Top Divorce Lawyers in Albany | 21 available

With hundreds of cases handled, The Law Office of Eric K. Schillinger is one of the best criminal defense firms in Albany. Our lawyer has protected the constitutional rights of people at the local level and has even tried multiple cases at the federal level. His integrity has earned the respect of both judges and prosecutors—a respect that gets life-changing results for our clients in the courtroom. When the people of Albany are looking to have their criminal charges reduced or even dropped, they turn The Law Office of Eric K. Schillinger. We will be proud to have the opportunity to defend your rights in court, and we won’t give up until your voice is fairly heard.

Upon graduation from law school Kevin took a position as an Assistant Public Defender for Columbia County.  During his two years in the public defender's office Kevin gained valuable experience in all types of family court matters including custody, abuse/neglect and support.  In 2000 Kevin accepted a position with the Albany law firm Roland, Koblenz & Petroccione, LLP where he gained additional civil litigation, real estate and surrogates court experience.  In 2005 Kevin, Emilio Petroccione and Carl Ferrintino formed Colwell, Ferrentino and Petroccione, LLP.  In 2008 Mary Colwell joined the firm.  Today, Kevin and Mary lead a team of over twenty at the Colwell Law Group, LLC helping families successfully navigate child custody and divorce litigation.

Since 1984, I have been working with families in transition through difficult times. In 2006, I added Collaborative Process training to be able to offer clients and their families a non-court, non-litigious option, working with Mental Health Professionals, Mediators and Financial Neutrals in  a cooperative a dignified process.. My partner Kathleen and I are committed to helping you understand your rights and your options. Contact us today for a consultation.

My experience includes all aspects of matrimonial law, including divorce, custody, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution of assets, mothers’ rights, fathers’ rights, adoption, domestic violence, and all related family law issues. I have had extensive trial experience, and have resolved hundreds of cases amicably, without litigation.. I have also been a Law Guardian representing children in custody, juvenile delinquency, PINS, and in child abuse and neglect circumstances. I have recently served as staff attorney for the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, focusing on child abuse and maltreatment accusations.. In addition to private practice, I served 10 years as Principal Court Attorney for a Family Court judge who also served as acting justice of the NYS Supreme Court. This decade of Court Attorney experience has enabled me to better understand the judicial perspective which has often been advantageous in seeking solutions to the unique circumstances of clients involved in complex family law issues. Above all, I am committed to client advocacy, protecting the rights and promoting the interests of adults and children that I represent.

Matrimonial and Family Law Attorney

Mary T. Colwell (nee Pasqualino) graduated from Albany Law School of University in Albany, New York in 2001 with a concentration in Criminal Law. While at Albany Law School, Mary was a member of the Moot Court Board, the Women's Law Caucus and Vice-President of the Italian-American Law Students Association. Ms. Colwell was admitted to the New Jersey State bar in December of 2001 and the New York State bar in January of 2002. She is also admitted in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. In May of 2005, Ms. Colwell was selected for admission to the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.. Ms. Colwell worked for the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office in the Motions and Appeals Bureau, where she acquired prosecutorial experience, upon graduation. She remained in New Jersey for one year, gaining invaluable general practice experience at Hobbie, Corrigan, Bertuccio & Taschy. However, her desire to work in Albany, where she was born and raised, led her the Law Offices of Alice K. Berke, P.C. in 2003, where she concentrated her practice in Matrimonial/Family Law, Real Estate (including real estate closings and landlord-tenant matters), Vehicle and Traffic Law, and Criminal Law.. Ms. Colwell joined her husband, Kevin, at Colwell, Ferrentino & Petroccione, LLP in September of 2008 and is currently a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Capital District Women's Bar Association.  The firm name was subsequently renamed once Ms. Colwell became a partner.. Mary continues to concentrate her practice in Matrimonial/Family Law, Real Estate (including real estate closings and land-lord tenant disputes), Vehicle and Traffic Law, and Criminal Law. However, she is well versed in many general practice areas.

Lorraine R. Silverman is a Partner with Copps DiPaola Silverman, PLLC. She practices exclusively in the field of matrimonial and family law and represents individuals in the negotiation and litigation of all family law matters, including, but not limited to divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence matters, intimate partner companion animal (“pet”) custody disputes, intimate partner real / personal property disputes, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. She has extensive experience representing clients in both Supreme and Family Court. As part of her practice, Ms. Silverman also serves as an Attorney for Children in Albany County. Ms. Silverman was selected as a Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine for 2016 – 2021.. In addition to her private practice, Ms. Silverman serves on a number of Committees, Boards, and participates in other volunteer civic activities throughout the community. For example, Ms. Silverman was to the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Children & the Law where she currently serves as the Committee Chair. In 2021, she was appointed to the New York State Bar Association’s Committee to Review Judicial Nominations. She was also appointed to the Albany County Bar Association’s Board of Directors where she currently serves as the Chair of its Pro Bono Committee. Ms. Silverman serves as a member of the New York State Bar Association’s Family Law Section, a member of the New York State Bar Association’s Family Law Section’s Committee on Domestic Violence, a member of the Cyber & Sexual Assault Task Force, and a member of the Capital District Women’s Bar Association. Finally, Ms. Silverman provides free and reduced fee legal assistance to victims of domestic violence through The Legal Project’s Pro Bono and Reduced Fee Attorney Panel. Copps DiPaola Silverman, PLLC hosts a free legal clinic once per month through The Legal Project on various family law topics, and our Attorneys volunteer multiple times per month at the Albany County Bar Association’s Family Court’s Virtual Help Center to provide free legal advice to litigants in need. In addition, Ms. Silverman served as immediate past-President of the School’s Out, Inc. Board of Directors, which is a before and after school program in the Town of Bethlehem for working parents.. Ms. Silverman has also lectured for Certified Legal Education (CLE) programs sponsored by the Appellate Division Third Judicial Department’s Office of Attorneys for Children, the New York State Bar Association, the Albany County Bar Association, the Empire Justice Center, and The Legal Project. Ms. Silverman has also provided educational trainings for the community on various topics related to matrimonial and family law.. Ms. Silverman also serves her community politically. In 2018, she was elected by the Albany County Democratic Committee to serve on the Executive Board as Treasurer, and she has been a Committee Person for the Bethlehem Democratic Committee since 2017. In 2018, she served as Treasurer for a successful Democratic New York State Supreme Court Judicial Candidate. She served as Chair of the Albany County Democratic Committee’s 2018 Law Committee, and served as the Secretary for the 2018 New York Third Judicial District Convention of the Democratic Party. She currently serves at Co-Chair of the 2021 Albany County Democratic Committee’s Law Committee.. Ms. Silverman graduated cum laude from Ithaca College. She then went on to receive her J.D. degree with a concentration in family and elder law from Albany Law School, where she received the Martin H. Belsky Graduation Prize for Commitment to Public Interest.. Ms. Silverman resides in Altamont, New York with her husband (Adam), and their son and two dogs.

Lauren has dedicated herself to helping individuals with their family legal matters since 2009.  She has extensive experience representing clients in separation, divorce, child custody, child visitation, paternity, child support, maintenance (alimony), pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and post-judgment enforcement and modification matters. Lauren is also trained in the practice of Collaborative Divorce - a non-adversarial method to divorce that is focused on achieving a civil, respectful and fair divorce outside of court. Lauren also maintains an active adoption practice as well as an estate planning practice.. Family problems must be resolved quickly, cost-effectively, and in a way that addresses the client's short and long term needs in a practical way. Lauren understands this and works to craft individualized solutions that are practical, realistic, and account for each client's unique facts. Whether the matter is resolved in court or at the negotiation table, Lauren advocates for her clients in a professional and zealous manner while remaining sensitive to the many emotions and concerns that are a natural part of any family issue. She truly enjoys the work she does and the clients she has had the privilege to represent.. Lauren was named to the Super Lawyers list in the area of Family Law in 2014-2019 and has received other awards in recognition of her professionalism and advocacy in the areas of Family and Matrimonial Law.. Lauren's other involvements in the legal and non-legal community include: serving on several committees for the New York State Bar Association, sitting on the Board of the Collaborative Divorce Association of the Capital District and the Board of the Shaker Heritage Society, and volunteering her time as a foster parent for a local dog rescue.. Whenever she has a free moment, Lauren can be found hiking a mountain with her husband, tackling a new home improvement project, or spending time with her beloved rescue dog, Sam.

Jo Ann E. Coughtry is a seasoned family law attorney with over three decades of experience representing clients exclusively in Matrimonial and Family Law across New York State. Based in Albany, she is known for her adept legal acumen in handling complex divorce cases, child custody disputes, asset division, and support matters. Whether a case is contested or uncontested, Jo Ann provides personalized counsel and strategic advocacy to achieve her clients’ goals while maintaining the privacy and dignity of the family.Jo Ann earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Russell Sage College (1987) and her Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School (1991). She is a member of the New York State Bar Association and previously served as an Assistant Public Defender for Albany County, where she represented indigent clients in criminal matters.Highly regarded for her knowledge of divorce law, Jo Ann is an experienced litigator and negotiator who has resolved countless family law disputes. She approaches each case with a tailored strategy, recognizing that some matters are best resolved through negotiation while others require courtroom advocacy. Her ultimate goal is to guide clients through difficult transitions with respect, professionalism, and a focus on achieving lasting solutions.

Hello, and thank you for visiting my profile! I have over 30 years of experience as a Matrimonial/Family Law attorney who now limits his practice to Mediation. I have been certified as a Mediator for many years. Mediation allows individuals in conflict to play an active role in resolving their differences. As a neutral facilitator I strive to help people make decisions together, providing them with control of the process, flexibility in making fully informed, customized decisions, and the ability to deal with each other with personal integrity. As a participant in mediation, you create the agreement and you control the process. Legal costs and fees are less than those incurred in litigation, an agreement can be reached in a timely manner, and the entire process remains private. I will also act as a coach to a person going through mediation in front of a different mediator. If you would like to know more about this process, please contact me at the information below. Thank you!

For years, Michael has been relentlessly fighting for the rights of Capital Region spouses, parents and grandparents in virtually every aspect of family and matrimonial law. As a Senior Counsel at Tully Rinckey PLLC, Michael provides representation in matters relating to divorce, parental alienation, separation agreements, annulments, child custody, child support, modifications to child support and child custody, enforcement of divorce decrees, spousal maintenance, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, orders of protection and family offenses.. Michael came to Tully Rinckey PLLC after operating a successful solo law practice in Clifton Park for nearly two decades. There, he primarily practiced family and matrimonial law and criminal defense. He has extensive experience serving as an Attorney for the Child for Saratoga County Family and Supreme courts as well as serving as assigned counsel for the Saratoga County Public Defender’s Office in the same courts.. Michael is a Troy native who has spent his entire legal career practicing in the Capital Region. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and its Family Law Division and works monthly at the legal clinic in Ballston Spa, New York. Michael also serves as a judge for the Schenectady County Mock Trial Competition.

For well over two decades, Barbara has been representing parents, spouses and other parties from Long Island to the Capital Region, as well as clients nationally and internationally, in a wide range of family and matrimonial matters. She is a partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC and heads one of the firm’s largest legal departments in Albany. She is experienced in representing New Yorkers in proceedings relating to divorce, separation, equitable distribution, annulment, child support, child custody, spousal maintenance and adoption.. After graduating Valedictorian of her class at John Jay University, Barbara earned her juris doctorate from the City University of New York at Queens College. She practiced on Long Island for several years before relocating to the Capital Region. Prior to joining Tully Rinckey PLLC, Barbara held a principal role at a longstanding Capital Region law firm, where she focused her practice on family and matrimonial law.. Barbara has a well-established connection and commitment to the Capital Region through various professional and not-for-profit organizations, as well as volunteer work. She is a member of the Capital District Women’s Bar Association, where she previously held the position of treasurer and was editor of its newsletter. Barbara is involved in various legal organizations, including The Legal Project and the Legal Aid Society for Northeastern New York, where she informs litigants of their rights in family court and offers pro-bono representation.. Barbara also works with domestic violence initiatives, assists Legal Project clinics and offers her services in pro se matrimonial clinics for indigent people all at no charge. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association and a past Board member of the Schenectady County Bar Association, of which she is the current Chair of the Pro Bono Committee. In this capacity, she instituted a Modest Means panel program that offers reduced legal fee services to low-income litigants with divorce and family law cases in Schenectady County. She is a past and current delegate to the New York State Bar Association.. For her commitment to the community, Barbara has received numerous awards, including the Suffolk County Pro Bono Award in 1994, the Capital District Women’s Bar Association Volunteer Attorney Award in 2001, the New York State Bar Association Pro Bono Award in 2004, the American Bar Association Difference Maker Award from the Solo/Small Practice Section in 2009, the Schenectady County Bar Association’s Lawyer of the Year award in 2010, the Schenectady County Human Rights Commission’s Justice Award in 2011 and was honored with the New York Law Journal Lawyers Who Lead by Example award in 2012, the 2014 Kimberly A. Troisi-Paton Leadership Award and, most recently, The Legal Project’s 2015 Stanley A. Rosen Award for Service to Victims of Domestic Violence.. Barbara is a former trustee of Davis College in Johnson City, N.Y.; a former board member of the City Mission of Schenectady; and the Alpha Pregnancy Center in Albany.. Barbara is also a past instructor of Paralegal Studies for both New York Institute of Technology and Bryant & Stratton. She has conducted continuing legal education seminars for Albany Law School, Schenectady County Bar Association, NBI and the Lorman Group. She has presented – and is a continuing presenter – for the New York State Bar Association and Third Department’s Law Guardian training programs.

Dependability is crucial while navigating the legal process. Mr. Drescher puts the upmost importance on being available to his clients during stressful times. He couples unmatched reliability with patience and warmth. Clients should expect strong legal advocacy and superior client relations.. A significant portion of Mr. Drescher’s practice consists of matrimonial and family law. He provides advice and counsel with regard to distribution of marital property, spousal support, custody and visitation, child support, as well as issues of paternity, pre-nuptials, protective orders, and enforcement of Family Court Orders. In addition, Mr. Drescher helps his clients with certain estate, probate, real property and minor criminal matters.. Mr. Drescher was admitted to the New York Bar on November 16, 2017, and the Massachusetts Bar on November 20, 2014. He received his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts, before returning to his home town of Albany, New York. He received a Bachelors of Arts from Siena College, with a double major in Political Science and Marketing, and a Certificate in Pre-Law. Mr. Drescher participates in several legal organizations, including the New York State Bar Association, Albany Bar Association, and American Bar Association.. In his limited spare time, Mr. Drescher is proud to serve his community as an active Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). He is an avid sports fan.

Barrett D. Mack is the founder of Mack & Associates, PLLC. His practice exclusively concentrates in the areas of matrimonial and family law.. Barrett regularly handles any type of domestic matter including complicated divorce actions involving the valuation and distribution of assets, child custody litigation, and support issues. He practices in Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie and Sullivan counties.. Barrett is committed to giving back to the community by offering pro-bono representation for the Capital District Women’s Bar Association Legal Project, representing victims of domestic violence in Family Court, for which he received the 2006 Brigid Nolan Memorial Award from the Legal Project, the 2008 Pro Bono Award from the CDW-BA, and the 2014 Swyer Companies Leadership Award.. Barrett served the County of Columbia as an Assistant County Attorney for 8 years.. Barrett was published in the area of employee benefits in the New York State Bar Association Journal,September 2005 Issue, Vol. 77, No. 7, Page 32, Tax Alert—Major Changes in Rules Governing NQDCAs and successfully handles appeals to the Appellate Division, Third Department, see People v. Davis, 72 A.D. 3d 1292, (3rd Dept. 2010); People v. Perez, 93 A.D.3d 1032, (3rd Dept. 2012); People v. Russ, 118 A.D.3d 1039, (3rd Dept. 2014); People v. Clapper, 133 A.O.3d 1036 (3rd Dept. 2015); Funaro v. Funaro 141 A.D. 3d. 893 (Third Dept., 2016); Zakariah SS v. Tara TT 2016 N.Y. App. Div. LEXIS 6833 (Third Dept., 2016); Decker v. Decker, 148 A.D.3d 1272 (Third Dep't., 2017); Kinberly C. v. Christopher C., 155 A.D.3d 1329 (Third Dep't., 2017) Tiger v. Tiger, 155 A.D.3d 1386 (Third Dep't, 2017); Stuart v. Stuart, 155 A.D.3d 1371 (Third Dep't., 2017); Montoya v. Davis, 156 A.D.3d 132 (Third Dep't., 2017); Matula v. Matula, 159 A.D.3d 1074 (Third Dep't., 2018).. Barrett was selected to Super Lawyers, Upstate Edition, in 2017 and 2018.  Barrett serves as the treasurer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region and serves on the Board of Directors of the Bethlehem Soccer Club.. Barrett is admitted to practice law in both New York and Connecticut. Barrett lives in Delmar with his wife and two young children.