Melissa Cefalu

PRO

Melissa Cefalu

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 11 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at New York, NY
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Mediation ... +9 more

260 Madison Ave, 8th Floor, New York, NY

Virtual Consultation Available

About Melissa

Biography

Dedicated family law attorney serving NYC. Call today!

Dedicated family law attorney serving NYC. Call today!

Dedicated family law attorney serving NYC. Call today!

Practice Areas

12

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

My entire practice is dedicated to matrimonial and family law. This includes divorce, separation, custody, visitation, domestic violence, child support and spousal support issues, the distribution of marital assets including business assets, as well.

7 years

50%
Family 40%

My entire practice is dedicated to matrimonial and family law. This includes divorce, separation, custody, visitation, domestic violence, child support and spousal support issues, the distribution of marital assets including business assets, as well.

40%
Alimony 1%

My entire practice is dedicated to matrimonial and family law.

1%
Child Abuse 1%

My entire practice is dedicated to matrimonial and family law.

1%
Child Custody 1%

My entire practice is dedicated to matrimonial and family law.

1%
Child Support 1%

My entire practice is dedicated to matrimonial and family law.

1%
Domestic Violence 1%

My entire practice is dedicated to matrimonial and family law.

1%
Immigration 1%

1%
LGBT+ Law 1%

My entire practice is dedicated to matrimonial and family law.

1%
Marriage and Prenuptials 1%

My entire practice is dedicated to matrimonial and family law.

1%
Mediation 1%

My entire practice is dedicated to matrimonial and family law.

1%
Uncontested Divorce 1%

My entire practice is dedicated to matrimonial and family law.

1%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2024 2023 2021

Licenses

Licensed in Connecticut for 8 years

State: Connecticut

Acquired: 2017

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in New York for 10 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2016

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Licensed in New Jersey for 11 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 2014

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Cefalu Law

260 Madison Ave, 8th Floor, New York, NY, 10016

cefalulaw.com/

Cefalu Law

1470 86th Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11228

cefalulaw.com/

Cefalu Law

221 River Street, 9th Floor, Hoboken, NJ, 07030

cefalulaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Melissa online.

Melissa Cefalu's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

22 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (22) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 14 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Family

Most outstanding attorney and team

Among all the marriage attorneys I have encountered, I have never found someone as outstanding as Melissa and her team. Compared to many other lawyers in the same field, I am deeply impressed by their rigid research, formal communication, unparalleled dedication, and genuine passion for their work. ... 1) They have successful experience in rare cases that other attorneys often do not. 2 ) Melissa takes a prudent and candid approach to her work, which earns a great deal of trust. 3) Her team communicates meticulously with the opposing party through formal letters that include all necessary details. In contrast, the messages from many other lawyers can be unclear in email communication. 4) Melissa has brought a positive culture to the field of marital law. She once told me that her approach is to transform a client’s emotions in marriage-related issues into the strength needed to address legal problems in a logical manner. I also heard this from her crew as well. 5) Melissa’s dedication is unparalleled—she has even handled my casework during weekends and late at night. 6) The team conducted their research meticulously. Every legal implication explained by Melissa’s team was supported with historical case references, all documented in PDFs they shared with me. Their way of working is on another level—rigorous, solid, and highly credible—especially when compared to other attorneys.

Melissa Cefalu

Replied last June 17, 2025

Thank you so much for the kind words! We are so happy we could help!

Posted by Aishwarya | November 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Family

Exceptional Guidance Through Tough Times: She's Compassionate yet Professional

Melissa was a beacon of support during my turbulent times. I took her services in regards to a family law case. She is an effective listener, a very good communicator and has an excellent team that is likewise. She is empathetic to her client's needs and doesn't focus on getting them divorced but fin...ding a solution that works the best for them. Her passion and knowledge for law was evident in every solution she provided me regarding my case. She takes time to listen to you and doesn't rush to any conclusions. I would highly recommend Melissa for a divorce case.

Posted by Brandon | July 03, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Marriage & Prenuptials

Outstanding Legal Support for Our Prenuptial Agreement

Melissa Cefalu provided exceptional service in helping us with our prenuptial agreement. Her professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Melissa was always available to answer our questions and offered clear, comprehensive advice that put us at ...ease. We highly recommend her to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you, Melissa, for your outstanding support!

Posted by Mitchell | November 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Family

Best Family Attorney in New York! Melissa Cefalu saved my life

When I was first served with family court papers, I immediately sought to reach out to attorneys to have my case reviewed and litigated. At first, I felt like there wasn’t anyone out there who was listening to me. These initial attorneys on our consultation calls would say things to me that didn’t al...ign or relflect my view of the case. Most of the family court attorneys made me feel like a criminal upon viewing the allegations - forgoing anything I was refuting about the situation. They made me feel as though I had done something wrong right off the bat - and that would require an arm and a leg to be able to defend. They also seemed disinterested in diving into the materials and evidence that I was capable of providing, causing me a great deal of angst & frustration. Then, I finally called Melissa Cefalu. Mrs. Cefalu - from the first time we spoke - took a vastly different approach to me and my case. She listened intently to what I had to say and share. I could tell instantly that she would actively participate in my case. Melissa was able to immediately guide me through a process I had no experience with, and certainly never anticipated being involved in. She not only offered me candid legal advice - formulating an excellent strategy that led to a near perfect outcome - but somehow was simultaneously offering me invaluable counsel in my personal life & relationships. Going into this sensitive matter was difficult for me, and left me confused and very depressed. I was so worried this would negatively impact my life in the future. Melissa nearly held my hand to help me process things! I can honestly say upon reflection that she is a one-of-a-kind person who practices this area of law with a real sense of personal passion, integrity, and competence. Mrs. Cefalu was such a strong and effective advocate that she was able to have the allegations dropped at the arraignment stage, forgoing any further proceedings and litigation on the matter. Without her peaceful yet bold posture towards the plaintiff, I’m not sure the the other party would have so readily agreed to drop their case completely. She was even able to get the other side to agree to confidentiality, protecting my reputation throughout. Her calm, reassuring, and confident demeanor was truly effective. She utilized her compassion/empathy with her comprehensive legal knowledge with great skill and effect! I’m not sure where I’d be now, if it weren’t for Melissa Cefalu! I am eternally grateful and would recommend Mrs. Cefalu’s services to anyone in need of a family law attorney. She hit a grand slam out of the park for me. I look forward to recommending her to others, and would second that to anyone looking for help on these matters! Mrs Cefalu was and is a life saver, and is a pleasure to work and communicate with.. She’s the advocate you want in your corner when things get complicated. Forever thankful I called her that day! 10/10

Posted by Charles | August 14, 2023 | Divorce & Separation

Customer

Melissa was very helpful and explained all of the pertinent details that I needed for my divorce. It's clear she goes above and beyond for her clients and I would recommend her to anybody.

See All Client Reviews

Melissa Cefalu's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Melissa
Jason Henry Schauer headshot
Jason Schauer

Personal injury lawyer | Jul 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Peter J Weinman headshot
Peter Weinman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I can endorse Ms. Cefalu because it's clear she understands the law and can explain it so that her clients will understand it."

Marina N. Alexandrovich headshot
Marina Alexandrovich

Family lawyer | Feb 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney Melissa Cefalu . Her answers are right on point and provide useful guidance. Attorney Cefalu is competent and dedicated to serving her clients."

Alicia Khoo headshot
Alicia Khoo

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Cefalu is dedicated in using her skills in family law and divorce to assist her clients during trying times. Her approach is compassionate and dedicated, coupled with strategic finesse regarding her clients' best interests. I endorse this lawyer."

Ronald Jay Eisenberg headshot
Ronald Eisenberg

Family lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Cefalu is an asset to the AVVO community. She generously lends her time in providing insightful answers in the family law arena. Not only is she a lawyer, she has an MBA."

Ross Cameron Hart headshot
Ross Hart

Family lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Cefalu has remarkable educational credentials that make her a formidable advocate for her clients - communication evidenced by her Masters in English and serving on her law school's Law Review, finance with her Masters in Business Administration, and legal skills through her Juris Doctor from law school. She uses all three daily representing her clients. I am pleased to endorse her."

Dallas Daniel Norton headshot
Dallas Norton

Family lawyer | Oct 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Melissa has great customer reviews and specializes in family law issues. Attorneys who work in too many areas of practice often don't know the ins-and-outs of each specific area. Almost impossible if you ask me. Also, while no one goes into a marriage thinking about divorce, Melissa has shared her personal experience and understands what her clients are going through. Clearly an attorney who cares about her clients and wants to help."

Stephen Arnold Black headshot
Stephen Black

Family lawyer | Oct 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Melissa is a an excellent advocate that fights hard for her clients. She can be trusted by her clients to give their case her very best. Her passion shines through on every case she handles."

Pete D. Louden headshot
Pete Louden

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joel Alexis Caminero headshot
Joel Caminero

Family lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Cefalu. Her experience and compassion is exemplified by the detailed responses within the AVVO community and forum."

Steven Neil Perrigo headshot
Steven Perrigo

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Peter Robert Stone headshot
Peter Stone

LGBT+ Law lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Cesar Duenas headshot
Cesar Duenas

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Melissa Cefalu for Divorce and Family Law. Her answers on this forum speak greatly about her experience, and how much she cares about her clients."

Joseph Abrams headshot
Joseph Abrams

Unknown lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse lawyer Cefalu. Ms. Cefalu's many thoughtful and helpful answers on the Avvo forum are a real service to the community she serves."

Andrew C Burrell headshot
Andrew Burrell

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Other

"I endorse Melissa as it is clear that she cares about her clients and maintains high and ethical standards and legal knowledge to represent her clients to the best of her ability."

Kevin Michael Monsour headshot
Kevin Monsour

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Cefalu brings her experience and approach as a "corporate lawyer" into the world of family law. That approach always translates into excellence for the clients, who get to enjoy the methodological approach, while getting the carrying and insightful touch that she displays in her responses on AVVO. I endorse her!"

Michael T Burns headshot
Michael Burns

Family lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Ms. Cefalu. Her broad experience and her personal involvement in family law make her an excellent lawyer to advocate for her clients. She has received spectacular reviews from her clients and provides precise and informative responses to questions on this forum."

Michael Charles Doland headshot
Michael Doland

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"The answers of Ms. Cefalu are consistently accurate, full of analysis, and customized to the needs of the Avvo asker. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."

Shawn B Alexander headshot
Shawn Alexander

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Melissa Cefalu. Her education and experience make her exceedingly well suited to handling complex situations and personalities and getting outstanding results for those lucky enough to be her clients."

Raymond Eric Areshenko headshot
Raymond Areshenko

Uncontested divorce lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She is very knowledgeable about a broad variety of family law matters."

View All Endorsements
Alicia Khoo headshot
Alicia Khoo

Unknown lawyer

Steven Neil Perrigo headshot
Steven Perrigo

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Grant St. Julian III headshot
Grant St. Julian

Criminal defense lawyer

Victor M. Feraru headshot
Victor Feraru

Unknown lawyer

Steven Warren Smollens headshot
Steven Smollens

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Jason S. Downs headshot
Jason Downs

Criminal defense lawyer

Gary Ralph Ilmanen headshot
Gary Ilmanen

General practice lawyer

Jacob Edward Martinez headshot
Jacob Martinez

Criminal defense lawyer

Dallas Daniel Norton headshot
Dallas Norton

Personal injury lawyer

Stephen Arnold Black headshot
Stephen Black

Personal injury lawyer

Robert Daniel Kelly headshot
Robert Kelly

Car accident lawyer

Edward John Rutyna headshot
Edward Rutyna

Personal injury lawyer

Tobie Brina Waxman headshot
Tobie Waxman

Divorce and separation lawyer

David Earl Wenger III headshot
David Wenger

Unknown lawyer

Peter Robert Stone headshot
Peter Stone

Personal injury lawyer

Robert Andrew Michael Burns headshot
Robert Burns

Unknown lawyer

Cesar Duenas headshot
Cesar Duenas

Unknown lawyer

Lauren Moritz headshot
Lauren Moritz

Unknown lawyer

Carlton S Chen headshot
Carlton Chen

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2024

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2023

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2022

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2022

Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys

2022

Top Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2021

New York Metro Rising Stars, SuperLawyers

2021

Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Dean's List, Hofsra University School of Law

2013

Finalist, Intramural Competition, Hofstra Trial Advocacy Association

2012

Semifinalist and Recipient of Outstanding Brief Award, Duberstein Bankruptcy Moot Court Competition 2012

2012

Dean's List, Hofstra University School of Law

2011

Quarterfinalist, Intramural Competition, Hofstra Law Moot Court Board

Work Experience

2023 - Present

CEO and Managing Member, Cefalu Law

2019 - 2023

Senior Counsel, Bryant & Bleier, LLP

2018 - 2019

Associate, Stark & Stark, A Professional Corporation

2016 - 2018

Associate General Counsel, AQR

2014 - 2016

Director Counsel, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

Associations

2022 - Present

New York Women's Bar Association

Executive Committee

2022 - Present

New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section

Executive Committee

2021 - Present

New York State Women's Bar Association

Member

2021 - Present

New York Women's Bar Association

Member

2021 - Present

New York State Bar Association

Member

2020 - Present

New York County Lawyers' Association

Member

Education

2014

Hofstra University School of Law

JD/MBA - Juris Doctorate and MBA

2013

St John's University

MA - Masters

2012

St John's University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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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