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 1 - 5 of 16 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | November 20, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Top Lawyer

Upon hearing that my spouse retained a lawyer looking for a divorce, I knew that I need a great lawyer. We were not married long and have 2 young children, which I wanted to remain in my life. After learning that my spouse wanted everything including full custody of the children, I started research...ing lawyers on AVVO. One lawyer stood out with outstanding reviews, Melissa Cipriano. Knowing this is a big step, I set up a phone conversation and being still hesitant, I asked for an in person meeting. I was total impressed and never looked back. The Cipriano law office and in particular Melissa helped me though a tough time, being there 24 hours – 7 days a week, like when my spouse physically attached me and was arrested Saturday night. Melissa keep me level headed while my emotions were very high. She always knew what the next step would be with her vast experience. She is well known and liked around the court room, which helped expediting my divorce. As for the results, I feel that I came out ahead, retaining the house, while being the residential parent. Melissa was able to bring great value to completing the MSA – Divorce judgement. I was able to save on costs to be given to my spouse and being able to take the kids to Disney for 11 days, while this was happening. When divorcing a former best friend, I felt grateful to have Melissa on my side and her staff, like Anna. Anna Shea is not a lawyer but the office manager. She knows Melissa for many years and a mother, she was able to provide advice and emotional support as well. I am extremely happy to know Anna. Now, I have a Parent Coordinator. He cannot resolve my issues after 5 weeks. I just want my daughter to go to a private gym class, not expensive, local, while very reputable. This Parent Coordinator does not allocate any time to us and does not return calls. I wish Melissa was my parent coordinator, which she is also qualified for. This would be a conflict of interest. The difference between Melissa and this Parent Coordinate is that Melissa treated me like family, while this Coordinator does not exist and lost my confidence. I did not research my Parent Coordinator like Melissa and this is something I have to live with… Since my divorce was finalized prior to Covid, I have no more contact with Melissa or Anna. I wish them well. Furthermore, I wanted to write this review, with the hopes that others will retain Cipriano law with the same success as mine. Thank you

Posted by W. GEORGE | March 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Family

People person

I have nothing but great admiration for Melissa Cipriano, I’ve know her for over 13 years. She’s more than the typical lawyer she has been family and treats you as such. She knows her stuff and wins her cases. I would highly recommend her for any family case one may need. She has been our family la...wyer for all that time she has become part of our family. A excellent attorney that work for her clients and recommending her would be a privilege. Custody, Divorce, name changing she was awsome in handling these issues.

Posted by Laurie | December 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Fabulous Attorney!

Melissa's firm is fantastic and went above and beyond for me during my divorce. Melissa is extremely knowledgeable, attentive, driven and has her client's best interests at heart. She makes you feel like family and never waivers in her determination to fight for what is best for her clients. I highly... recommend her firm.

Posted by Jackie | November 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Above and Beyond

I can't thank Melissa Cipriano enough for all of her hard work and her commitment to my case. Melissa and her team of professionals are not only highly intelligent and skilled, they are genuinely caring individuals who will guide you in the right direction. I am forever grateful for having Cipriano L...aw by my side, and if you're worrying about who to chose to represent you, look no further. They will go above and beyond to help you.

Posted by Anthony | October 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Outstanding firm

Melissa represented me in my divorce. She was very compassionate and understanding.Melissa was always concerned about my young children's well being. Melissa is very knowledgeable and always told me the truth. I also worked with jessica (a lawyer in Melissa's firm) and she was outstanding as well, t...hey both were always looking out for my best interest and my children's best interest.

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