Our Services

Divorce & Separation

Personalized service throughout the Divorce Process

Before the commencement of the divorce process or at the beginning stages of your divorce, you may have questions or maybe uncertain about how the divorce process will unfold. Additionally, our firm offers extensive consultations for other family law matters including but not limited to custody and visitation, child support, post-divorce matters, and adoption.

  • High Asset/Net Worth Divorce

  • Marital Agreements

  • Contested, Uncontested, and No-Fault Divorce

  • Filing for Divorce

  • Legal Separation

  • Modification of Agreements

  • Negotiation and Settlement

  • Same-sex Relationships

Gabriele Law PLLC provides comprehensive legal representation to clients throughout the divorce and separation process. Our lawyers are by your side every step of the way beginning with the initial divorce filing through the negotiation process, litigation before both the Family Court and Supreme Court, and the appeals process. We also help clients modify existing divorce agreements to better reflect the realities of their evolving daily lives.

  • Separation Agreements

  • Pre and Post Marital (post-nuptial) Agreements

  • Co-Habitation Agreements

  • Asset Division

  • Spousal Support

  • Child Support

  • Mediation

  • Post-judgment Modifications

Finding the right divorce lawyer can make a difference in resolving what can be a difficult time of transition. Whether it’s about understanding how to file for divorce or serving divorce papers, our attorneys will guide you through the process, provide you with personalized attention, and be sure to help you navigate the complexities of Divorce:

Gabriele Law PLLC will negotiate to resolve issues in the most amicable way. We never encourage litigation when a beneficial settlement agreement can be reached. We rely on our experience to craft comprehensive, smart legal strategies that protect our clients’ interests, resolve their legal disputes, and help them move forward with their lives.

High Net Worth Divorce Disputes

High net worth divorce disputes over assets and property division can be highly contentious.

As a marriage breaks down, most people understand that the household budget and asset structures will take a new course during the separation process and when the dissolution of marriage is complete.

Have you earned or contributed to income in a high net worth household, created substantial wealth during the course of a marriage, or need to protect your interests in a complex asset structure? If so, the knowledge, resources, and experience of your attorney in these complex matters are vital to your financial security.

Our attorneys have experience in property disputes relating to complex financial structures, real estate and real estate investment vehicles, venture capital and financial services firms, stock options and deferred compensation packages, trusts, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and privately held companies, and professional practices and other high-income careers. If you think you have a high net worth divorce, contact us today.

Modifications of Divorce Judgment

Our attorneys know that life circumstances change and we routinely pursue a modification of proceedings in the courts.

In order to pursue the modification of a divorce judgment, there must be proof that there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances that affects child custody and support or spousal maintenance (alimony). Circumstances that can be the basis for a modification include:

  • Relocation involving minor children

  • Change in employment status

  • Increase or decrease in income

  • Unforeseen expenses

  • Issues concerning visitation

Child Support & Spousal Support

The divorce process involves resolving some issues like the division of property, spousal maintenance (or alimony), and child support and custody.

Unfortunately, many marriages end in separation or divorce, which can be overwhelming not only for spouses but for the entire family as well. One of the biggest questions may center on whether one spouse will be entitled to alimony and/or child support. If you are considering a divorce, it is essential that you know your rights to protect your interests, your children’s well being, as well as your assets and finances.

We are here to guide you through one of the most important financial decisions of your lifetime.

Experienced matrimonial and family law attorneys at Gabriele Law PLLC employ forensic accountants and other specialists to review and provide guidance on the following issues:

  • Equitable division of debt

  • Potential tax consequences of asset division

  • Prenuptial Agreements

  • Vocational and business valuation and assessment

  • Division of retirement and other income accounts

  • Strategic structuring of payout settlements

  • Child support and spousal support distributions

  • Determination of marital and separate property

  • Review of Property Settlement Agreements

Child Custody & Visitation

When a change of life occurs, children can often complicate issues, and finding the right solution can take the utmost care and attention.

Our family law attorneys not only understand the child custody laws but also the emotional toll custody battles can take on all family members. Our care and concern are genuine, and we’ll help you find the best solution for your family if you are facing any of these issues:

  • Custody and visitation

  • Custody for unmarried parents

  • Child support

  • Paternity

  • Parental Rights

  • Grandparents’ rights

  • Parenting schedules

  • Parental relocation

  • School district changes

  • Custody and Visitation modifications

  • Post-judgment modifications

Navigating the family court system can be challenging, particularly without an experienced advocate on your side. If you are facing divorce, custody, or other family law issues, you deserve effective legal counsel to protect your rights and interests.

At Gabriele Law PLLC we provide holistic, realistic, and solution-oriented legal guidance in family law matters. Our attorneys draw on years of experience in family law — including serving as a court-appointed attorney for children in Western New York courts — to help clients achieve favorable outcomes. We possess unique insight into crafting effective strategies for navigating family law issues.

Divorce Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Divorce mediation for family law issues, including custody, support, asset, and debt division. Gabriele Law PLLC offers a fair process in which the parties can discuss and decide for themselves, with the professional help of the mediator.

The parties jointly hire a neutral mediator to act, not as the attorney for either or both, but as a neutral facilitator of solutions. During a series of meetings, the couple and the mediator work out a mutually satisfactory plan covering the children’s living arrangements, financial needs of the family, and all other issues that need a solution. Both are encouraged to consult with an attorney outside the mediation session, to assist the party with the final terms of an agreement.

Our attorneys act as divorce mediators and serve as consulting attorneys to parties working with mediators. Additionally, our office also will conduct reviews of mediated agreements. Contact our office today to inquire about our alternative dispute resolution services.

Prenuptial Agreements

When you decide to get married, it’s a big step and an even bigger commitment. Do you plan to set up a prenuptial agreement?

You agree to be taking on care and responsibility for a spouse, and even children. Being fully aware of the laws with regard to marriage is a responsible way to be prepared to avoid any problems down the road. A prenuptial agreement, commonly known as a “prenup,” is a legal document that outlines how engaged couples will divide their assets if they divorce. And, in recent years, more people have been requesting them, according to a survey of matrimonial lawyers. Gabriele Law PLLC offers services concerning the following:

  • Prenuptial Agreements

  • Pre-marriage asset consultation

  • Property valuation

A pre-marital (or pre-nuptial) agreement is entered into before the marriage and specifies each future spouse’s property ownership and the property rights of each party if they decide to divorce. The benefits of a prenuptial agreement include:

  • Provides financial clarity

  • Reduces conflicts in a divorce

  • Avoids division of property by the court

Well designed premarital and postnuptial agreements will also clarify the management of joint bank accounts, household bills, and credit card payments, determine the amount of income that will be set aside for savings, and also specify how disputes will be resolved. In order for the agreement to be approved by the Court, it must be fair, and both parties must enter into it free of coercion.

Orders of Protection

Do you need assistance in obtaining Orders of Protection against a family member, prior intimate partner, or spouse? We can help.

Defense Against Orders of Protection and False accusations of domestic violence

If you are involved in an acrimonious divorce, child custody battle, or even a bitter breakup with a jealous and spiteful partner, then he or she may accuse you of domestic violence to “get even.” The mere accusation can stigmatize you because the police are duty-bound to arrest you and the charge is a highly inflammatory one.

Not only does an allegation of domestic violence threaten you with jail time and a criminal record, but you will also be forced to stay away from your home once an Order of Protection is issued, leaving behind your children. If you are convicted, then other collateral consequences include loss of professional licenses and certifications. This makes domestic violence charge especially devastating for:

  • Educators such as teachers and university professors

  • Attorneys

  • Doctors and nurses

  • Police officers

  • Members of the military

For all of these reasons, if you have been accused of domestic violence, then you need to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for your rights and your freedom aggressively. They will present your side of the alleged events and uphold your rights in court so that you benefit from the highest degree of legal support possible. A domestic violence charge can destroy a person’s personal and professional life, but the right attorneys will put their extensive training and experience to work for you.

Consultations for Divorce and Family Law Issues

The choice to seek legal assistance with divorce and family law matters can be a difficult decision.

At Gabriele Law PLLC we hope to make it easier for you. Our experienced attorneys represent clients in both contested and uncontested divorce and family law matters. The lawyers on our staff will listen and answer all of your questions. We will then evaluate your situation and advise you of all your options under the law. The goal is to help make the decisions that protect your legal rights in the best interest of your family and children.

At Gabriele Law, we know there is more going on in your life than just your family law issues. We strive to get to know you personally, so we can custom tailor an experience for you. Change is inevitable, but the stress and anxiety you feel about those changes do not have to be. Our skilled legal team works hard every day to help people cope with stress, uncertainty, fear, and financial issues that come with family law issues.

Adoption

If you have an interest in adoption services, we would be happy to talk with you to answer questions you may have.

We have done adoptions between unrelated individuals, related individuals, guardians who wish to adopt the children for whom they are caring, and even adult adoptions. Below is a list of some of the adoption services we offer:

  • Attorney for Birth Mothers/Parents

  • Attorney for Adoptive Parents

  • Direct Placement Adoption

  • Step-Parent Adoption

  • Adult Adoption

  • Relative Adoption

  • Foster Care Adoptions

  • Attorney for Foster Parents