Barbara Janet Schaffer

I am writing this review almost nine years after my divorce. Barbara has been on my mind recently though, since a couple of weeks ago I paid my final child support payment, and that marks the end of the long process of separating myself from my ex. I often think about how lucky I was, in that ...I got through the divorce and was able to both keep my house, and keep my pension intact. (Your mileage may vary!) This was due to Barbara's expert, patient, and tenacious lawyering, and it was her kindness that kept me sane through the whole affair. I have remarried and am very happy. The good life that my wife and I share now is due in a large part to the work that Barbara did for me. Hyperbole? Not really. I don't know where I would be now without having had her stewardship throughout the messy process of divorce. If you are going through divorce, it ain't easy. But keep the faith. And hire Ms. Schaffer.

Barbara is very knowledgeable about NYS court system and the Justices that hear divorce cases. This is important in terms of determining strategy. Her knowledge of the legal system and the law also allows her to expeditiously understand your case, avoiding unnecessary and expensive work preparing var...ious required documents, some of which you will need to prepare (e.g., your personal net worth statement). Barbara will also set out practical limitations under the law so you develop reasonable expectations and avoid unproductive and unnecessary work. Barbara is patient and will hear both sides of the case as told by you, helping you put your views into perspective. In addition to providing legal advice, she will console you, as your case is likely not the worse case she’s dealt with. Her legal fees are “customary and reasonable.” Most importantly, she won’t nickel and dime you for every inquiry you make, provided they are not excessive.

I first contacted and consulted with Barbara Schaffer in the spring of 2018. Immediately after meeting her, I hired her as my lawyer. Barbara worked actively with me through two+ years in an unconventional custody process. We wound up with an order that I am very happy with--and that protected both m...e and my kid from the stress of a full-on battle, just as I hoped it would. Barbara is brilliant, deeply knowledgeable of the law (and psychology), aware of trends in decisions, and strategically astute. Barbara was empathetic, patient, and good-humored (having someone you can laugh with in difficult moments is a godsend). She was also very direct and realistic—she never promised results that would be impossible. I still consider her my lawyer, and I consult with her whenever new issues arise. Finally: I was sent to Barbara by a friend who did have a bitter and challenging divorce case in court and came away from it completely pleased and relieved. Now I always send people to Barbara when divorce, separation, custody, or child support issues come up in their lives.