Adam Peretz | Woodbury Family Lawyer

• Member, New York State Bar Association

I represented the father in a custody trial - two grade school age sons - both parents are successful professionals. As we know, father's are rarely granted residential custody, especially when the children are young. After a full trial, the court granted residential custody to the father, with joint legal custody but the father had final decision making authority in the event of an impasse. The thorough nature of the trial, the use of several lay witnesses to paint an accurate picture of the parenting history, and the testimony of the father demonstrated to the court that he was the more fit parent.

I am a solo practitioner. My practice is successful because I am accessible to my clients and prospective clients. I am available to address issues at all times - my office phone rolls to my cell phone - and clients can always get in touch with me. I am sensitive and attentive to the delicate issues present in divorce and family law disputes. A client will never complain that they cannot speak with their attorney because he / she is in court or is too busy.

There are a lot of qualified divorce and family law practitioners with experience in the metropolitan New York area. Clients should look for an attorney who specializes only in divorce and family law. General practitioners who also handle divorces and family law disputes are not always as adept at representing clients in this type of matter. A client should find an attorney with whom they can feel comfortable and build trust. A divorce and/or family law dispute is a very sensitive and emotionally draining experience

Knowledge of the local court procedures, the judges, Judicial Hearing Officers, Court Referees, and Support Magistrates is very important. There are different procedures in the Family Court and in the Supreme Courts in New York. The judges are also very different. The theory in New York is that the court system is "unified", however, it is important to have an attorney who can navigate the different courts and procedures that the client will encounter.

I offer a free 30 minute consultation, either by phone or in the office. A lot of valuable information is offered in the consultation and a prospective client can determine if they believe that I am the appropriate attorney to represent them.

I ask that a prospective client provide me with the nature of their family law issues, the crucial facts (children or not, work history, assets, their goals) and present the significant questions that they have about their future litigation.

I am different that virtually every other divorce and family law attorney because I have a Master of Social Work degree and have experience as a child and family therapist. I have a unique expertise and appreciation of the toll that a divorce and/or family law dispute presents. I am also more in tune with the client's emotional needs and am more able and willing to empathize with the client embroiled in such a dispute. The client will not speak with someone else in my practice; they will not be referred to a junior associate to deal with a client in need; their call with not be screened by office support staff to determine the nature of the client call / email / text to I can decide if I want to deal with this crisis at that moment. My client's needs and questions are addressed by me, every time, every day.

The most rewarding aspect of my work is representing a client, developing a positive working relationship, ascertaining their goals, helping them realize their goals and representing them to the best of my ability. I also counsel a client so they realize what goals are realistic, or not, and I strive to counsel my clients that certain goals and wishes are not possible. I never guarantee an outcome that may not be possible and I am honest so that clients know what goals or wishes are impossible.

I am a husband and a father of two school age sons. My family is paramount. That value system is ever present in how I practice law.

I am involved in my community with local sports and religious organizations. I chose where I live based on the quality and the unique feel of the community