DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY IN THE GREATER NYC METRO AREA
Divorce is difficult. Peace and resolution are possible.
Secure the divorce counsel and child custody legal representation that you and your children deserve
Proactive & Personalized Legal Strategies
Child-Centric
Approach
Assertive Advocacy Without Sacrificing Compassion
Divorce and child custody disputes can be some of the most emotionally and financially draining experiences of your life.
When you don’t have the right legal representation, you risk:
Losing control over important decisions regarding your children and assets
Being overwhelmed by complex legal proceedings and court requirements
Experiencing unnecessary stress, delays, and financial strain due to ineffective legal strategy
Losing focus of your priorities
Getting caught up in emotions, which can cloud good judgment
Failing to secure a fair custody arrangement that prioritizes your child’s best interests
With Barbara A. Castrataro, you will not go through this alone. You deserve an attorney who will stand by your side to fiercely protect your rights, advocate for your future, and ensure you are heard.


FAMILY LAW SERVICES
Compassionate, Strategic Legal Guidance for Complex Divorce and Child Custody Cases
Navigating divorce and custody issues can be overwhelming and isolating. With our strong advocacy, unwavering support, and fastidious preparation, you will not be alone as you face these challenges. We stand by your side, helping you navigate each step with clarity, confidence, and resilience – so you can move forward with strength and create the peaceful future you deserve.
Divorce Counsel
Strategic legal representation for contested and uncontested divorces, asset division, and spousal support.
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Divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions, and the decisions you make now will shape your future. At Barbara A. Castrataro, Esq., we take a proactive approach, always staying steps ahead to protect your rights and to secure the best possible outcome. Our clients often describe us as being able to "see around corners," ensuring that no aspect of your case goes unexamined. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we will develop a tailored legal strategy fit for your unique needs while working to minimize unnecessary stress and conflict.
We pride ourselves on offering strong advocacy, personal attention, a non-judgmental environment, and complete transparency throughout the legal process. Our scrupulous preparation combined with rigorous scrutiny often leads to favorable settlements without the need for trial, but when litigation is necessary, we are relentless advocates in the courtroom drawing on our extensive trial experience. We always work to achieve a negotiated settlement but are equally prepared in experience and preparation to take your case to trial.
We also provide dedicated services for:
high-asset divorces,
LGBTQIA+ family matters, and
alternative dispute resolution through mediation and collaborative divorce.
No matter your circumstances, we are here to guide you with strength, empathy, and unwavering support. We are here to share your burden, bring clarity and calm in the chaos, and champion your case.
Child Custody
Aggressive advocacy for child-focused custody arrangements, appropriate parental access in the best interests of the children, and relocation matters preserving the child’s relationship with both parents.
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Child custody disputes are among the most emotionally charged legal matters, requiring both strategic advocacy and deep sensitivity. At Barbara A. Castrataro, Esq., we prioritize the well-being of your children while fiercely protecting and advocating for your parental rights. We encourage cooperative solutions that allow parents to maintain control over their custody arrangements rather than leaving such critical decisions to the court. However, when negotiation fails, we are fully prepared to litigate with a well-planned, strong, and child-focused strategy that promotes stability and security for the children and restores peace for your family.
We also assist with child support matters, ensuring that financial obligations are fair and aligned with New York law. Whether you need assistance with initial support determinations, modifications due to changing circumstances, including relocation, or enforcement of existing orders, we bring a practical understanding of the financial realities of raising children.
Our goal is to provide clarity, guidance, and advocacy so you can get through these challenges with confidence – knowing that both you and your children are protected.
Litigation
Providing extensive experience, insight, and proficiency to litigate your case and bring your matter to resolution.
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Getting served with divorce or court papers can be traumatic. Having an attorney who has extensive litigation experience trying cases and appearing in court is invaluable. Positioning your case for trial can actually facilitate a prompt settlement.
Hiring an attorney with not only the ability to try cases but one who has extensive experience doing so provides our clients with the confidence and the security of knowing that their attorney is prepared to move the case to resolution without reservation. This also places your case on track for a full and thoughtful analysis of the possible outcomes and minimizes surprises.
By Your Side Through the Challenges
We offer legal representation in:
Divorce Litigation
Equitable Distribution of Marital Property
High Asset Divorce
Complex Asset Divorce
Hidden Asset Divorce
Forensic Valuation Litigation
Business Valuation Litigation
Litigation involving Separate Property and Co-mingled and Transmuted Assets
Contested Divorce
Uncontested Divorce
LGBTQIA+ Divorce & Separation
Collaborative Divorce
Child Custody, Visitation, and Relocation
Litigation High-Conflict Child Custody
Enforcement of Custody & Support
Spousal Support
Child support
Divorce Litigation
Orders of Protection/ Retirement/ Pensions and premarital property
Divorce Settlement Negotiation
Divorce Mediation Counsel
Adult & Step Parent Adoption
OUR COLLABORATIVE PROCESS
Your Path to Peace and Resolution Starts Now
Schedule a Consultation
Book a complimentary initial call to discuss your unique situation and learn more about our approach.
Share Your Story
We’ll gather information, explore your options together, and give you clarity on next steps.
Start Your Path Forward
With clear communication and strategic guidance, we’ll work toward a positive resolution.

WHY WE’RE DIFFERENT
A Strong Legal Force When You Need It Most
You never expect to need a divorce or family law attorney, but when the time comes, having the right advocate on your side makes all the difference.
For over 35 years, Barbara A. Castrataro, Esq. has helped families reach fair and successful resolutions with these principles:
Meticulous 360-Degree Case Analysis: We scrutinize every angle of your case and the opposing party’s strategy to maximize your position.
Proactive Legal Representation: We anticipate obstacles before they arise, ensuring you remain steps ahead throughout the process – with as few surprises along the way as possible.
Balance Between Resolution & Litigation: While we strive for amicable resolutions, we are experienced in and fully prepared to litigate if necessary.
Personalized Client Partnership: You are not just another case – your story matters, and we partner with you to find your voice, achieve your goals, and come out stronger.
Child-First Custody Representation: We emphasize the emotional and developmental well-being of the children in every custody case.

FAQS
Get Answers to Common Questions From People Looking for the Right Attorney
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We view the attorney-client relationship as a true partnership, working together toward a successful resolution. Our approach includes a 360-degree analysis of your case, evaluating both strengths and challenges on both sides to build the most effective legal strategy. From the beginning, we craft a compelling narrative that supports your case, whether for settlement negotiations or trial. We are always prepared for both. We provide unwavering advocacy drawn from our years of litigation experience and trial work.
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With over 35 years of experience, we have successfully litigated complex custody disputes, high-asset divorces, complex valuation cases, relocation cases, and international family law matters. We have handled cases where law was made, cases involving parental mental health, substance abuse, forensic financial evaluations, and asset tracing. Our capabilities extend to prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, including when litigation is brought, appellate cases, and even serving as trial counsel for other attorneys. Our extensive background allows us to approach every case with strategic insight and legal precision. We have also been hired as an expert to testify on premarital agreements.
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Selecting the right attorney is one of the most critical decisions you will make. Family law matters are deeply personal, involving your children, finances, and future. Trust, candor, and strong advocacy are essential in this professional relationship. We believe in building a true partnership with our clients, ensuring that our approach aligns with your goals. We encourage you to consider the need for such a partnership because finding the right fit is as important to us as it is to you.
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If you want to make the most of our complimentary 45-minute phone consultation, prepare a list of your assets, financial accounts, and any outstanding debts. Information regarding both spouses’ income and earning potential is also helpful. Organizing your thoughts, concerns, and any specific questions in advance can ensure a productive meeting. During the consultation, we will walk you through the legal process, helping you understand what to expect and assisting you in making an informed decision about representation.

brighter days are ahead
Your family, your future, and your peace of mind are worth fighting for.
Let’s build a plan to help you come out on the other side – stronger.