Karen S. Gersten

PRO

Karen S. Gersten

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 35 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at West Hartford, CT
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Mediation ... +2 more

818 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT

Virtual Consultation Available

About Karen

Biography

I'm here to help you get the results you are seeking.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

35 years

50%
Child Custody 20%

20%
Child Support 10%

10%
Family 10%

10%
Mediation 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2022 2021 2019
...
+ 3
Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Connecticut for 35 years

State: Connecticut

Acquired: 1990

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Gersten & Gersten, LLP

818 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT, 06119

gerstenandgersten.com/attorneys/

Karen S. Gersten's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

63 Client Reviews

Showing 16 - 20 of 29 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Jon | August 28, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Terrific!

I have never had a chance to write a review about Karen, even though I had been divorced about 6 years now. She was recommended to me by a friend who knew someone was getting a divorced and the feedback was that she was good. I had what I understood to be called a "high conflict divorce", my ex had... a personality disorder issue who created chaos to the children and I through this process. 2 things saved my life a book called "Splitting" and Karen. My divorce took about a year where I had to go to court over 15 times for a variety of issues, motions etc. My ex went through 4 different attorneys and through at all Karen was by my side in a way that I felt that as bas as my situation was I felt comfortable that she was by my side. My divorce actually went to trial (which the odds are usually slim) which lasted 2 days, throughout the trial she would pinpoint things the other attorney would do and how she would react to it. it was impressive to see how she was basically calling out the other attorney next move. Needless to say, I was able to get everything I wanted from the divorce with the main thing being able to see my kids the same amount as her. Having shared physical and legal custody of the children was always my goal and as a man I felt it wouldn't be possible. Karen always made it a clear that we both had equal rights and that just because I was the dad did not mean I would lose them. Throughout the years I had gone back to Karen on the multiple times I have gotten back to court. Every time, I have been fine and been successful on what needed to be done. I never mentioned to her but I owe a lot to her in many ways, being able to see my children as much as my ex does is a blessing that I won't believe wouldn't have happened without her. other therapists told me that perhaps I should give my ex an extra day to stop the fighting, which is funny because I don't believe they wouldn't have done that for their children. Karen always kept saying "you have rights" and that stuck with me. I will be going back to court soon, unfortunately, and although I get nervous every time this happen, I know that every time I walk to that court room with Karen by my side, I feel that things will be ok.

Posted by Ed Bogan | July 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Great lawyer!!!!

Karen Gersten is an exceptional lawyer. If it wasn't for Karen being a GREAT lawyer I wouldn't be where I am in my life today. Karen helped me with my divorce, and just recently with my son, so he could go to the school he wanted to. Karen is very professional, excellent at what she does, and above a...ll a great person. She makes you feel as if you're her only client, her top priority. If you're looking for the BEST lawyer, no need to look any further.

Posted by anonymous | February 06, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Simply the best!

I was referred to Karen Gersten by a friend whose ex-husband had retained her as his attorney. From the minute I stepped into Karen's office for my initial consult, I knew I was in good hands. She is extremely professional, detailed, knowledgeable, hardworking, and honest. My divorce was very cont...entious with an alcoholic spouse and three young children involved. Although the divorce took over a year to finally settle, Karen was able to successfully navigate me through many difficult and emotionally charged situations. She also helped me to avoid a nasty and expensive trial in court. Karen paid careful attention to every detail of my case from start to finish and ensured the well being of my children and I throughout the process. From filing pendente lite orders in the beginning stages (for temporary alimony and child support during the divorce process), to negotiating an effective co-parenting/custody plan, to reaching an extremely favorable settlement on my behalf, I could not have asked for a better outcome. Furthermore, Karen's paralegal Blake and her office staff were extremely responsive and helpful. It is clear that Karen is well respected by judges and other attorneys in the legal system. She is able to remain calm and poised even in the most stressful situations, which was very reassuring. I will refer Karen to anyone I know facing a divorce in the future. The cost of her services is well worth the peace of mind that you will receive the best outcome possible. Thank you Karen!!!

Posted by anonymous | November 28, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

I would have saved a small fortune and more than a year of my life if I had hired Karen first!

I highly recommend Karen Gersten to anyone seeking smart, compassionate, informed and highly skilled representation. When I first filed for divorce with another lawyer I tried to go the ‘kind’ collaborative route, in part because I thought it would be less expensive, easier to manage and better for t...he kids. I was wrong. Instead, I wasted more than a year, spent at least 3x more than I expected to, was unable to avoid aggressive confrontations and the process fell apart. I went to Karen for help and everything changed –working with Karen took the weight of the process off of my shoulders and dramatically reduced the stress. Even though Karen is known as a skilled litigator, she knew I wanted to reach a settlement and never pressured me in the direction of a trial. She effortlessly managed unpleasant situations that I was now protected from – even opposing counsel enjoyed their interactions with Karen (although they clearly knew she was a formidable adversary). Thanks to her, the duration of my divorce was considerably less than I expected, we avoided trial and achieved a settlement that protects and provides for my children. I only wish I’d gone straight to Karen in the first place!

Posted by Lynn | October 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Alimony

Winning Woman

Just today, Karen stopped my ex-husband's latest attempt to drag me back into court to again try to stop alimony. I told her about the paperwork I was served and she asked me for two documents that she sent to his attorney with an awesome letter that same day. A week later, the motions were withdrawn.... She handled my divorce 13 years ago and a string of subsequent dealings with my ex both in and out of court. She was recommended by women whom she had represented. I found her to be .on top of every detail. Her knowledge, experience, confidence, prompt responses, and support during contentious times is what kept my sane. I was impressed with her court room presence and marveled at how every document was at her fingertips (in triplicate). I can't image a better attorney.

See All Client Reviews

Karen S. Gersten's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Karen
Angela I. Green headshot
Angela Green

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Attorney Karen Gersten for her professional expertise, knowledge and dedication to practice of family law. Her attention to this demanding area of law, excellent reputation and genuine dedication to the client's needs would be greatly appreciated by any prospective client."

Kate W Haakonsen headshot
Kate Haakonsen

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Karen is a very experience and thorough lawyer who supports her clients and works reasonably with opposing counsel to find solutions whenever possible."

Scott Philip Birrell headshot
Scott Birrell

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Barbara Diane Aaron headshot
Barbara Aaron

Family lawyer | Mar 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Kate W Haakonsen headshot
Kate Haakonsen

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2023

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2023

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2023

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2023

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2022

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2021

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2020

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

CT Top Lawyer, Top Lawyers of America

2016

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

1990 - 2018

Partner, Gersten & Gersten, LLP

Associations

1995 - Present

Hartford County Bar Association

Member

1990 - Present

Connecticut Bar Association

Member

Education

1990

Suffolk University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1987

Clark University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2000

Divorce in Connecticut

Teacher

Languages

English

Activity

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