I am a successful trial attorney with substantial experience in criminal, family, matrimonial, and surrogate issues. My philosophy is that everyone deserves to have the best legal representation possible. As a sole practitioner in Ithaca over the last 19 years, I have long been committed to being a dedicated advocate for any member of our community - including those who cannot afford an attorney, through the assigned counsel program and my pro bono work.
I handle cases from initial appearance through hearings, preliminary exams, non-jury trials, and jury trial. Over the years I have taken custody, visitation and family offense matters to trial, divorce matters to trial, and support matters to hearing. I have represented clients in non-jury trials (where the decision is made by the judge),a s well as jury trials to a verdict (an increasing rarity in these days of settled cases).
I handle cases from initial appearance through hearings, preliminary exams, non-jury trials, and jury trial. Over the years I have taken custody, visitation and family offense matters to trial, divorce matters to trial, and support matters to hearing. I have represented clients in non-jury trials (where the decision is made by the judge),a s well as jury trials to a verdict (an increasing rarity in these days of settled cases).
Services
I take a personal approach to practicing law, always keeping in mind that my top priority is representing you: an individual facing a particular set of circumstances, with your own unique background, needs, and goals.
With this client-centered focus, I provide you with an explanation for the proceedings you will be facing, outline the options available in your case, and help you make appropriate decisions to best serve your interests.
I listen to your concerns and questions, and provide solutions - including referrals to related services (such as tax or accounting experts, for example) if that will help your case.
With this client-centered focus, I provide you with an explanation for the proceedings you will be facing, outline the options available in your case, and help you make appropriate decisions to best serve your interests.
I listen to your concerns and questions, and provide solutions - including referrals to related services (such as tax or accounting experts, for example) if that will help your case.
I handle a wide range of legal issues - no matter is too big or too small to be deserving of top-quality legal representation.
Here are some of the most critical types of cases in which I can be of service.
I defend abuse and neglect petitions filed by the Department of Social Services against parents or other adults deemed to be legally responsible for a child.
Children can be placed in foster care by the Department, so I help parents and legal guardians keep or regain custody of their children.
Here are some of the most critical types of cases in which I can be of service.
I defend abuse and neglect petitions filed by the Department of Social Services against parents or other adults deemed to be legally responsible for a child.
Children can be placed in foster care by the Department, so I help parents and legal guardians keep or regain custody of their children.
I have been successful in representing my clients' interests in all types of cases.
Through my years of practice, I know how the law works and how the court system operates - and how to increase the likelihood of coming to a positive resolution for legal issues I handle.
In most cases, in order to regain custody of children from the Department of Social Services, a parent must demonstrate total commitment to resolving the problem issues identified in the case.
The parent must be able to show the caseworker, counsel, and the Family Court that he or she is ready, willing, and able to truly be a parent to the children on a full-time basis, and that safe and stable housing and reliable financial support are provided.
Through my years of practice, I know how the law works and how the court system operates - and how to increase the likelihood of coming to a positive resolution for legal issues I handle.
In most cases, in order to regain custody of children from the Department of Social Services, a parent must demonstrate total commitment to resolving the problem issues identified in the case.
The parent must be able to show the caseworker, counsel, and the Family Court that he or she is ready, willing, and able to truly be a parent to the children on a full-time basis, and that safe and stable housing and reliable financial support are provided.
I am an involved member of our community, and am active in a number of local organizations that help make Ithaca and Tompkins County a better place to live and do business.
Ithaca Rotary Club: Board member 2010-2011, 2014-2015, 2019-2020; Chair of the Rotary Roses fund.
Funds raised through Rotary Roses stayed in Tompkins County and were used for community grants to support local agencies.
Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes: I support this organization through financial contributions, engaging in their fund raising activities and as a sponsor for the 5K run/walk that is held each year.
Ithaca Rotary Club: Board member 2010-2011, 2014-2015, 2019-2020; Chair of the Rotary Roses fund.
Funds raised through Rotary Roses stayed in Tompkins County and were used for community grants to support local agencies.
Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes: I support this organization through financial contributions, engaging in their fund raising activities and as a sponsor for the 5K run/walk that is held each year.
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