Professionals

Consultation

To get more information about Collaborative Divorce, speak to any collaborative professional, including a lawyer, facilitator, financial specialist or child specialist. An initial consultation can be with an individual or a couple.

Starting a Case

To start a Collaborative Divorce process, you and your spouse need to find professionals to work with. If a neutral is chosen first, the spouse must agree to this person, who can then help in the selection of a team. If an attorney is the first point of contact, then the spouse’s attorney should be chosen next and a team formed with the assistance of the two lawyers.

Suzanne L. Brunsting, Esq.

As a Collaborative Lawyer and Mediator, I help divorcing clients reach good, long-lasting agreements without resorting to the courts. With guidance from caring and experienced professionals, couples can divorce intelligently and creatively, considerate of one another and of their children.

I am an experienced family law attorney having practiced in the court system for many years. Named in Best Lawyers in America from 1995 to the present, in Upstate New York SuperLawyers since 2008 and as Best Family Lawyer Mediator by the Rochester Business Journal, my current practice is limited to Collaborative Law and Mediation. I also provide consulting services for constructive conflict engagement for other professionals.

Our Rochester community has a dedicated group of family law attorneys, mental health professionals, mediators and financial specialists working together in whatever combination meets the clients’ needs. I was the first president of our Association and continue to be involved as an active member. I take part in teaching both beginning collaborative law and advanced skills, and, from 2001 to the present, have providing training across the United States and Canada.

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Paul E Meyer, Esq.

As a practitioner for more than 38 years concentrating my practice in the area of family law, I realize that divorce is a very difficult experience for everyone involved, especially the children. Collaborative Law offers an alternative, non-adversarial way for each spouse to help create solutions together for themselves and their family. I am committed to this process as it offers the entire family the best opportunity for resolving their differences in a healthy and productive fashion.

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JoAnne Pedro-Carroll

Dr. JoAnne Pedro-Carroll is a licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience working with children, adults and families. Dr. Carroll has expertise as a coach and child specialist with families in the process of a divorce. She is a clinician in private practice, former researcher at the University of Rochester’s Childrens Institute, and founder of prevention programs for children and parents dealing with family transitions. Her expertise in this area has been recognized with local and national awards, including the American Psychological Association’s Award for Distinguished Contributions to Public Service. She knows that divorce is a stressful time for families but believes, based on her research, that there are many things that parents can do to help their children thrive. She prefers to work preventively, in close collaboration with parents and other professionals, to reduce the risk of children’s long term problems and foster their resilience. She is the author of a new book , “Putting children first: Proven strategies for helping children thrive after divorce”, which won a gold medal from the National Association of Parenting Publication Awards. Her writing, clinical practice and presentations are filled with messages of hope, healing, and effective practice.

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Seema Ali Rizzo, Esq.

I believe that Collaborative Law provides divorcing couples with a far superior method of reaching resolution than traditional litigation. By encouraging couples to maintain a civil and respectful relationship through the divorce process, Collaborative Law allows divorcing couples to come up with creative resolutions which meet the unique needs of their individual family. Prior to attending law school I obtained my undergraduate degree in Psychology which I believe fundamentally assists me in my practice of matrimonial and family law and specifically in my practice of Collaborative Law.

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Cyndy S Rochford, Esq.

As a trained collaborative attorney and mediator, I am committed to helping my clients work through the transition of their marriage or partnership with dignity and integrity, while minimizing the emotional toll on themselves and their family. In the collaborative process, each party is represented by an attorney and all parties have a common goal of reaching an agreement out-of-court. As a collaborative attorney, I can advise and guide you through the various issues of divorce: separation, parenting plans, support and asset-liability division. My goal is to provide each of my clients with a flexible process that best meets their individual needs during one of the most difficult periods in their lives.

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Gregory W Wise, Esq.

It is my goal to make collaborative law the predominant means for resolving matrimonial disputes, as it is my belief that this process does the least harm to my clients’ families.

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Diana Deyo Ryan, Esq.

Diana is an experienced Collaborative Attorney and Family Mediator.  Her work is client centered and she is committed to helping clients avoid a bad separation or divorce process and achieve the best possible result through constructive negotiation.  Her priority is to help clients move forward with minimal disruption to their lives, and with the best possible outcome.  Named in Best Lawyers In America since 2009, recognized by Top Lawyers in New York, Best Lawyers in Rochester and recipient of Martindale-Hubbell Client Distinction Award.  Published by Thomson-Reuters and frequent speaker at local, national and international conferences on Collaborative Law.  Diana has been a member of the CLARA Board of directors for 15 years, and is the current President.

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Sharon P. Stiller, Esq.

Sharon Stiller is a partner at Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara, Wolf & Carone, LLP and runs the Rochester office.

 

General Experience

 

Ms. Stiller graduated from SUNY Albany, magna cum laude, in three years, and graduated from Albany Law School where she was a notes editor.  Ms. Stiller was admitted to practice law in the courts of the State of New York in 1976 and spent the first almost eight (8) years of practice as an Assistant and then Special Assistant District Attorney, in the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, where she was one of the first two female full-time Assistant District Attorneys.

 

Ms. Stiller entered private practice, where she has worked with several law firms until joining Abrams Fensterman in 2010.  She is one of a limited number of equity partners in the firm, which has offices in Rochester, Brooklyn, White Plains, and Long Island.  She has engaged in litigation for her entire career, and matrimonial litigation since entering into private practice in 1983.

 

Ms. Stiller has handled more than one hundred matrimonial, child support or custody cases, and has had more than thirty matrimonial trials, motions and appeals, including, J.F. v. D.F., 61 Misc.3d 1226(A) (Sup. Ct., Monroe County, Dec. 6, 2018), and Mina v. Weber, 309 A.D.2d 1252 (4th Dept. 2003).

 

Ms. Stiller has been recognized for her legal work and community service, and received the Kate Stoneman award from Albany Law School, the Raymond J. Pauley Award, from the Monroe County Bar Association, and the Rochester Women’s Network’s “W” Award. She has been named one of the top 25 Women Lawyers in Western New York. Ms. Stiller has been designated a “Super Lawyer” from 2007-Present, a distinction earned by only five percent of the lawyers in the Upstate New York area. She was selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013 through present.

 

Ms. Stiller received a J.D. from Albany Law School where she was Notes Editor, Albany Law Review and a B.A., magna cum laude, from the State University of New York at Albany. Ms. Stiller is admitted to practice in New York and the District of Columbia.

 

 

Bar Admissions

  • New York, 1976
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit, 1979
  • U.S. District Court Western District of New York, 1977
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of New York, 1976
  • District of Columbia, 2008
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, 2010
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York, 2010
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 1979

 

Education

  • Albany Law School Union University, Albany, New York J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence-1975
    • Honors: Notes Editor, Albany Law Review
  • State University of New York, Albany, New York B.A., Bachelor of Arts(Magna Cum Laude)-1972

 

Published Works

  • Featured in 55 Plus magazine cover story titled “Reaching for the Unreachable” (February 2020)
  • Interviewed on WXXI News Radio Connections with Evan Dawson for a panel discussion titled “Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace” (October 2019)
  • Quoted in article in Rochester Business Journal “Businesses Not Required To Provide Cell Phones For Employees” (July 2019)
  • Quoted in article in The Daily Record “Michael Schnittman Award Announced At Justice Society” (March 2019)
  • Interviewed on WXXI News Radio Connections with Evan Dawson for a panel discussion titled “How to Address Gender Pay Gaps” (March 2019)
  • Interviewed on WXXI News Radio Connections with Evan Dawson for a panel discussion titled “Discussing workplace trainings in the era of #MeToo (December 2018)
  • Interviewed on WXXI News Radio Connections with Evan Dawson for a panel discussion titled “Local Attorneys Discuss the Kavanaugh Hearings” (October 2018)
  • Quoted in article in Rochester Business Journal titled “Managers Must Deal Directly With Workers Having An Affair” (August 2018)
  • Co-authored article in Best Lawyers Women in the Law edition titled “New York Takes Leave” (June 2018)
  • Quoted in article in Law360 titled “Post-Kennedy Court Likely To Take Narrow View of Title VII” (June 2018)
  • Quoted in article in The National Law Journal titled “LGBT Workplace Cases Arrive at SCOTUS as Kennedy Punches Out” (June 2018)
  • Co-authored article in Westlaw titled “Opening the door: The 2nd and 6th circuts’ expansion of Title VII to include sexual orientation and transgender protection” (April 2018)
  • Interviewed for The National Law Journal article titled “US Appeals Court Ruling Highlights ‘Evolving Nature’ of Title VII” Protections” (February 2018)
  • Interviewed for Democrat and Chronicle article “UR Complaint Highlights Inevitable Power Play in Graduate Education” (September 2017)

 

Honors and Awards

  • Volunteer Legal Services Project William C. McKnight Volunteer Service Award, 2018
  • New York Super Lawyer, 2007-Present
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, 2013-Present
  • Pauley Award Monroe County Bar Association, 1999
  • W Award, Rochester Women’s Network, 1997
  • Kate Stoneman Award, 2007
  • Seneca Falls Hall of Fame, Wall of Fame, 1997
  • The World Who’s Who of Women, 1988
  • Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America, 1990
  • Who’s Who Among Emerging Leaders, 1987-1988
  • Distinguished American Leaders, 1987-1988
  • Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers

 

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • New York State Bar Association, Executive Committee Member, Co-Chair Continuing Education Committee
  • Monroe County Bar Association, former Trustee
  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association, Member
  • Monroe Community College, Adjunct Professor, Business Law, 1980- 2013
  • Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys, Former President, 1988-1990
  • Zonta International, Former President and Area Director, 1977- 1985
  • Community Partners for Youth, Incorporated, Former President, 1985-1987

 

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Mark C Bezinque, Esq.

Mr. Bezinque assists his clients in their transition from their current relationship — marriage, domestic partnership — and into their new lives, helping them achieve a lasting resolution that meets their core needs related to their family, financial security, individual privacy and personal dignity. As a Collaborative Law attorney, Mr. Bezinque helps people simplify the confusion of the divorce process and enables them to prioritize their needs. Working together with his clients, he explores and pursues their concerns about parenting plans and residency schedules, spousal and child support, location and valuation of assets and valuation of businesses and real estate. By empowering his clients to make sound legal decisions, they are better prepared to achieve a result they can be proud of and that will last into the future. Mr. Bezinque has a close working relationships with professionals in financial management, mental health and valuation that support the effective implementation of the Collaborative Law process. Mr. Bezinque was the first to introduce Collaborative Law to the Rochester community and has since facilitated conferences and workshops on the topic. He is a frequent speaker on Collaborative Law to professionals and the public and is a founding member and Vice President of the Collaborative Law Association of the Rochester Area, Inc.

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Julie V. Mersereau, Esq.

As an attorney in practice for over 30 years, I am committed to using my legal and mediation skills to develop solutions for matrimonial and family law conflict that are constructive not destructive for those involved. The Collaborative Law process allows parties to develop a lasting agreement that provides for their needs and the needs of their children as they move into the future. Collaborative Family Law empowers those who are separating or divorcing to control the outcome of their conflict and challenges them to focus on the future. The Collaborative process helps harness the fear and uncertainty of separation or divorce by establishing a process for managing the conflict that is based on knowledge, honesty, commitment and respect.

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Connie M. Fraser

Connie is passionate about the Collaborative Law process because she has witnessed the transformation that can occur with the help and support of a professional, transparent and trusted team.  Each professional engaged in the Collaborative process works for solutions that will benefit the well being of the entire family.

Connie has over forty years of professional work experience dealing with human relationships and conflict.  I have had extensive training in the areas of communication, conflict resolution and human psychology, which has enabled me to interact positively and compassionately with divorcing couples, attorneys and other allied professionals involved in the Collaborative process; regardless of their backgrounds, core-values, life situations or experiences.  My relationship and responsibility to the team centers on promoting and mirroring effective communication coupled with empowerment, respect, and dignity.’

As a trained Facilitator and Mediator, Connie is steadfast when meeting with divorcing parents as they work with one another to craft and formulate their own unique parenting plans.  She understands the implications of a well-thought out strategy, the challenges that face parents today and the problem-solving techniques that will enable them to co-parent their children in a healthy and safe environment and as cohesively as possible moving forward.

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Jennifer L. Fazio, Esq.

Ms. Fazio’s approach is to advise clients on both practical and legal aspects of their issues in a cost-effective manner so as to empower clients in making the best decisions. To this end, Ms. Fazio is trained as a Collaborative Attorney and is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and the Collaborative Law Association of the Rochester Area, Inc., supporting alternative means to resolving family law matters.

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June Castellano, Esq.

My suburban practice emphasizes divorce and family law. I recognize that legal disputes and family dissolution are traumatic events.

Every client presents with a unique situation. My goal is to help each client transition through the difficult and emotional process in a caring and professional manner.

I personalize my services to provide the legal counseling necessary to respond to the conflicts that accompany family dissolution.

I have over 35 years of experience as an attorney, and more than 10 years of experience in collaborative law. I founded the “The Law Office of June Castellano” in 1999 and place a strong emphasis on educating clients about their rights and responsibilities under the law. As a philosophy, my law office seeks to empower clients so they are partners in making informed decisions in negotiations.

In addition to collaborative law, I am able to offer individuals attorney-based mediation and litigation services.

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Christine D Gordon, Esq.

MY GOAL is to provide experienced legal counsel to those who choose collaborative law. I was admitted to practice law in the State of New York in 1978, after graduating from Cornell Law School in 1977. I spent many years thereafter as a court assistant helping adjudicate family law matters at both the trial and appellate levels. For years thereafter I represented clients in traditional litigation involving custody, child support, maintenance, and property division issues. While in private practice I also served as court-appointed law guardian representing children in contested custody matters.

SINCE 2004, my practice has been limited to collaborative law because I believe it is a better way to resolve family issues.

COMMITMENT to peaceful processes is the defining characteristic of my life and work. I recently returned from a sabbatical during which I served overseas as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I am looking forward to meeting you, hearing about your life experiences, and working with you to amicably resolve your family dispute.

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Jeanne M Colombo, Esq.

Matrimonial matters (such as divorce, custody) should lead to a positive restructuring of relationships. As an attorney with over 40 years of practice in this area, I have come to believe that the Collaborative process, where four people (two clients and two attorneys) use their combined skills, knowledge and expertise to forge solutions that facilitate positive adjustments in financial and living situations, is one of the best ways to resolve a dissolution of a marriage or union. Each family, each partner, is unique as a fingerprint and deserves and requires thoughtfulness and creativity in reaching common ground and dignified solutions so that each person can find comfort and peace of mind. Trust can be re-established in the collaborative setting so that all members of a family can interact in the future in the best manner possible. My thoughts are that as an advocate in this process, my clients will be well served, economically, financially and emotionally. Everyone’s family structure deserves issues to be resolved privately, with professional support and guidance. The Collaborative process allows the professional lawyer to be a legal facilitator to reach the personal goals of the client in this situation. Please come join in the collaborative process which is on the cutting edge of matrimonial and family law resolution in the State of New York. Member of: Association of Collaborative Family Law Attorneys, International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), Monroe County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys, Admitted to the New York State Bar February 12, 1980 (Syracuse Law School).

In support of children and families going through divorce, I have authored a children’s book entitled, Barker Cane Land. In this narrative, a young boy is presented with the colorful prizes of a 1946 Midway, each imparting some spiritual wisdom and practical tips for his healing journey through divorce and into a new family configuration.

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Kenneth J. Aufsesser, Esq.

I work in the Collaborative process because it is a process I believe in. While I am an expert in law, you are an expert in your family and this is something that the court system simply does not consider. The court system’s rigid and inflexible nature can exacerbate conflict and lead to poor results for you and your family. The Collaborative Process allows for creative and adaptive results in order to fit your unique family and situation. I believe one of the most important things in life are relationships and that is why it is my hope, that with guidance and understanding, the collaborative process will lead to the best result for you and your family.

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John Sobraske

John Sobraske, based in Rochester, New York, has an MA in clinical psychology and is licensed as a mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist. He has worked as a psychotherapist for 25 years, serving youth, adults, couples and families; as a collaborative facilitator and family specialist for 7 years; and as a mediator for 5 years.

John has extensive training in attachment, object relations and psychoanalysis, with specialties in adoption, foster care, trauma, executive function and autism, and he works extensively with LGBTQ, African-American and Hispanic populations as well as low-income individuals and families. John regularly provides mental health evaluations and has served as an expert witness. He has developed two innovative psychotherapeutic approaches—Cognitive Affective Somatic Therapy and Psychoenergetic Psychotherapy.

His background in natural medicine includes training in botanical medicine, classical homeopathy, Taoist acupuncture and qigong. He is the chief editor for the homeopathic reference series, Materia Medica Clinica, by Massimo Mangialavori, and he has taught courses on natural medicine as an adjunct faculty member at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

John is an international presenter on adoption and collaborative law. For the latter, he regularly provides introductory two-day trainings and advanced trainings. Together with Donna Maier and Diana Deyo Ryan, John founded Interfow which provides trainings on adaptive strategies for optimal outcomes in co-mediation and collaborative law. This group presented in Spanish to the International Partnership Subgroup of the Instituto Brasileiro de Práticas Colaborativas (IBPC). He has a special interest in collaborative team dynamics and innovative ways to combine mediation and collaboration. He has participated on two IACP committees and is the current president of CLARA.

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Kristen Jenks CFA

Kristen is a skilled financial executive with demonstrated abilities in asset valuations; identifying, executing and financing successful growth strategies; evaluation of prospective business and investment opportunities; and in sourcing, negotiating and integrating mergers and acquisitions. She has twenty-five years’ experience in consulting for small and medium-sized businesses as well as in financial management and strategy in the consumer products, manufacturing, telecommunications and financial services sectors. She brings disciplined business judgment, financial leadership and a high level of integrity to the realization of clients’ business objectives.

Before forming Lumina Partners, LLC, Kristen served in a variety of senior financial, strategy and mergers/acquisitions roles for multinational beverage manufacturer Constellation Brands. Her background also includes capital markets expertise and corporate finance roles at Frontier Corp. and Citibank.

Kristen earned her MBA in Finance from the College of William and Mary, where she was elected to Beta Gamma Sigma, and her BA in Psychology from Bucknell University, where she was elected to Psi Chi. She is a CFA charter holder, a member of the CFA Institute and a past Director of the CFA Society of Rochester. Kristen is a member of the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation and the Rochester Association of Family Mediators. She is a member of the Advisory Board of Directors and former Chair of the Audit Committee of the Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross.

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Renee O. LaPoint, M.S.

As a neutral coach and facilitator in the collaborative law process, my goal is to assist clients by supporting each of the parties individually and collectively to be both positive and productive in moving forward with a separation or divorce. The separation/divorce process is a very difficult one; emotionally and financially. My role is to help make the experience easier and smoother for everyone. I have a graduate degree in counseling from Syracuse University and received my mediation training at the Center for Mediation and Training in NYC. My mediation practice is located in Rochester, The Mediation Center Inc. I am an Accredited Member of the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation (NYSCDM) and sit on the board of directors. I am the current President of the Rochester Association of Family Mediators (RAFM), a board member of CLARA (Collaborative Law Association of the Rochester Area), and a member of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP). I am also certified by the Unified Court System of the State of New York and the Center for Dispute Settlement to conduct court-referred mediations.

People who choose the collaborative law process make this choice based on the amount of support they need in the room while they are making decisions in the areas of parenting, child support, and distribution of assets/liabilities. I am a firm believer in the collaborative law process for those couples who have decided that mediation will not provide the best process for them. They need the support of attorneys and neutral professionals in the room, working together for the good of their changing family. I want to support couples in their process choice and keep people out of court.

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Kathryn R. Castro, CFP®, CDFA®

Kathryn R. Castro is a financial advisor with Cadence Wealth Management Solutions, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. She has been serving clients in this capacity for over 15 years.  Katie is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNING™ practitioner and a CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYST.  Her educational background, which includes a Bachelors in Social Work and a Masters in Counseling, gives her a unique perspective to help clients and their families develop financial plans and reach their financial goals.  Prior to working in the financial industry, Katie was employed in the public school setting as a school counselor where she worked with young children and teens to navigate the challenges they faced, often including families struggling with divorce and transition.  Katie currently supports her divorcing clients through individualized discussion, analysis and planning for each stage of the divorce process.  Katie is an active member of the Collaborative Law Association of the Rochester Area and certified as an allied professional.

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Daniel G Cantone, Esq.

Dan Cantone is a family law conflict resolution advocate specializing in out-of-court Collaborative Practice and divorce Mediation. He emphasizes the client-centered nature of Collaborative Law and welcomes the team approach of working with fellow Collaborative Attorneys and allied professionals to assist clients in transitioning to living apart. With his office in the western region of Onondaga County, Dan represents clients in Collaborative cases in Cayuga, Seneca, Ontario, Wayne, Yates, Livingston, and Monroe counties, too. His long tenure as an Adjunct Professor of Family Law and Collaborative Practice at the Syracuse University College of Law and undergraduate civil law courses at SUNY Oswego also keeps him abreast of changes in legislation and case law that impact domestic relations settlement cases. The suburban Camillus office also hosts Dan’s facilitative mediation practice for divorcing couples known as Mediate West. He is a popular speaker and trainer in the areas of Collaborative Practice, New York divorce law, and legal education.

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Donald J. Onimus, MBA, CPA, CGMA

I am a practicing CPA with over 40 years of experience. I provide tax and financial advice as well as assistance in tax compliance. My background has allowed me to assist couples in dealing with the financial issues of divorce in a calm, rational way.

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Donna M. Maier, CDFA, CVA, MBA

My expertise is in the financial issues of separation and divorce. I concentrate my entire practice on this issue. As a result, I have worked on hundreds of collaborative cases. I bring more than 40 years of experience in the financial industry to you, the client, to help educate you about your choices and prevent many of the surprises that could result from making financial decisions during such an emotional time. I recognize that clients come from all walks of life and have different needs for information and help. I tailor my work and my skills to you and your needs. My goal is that you will be educated, involved, and ultimately empowered to make solid financial decisions that will work well for you and your family, now and for many years to come. Rochester is very lucky to have collaborative law as a choice for separating couples. The group of professionals involved are all very committed to the process and working with one another to bring the best possible outcome to individuals and their families. I am proud to be a part of this group.

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Vincent M Ferrero, Esq.

I believe Collaborative Law is the best way for most couples to resolve the issues they will encounter during a divorce. Unlike traditional divorce litigation, which is often typified by numerous court appearances, high costs, delays, and hurtful accusations, ultimately resulting in life-altering decisions being made for you and your children by a judge; Collaborative Law allows divorcing couples to maintain control over their lives during a time of great uncertainty and emotional upheaval. By empowering you to reach a mutually acceptable, comprehensive agreement within a manageable timeframe, you can move confidently toward the next phase of your life, secure in the knowledge that you have reached a resolution which addresses the short and long term goals for you and your family.

Upon graduating with a B.A. in History from Binghamton University, I went on to earn my J.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law. I am a member of the Family Law Section of the New York, and Monroe County Bar Associations as well as the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. I am admitted to practice in New York and Massachusetts. Prior to practicing solely in the area of matrimonial and family law, I handled a variety of complex litigation matters in federal and state courts.

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Jennifer A Shoemaker, Esq.

Work and family. Two of the most important areas of life come under Jennifer Shoemaker’s purview as an attorney practicing Family Law and Labor & Employment Law. Jennifer represents clients in the full spectrum of family law issues, including divorce, custody, support actions, the negotiation of separation agreements, adoptions and prenuptial agreements. Her diplomacy, compassion and people skills are an asset to her clients, as is her extensive background in general litigation, dispute settlement and arbitration.

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Kelly M. Forst, Esq.

At Forst Law Firm, we are committed to helping you find the information you need to make the decisions that will bring you to a life you choose. After nearly twenty years as a family lawyer, Kelly Forst has committed her family law practice to Collaborative and mediated matters. These processes foster respect, fair and honest communication, trust, and a holistic approach in moving from married to single life.

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Leah T Cintineo, Esq.

Leah takes pride in assisting clients with care and respect during arguably one of the most stressful times in their lives- going through a divorce. By taking a collaborative approach to divorce, the parties can manage the divorce in a mindful and respectful way to minimize the damage to their family. Leah focuses her practice on divorce and family law exclusively. Over the years, she has found that when both parties commit to put aside negative emotions, they can focus on settling issues of child custody, child support, and equitable distribution of their assets and debts in a way that benefits each party and their family overall. Collaborative law allows families to come up with carefully tailored plans that are not “one size fits all” and allows the parties to feel in control of the process with a voice at the table.

Leah regularly represents parents and children in divorce and family law matters in multiple local counties. She is honored to participate in collaborative law as a part of her practice. Leah graduated from S.U.N.Y. Geneseo with a B.A. in psychology and minor in sociology. She graduated from Albany Law School with her J.D. and is licensed to practice law in New York, Connecticut, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Leah has received numerous honors, including the Rochester Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 Award, the Honorable Michael F. Dillon Attorneys for Children Award for zealous advocacy of child clients in court proceedings, and being named to Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” category for Western New York. She is on the Board of Directors for the Society for the Protection and Care of Children (SPCC). While her main office is located in Rochester, Leah also has a satellite office in Canandaigua, New York and is Vice President of the Ontario County Bar Association. Prior to practicing family law, Leah was a criminal prosecutor in Virginia.

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