As a young child, I witnessed the pain of my own parents' divorce. The bitter and often violent behavior that came into our home during this time left an unforgettable mark on me, as did the aftermath of custody fights, visitation schedules, lack of child support, etc. As an adult, I took that painful experience and turned it into a strength and into my life's mission; to prevent other families from experiencing this turmoil. You have options.
As an attorney, I dedicate my services to assisting individuals who are going through family issues or divorce, to do so in a respectful and dignified way. Not one that will leave you, your spouse or your children with feelings of despair, confusion and uncertainty in the future. While it is my job to protect you and your rights, my main focus will always be on helping you to make the best decisions for your future. I very rarely advocate litigation. The truth is, litigation is costly, both emotionally and financially, and there is never a winner. Never. I encourage all of my clients to consider alternative ways to end a marriage or settle a family dispute; be it mediation, settlement talks, or Collaborative Divorce. Although pursuing these processes can be difficult and even painful, they will help you explore options you didn't know existed and will not leave you emotionally and financially bankrupt, the way litigation can.
I am a lifelong Long Islander, growing up on the east end of the Island. I raised my children here, graduated from SUNY Stony Brook with a degree in psychology and got my law degree from Hofstra University School of Law. I was trained in the formal Collaborative Divorce process in May 2017 and completed intensive mediation training through Hofstra University several years before that. For the past 20 plus years, I have worked with developmentally disabled women in assisting them with independent living. I am a member of the Education committee of the New York State Council of Divorce Mediators and a member of the Access to Collaborative committee of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. I am also the founder and President of the Long Island Collaborative Divorce Professionals, Inc., a coalition of interdisciplinary experts who are all dedicated to serving Long Island families in supportive and confidential ways during times of family crisis. I am committed to my family, my community and every single one of my clients.