$ 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 9 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Douglas | December 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
The best in Connecticut
I retained Attorney Lilburn to represent me in my divorce. Attorney Lilburn was extremely professional in all of our interactions. She provided me with not only her legal knowledge but the likelihood of success based on the path I chose to take. She was always prepared for our court meetings. My ex...
Posted by anonymous | December 09, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
If you need family law, please call Verna Lilburn first.
I hired Verna Lilburn in regard to a divorce proceeding. I could not be happier with the effort that she and her office put into my case- they were easy to work with and kept me updated at all times. I got good legal advice and assistance through what could have been a VERY difficult process. No ...
Posted by anonymous | December 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney
well respected by the field and a true role model
Verna’s expertise, life wisdom, and passion for her field and the clients she is representing are just some examples of her qualities that make her truly stand out. She is well respected by the field and a true role model. I am personally so very grateful for the counsel she provided me with. Her wit...
Posted by Chakyrie | July 31, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Excellent Family Lawyer in New Haven
I recently retained Attorney Lilburn as counsel on a relocation case. Attorney Lilburn will fight with everything in her to help you win your case. She worked day and night, even holidays to make sure everything was set for my case. While I’m court she was very organized and aggressive while ensuring...
Posted by Cathy | May 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
An Exceptional Divorce Attorney Who Cares About Her Clients
I am so thankful that Verna Lilburn was my divorce lawyer. From our first meeting to when I signed my papers, she was supportive, honest, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to ensure the best outcome for my situation. It was a relief to go through this confusing ordeal with someone I coul...
"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