$ 425-425 per hour
PRO
Virtual Consultation Available
"Attorney Lilburn's range and depth of expertise as a Litigator and Family Lawyer, combined with her compassionate, personalized approach, empowered me to be strong, factual, and reassured."
I became an attorney in 1991 as the next step in my lifelong dedication to advocating for others. During the years preceding my legal career, I learned to appreciate individual differences and to understand that behavior must be viewed within the context of one's circumstances. I also learned that people are capable of learning, growing and dealing with a complex court system if they have strong representation.
Before I practiced law, I was a reading consultant in middle and high school for ten years in affluent suburbs of New York City. Before I was a reading consultant, I taught fourth grade school children who were economically challenged. I entered law school after earning a masters degree in Psychology of School Subjects from the Teacher's College, Columbia and a Sixth Year Certificate in Public School Administration from FairfieldUniversity. After I became an attorney I taught Legal Studies at the University of New Haven for 11 years. I am now on the Advisory Board for that program. My experience as a teacher at all levels has enabled me to appreciate the value of an excellent education and to work toward improving the education of others.
My paralegal, who has been with me since 2003, and I strive to create an environment where clients are informed and part of the decision-making process as they go through the changes produced by divorces, legal separation, or modifications in custody. We welcome questions and make every attempt to offer realistic options to clients. We choose not to be a "one size fits all" firm. We genuinely tailor our services to the individual and are acquainted with other professionals who may also be of service to our clients. We have a strong interest in financial matters and appreciate the importance of finances to a healthy family environment.
My experiences as a mother, wife and member of a close-knit family have helped me to work toward achieving collaboration with others. I strive to resolve cases without litigation, if possible, and have been successful in reaching settlements. If we choose to litigate, we do so thoughtfully and thoroughly. Preparation is essential and important.
We understand the role of family in achieving personal happiness. We also understand the pain experienced by those whose family structure has been altered. I have chosen Family Law as a calling as a result of my personal belief that families can survive despite disruption and challenges and that they can share strong bonds even without marriage.
My personal interests and hobbies are varied. I enjoy socializing, traveling, hiking, swimming, exercising, reading, concerts, and movies.
6
Practice Areas
34 years
34 years
34 years
$ 425-425 per hour
State: Connecticut
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
21 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Case Results
Posted by anonymous | November 03, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Professional and excellent - you cannot go wrong selecting Verna Lilburn
Verna assisted me with navigating a divorce that was complex due to the other party involved. She was extremely thorough with her document preparation and making sure she had a full and complete understanding of the situation so that we could formulate a plan that achieved my goals while having back ...
Posted by Joseph | May 09, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
A vocation and a calling
This is a recommendation for Attorney Verna B. Lilburn: Twenty-two years ago, I was in the midst of a divorce. I had been in an abusive marriage, and my attempt at getting divorced was getting nowhere. The divorce procedure was in its third year, and my lawyer had drained me of thirty thousand pl...
Posted by Joe | February 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
A True Advocate
As a personal rule, for multiple reasons I usually do NOT write reviews. However, after my experience with attorney Lilburn as my divorce lawyer, I am willing to suspend my rule. Attorney Lilburn is highly knowledgeable of the law and handled my divorce with integrity. Although my ex-wife’s attorney ...
Posted by Kate | March 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Excellent advocate!
Nothing, absolutely nothing, gets past Atty. Lilburn. She got me through my divorce and she has gotten me through child support and custody battles after my divorce. She truly advocated for me and as a result, I was able to advocate for myself. When you meet with Atty. Lilburn, you feel heard. Di...
Posted by anonymous | January 20, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Totally Positive Results
My 7 month long relationship with Atty. Lilburn and her paralegal Joanne was one of totally positive results. I can say without question they are two of the most courteous, efficient and thorough individuals I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. In summation, the results of my tumultuous case...
"Ms. Lilburn and I were law school colleagues and remain in contact, although I do not practice in CT. I am often impressed when Ms. Lilburn discusses legal trends and developments. Although we've not practiced together, as a colleague I note that Ms. Lilburn continues all these years later still to exhibit great dedication and knowledge in her discussions. As a profession, attorneys strive to maintain these standards in practice. I am pleased to post these few words about this colleague whose enthusiasm demonstrates high ethics and reflects great commitment to her family law practice."
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
2026
Client's Choice Award 2025, AVVO
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1990
Outstanding Legal Scholarship, Quinnipiac University School of Law
1989
Outstanding Legal Scholarship, Quinnipiac University School of Law
N/A
NDEA Grant: Study High School Reading, Notre Dame de Namur University
1995 - Present
Attorney and Counselor at Law, Verna B. Lilburn
1994 - 1994
Associate Attorney, Law Offices of William C. Bruce
1992 - 1994
Associate Attorney, Law Offices of J. J. Narkiewicz
1992 - 1992
Associate Attorney, Bruce & Associates
1992 - 2005
Adjunct Faculty, University Of New Haven
1991 - 1992
Associate Attorney, Law Offices of Roger Sullivan
2024 - Present
Connecticut Bar Association, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion CommitteeMember
2024 - Present
Connecticut Bar Association, Alternative Dispute ResolutionMember
2011 - Present
Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law SectionExecutive Committee Member
2005 - Present
Legal Skills Advisory Board, University of New HavenChair Through 2023; Member
1994 - Present
New Haven County Bar AssociationMember
1994 - Present
New Haven County Bar Association, Family Law CommitteeMember
1990 - Present
Connecticut Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
Finding in favor of client, defendant wife. Plaintiff husband's motion to modify or terminate alimony was denied
Substantial award of property in favor of client, plaintiff wife
After short marriage, substantial property awarded to client, plaintiff wife with young child. Upward deviation from presumptive child support.
Substantial award of property in favor of client, plaintiff wife
2003
Certificate
1999
Certificate
1990
J.D.
N/A
MA - Masters
N/A
Sixth Year Certificate of Advanced Study
N/A
BS - Bachelor of Science
2014
Legal Malpractice: Divorce Discovery and Trial
2013
Legal Malpractice: Post-Judgment Custody Action
1989
1989
English