Vivien I. Stark

PRO

Vivien I. Stark

4.9
31 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 9.3

Licensed for 40 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at New York, NY
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Support, Child Custody, Marriage & Prenuptials

370 Lexington Avenue, Suite 901, New York, NY

Virtual Consultation Available

About Vivien

Biography

Experienced and Dedicated New York City Divorce & Family Court Lawyer.

NYC Child Support Attorney, New York City Paternity Attorney with 35 years of Experience.

NYC Divorce Lawyer Representing Clients in Contested & Uncontested Divorces & Separation Agreements.

NYC Prenuptial Agreement Lawyer With Over 35 years of Experience With Complex and Simple Agreements.

NYC Custody Lawyer with over 35 years of experience fighting for your rights.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 40%

Preparation of uncontested and contested divorces including everything from simple cases to complicated high net worth actions involving substantial assets and income in New York City courts.

40 years | 1,000 cases

40%
Child Custody 25%

Contested and uncontested custody and visitation actions in Family Court and Supreme Court. Handled many high conflict cases and others involving special needs children.

40 years | 500 cases

25%
Child Support 25%

Child support and paternity actions to establish child support as well and modification petitions to either reduce or increase child support in New York City Courts.

40 years | 1,200 cases

25%
Marriage and Prenuptials 10%

Preparation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements for traditional and same sex couples.

40 years | 300 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 8
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2012
Silver Client Champion
Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in New Jersey for 39 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 1986

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in New York for 40 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1986

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Vivien I. Stark

370 Lexington Avenue, Suite 901, New York, NY, 10017-6588

vstarklaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Vivien online.

Vivien I. Stark's Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Trustworthiness

Posted by anonymous | July 03, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Exceptional - Highly Recommended

When I decided to undertake the difficult decision of divorcing I carefully searched for an experienced, trustworthy lawyer and I was referred to Mrs. Stark by someone within my closest circle who knew of her strong ethic, and efficiency. All my expectations were exceded by her exceptional legal... expertise, pragmatism and dedication in an efficient way that not only led my case to a positive outcome in the best interest of my child, but made this experience truly formative. I truly admire her professionalism and her values. Her attention to detail, diligence, unwavering committment to leading an impeccable process and multi faceted intelligence were also critical in the success of my experience as a client and I am proud to have chosen her.

Posted by anonymous | June 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Thank you Vivien!!

You are not only a very strong and forceful attorney but also compassionate. Thank you Vivien! I had an extremely vindictive ex-wife and she used the children (typical parental alienation) against me. I am thankful that I had/have Vivien and she realizes I am a good father. Vivien is a very good att...orney and also has a conscience and not out to take advantage of a situation. I am happily remarried and we can focus on a bright future because of Vivien.

Posted by Natalie | January 05, 2014 | Child Support

Excellent Attorney

I have been represented by Vivien Stark for 8 years in an extremely complicated, from every point of view, case. Child support, visitation, abuse, medical mistreatment - you name it. I can't praise this attorney highly enough. She's very smart, dedicated, knowledgable, and well-respected in the cour...t rooms. Vivien always comes 100% prepared for the hearings; she is very honest, detail-oriented and thorough. Ms. Stark fights fiercely for her clients putting all her knowledge and dedication into her cases. Legal fees for that level of legal work and representation are very reasonable.

Posted by George | August 06, 2012 | Lawsuits & Disputes

No Nonsense, Skilled and Efficient

Vivien Stark is a dynamic, effective attorney. She has a very direct style that makes it easy get to the core issues of a case quickly, instead of wasting time (and your money) on extraneous details. I came to Vivien after consulting two other lawyers and she was by far the most impressive, not by bi...g-office standards but by giving me a very real idea of the strengths and weaknesses of my case. When we did move forward, she was always prepared and well-versed on whatever issue came up, even if it required additional legal research. If I had questions, she always responded quickly and completely. Most importantly, she did not overcharge (as many NYC attorneys do, at every opportunity) or overstate her hours. Her prices and her time charged were fair and ethical. I have recommended her to two friends, both of whom were also more than satisfied.

Posted by anonymous | May 29, 2014 | Child Custody

Absolute the worst lawyer Vivien Stark, delays cases for financial gain

Vivien Stark, is the worst lawyer in the world. This lawyer was hired at an extremely high $400 per hour rate after reading her friends and co-workers reviews all trumpeting her. The first problem I should have realized afer traveling 1200 miles to get visitation with my son is that she did not "se...rve" the mother of my son properly, thus the case was rescheduled (my travel wasted) although I absolutely told her to be sure that the mother of my son got it properly and legally. Next, while sitting outside the court room upon the first hearing the mother of my son approached me with retalitory child support increases, as well as false accusations of restraining orders to be "served" on me. Ms. Stark turned her head and looked the other way without speaking up for the mother not to approach me. Ms. Stark was certain to remind me during multiple proceedings that the process was to be long and costly. She bills for nearly every paper or email however doesNOT tell you when she recieves important documents from you thus causing you to call her and be billed. I started out simply wanting to have a simple visitation with my son, I even begged for supervised visitation, finally I was denied even a phone call with my son. Ms. Stark, did nothing to convince the court, nothing to proactively defend me, turned her head in the air most the time, and finally when the judge asked her to make a motion to dismiss an unfounded restraining order, Ms. Stark refused as I pleaded with her to agree with the jusdge. Later, outside the court she told my family and me that "she was not retained to do that"..apprently she only wants money and does NOT look out for her clients. Nearly a year later I had to give up on seeing my son, overwhelmed with the handling of cases I had to handle on my own.

Vivien Stark

Replied last May 29, 2014

The above review contains untrue statements. The client hired me upon recommendation of a member of his family whom I represented in a case about a year ago. All papers were served properly, however the process server hired made a mistake in completing the affidavit of service. As a gesture of good will, the papers were served again for no charge and the fee for the first court appearance was waived. The client’s review and false allegations that other clients’ reviews are fabricated is in retaliation to our firm’s application to be discharged as the client’s attorney. Instead of cooperating and working with the firm, the client ignored my advice and verbally abused me and my staff. The client complains about the billing, while at the same time alleging that I wouldn’t prepare a motion which would have resulted in substantially more fees. There was no requirement to file the motion. The client was actually better served without the filing. However, no matter how many times I tried to explain the reasoning to the client, he remained angry and refused to listen. To make matters worse, the client thought that the unnecessary motion should be done for no charge. The legal system requires patience and stamina. Unfortunately, this client let his emotions get the best of him making it impossible for our firm to continue to represent him in his visitation case. No other client has ever accused me of being an uncaring attorney. For years I have volunteered as a mentor with the New York County Lawyers’ Association (NYCLA) to assist young attorneys working at the legal clinic representing low income residents. This is in addition to providing hundreds of well thought answers (for no payment) to legal questions posted on AVVO.

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Vivien I. Stark's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Vivien
Steven P. Kuhn headshot
Steven Kuhn

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have been following Vivien Stark's answers to legal questions that are Family Law related and find her answers to be clear, concise and correct. She clearly has a wealth of experience."

Tanya L. Freeman headshot
Tanya Freeman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Martin J. Mohr headshot
Martin Mohr

Unknown lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"As an attorney who works in the Bronx, I have interacted with Mrs. Stark and see her on a regular basis as well. As an attorney in the legal community I have had the opportunity to speak with her personally as well as read her posts in the Avvo community forums and she demonstrates a firm understanding of the law."

Ingrid Gherman headshot
Ingrid Gherman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am happy to endorse this lawyer. Vivien is a knowledgeable and dedicated family lawyer and a credit to the matrimonial legal community."

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Stark is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. I highly recommend her legal services."

Robert Daniel Siano headshot
Robert Siano

Child support lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Stark is a fellow St. John's University School of Law alumni and her wealth of experience and knowledge is top-notch. I absolutely endorse this lawyer."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Mar 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch lawyer. Highly respected in the legal community."

David Laurence Altman headshot
David Altman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Stark is a well-respected Divorce / Child Support / Marriage / Prenuptials / Alimoney attorney. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a lawyer who truly cares about protecting the rights of clients and getting them the most favorable result possible. Ms. Stark is a terrific lawyer. I endorse Ms. Stark to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer."

Inara Khashmati headshot
Inara Khashmati

Family lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Vivian Stark is an excellent attorney."

Nancy Robin Stone headshot
Nancy Stone

Marriage and prenuptials lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. She is an excellent and zealous advocate for her clients. She is highly ethical and diligent and has outstanding knowledge and experience in all areas of marital and family law."

Deborah G. Fiss headshot
Deborah Fiss

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer as Vivien is a formidable adversary who is prepared and knowledgeable. She is a strong advocate for her clients without being confrontational in the process making it a pleasure to work with her and beneficial for the parties who are already in an emotional conundrum."

Susan K. Duke headshot
Susan Duke

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brian A. Stark headshot
Brian Stark

Family lawyer | Apr 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. i have referred many of myclients to Vivien. My clients informed me that she is very knowledgeable in her field and was able to get them great results."

Todd Andrew Spodek headshot
Todd Spodek

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Vivien is a top notch divorce lawyer. Divorce law is complicated and requires unwavering attention to the constant changes in the legal landscape. Vivien's clients get the benefit of her dedication."

Paul Winston Matthews headshot
Paul Matthews

Family lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. She is honest, aggressive, and competent"

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Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Divorce and separation lawyer

David Laurence Altman headshot
David Altman

Personal injury lawyer

Inara Khashmati headshot
Inara Khashmati

Immigration lawyer

Nancy Robin Stone headshot
Nancy Stone

Estate planning lawyer

Deborah G. Fiss headshot
Deborah Fiss

Divorce and separation lawyer

Eric Wayne Siegle headshot
Eric Siegle

Criminal defense lawyer

Susan K. Duke headshot
Susan Duke

Family lawyer

Brian A. Stark headshot
Brian Stark

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Todd Andrew Spodek headshot
Todd Spodek

Family lawyer

Paul Winston Matthews headshot
Paul Matthews

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.3 (Superb)

Honors

2014

Divorce Saloon's Top Ten Female Divorce Lawyers in New York City, Divorce Saloon

2014

Top Contributor 2014 Divorce, Avvo

2014

10 - Superb -Top Attorney Divorce, Avvo

2010

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

1983

American Jurisprudence, American Jurisprudence Award

Work Experience

2004 - Present

Owner, Vivien I. Stark, P.C.

1986 - 2004

Supervising Attorney, Adam Ira Klein, P.C.

Associations

2012 - Present

Greater New York Chamber of Commerce

Member

2011 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2009 - Present

New York County Lawyers' Association, Matrimonial Law Section

Member

2009 - Present

New York County Lawyers' Association

Mentor to Attorneys in the Legal Clinic

2004 - Present

New York State Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Divorce - New York County

Representation of father. Spousal support limited to 2 years, no requirement for payment of private school. The court ordered equal division of marital assets.

Montalvo v. Montalvo, 43 A.D.3d 1013, 842 N.Y.S.2d 504 (2nd Dept. 2007)

The second commencement date is the proper date to be used.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1985

St John's University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1982

State University of New York, Albany

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

New York County Lawyers' Association CLE Legal Counseling Project

Matrimonial and Family Law

2015

New York County Lawyers' Association CLE Legal Counseling Project

Matrimonial and Family Law

2014

New York County Lawyers' Association CLE Legal Counseling Project

Matrimonial and Family Law

2013

New York County Lawyers' Association CLE Legal Counseling Project

Matrimonial and Family Law

2012

New York County Lawyers' Association CLE, Legal Counseling Project

Matrimonial and Family Law

2011

Panelist Speaker on Hot 97 (NY Radio Program)

Do Fathers Have Rights At All?

2011

New York County Lawyers' Association, CLE, Legal Counseling Project

Matrimonial and Family Law

Publications

2013

Aspatore Book publication Inside The Minds, Strategies For Family Law In New York

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Vivien earned significant contribution points in 2025.

Avvo Rating

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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