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Patricia Ann Fersch

Family Attorney at New York, NY

4.5   16 reviews
Virtual consultation available
Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 29 years
    State NY
    Acquired 1994
    Status
    Currently Registered No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Patricia

Learn Patricia’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Family
    40%
    divorce, prenuptuals, orders of protection, child custody, child support, family law, separation agreements, post nuptial agreements, marital agreements, parenting time, etc.

    29 years, 3,000 cases

  2. Child custody
    15%

  3. Child support
    15%

  4. Divorce and separation
    15%

  5. Marriage and prenuptials
    15%

Patricia Ann Fersch is the founding partner of Fersch LLC. She is a graduate of New York University and New York Law School and was admitted to the practice of law in the State of New York and the Southern and Eastern Districts of United States Federal Court in 1994. Immediately after law school, Ms. Fersch opened the Patricia Ann Fersch Family Law Center in 1994. In 2010, she started Fersch Petitti LLC with Danielle Petitti. In 2019, she founded Fersch LLC.

Throughout her 25 year career in Matrimonial and Family law, she has successfully completed thousands of cases involving families caught in the turmoil of family law conflicts. Ms. Fersch is known for handling high-conflict divorce and custody matters, and frequently represents clients in complicated cases in the Family and Supreme Courts. Ms. Fersch also handles a number of international and high-profile divorce and family court matters.

Ms. Fersch is dedicated to public service and has been honored many times throughout her career.

She was the 2000-2001 Chairperson of the Women’s Rights Committee at the New York County Lawyers Association and is a member of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York. Prior to starting the Patricia Ann Fersch Family Law Center, she volunteered at The Legal Aid Society and was honored in March 1995 for her outstanding pro bono representation.

Ms. Fersch was awarded the 2002 New York Law School Public Interest Coalition Award and was highlighted that same year at the Law School’s annual Spotlight on Women luncheon. Also in 2002, Ms. Fersch was a panelist at the Brooklyn Law School Symposium on Domestic Violence, and her remarks were published in the Brooklyn Law School’s Journal of Law and Policy, Vol. xl. 2003. She was also a committee member of the New York Law School Fellowship Screening Committee from 2002-2004.

In 2007, Ms. Fersch participated in an externship program with New York Law School and New York Supreme Court, in which she supervised students assisting pro se litigants with uncontested divorces. Ms. Fersch was a panelist at the annual Conference on Domestic Violence held at Fordham University on March 12-13, 2007. She is a 2007 member of the New York Law School Employee Advisory Group and a 2007 recipient of the 2006 Partner in Justice Award from MFY Legal Services Inc. Ms. Fersch also was awarded the 2010 Partner in Justice Award.

In 2011, Ms. Fersch, with her co-chairwoman Judy White, reignited the Women’s Bar Association Matrimonial Pro Bono Project which is now in effect in New York Country, serving financially challenged litigants in contested divorce cases. She is still the co-chairwoman of the Matrimonial Lawyers Pro Bono Law Project, sponsored by the New York Women’s Bar Association.

In 2014, Ms. Fersch was appointed by the Chief Administrative Judge to serve on the New York State Judicial Committee on Women in the Courts. Ms. Fersch was the recipient of the 2015 Hanna S. Cohn Pro Bono Award from the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York for her work in co-founding the Matrimonial Pro Bono Project in New York and Kings Counties.

Ms. Fersch served as the New York Women’s Bar Association representative on the 2016 Civil Court Judicial Screening Panel. In 2017, she participated in the Matrimonial Law Summit at Hofstra University.

Ms. Fersch was selected to the New York County Supreme Matrimonial Advisory Committee and, since 2018, has been a member of the sub-committee, Matrimonial Mediation Pilot program in New York County.

In 2019, Ms. Fersch was awarded the FamilyKind Service Award.

Every year from 2013 through 2019, Ms. Fersch was selected to the New York Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

Ms. Fersch currently serves on the Board of Directors of the non-profit Community Word and the Board of Directors of FamilyKind.

Awards

Client's Choice 2019
Client's Choice
2019

Contact Patricia

Fersch LLC

Reviews

4.5 / 5.0
  16 customer reviews
5 Star
 
88%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
13%
Client's Choice 2019
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Christopher | April 21, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing attorney and a great person
Pat is the best lawyer that I've worked with. She has a friendly, direct approach which gave me a sense of ease from our very first call. What could have been a long and drawn out divorce was handled quickly and effectively due to her expert guidance. Whenever I had doubt or anxiety about the divorce process she shared with me earnest encouragement coupled with her unmatched expertise. Pat is professional and genuine and dedicated. I don't wish divorce on anyone but if you find yourself headed for one contact Pat.
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Posted by anonymous | November 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
As Good As They Get
Ms. Fersch handled my rather intricate and unusual case with aplomb. She was generous with her time and supportive beyond the call of duty. And, most importantly, we won.
Posted by Mary | October 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Client of Pat Fersch
I was a client of Pat Fersch during a very difficult time. She treated my family situation with respect, compassion, empathy and kindness. Her brilliant legal skills and thorough understanding of how the law can be an instrument to create a new family dynamic gave me and my kids the smoothest transition possible during a challenging divorce. I consider her a dear friend and a part of my family to this day. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of a family lawyer to expertly and fairly guide you through this painful process.
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Posted by anonymous | October 9, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding
I met Ms Fersch by chance ,I happened to be sitting in a court room when I saw her defending a pro-bono client. The way she addressed the judge ,her precision and style of language impressed me and I made sure to ask for her business card . I met with her for a consultation about 8 months later , I didn't like what she told me but it turned out to be exactly correct. I ended up hiring Patricia after I came to terms with letting go of my previous lawyer , that decision was also prompted by Patricias staff and associates who are extreamly dedicated and professional, a team that supports Patricias work seamlessly. I had no regrets ,my case was complex in the extreme and I always felt Patricia and everyone in her office had my back no matter what twists and turns came down the road. What more could you ask for ? I always had the feeling that I was receiving what I was paying for and I value that ..I knew there were lawyers who were less expensive but I didn't want to be thinking ..did they do this or that and have in my mind I had to call them to discuss it, that peace of mind was really important to me as the amount of stress involved with the case was already overwhelming . I will also add that I think Patricia comes to the law both as a profession and as a canvas to preserve dignity and integrity in the most difficult circumstances...and its that quality that makes her an outstanding lawyer and what could be described as " the real deal" ...She's not always easy or a baby sitter type but you in my opinion would be lucky to have your case with her.
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Posted by Ian | October 7, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honorable Lawyer
I have been a client of Ms. Fersch for 16 years. Its not everyday, I call a person "Honorable", but today is the day. She makes a very difficult process clearer. She treats an emotional time with sympathy. She is steadfast in her legal approach. She answers correspondence in a professional and timely manner. Needless to say, I am a fan and not just a client.
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Posted by Heath | October 6, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome Advocate in Court, Caring Counselor in Real Life
Patricia has been representing me in an awful divorce from my lying, physically abusive husband. She is an amazing courtroom lawyer - She has obliterated my husband's counsel in oral arguments many times. I am always confident going into court with Patricia by my side. She has also been working hard to find a reasonable settlement, even though my husband is making it as hard as possible. Outside of the courtroom, she is a genuinely caring person and I am grateful to have her looking out for me in general, and not just as a lawyer. I cannot recommend Patricia and her firm highly enough. I'm a lawyer myself so I know good lawyering when I see it.
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Posted by anonymous | October 5, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Attorney in NYC
Pat and her team went above and beyond handling my 1.5year case. Pat was available 24/7 and never missed a call or email. Not only is she the most versed in material law she also helped me emotionally with my case.
Posted by Caroline | October 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Patricia Fersch Is THE Best Family Law Attorney
Patricia Fersch is without a doubt the most trustworthy, dedicated, responsible, vigorous and caring family law attorney in the tri-state region and beyond. Working with her was a master class in family law commitment and determination. It is not an overstatement to say she saved my life from falling into total chaos -- and saved my physical and legal custody of my son. She has an impeccable reputation in the courts, especially with the judges and court-appointed child advocates. She never missed a phone call or court date, was always prepared and able to clearly champion my case and convince the court in my favor. She turned a true legal nightmare that lasted over a decade into a success. I will always be grateful to Ms. Fersch and her A-team, and am delighted to recommend her to others.
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Posted by ZHAMILYA | October 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer
Patricia and her team helped me with my case throughout the last year. They were very responsive and professional. Patricia is clearly very experienced in matrimonial matters of NY state. I was referred to her by another lawyer.
Posted by Anna | October 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing human!
I hired Pat to help me with a sticky post-divorce issue and she handled it beautifully. She was particularly helpful as a strategist and very skilled at navigating judges, opposing legal teams and social workers.
Posted by David | January 4, 2014
A sensible, strong and devoted advocate
Pat acted for me in a particularly nasty divorce that lasted all of 33 months. She got me the divorce that I wanted and a good, reasonable and fair settlement. She consistently had my best interests at heart and advocated strongly for me at every step of the way. I will always remember one poor Joe at the courtroom door saying to me "Wow, I wish she was my lawyer!" And I will always remember, too, the day that she turned up for a status conference, even though she was as sick as a dog. She kept me focused and realistic throughout and, frankly, protected me from myself at times. She kept me fully informed and promptly answered all of my messages and queries. She never fed me with false hopes, but was, at the same time, a tower of strength. I always had the fullest confidence in her ability to prevail in the end. Her billing was fair and reasonable and she did not hit me with absurd charges for every email interaction. I have heartily recommended her to friends and acquaintances since she acted for me. I am myself a lawyer (though not qualified in New York).
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Posted by LMR | October 17, 2013
Great Attorney!!!
Patricia Fersch is an amazing attorney. I've met with her a few times and the legal advice she has offered has helped me through this tough time. Not only is she a remarkable attorney but she also has a big heart. She is always concerned of the well being of the children. I highly recommend Patricia Fersch.
Posted by Angelika | September 25, 2013
Best Attorney
I came to United States from Europe 20 years ago, as a model, with conversational English. Today, I am in college and work as a real-estate agent represented by Citi Habitats . I have a teenage son and spend 10 years serving to go to custody and family court, and losing overtime. I was always the one to be blames and bullied by father. I felt like a bird in a cage, trying to do my best as a single mother. I was always reminded that my behavior would result me in being punished and receive child support less the $ 700 per months. I lost hope that anything I would say in court or do, would turn right back at me and so I lost hope. Patricia Fersch was referred to me by another African American lawyer. Ironically, I came to her office shivering like a leaf. This time, I was served with child support papers, to bring down to zero from $700 per months. Additionally, Dad was doing good job aggressively sending me messages and threatening me about custody. First, she brought me a hot tea and listened to my story calmly. I continue quivering since I had no confidence in any lawyers. By this time, I have changed 3 lawyers in duration of 10 years and every one of them was delicate people. I imaging Patricia was no different. We appeared in court and right there I was served again, with custody violation. Father was excited and happy ready for another victory and I almost melted in my sit. We were called to proceed in to the room and I was very impressed by Patricia Fersh. She blew me off my feet. This woman is a German shepherd under elegant clothes. She is smart, fast thinker, brave and most she wants to help. She cares and it shows. Dad was shocked and furious. Patricia is about 5 feet tall standing by the elevators next to raged 6.5 foot dad, who is screaming, insulting, threating and pocking his index finger in her nose. Yet Patricia was fearless, with quick responses which left five African American women in the hallway applauding and praising Patricia that there should be more lawyers like Patricia Fersh. From that moment I felt save, calm with sensation of justice and raised my chest. Patricia is strong opinionated person without any insensitivity or rudeness. That is what makes her an amazing lawyer. She listens, analyzes, likes honesty in people and clever to notice any nonsense. The best part I loved is that she is always there for you not t worry, if it is in court or on the weekend . She will answer, right away. She is reliable person with a giant heart. I would recommend her in a heart bit and wanted to be represented by her as my lawyer. She is very solid human being and this is what a lawyer should represent in my opinion. Her advice is very valuable and she can pretty much tell the future of the case.
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Posted by Peggy | December 31, 2011
Divorce and Support
Well, I am a woman. That said, I was in a bad situation when my marriage broke up. I wasn't even sure I could afford a lawyer or a divorce! The fact that this law firm has a sliding scale meant I could get a divorce! All my ex had to do was sign papers though he had the option to get a lawyer through his union as well. I have used this lawyer twice over many years and the former location on Stanton Street -- and will probably go back again for modification of support assistance. The associate attorneys are also excellent.
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Posted by anonymous | May 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
review
I used this attorney for my divorce. She has a strong reputation and seemed caring when I met her. But over time I saw that she was forgetful and that her writing was sloppy and incoherent. Some of the legal advice she gave me was flat out wrong. She was confused regarding numbers and her hands would shake in court. I have a bad feeling that she is aging and not able to stay on top of her cases anymore. She made some critical mistakes due to wrong legal advice in my case and I will pay for it for years to come. In my opinion she is getting by under the radar because of her reputation but needs to have her memory tested, or retire. She means well but legal situations are high stakes and she did not (could not) do right by me and my kids.
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Posted by anonymous | October 7, 2009
Avoid - especially if you are a man
Patricia was positive about my divorce case until she collected my retainer. Then she tried to brow beat me to settle for alimony and support payments upon which I would have defaulted in one month's time. Further, if my circumstances changed (layoff, reduced bonus) I knew I'd be in serious trouble if I agree to these terms for which she was pushing. Agreements can only be altered by a court if a change in circumstances is foreseeable -- layoffs, etc. are foreseeable. Essentially, if I followed her advice, I would have found myself defending against repeated attacks by my ex-wife to throw me in jail for contempt in not being able to make those payments. Her response to my criticism was that the courts did not care about fathers and would actually prefer to see me living out of a cardboard box in the bronx. she was supposed to be my advocate. she made one appearance for a status conference on my case. I had previously file a downward motionas my interim payments exceeded my income. She silently stood at attention, not saying a word, as the other side berated me in front of the judgte for not making my support and alimony payments in full. She offered not one word of support -- such as thee payments exceed his income. He's trying everything, he's paying what he can on credit card checks, we are wiating to hear on our downward motion. The judge was not pleased. i fired her immediately. i would not recoomend that any man hire her -- in my opinion i think she is prejudiced against men.
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Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Founder
  • Fersch LLC
  • 1994 - Present

Education

  • New York Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1992
  • New York University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1988

Legal Cases

  • Vikram J. v. Anupama S., 123 A.D.3d 625 (App Div 1st Dept. 2014)
  • Appellant-Respondent prevailed. Hague Civil service convention trumped New York CPLR.
  • Ponorovskaya v. Stecklow, 45 Misc. 3d 597 (N.Y. Cty. Sup. Ct., Cooper, J. 2014)
  • It was not considered to be a valid marriage. No marriage was deemed to have taken place.
  • In re Penny B. v. Gary S., 61 A.D.3d 589 (App Div 1st Dept. 2009)
  • Legal and physical custody to the Father
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Family Kind
  • Board of Directors
  • 2019 - Present
  • Community Word
  • Board of Directors
  • 2019 - Present
  • New York Women's Bar Association Matrimonial Pro Bono Project
  • Co-Chair
  • 2011 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2020
  • Service Award
  • Family Kind
  • 2019
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2019
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Hanna S. Cohn Pro Bono Award
  • Women's Bar Association
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Partner in Justice Award
  • MFY Legal Services
  • 2010
  • Pro Bono Partner in Justice Award
  • MFY Legal Services
  • 2006
  • Public Interest Coalition Award
  • New York Law School
  • 2002
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)
Given (0)
Endorse Patricia
Family Attorney | Nov 20
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse Patricia Fersch without any hesitation. She is an excellent mentor and advocate. Pat is extremely talented at what she does and works hard for her clients."
Family Attorney | Nov 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have know Pat for many years. She is a zealous advocate for her clients and an extremely talented family lawyer.... I highly recommend her"
Family Attorney | Nov 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I highly respect Patricia's work in family law."
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.