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David Centeno
About David
Biography
Early in my career, I spent years in the trenches of divorce litigation, battling in courtrooms where families were torn apart, assets drained, and emotions left in ruins. I saw firsthand how traditional divorce litigation often does more harm that good—turning what could be a respectful resolution into a long, expensive, and painful war.
That's why I shifted my focus. While we still litigate when necessary through our litigation counsel, I realized there are better, faster, and less destructive ways to help clients move forward. At David Centeno Law, we now focus on uncontested divorce, mediation, collaborative divorce, and prenuptial / postnuptial agreements—giving our clients the power to resolve their cases on their terms without unnecessary conflict.
Why Choose Us?
- A Smarter, More Peaceful Divorce Process – We believe divorce shouldn’t be a battlefield. We help clients end their marriages efficiently and amicably, whether through uncontested divorce, mediation, or collaborative divorce.
- Fully Online Process—We utlize technology to allow you to get divorced, or go through the mediation process, completely online with no court appearances or office visits required.
- Mediation & Collaborative Divorce Experts – If you and your spouse need help reaching an agreement, we offer divorce mediation and collaborative divorce—cost-effective alternatives to court battles that protect your finances and sanity.
- Prenups & Postnups to Protect Your Future – Planning a marriage or want to safeguard assets? We craft ironclad prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to prevent future disputes and give you peace of mind.
- Over 4139 Clients Served – 10.0 Avvo Rating & Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews – We’ve helped thousands of New Yorkers navigate divorce successfully with minimal stress.
- No Court Appearances, No Stress, No Hidden Fees – Our process is fully virtual and transparent—no unnecessary delays, no surprises.
Our Approach: Find the Best Path for Your Situation
1. Uncontested Divorce – The Fastest & Easiest Option
If you and your spouse agree on everything, we handle the entire process quickly and affordably, so you can move on with your life.
2. Divorce Mediation – A More Peaceful Resolution
Not sure if you agree on everything? Our divorce mediation services help couples reach fair, balanced agreements with a neutral attorney-mediator—saving thousands in legal fees and avoiding unnecessary litigation.
3. Collaborative Divorce – When You Want to Keep Lawyers but Avoid Court
For couples who want their own attorneys but don’t want a judge making decisions for them, we offer collaborative divorce—a team-based approach where everyone agrees to negotiate without litigation.
4. Prenups & Postnups – Protect Your Assets & Future
Whether you’re getting married or already married, we draft prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that ensure clarity and security before conflicts arise.
5. Litigation – When There’s No Other Option
While we always prefer peaceful solutions, we are fully prepared to litigate aggressively if necessary. Some cases require court intervention, and when they do, we fight for your rights, your assets, and your future.
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A Smarter Divorce Starts Here
Don’t let divorce become a costly, stressful war. Whether you need a fast uncontested divorce, a fair mediation, or a strategic prenup, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Call Now for a Free Confidential Phone Consultation
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 19 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
David Centeno Law - NY Divorce Lawyer
767 3rd Ave, #2400, New York, NY, 10017
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David Centeno's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
327 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (327)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (178)
Recommendation (146)
Responsiveness (130)
Professionalism (115)
Communication Style (103)
Staff & Support (88)
Cost of Services (68)
Practice Area Knowledge (53)
Character & Conduct (38)
Compassion (34)
Trustworthiness (27)
Advocacy (26)
General Knowledge (18)
Punctuality (11)
Free Consultations (5)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 11 - 15 of 18 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Canan | March 25, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
Review for David Centeno
I was very happy to work with David Centeno and his team for my divorce. As a team they were very professional, knowledgeable and very supportive at all times. They answered all my questions and guided me through every step of the process. I was never disappointed from the beginning till the end and ...
Posted by Jerry C | April 15, 2013 | Divorce & Separation
Would Use No One Other Than the David Centeno Law Firm, Special Thanks to Mimi Hoppas for all your Assistance
Very knowledgeable in every aspect to every question and concern I had addressed. Very Prompt in getting back to me to answer any issue or concerns that I had. Mimi Hoppas Personal assistant to David Centeno was excellent and responded immediately upon my attempt to reach her. Followed instruction...
Posted by anonymous | August 20, 2012
Unprofessional
I've had a "free consultation" with David Centeno, that lasted all 10 minutes! The consultation was a joke. He gave me almost no relevant information. He kept repeating that he doesn't have the time to answer my questions, because he's got another call in a couple minutes. He was the most unhelpful a...
David Centeno
Replied last August 24, 2012This woman was requesting in our free consultation that I do all of her child support, child support add-on and spousal maintenance calculations for her. This level of detailed work requires that a potential client retain me. I explained this to her and she was not happy. Sometimes we get people who are looking for us to do all their calculations for them, so they can attempt to do the separation or divorce paperwork themselves. Although this is the very first time anyone has gone as far to leave a review like this when I wouldn't do free legal work for them. As an experienced divorce attorney, I understand that divorce and separation can be very stressful, so I do have compassion for this woman's situation and state of mind. Although for purposes of assessing my qualifications as an attorney, please take a look at my ACTUAL CLIENT REVIEWS and 10 / 10 AVVO RATING, as they will paint an extremely different picture of what it's like to be an actual client of my firm!
Posted by Philip | August 03, 2011 | Divorce & Separation
Top Notch
Very knowledgeable. Knew all the details and had the fees handy for an international divorce. A different lawyer from Court Street was ready to bill me to research this. 100% straightforward. You are told what you are paying for and how much it will cost up front. Totally hassle free. Made ...
Posted by anonymous | June 26, 2011 | Uncontested Divorce
Makes it simple.
David was an incredibly helpful informative straightforward attorney. I came to him in February with what I'd hoped to be an easy uncontested divorce proceeding. He handled everything with me over the phone (although I did understand a face-to-face was possible). He was supportive, asked the right...
David Centeno's Lawyer Endorsements
"Exceptional attorney, dedicated to client success. Highly recommended."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse and highly recommend David."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent attorney with a great level of professionalism and experience."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've known David for years and he always carries himself with integrity and professionalism. He cares about each and every one of his clients and I'm proud to give him my endorsement."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Centeno is one of the finest Divorce Attorneys in NY. He is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. Dave is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession."
"I endorse this lawyer. David has the ability to undertake an assignment swiftly, efficiently and economically"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"David really knows his stuff!"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have reviewed David's postings on AVVO and believe that his responses are thorough and helpful. I would not hestitate to refer a case in the NYC area to David."
"Mr. Centeno has given consistently accurate and personalized replies to Avvo questions and demonstrated a depth of knowledge and personal concern. These are great qualities that any prospective client would want to have in an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer without reservation - he is dedicated to his practice and his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the opportunity to review his postings on AVVO and I find his statements to be thorough and knowledgeable. If had a need to refer a case in the NYC area, I would definitely refer it to David."
"I endorse this lawyer. His knowledge of complex legal issues is extensive, based on his AVVO answers."
"David Centeno is a true professional and I wholeheartedly endorse his work. David has an excellent reputation and is well regarded on a national level for the wonderful support and legal guidance he provides to those in need. He cares about people and it shows. David Centeno gets all five stars."
"I've known attorney David Centeno for years. He is a bright, conscientious lawyer who provides great service. He knows how to get the job done. I recommend him highly."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Top 3 NY Divorce lawyers, ThreeBestRated®
2025
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2015
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2013
Lead Counsel Rated, Lead Counsel
2011
Notable Legal Blog, Blog Catalog
2011
Top New York Matrimonial Lawyer, Arrive Magazine
2011
Editorial Award, New York Divorce News
2011
Top New York Divorce Lawyer 2011, Arrive Magazine
2011
Top New York Lawyer 2011, Arrive Magazine
2011
Author Award, New York Divorce News
2010
Excellent Divorce Law Blog, Blog Catalog
2010
Quality Legal Blog, Blog Advisor
2010
Top Legal Blog, Blog Guide
2010
Notable Legal Blog, Blog Report
2010
Notable Legal Blog, Blog Catalog
2010
Top Divorce Law Blogger, Legal Blog Ratings
2009
Excellent Divorce Law Blog, Blog Catalog
2005
Leadership Excellence Award, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
2004
Editor, Cardozo Public Policy and Ethics Journal
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Founder, David Centeno Law, PC
2005 - 2008
Attorney, Bear Stearns, Inc.
2004 - 2005
Fellow, Criminal Law Clinic
2003 - 2004
Judicial Clerk, Supreme Court of the State of New York
2003 - 2005
Intern, The Law Office of Michael W. Goldstein
Associations
2011 - Present
New York Bar FoundationMember
2010 - Present
United States District Court - Southern DistrictAdmitted into Federal Practice
2009 - Present
New York State Bar Association, Civil Practice Law and Rules CommitteeMember
2008 - Present
New York State Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2006 - Present
New York City Bar Association
2006 - Present
Association of the Bar of the City of New York
2006 - Present
New York State Supreme Court BarMember
Matrimonial Lawyers Alliance
Sample of Legal Cases
Incredibly Fast Divorce
Divorce in 10 days!
Divorce Without Defendant's Cooperation
Divorce
Divorce Defendant in Foreign Country
Divorce
Must Get Divorced Before Marriage Date
Divorce
Spouse's Whereabouts Unknown
Divorce
Separation Agreement Before Deployment
Legal Separation
Default Judgment of Default
Divorce
Education
2005
Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
Columbia University
2001
New York University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1997
The Browning School
High School
Speaking Engagements
2012
New York Divorce Seminar
The Ins and Outs of New York Divorce
2011
New York Divorce Conference
New York No-Fault Divorce
2011
Divorce Conference
Don't Know Where Your Spouse Is - Publication Divorce
2011
Divorce Conference
New York No-Fault Divorce
2010
Divorce Conference
Uncontested Divorce
2010
Divorce and Family Law Issues
Prenups
2009
New York City Divorce Information Conference
New York Uncontested Divorce
Publications
2025
New York Divorce Blog
Prenup Lawyer NYC – Prenups Do’s and Don’ts for High Net Worth Individuals
2025
New York Divorce Blog
New York Divorce Mediation: A Faster, Cheaper, and Less Stressful Alternative to Court
2013
The Huffington Post
Huffington Post Contributor
2013
The Huffington Post
Huffington Post Contributor
2012
New York Divorce News
Author
2012
HG.org Article
New York No Fault Divorce
2011
New York No-Fault Divorce Blog
New York No-Fault Divorce
2011
New York Divorce News
Author
2011
New York Divorce News
New York Divorce News
2011
New York Uncontested Divorce Blog
New York Uncontested Divorce Blog
2010
New York Divorce Lawyer Blog
Divorce How To
2010
New York Divorce Blog
New York No Fault Divorce has Finally Arrived!
2009
New York Divorce Attorney Blog
How Long Does a New York Uncontested Divorce Take?
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What do I or my attorney need to do if my ex filed taxes jointly without my knowledge or consent?
01 Apr 2025
Q&A
What should I do?
01 Apr 2025
Q&A
Can a person get divorced from an incarcerated husband without his signature
19 Mar 2025