In re: Every matter of the familyFamily Court · Supreme CourtManhattan · Queens · All five boroughs
Family law practice areas in Queens & NYC
Family law is all David Schnall does: divorce, custody, child support, orders of protection, ACS cases and guardianship. 33 years, in every New York City Family Court and in Supreme Court.
Free virtual consultation · By video or phone · Confidential
33
Years of family law
N.Y. Bar 1993 · S.D.N.Y. 1994
1,000+
Clients represented
Family law only
4.9
Rating on Avvo
58 client reviews
4×
Avvo Clients’ Choice
2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2023
NYU
School of Law
J.D. 1991 · B.A. in Finance and Accounting
Every
NYC Family Court
Plus NYS Supreme & S.D.N.Y.
Seven areas. One focus.
Every matter of the family, and nothing else. Most cases touch more than one of these; the same lawyer handles all of it.
Which court hears what.
New York splits family matters between two courts. Knowing which one you are in tells you who decides, how fast it moves, and what to file.
- Child Custody & VisitationFamily Court: yesSupreme Court: yesFamily Court, or Supreme Court within a divorce
- DivorceFamily Court: noSupreme Court: yesOnly Supreme Court can grant a divorce
- Child SupportFamily Court: yesSupreme Court: yesFamily Court, or Supreme Court within a divorce
- Orders of ProtectionFamily Court: yesSupreme Court: yesFamily offense cases in Family Court; Supreme Court within a divorce
- Fathers’ RightsFamily Court: yesSupreme Court: yesAs for any custody case
- ACS & Child WelfareFamily Court: yesSupreme Court: noNeglect and abuse cases (Article 10) are heard in Family Court
- GuardianshipFamily Court: noSupreme Court: yesAdult guardianship (Article 81) is heard in Supreme Court in NYC
The usual court in New York City. Some matters can start elsewhere, and a case already open in one court can change where related issues are heard. The consultation will tell you where yours belongs.
After many consultations with different lawyers, David was Authentic, relatable, and showed patience from the beginning. During the process, you wouldn’t want anyone else representing you, David is transparent, educates, communicates, understands…
He saved a single mom from wasting thousands of dollars. He was the only attorney I called that listened then gave me honest & transparent advice about what I should do. If I need to circle back again, I will be hiring him. Nonetheless, I will definitely be referring everyone I know to him.
Reviews are quoted exactly as clients wrote them and reflect individual experiences. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Read more client reviewsAn honest assessment, not a sales pitch.
Your free consultation covers how to achieve your goals, how your case will unfold, how long it will take, and the estimated costs.
Free consultations are virtual, by video or phone: start from anywhere.
Free virtual consultation · By video or phone · Confidential
Where to start.
If you’re not sure which of these fits, start here, or call and ask.
No. The practice is limited to family law: divorce, custody and visitation, child support, orders of protection, ACS and child welfare cases, and guardianship. That focus is the point.
No, it’s normal. A divorce usually includes custody and support; an order of protection can affect custody; an ACS case can raise custody questions. One lawyer handling every part keeps the strategy consistent.
It depends on the matter. A divorce can only be granted by Supreme Court. Custody, visitation, child support and family offense (order of protection) cases are usually heard in Family Court, unless they are part of a divorce. ACS neglect and abuse cases are heard in Family Court, and in New York City adult guardianship cases are heard in Supreme Court.
How to achieve your goals, how your case will unfold, how long it will take, and the estimated costs. It is an honest assessment, not a sales pitch, and there is no obligation.
No. Calling, emailing or sending the website form does not create an attorney-client relationship, and information you send before the firm agrees to represent you may not be privileged or confidential.
Begin the record.
What you’ll learn in your free consultation
- 01How to achieve your goals
- 02How your case will unfold
- 03How long it will take
- 04The estimated costs
An honest assessment, not a sales pitch.
Free consultations are virtual, by video or phone: start from anywhere.Same-day response from the firm