality. While positioned tenth in our ranking, we still consider this a strong practice option for Manhattan residents dealing with family law matters. The firm's articulation of its commitment to customized approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions stood out to us as client-focused positioning that aligns with quality family law practice.

FAQ

What should I look for when choosing a family law attorney in New York?

In our editorial view, clients should prioritize attorneys with specific family law experience rather than general practitioners. Look for lawyers familiar with New York courts where your case will be heard, particularly if you live in a specific borough. Peer recognition through directories like Best Lawyers, Chambers, or Super Lawyers can signal quality, though these shouldn't be the only factor. Consider whether the firm handles cases similar to yours in complexity and subject matter, whether that's high net worth divorce, child custody, domestic violence, or other specific issues. Initial consultation conversations can reveal whether an attorney's communication style and approach align with your needs and comfort level.

How much do family law attorneys typically cost in New York City?

Attorney fees vary widely based on experience, firm size, case complexity, and geographic location within New York. Hourly rates for family law attorneys in Manhattan often range higher than in outer boroughs, and high net worth or complex cases typically command premium rates. Some attorneys offer flat fees for specific services like uncontested divorces, while contested matters usually involve hourly billing. Retainer arrangements are common, where clients pay an upfront amount that the attorney bills against as work progresses. We recommend discussing fee structures, billing practices, and cost estimates during initial consultations. Many attorneys offer free or low-cost initial meetings where fee questions can be addressed before any commitment.

What's the difference between family law and matrimonial law in New York?

The terms overlap significantly and many attorneys use them interchangeably. Matrimonial law specifically refers to matters related to marriage, including divorce, separation, annulment, prenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements. Family law encompasses matrimonial issues but also extends to matters that may not involve marriage, such as child custody and visitation for unmarried parents, paternity establishment, child support, adoption, guardianship, and domestic violence orders of protection. In practical terms, most family law attorneys handle both matrimonial and broader family matters. When researching attorneys, look at their specific practice areas to ensure they handle your particular legal issue, whether that's divorce or another family law matter.

Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in New York?

While New York allows self-representation in divorce cases, including uncontested divorces, most people benefit from at least consulting with an attorney. Even uncontested divorces involve important legal documents, court procedures, and decisions about property division, support, and potentially custody that have long-term consequences. An attorney can ensure paperwork is completed correctly, all required legal steps are followed, and your rights are protected even in an amicable situation. Some attorneys offer limited scope representation or unbundled services for uncontested divorces at lower cost than full representation. In our view, the relatively modest investment in legal guidance for an uncontested divorce often prevents future problems and ensures the process is handled properly from the start.

Editorial opinion only. Rankings reflect our independent assessment based on the criteria above, drawn from publicly available information current as of 2026-05-14. No firm paid for placement or editorial review.