I have been a partner at Rower LLC since its inception in 2017. I have been practicing exclusively in the field of matrimonial and family law since 2005.
I began my legal career at Sanctuary for Families, where I managed a high volume of contested matrimonial and family law cases that required me to appear before the judges of New York and Kings County on matters including orders of protection, custody/visitation, and contested divorce. My experience at Sanctuary for Families not only taught me about the complex nature of domestic violence, but also shaped my commitment to client-centered advocacy. I have parlayed that into my private practice, where I handle a caseload of high-conflict divorce cases, often involving complex custody issues and domestic violence.
While I believe clients often achieve the best outcome when they can reach a settlement, I do not hesitate to engage the court system when necessary. Strategically knowing when to do so, and when to keep a case out of court, is a skill I have sharpened over the past 20 years of practicing in this field. I am a tenacious litigator, having tried numerous custody and financial cases in the Supreme and Family Courts of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Westchester. I have also successfully argued before the Appellate Division of the First Department in both 2021 and 2022.
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Practice Areas
Always
State: New York
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Other places you can find Kara online.
12 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | June 18, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Family
An Extraordinary Attorney and Human Being
For those seeking assistance in Family Law matters, I urge you to seek the expertise of Kara Bellew. Throughout my case, Kara never wavered in her assessment that I was on the right side of the law and would prevail. And I did. To be clear, Kara did not just tell me what I wanted to hear. She ...
Posted by anonymous | January 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family
It was an honor to have Kara Bellew represent me.
Kara Bellew represented me in a relocation case and I can't say enough great things about her. From the first time she and I spoke, which was during our phone consultation, she struck me as someone who was extremely SHARP and CONFIDENT. She knew exactly how to preceed with my case almost instantly....
Posted by IR | September 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Competence and Compassion - The Perfect Combination!
I had the pleasure of working with Kara who assisted me through a very difficult process. Under the best of circumstances, a divorce is not easy. It requires a clear understanding of all the legal components at a time when one has to deal with many emotional issues. Kara offered me the perfect com...
"I can't count the number of times that I have provided Kara as a referral for personal and professional connections in my life or the number of times she has guided me on a client's tricky matrimonial question. She is smart, gifted, and importantly collaborative. She also has deep expertise in intimate partner and family violence and the impact it has on matrimonial matters. She will continue to be my go to referral."
"Kara is an excellent divorce and separation attorney. She is a zealous advocate for her clients and well respected in the legal community."
Mediation lawyer
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017 - Present
Partner, Rower LLC
2015 - 2016
Associate, Miller Zeiderman Wiederkehr & Schwarz LLP
2014 - 2015
Associate, Farber Pappalardo & Carbonari
2009 - 2014
Deputy Director, Economic Justice/Matrimonial Project, Sanctuary For Families
2006 - 2009
Senior Staff Attorney, Sanctuary for Families
2004 - 2006
Supervising Attorney, Courtroom Advocates Project, Sanctuary For Families
2014 - Present
Sanctuary for FamiliesLegal Advisory Committee Member
Member
Member
Board Member
Member
Matrimonial Advisory Committee Member
2004
JD - Juris Doctor
2000
MA - Masters
1998
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
English