About Kristen
Biography
I am a collaborative lawyer and mediator committed to helping families as they navigate the overwhelming transition involved in restructuring a family. During my decade of experience as a divorce litigator, I witnessed first-hand the negative impact that the court process can have on families in resolving their conflicts. I knew there had to be a better way that was not as destructive as the courtroom. I sought a process that prioritizes sensitivity and sensibility during the transition that occurs during a divorce. Switching my focus to collaborative divorce and mediation, I joined Berner Law & Mediation Group, which promotes personalized and creative resolutions to family conflict while preserving relationships.
I received my undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College. I spent two years working as a paralegal at a top New York City law firm and then attended Catholic University Columbus School of Law. While in law school, I served as an editor for the Law Review and worked as a Research Assistant for a professor specializing in criminal law and families. After graduating law school, I settled on Long Island where I currently live with my husband and four spirited boys.
In my experience, the court system cannot adequately address the emotions involved in divorce and family disputes. Mediation, collaborative divorce, and the legal protection that Berner Law & Mediation Group is committed to offers a space for people to confront the issues that they prioritize. By empowering families to take control of the process, they can determine the outcome that best suits their needs and values while avoiding damage to themselves, their relationships, and their families. I feel privileged to have found an alignment with my philosophy in Berner Law & Mediation Group.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 14 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Licensed in New Jersey for 14 years
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Berner Law & Mediation Group
260 Madison Avenue, Floor 22, New York, NY, 10016
Berner Law & Mediation Group
One University Plaza, Suite 214, Hackensack, NJ, 07601
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Kristen Kelley Devaney's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
26 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 26 reviews
Posted by Susan | March 29, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Susan B
Kristen's knowledge combined with professionalism proved stellar as she strategically maneuvered through my difficult case with a skillset that yielded optimal results. Her patients and experience keep us moving forward in this difficult time with all the opposing conflicts. I would highly recommend ...
Posted by Diane | January 19, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Highly recommend!
Upon referral, I sought Ms. Devaney’s services to review a mediated divorce settlement. Ms. Devaney was personable, compassionate, and very knowledgeable. She carefully reviewed the document and made a number of important editing suggestions. I would highly recommend Ms. Devaney.
Posted by anonymous | October 31, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Raj
Kristen was very helpful and knowledgeable during my whole divorce process. Definitely recommend!!
Posted by Susan | September 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
client
Kristen Devaney was my second lawyer in my divorce. Three years after it was finalized, I had no choice other than to find a new lawyer to enforce the divorce decree in place. A friend, a satisfied client, recommended Kristen, and an amicable agreement was eventually accomplished. Kristen's calm an...
Posted by Thomas | July 07, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Excellent, competent, available, informative and kind services provided
My lawyer Kristen helped expedite my divorce and made a difficult situation tolerable and easy. Kristen explained everything I needed to do very clearly and walked me through all the paperwork required. Kristen was very kind and had my back throughout the entire process. A very close friend of mine r...
Kristen Kelley Devaney's Lawyer Endorsements
"Kristen is an extremely intelligent, personable, and compassionate attorney. She cares about her clients and will work tirelessly to advocate for them. Kristen proactively analyzes her cases and understands how to approach sensitive situations with thoughtful and creative solutions. She is a natural leader and has exceptional organization skills. Whether you are dealing with a difficult divorce, looking to adopt a child, or anything in-between, Kristen is the attorney you need."
"Kristen is my go-to family law attorney. She takes a personal stake in the matters she handles and is an impressively effective advocate. I endorse her without equivocation. When you need a family attorney, you can do no better than Kristen."
"Kristen is an attorney who truly cares about her clients. She fights hard on their behalf. She is also experienced and knows that sometimes litigation is not always the best course of action in seeking to resolve a matter. Given the sensitive and emotionally charged nature of these types of cases, it is reassuring to have such skilled counsel by your side."
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly professional and reliable. She is compassionate and can address all of her client's needs while strongly advocating for their position."
"Kristen is a wonderfully talented, understanding, empathetic and hard working attorney. Kristen pays attentions to the needs and goals of her clients first and foremost and applies her vast knowledge to gain the most favorable outcome towards their best interests. Anyone seeking the professional expertise of an engaged and diligent lawyer in the areas of Family/Matrimonial Law or Guardianship need look no further."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"Ms. Devaney is a well-respected attorney in her industry. She generously gives her time to answer questions on AVVO. I endorse this lawyer."
"Kristen is not only knowledgeable about this area of law, but she is also incredibly hardworking and motivated. She always responds immediately to our client's needs and keeps them well-informed. She is truly a great mentor."
Divorce and separation lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Unknown lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2022
2022 Rising Stars, SuperLawyers
2022
Top Women Attorneys in New York, SuperLawyers
2021
2021 Rising Stars, SuperLawyers
2010
Note and Comment Editor, Catholic University Law Review
2009
Member, Catholic University Law Review
Work Experience
2023 - Present
Associate Attorney, Berner Law & Mediation Group
2015 - 2023
Associate, Law Offices of Keith, Shapiro & Ford
2012 - 2015
Associate, Law Offices of Seidner & Associates
2011 - 2012
Law Clerk, Seidner & Associates, PC
2010 - 2010
Law Clerk, HooverLaw, LLC
2006 - 2008
Litigation Paralegal, Dewey & LeBoeuf
Associations
2020 - Present
Long Island Professional NetworkPresident
2016 - Present
Long Island Professional NetworkMember
2013 - Present
Nassau County Bar Association, Matrimonial Law CommitteeMember
2013 - Present
Nassau County Bar Association, Family Law CommitteeMember
2019 - 2020
Long Island Professional NetworkEvent Coordinator / Philanthropy Chair
2018 - 2019
Long Island Professonal NetworkPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
Successfully vacated the Order
Filed Notices of Renunciation
Obtained sole custody
Settled divorce matter
Modified child support and held adversary in contempt
Maintained sole custody for client
Published victory after multi-day trial
Successfully settled visitation and child support matters.
Obtained custody for client
Settled divorce matter
Settled divorce matter
Settled divorce matter
Obtained Letters Testamentary
Modified child support post-judgment
Settled matrimonial matter
Obtained all requested relief in divorce matter
Education
2011
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
B.A.
Speaking Engagements
2023
Litigation to Mediation
2022
Paternity
2021
Emergency Relief
2021
Family Court
2020
Divorce Issues in a Global Pandemic
2019
Post-Judgment Applications
2019
Procedural Nuances of Divorce
2019
Divorce Litigation in 4 Sticking Points
2018
Support Issues
2017
Custody and Adoptions
2017
Orders of Protection
Publications
2023
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
How long does it take to receive decision?
29 Nov 2021
After being served with divorce papers can someone respond without counsel?
28 Nov 2021
Does the wording in child visitation agreement have to say free of all substances unless prescribed when it comes to drug test?
18 Nov 2021