Melissa Cipriano

Melissa Cipriano

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 26 years

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

175 Fairfield Ave, Suites 4C/D, West Caldwell, NJ

About Melissa

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

Divorce, including equitable distribution/alimony concerns for high net worth clients and business owners, as well as custody, and parenting time issues.

27 years

50%
Mediation 30%

I serve as a court qualified economic and domestic violence mediator as well as a Parenting Coordinator.

22 years

30%
Child Custody 10%

27 years

10%
Child Support 5%

Including modifications due to change in circumstance

27 years

5%
Family 5%

All aspects of Family court representation including domestic violence trials.

27 years

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in New York for 24 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2002

Delinquent

No misconduct found

Licensed in New Jersey for 26 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 1999

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Florida for 26 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1999

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Cipriano Law Offices, PC

175 Fairfield Ave, Suites 4C/D, West Caldwell, NJ, 070060000

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Melissa Cipriano's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

67 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 17 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Karen | June 17, 2015 | Child Custody

Expert in Family Law

Melissa defended my son twice from his father and stepmother who continuously made false allegations and wanted full control over any and all visitation. Melissa is absolutely an expert in her field. She was fabulous in writing responses and was fantastic presenting in court. She got the best ruling ...for my son. Because of her knowledge and expertise, my family is happy and free of drama. I would recommend her to anyone seeking the best representation!

Posted by anonymous | April 09, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

Strong advocate-highly recommended

Melissa Cipriano and Jessica Swenson represented me in a highly contested divorce matter. Both were attentive, detail oriented and extremely knowledgeable of the law. They provided me with expert advice and truly looked out for my best interests. They were able to resolve a stressful and emotionall...y draining situation quickly and with the best results for me and my children. I recommend their services to anyone in need of competent, confident and zealous advocate.

Posted by Michael | April 07, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

Extraordinary Representation

Ms. Cipriano represented me in a very difficult and emotional divorce and I could not have picked a better attorney to represent me. She was always very involved in my case and knew every detail when I called several times for guidance. I highly recommend Melissa.

Posted by Lisamarie | September 23, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

OUTSTANDING!!

I can right more then 4000 characters about Melissa. If i had to right a novel there wouldn't be enough pages to compliment the OUTSTANDING job she has done for me. Melissa represented me in my divorce after 18yrs of marriage . I was a complete mess, could not sleep, could not eat, lost so much weigh...t, well that was a good thing. I was under doctors care. She handled everything . She calmed me when i was angry, she comforted me when i was sad. When it was time to get down to business she took a firm hand and brought me back to being me again. I came out of this divorce not only a winner, i was able to put my life back together with a sense of security due to her aggressive , sharpness, and most of all her ability to take a bad situation and create good. I would recommend her highly . I have referred her to several of my friends, coworkers, friends of a friend. I will and still get phone calls looking for Melissa's Contact information. If i could thank her a million times over i would , and i do. She is the only attorney i would recommend for all your family needs. I cannot say enough about her. OUTSTANDING sums it up!! Thank you, Lisa ,you are the BEST!!

Posted by Michael | September 02, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Simply the Best!

Brilliant! It is never easy to walk into a court room and to deal with the complexities of the legal system. It helps if you have standing beside you a “great lawyer.” I have been a client of Ms. Cipriano’s since May 2014. She has represented me in both criminal and family matters; my issues are ...presently ongoing. One has to feel confident in speaking to their attorney; upon initial consultation we clicked. At our first meeting Ms. Cipriano was thorough, compassionate, and direct. From the onset Ms. Cipriano was interested in my case…she took, and continues, to take the time to personalize the lawyer/client relationship by gathering every fact and takes the time to understand and recognize my needs as an individual and the unique style that defines my situation. I am comfortable when speaking with her. She is a no-nonsense attorney. At times she is stern, yet remains kind, she gives solid direction, explains every step in detail and keeps me on track and focused to the issue at hand. She keeps it real! Always direct and to the point, Ms. Cipriano does not waste my time or my money. She is very knowledgeable in all aspects of the law and always has a clear vision in the direction she will take. She is always there for me and she works very hard on my behalf. Ms. Cipriano is a consummate professional. She is an accomplished lawyer who is meticulous, assertive - yet courteous, well organized, formidable, ethical, fast-thinking, and has a sense of humor. She is reliable and she delivers. I would be remiss if I did not mention that her staff is equally kind, efficient, and supportive…This is a fabulous team! Ms. Cipriano - I could never have taken his journey without your expert guidance, honesty, and patience. Thank you! Michael

See All Client Reviews

Melissa Cipriano's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Melissa
Brad Michael Micklin headshot
Brad Micklin

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Cipriano and I have worked on opposing sides of many cases over the years and I have always found her to be ethical and fair yet zealous in her advocacy of her client."

Keith T. Bostwick headshot
Keith Bostwick

Unknown lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Melissa is an extremely talented and highly respected member of the legal community. I endorse this lawyer without hesitation."

Mara L Dooskin headshot
Mara Dooskin

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. She is extremely professional and works diligently for her clients. I highly recommend her."

Joseph M. Bimonte headshot
Joseph Bimonte

Family lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer for all matters in the family law field. I had the pleasure of working opposite her and she was extremely courteous and professional."

Tanya L. Freeman headshot
Tanya Freeman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stacey Selem Antonucci headshot
Stacey Selem Antonucci

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Melissa is a highly experienced and intelligent attorney. I recommend her to many of my clients who have family law issues. She has a fabulous personality and is a pleasure to know."

Jill L Rogers headshot
Jill Rogers

Unknown lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer and all the work she does to get the best results for clients."

Armando Ruben Horta headshot
Armando Horta

Family lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Cipriano was an adversary on a very difficult matter, however, no matter what happened in the case, Ms. Cipriano did not sacrifice her integrity or ethics at any time. Ms. Cipriano was professional in our dealings and represented her client well."

Richard A Nocks headshot
Richard Nocks

Family lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. We were adversaries on a divorce case, and agreed to take a "problem solving" approach to resolving the issues. We conducted a 4-way conference in Melissa's office, and a short time later, the case was settled. All this occurred even before the initial complaint was filed. This save both sides an enourmous amount of money, time, and stress."

Francesca Susana Blanco headshot
Francesca Blanco

Mediation lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"A well-qualified, professional, knowledgeable mediator. Very experienced and helpful in settling divorce disputes."

Peter F Van Aulen headshot
Peter Van Aulen

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Edward S Snyder headshot
Edward Snyder

Family lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Melissa is terrific to have a case with. She's smart, reasonable and has good common sense. We settled a case that could have been a disaster with another adversary. She was always protective of her client. She was also fun to deal with. I highly recommend her and look forward to working with her again."

Julie A DiMaggio headshot
Julie DiMaggio

Family lawyer | Aug 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Melissa for over 15 years. She is an excellent attorney and a tremendous advocate for her clients. She does a fantastic job for her clients. I would recommend her (and do) to everyone."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Apr 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Michael Joseph Cuellar headshot
Michael Cuellar

Mediation lawyer | Nov 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

James David de Stefano headshot
James de Stefano

Mediation lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Laura Ruvolo Lipp headshot
Laura Ruvolo Lipp

Mediation lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Melissa is an excellent mediator. The first time I sent her a case, it was for custody and parenting time mediation in a case that my adversary and I had been unable to resolve for almost one year. We sent the couple to Melissa and after only a few hours, she resolved every detail of the case to everyone's liking and the family was finally able to move on with their lives. I continue to refer mediations to her because of this. I know that my clients will always be in good hands with someone who truly understands what it is like to parent young children."

Matthew David Bavaro headshot
Matthew Bavaro

Family lawyer | Sep 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I wholeheartedly edorse Melissa. I have know here for approximately 15 years. She is one of the most hard working and intelligent lawyers out there. Keep up the great work Melissa."

Christina Fichera headshot
Christina Fichera

Family lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Cipriano is an excellent example of the effective and zealous matrimonial litigator. Her contributions to the community are immense."

Scott Christoph Pappas headshot
Scott Pappas

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Melissa for 11 years. Melissa is a client focused, top notch divorce attorney. I would, and have, referred all matters requiring an aggressive, yet sensible approach to facilitate resolution. One of the best."

View All Endorsements
Paula L Crane headshot
Paula Crane

Divorce and separation lawyer

Joanne Vos headshot
Joanne Vos

Litigation lawyer

Mara L Dooskin headshot
Mara Dooskin

Divorce and separation lawyer

Benjamin C Curcio headshot
Benjamin Curcio

Personal injury lawyer

Aristotle George Mirzaian headshot
Aristotle Mirzaian

Corporate and incorporation lawyer

Joseph M. Bimonte headshot
Joseph Bimonte

Personal injury lawyer

Melinda L. Singer headshot
Melinda Singer

Divorce and separation lawyer

Juliana Marguerite Cipriano headshot
Juliana Cipriano

Workers compensation lawyer

Armando Ruben Horta headshot
Armando Horta

Child custody lawyer

Richard A Nocks headshot
Richard Nocks

Family lawyer

Richard H Weiner headshot
Richard Weiner

Divorce and separation lawyer

Francesca Susana Blanco headshot
Francesca Blanco

Family lawyer

Edward S Snyder headshot
Edward Snyder

Divorce and separation lawyer

Julie A DiMaggio headshot
Julie DiMaggio

Litigation lawyer

Jessica Sara Swenson headshot
Jessica Swenson

Family lawyer

Melissa Ruvolo headshot
Melissa Ruvolo

Family lawyer

James P Yudes headshot
James Yudes

Family lawyer

Matthew David Bavaro headshot
Matthew Bavaro

Litigation lawyer

Christine M Dalena headshot
Christine Dalena

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

10 Best, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2011

Super Lawyer, New Jersey Super Lawyers Magazine

2011

Rising Star, New Jersey Monthly Magazine

2010

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2009

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2009

Certificate of Appreciation, Early Settlement Panelist, Morris County Superior Court

2008

Rising Star, New Jersey Super Lawyers magazine

2008

Certificate of Appreciation, Early Settlement Panelist, Morris County Superior Court

2007

Super Lawyer, New Jersey Monthly Magazine

2007

Certificate of Appreciation, Early Settlement Panelist, Morris County Superior Court

2006

Certificate of Appreciation, Early Settlement Panelist, Morris County Superior Court

2005

Certificate of Appreciation, Early Settlement Panelist, Morris County Superior Court

2004

Certificate of Appreciation, Early Settlement Panelist, Morris County Superior Court

Work Experience

2008 - 2008

Divorce Expert Interview, Court TV

Associations

2009 - Present

United States Supreme Court Bar

Member

2008 - Present

Cambridge Who's Who

Honored Member

2004 - Present

Morris County Early Settlement Panel

Panelist

2003 - Present

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

Member

2002 - Present

New York State Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Member

2000 - Present

Essex County Bar Association, Family Law Committee

Executive Committee

1999 - Present

Florida State Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

New Jersey State Bar Association

Member

Education

1999

Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center

JD - Juris Doctor

1996

Fairleigh Dickinson University

MA - Masters

1991

Wells College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2008

Court TV

Family Law Expert Analysis

Publications

2008

New Jersey Super Lawyer's Rising Stars Hanging Out Their Own Shingle

2007

New Jersey Monthly Magazine New Jersey Super Lawyers of 2007

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution