Joel R. Brandes concentrates his practice in New York divorce and family law appeals indivorce, equitable distribution and custody cases, and enforcement and modification of orders and judgments, as well as high-profile contested matrimonial matters He has represented clients in numerous appeals to the New York Court of Appeals and the Appellate Divisions and was counsel in the landmark Court of Appeals cases of Morone v Morone, Tucker v Tucker and McSparron v McSparron. He also consults with and advises attorneys on appellate, trial court and international child abduction matters in all of the New York state and federal courts. He has drafted briefs for and acted as consultant to attorneys in many international child abduction cases, including cases in the United States Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
Mr. Brandes has been recognized by the New York Appellate Division as a "noted authority and expert on New York family law and divorce.” He is the author of the treatise Law and the Family New York 2021-2022cEdition (12 volumes), Law and The Family New York, 2d (9 volumes), Law and the Family New York Forms 2021 Edition (5 volumes)(bothThomson Reuters), the New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook (Bookbaby) and the New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook Courtroom Edition (Amazon). His ”Law and the Family” column is a regular feature in the New York Law Journal.“ Mr. Brandes writes Bits and Bytes, ™ an electronic newsletter for the New York divorce and family law bench and bar, a website, New York Divorce and Family Law ( www.nysdivorce.com), and two blogs, “New York Divorce and Family Law” (https://brandeslaw.blogspot.com/) and “A Child is Missing: The International Child Abduction Blog”( https://joelbrandes.blogspot.com/).
Practice areas
Appeals in all aspects of matrimonial and family law litigation including maintenance, child support, equitable distribution, property distribution, custody, visitation, agreements trials and international child abduction
53 years
Family law includes laws of marriage, civil unions, same-sex relationships, domestic partnerships, divorce, separation, property settlements, alimony, spousal abuse, adoption, child abuse, child support, child custody and child kidnapping.
Languages spoken
English
The Law Firm of Joel R. Brandes, P.C.
43 West 43rd Street
Suite 34
New York, NY, 10036-7424
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
NY | Currently registered | 1969 | 02/24/2022 |
updated
After being disbarred, a former attorney may apply for reinstatement. He or she must comply with all readmission requirements from the New York State Unified Court System.
Joel’s comment: “On March 6, 2019 the New York Appellate Division, Second Department reinstated me as an attorney in good standing finding that I posses the character and fitness to practice law. I have been awarded the 2019, 2020 and 2021 AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell® , in both legal ability and ethical standards, the highest honor given. The Appellate Division, Second Department has referred to me as "a noted authority and expert on New York family law and divorce."”
updated
Disbarment is the most serious penalty for a lawyer. If this attorney is currently practicing law, you should contact the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court to understand the reasons for disbarment.
Joel’s comment: “I was disbarred for engaging in an impermissible conflict of interest during the years 1995-1996 when I assisted in the representation of my former wife, who was defending a lawsuit, without disclosing my involvement to the court or counsel.”
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
AV Preeminent | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2021 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2020 |
10.0 Rating | Justia | 2020 |
10.0 Rating | Justia | 2019 |
“Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award” | Marquis Who's Who | 2019 |
Who's Who in America - 2016, 70th Edition (pub. 2016); | Marquis Who's Who | 2016 |
Who's Who in America - 2016, 69th Edition (pub. 2015); | Marquis Who's Who | 2015 |
Listed | Marquis Who's Who in America | 2003 |
Listed | Who's Who in American Law -Marquis | 2003 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 2002 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 2001 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 2000 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 1999 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 1998 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 1997 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 1996 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 1995 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 1994 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 1993 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 1992 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 1991 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 1990 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 1989 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 1988 |
Listed | Best Lawyers in America | 1987 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
President | The Law Firm of Joel R. Brandes, P.C. | 2019 - Present |
Guardian ad litem | State of Florida, 11th Judicial District Guardian Ad Litem Panel | 2010 - 2019 |
President | Joel R. Brandes Consulting Services, Inc. | 2003 - 2019 |
President | The Law Firm of Joel R. Brandes, P.C. | 1977 - 2002 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
New York City Bar Association | 2019 - Present | |
New York State Bar Association | Member Family Law Section | 2019 - Present |
New York State Bar Association | 2019 - Present | |
New York State Bar Association | Secretary | 2019 - Present |
American Society of Legal Writers | Member | 1988 - Present |
New York State Bar Association | Financial Officer | 1990 - 1992 |
International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers | Fellow | 1988 - 2002 |
Nassau County Bar Association, Matrimonial Law Committee | Chairman | 1982 - 1984 |
American Bar Association, Child Custody Committee | Executive Committee | 1982 - 1983 |
New York State Bar Association, Committee on Continuing Legal Education | Chairman | 1980 - 1992 |
Nassau County Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education Subcommittee | Chairman | 1980 - 1982 |
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, New York Chapter Legislation Committee | Chairman | 1979 - 1980 |
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers | Board of Managers | 1979 - 1983 |
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers | Board of Examiners | 1979 - 1980 |
Nassau County Bar Association, Legislative Subcommittee | Chairman | 1978 - 1980 |
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers | Fellow | 1976 - 2002 |
New York State Bar Association, Committee on Legislation | Secretary | 1975 - 1977 |
American Bar Association | Member | 1971 - 2002 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
New York Law Journal | Efiling Primer for Matrimonial Attorneys | 2021 |
Independently published | The New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook 2020 Update | 2021 |
Independently published | The New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook Courtroom Edition | 2021 |
New York Law Journal | "Standards for Modification of Child Support: Did Boden Survive?” | 2021 |
New York Law Journal | Email and Ex Parte Communications, (written with Chris McDonough, Esq.) | 2021 |
Independently published | New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook Custody Edition | 2021 |
New York Law Journal | Trial by Combat”, (written with Chris McDonough, Esq.) | 2021 |
New York Law Journal | The New Motion Practice Rules | 2021 |
New York Law Journal | Preserving the Right to Appeal | 2021 |
New York Law Journal | Appellate Review of Non-Final Orders in Matrimonial Actions | 2021 |
New York Law Journal | Flat Fee Retainers in Domestic Relations Matters (written with Chris McDonough, Esq.) | 2021 |
New York Law Journal | Res Judicata and Collateral Estoppel in Divorce Actions | 2021 |
New York Law Journal | Appeals from Family Court Orders | 2021 |
New York Law Journal | Appeals from Family Court Orders | 2021 |
New York Law Journal | Enforcement of Support Orders by Contempt of Court | 2021 |
New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section, Family Law Review, Vol. 53, No. 2. | "Maintenance and Spousal Support, Then and Now: Are They the Same? | 2021 |
Law and the Family New York Forms 2021 Edition (Thomson Reuters) | Law and the Family New York Forms 2021 Edition (5 volumes) | 2021 |
Law and the Family New York, 2021-2022 Edition (12 volumes)(Thomson Reuters) | Law and the Family New York, 2021-2022 Edition | 2021 |
New York Law Journal | When Your Client Goes Missing (co-author with Chris McDonough, Esq.) | 2020 |
New York State Bar, Family Law Review | Navigating the Matrimonial Preliminary Conference So You Don’t Sink the Ship | 2020 |
New York Law Journal | Custody Rights of Non-Biological Parents | 2020 |
New York State Bar Association Journal | Stare Decisis, Precedent and Dicta | 2020 |
New York Law Journal | Primer on the Enhanced Scrutiny in the Ethical Rules Impacting Domestic Relations Practitioners (with Chris McDonough, Esq.) | 2020 |
New York Law Journal | The Resurrection of Marital Fault | 2020 |
New York Law Journal | Limiting the Scope of Representation in Family Court Proceedings, July 2, 2020. (with Chris McDonough, Esq.) | 2020 |
New York Law Journal | Sanctions and Discipline for Frivolous Conduct in Matrimonial Actions | 2020 |
New York Law Journal | Is there a Domestic Relations Exception to Diversity Jurisdiction (Written with Hon. George B. Daniels) | 2020 |
New York Law Journal | The Demise of 'O'Brien': Student/Working Spouse Equitable Distribution | 2020 |
New York Law Journal | Ethical Obligations of Lawyers as Witnesses in Matrimonial Actions (With Chris McDonough, Esq.) | 2020 |
New York Law Journal | Understanding the Support Magistrate Objection Process | 2020 |
Law and The Family New York, 2d (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn.) | Law and The Family New York, 2d annual updates (9 Volumes) | 2020 |
Law and the Family New York Forms 2020 Edition (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn.) | Law and the Family, New York Forms 2020 Edition (5 Volumes) | 2020 |
New York Law Journal | The Burden of Proof and Presumptions in Matrimonial Actions | 2020 |
New York Law Journal | Fundamental and Harmless Error in Matrimonial and Family Matters | 2019 |
New York Law Journal | Standards of Appellate Review in Matrimonial Actions | 2019 |
New York Law Journal | Conduct in litigation and counsel fee awards | 2019 |
Law and the Family, New York Forms 2019 Edition (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn.) | Volume 1 | 2019 |
Law and the Family, New York Forms 2019 Edition (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn.) | Volume 2 | 2019 |
Law and the Family, New York Forms 2019 Edition (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn.) | volume 3 | 2019 |
Law and the Family, New York Forms 2019 Edition (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn.) | Volume 4 | 2019 |
Law and the Family, New York Forms 2019 Edition (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn.) | Volume 5 | 2019 |
New York Law Journal | The Right to an Interpreter or Facilitator at Trial | 2019 |
Law and The Family New York, 2d and annual updates 1997-2019 (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn) | Volume 2 | 2019 |
Law and The Family New York, 2d and annual updates 1997-2019 (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn) | Volume 3 | 2019 |
Law and The Family New York, 2d and annual updates 1997-2019 (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn) | Volume 3A | 2019 |
Law and The Family New York, 2d and annual updates 1997-2019 (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn) | Volume 3B | 2019 |
Law and The Family New York, 2d and annual updates 1997-2019 (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn) | Volume 4 | 2019 |
Law and The Family New York, 2d and annual updates 1997-2019 (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn) | Volume 4A | 2019 |
Law and The Family New York, 2d and annual updates 1997-2019 (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn) | Volume 5 | 2019 |
Law and The Family New York, 2d and annual updates 1997-2019 (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn) | Volume 6 | 2019 |
New York Law Journal | What is the Status of the Child in a Custody Case? | 2019 |
New York Law Journal | Enforcing Counsel Fee, Support and Distributive Awards by Execution of Judgment | 2019 |
New York Law Journal | Who is the less monied spouse? | 2019 |
New York Law Journal | Inchoate Rights to Marital Property | 2019 |
New York Law Journal | Clarifying the Concepts of Transmutation and Commingling | 2019 |
New York Law Journal | Protecting Native American Children | 2019 |
Law and The Family New York, 2d and annual updates 1997-2019 (Thomson Reuters, Eagan, Mn) | Volume 1 | 2019 |
Law and the Family New York Forms 2d (Thomson Reuters, Rochester, New York) | Volume 2 | 2018 |
Law and the Family New York Forms 2d (Thomson Reuters, Rochester, New York) | Volume 3 | 2018 |
Law and the Family New York Forms 2d (Thomson Reuters, Rochester, New York) | Volume 4 | 2018 |
Law and the Family New York Forms 2d (Thomson Reuters, Rochester, New York) | Volume 5 | 2018 |
Law and the Family New York Forms 2d (Thomson Reuters, Rochester, New York) | Volume 1 | 2018 |
New York Law Journal | Defining the Practice of Law after Matter of Brandes ( co-author with Chris McDonough) | 2017 |
Bookbaby | New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook | 2017 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Spoilation of Evidence in Family Matters (Contributor with Bari Brandes Corbin and Evan B. Brandes ) | 2013 |
New York Law Journal | Enforcement of Unacknowledged Marital Agreements (Contributor with Bari Brandes Corbin and Evan B. Brandes) | 2012 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Filing Objections to the Final Order of a Support Magistrate (Contributor with Bari Brandes Corbin and Evan Brandes ) | 2012 |
New York Law Journal | Federal Criminal Enforcement of Child Support Obligations (Co-author with Hon. George B. Daniels) | 2011 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Considering Public Policy When Drafting Separation Agreements (Contributor with Bari Brandes Corbin and Evan B. Brandes) | 2011 |
New York Family Law Monthly | The New ‘Irretrievable Breakdown’ Ground for Divorce (Contributor with By Bari Brandes Corbin and Evan B. Brandes) | 2011 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Custody Awards and Zones of Decision-Making (Contributor with Bari Brandes Corbin and Evan B. Brandes) | 2010 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Listening in: the Use of Audio Recordings in Family Court Proceedings (Contributor with Bari Brandes Corbin and Evan B. Brandes ) | 2009 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Important Rules of Evidence for Family Law Attorneys, Part One of a Three-Part Article (Contributor with Bari Brandes Corbin and Evan B. Brandes) | 2009 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Hearsay Evidence in Custody Cases (Contributor with Bari Brandes Corbin and Evan B. Brandes) | 2008 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Interpreting and Applying the Hague Convention (Contributor with Bari Brandes Corbin and Evan B. Brandes ) | 2008 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Unfair Marital Agreements (Contributor with Bari Brandes Corbin) | 2007 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Divorce and the Military (Contributor with Evan B. Brandes) | 2006 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Custody Cases and Forensic Experts (Contributor with Bari Brandes Corbin ) | 2005 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Custody Cases and Forensic Experts (Contributor with Bari Brandes Corbin) | 2005 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Interest on a Distributive Award (Contributor with Bari Brandes Corbin) | 2005 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Law Guardian or Guardian Ad Litem? By Joel R. Brandes and Bari Brandes Corbin | 2005 |
New York Family Law Monthly | Fair Trials and the Recusal of Judges, By Joel R. Brandes and Bari Brandes Corbin | 2005 |
New York Family Law Monthly | The Fugitive Disentitlement Remedy, Applying the Remedy in Custody and Child Support Cases | 2005 |
New York Law Journal | Author of Monthly New York Law Journal Column, "Law and the Family" 1984-2001 | 2002 |
New York State Bar Association | Equitable Distribution Case Law | 1983 |
New York State Bar Association | A Comprehensive Analysis of All Reported Equitable Distribution Cases to Date | 1982 |
New York State Bar Association | A Comprehensive Analysis of All Reported Equitable Distribution Cases to Date | 1982 |
New York State Bar Association | Digest of Equitable Distribution Cases, 1981 | 1981 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
New York University School of Law | LL.M - Master of Laws | 1974 |
Brooklyn Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 1968 |
City University of New York, Queens College | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1965 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
St. John’s University School of Law Fall 2018 CLE Weekend | Professional Ethics for Family Lawyers | 2019 |
Chaired and lectured at more than 500 seminars | Continuing Legal Education Faculty, 1979-1992 | 2002 |
New York State Bar Association | New York Divorce and Family Law. A list of all of the lectures I have given appears in my curriculum vitae which may be downloaded from my website at www.nysdivorce.com | 2002 |
New York County Lawyers' Association | Basic Matrimonial Law Practice in New York | 2001 |
Matrimonial Agreements | Matrimonial Agreements | 2001 |
Update on Matrimonial Law | Equitable Distribution | 2000 |
McSparronizing Maintenance Awards | McSparronizing Maintenance Awards | 1999 |
Nassau County Bar Association, Academy of Law | Evolution of the Present Law...O'Brien to McSparron | 1996 |
New York County Lawyers' Association | Practical Effects of the Court of Appeals Decision | 1996 |
Nassau County Bar Association | Custody, Experts, Evaluation and Reports | 1995 |
Orange County Bar Association | Valuation of Professional Practices & Licenses. | 1994 |
Dutchess County Bar Association | Recent Decisions | 1994 |
New York State Bar Association, Committee on Professional Discipline | Divorce in the 90's: Lawyer Ethics, Client Relations and Legal Fees | 1993 |
Brooklyn Bar Association | Trial Techniques "How to Establish a Prima Facie case for Dissolution" | 1993 |
New York State Bar Association | "How to Handle New Developments in Matrimonial Law." | 1992 |
Adelphi University | Instructor in Matrimonial Law, Adelphi University, 1976-1981 | 1981 |
New York State Trial Lawyers Association | Matrimonial Appellate Practice | 1979 |
New York State Bar Association, Family Law Seminar | Enforcement and Modification | 1979 |
Westchester County Bar Association | Child Support Under Boden | 1979 |
Nassau County Bar Association | Disclosure in Matrimonial Actions | 1978 |
Nassau County Bar Association | Respondent's Position in Enforcement and Modification Proceedings | 1977 |
New York State Assembly | Revision of the Domestic Relations Law | 1976 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Block v Block | Client successful |
McSparron v. McSparron 87NY2d275, 639 NYS2d 265 (Court of Appeals) | Client successful |
Yunger v. Yunger | Client successful |
Culp v Culp | Client successful |
Culp v Culp | Client successful |
Posted by JOSHUA
April 22, 2021
Ingrid Gherman, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 23, 2020
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer. I have known Joel Brandes for the past 30 years. I had the great fortune to learn how to practice law from this excellent and knowledgeable attorney. He is scholar. He has the ability to analyze the law and apply it in a very unique and creative way. He is one of a kind.
Vanessa Gabriele, Family Attorney on Oct 1, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Joel is an expert on New York family law and divorce. He is the author of the New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook. I own his book and as a young attorney, I found this book extremely helpful in all facets of my family law practice. The handbook was extremely helpful to me when I used it to prepare questions for the cross examination of my first forensic custody expert in a very contested custody hearing.
Ingrid Gherman, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 23, 2020
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer. I have known Joel Brandes for the past 30 years. I had the great fortune to learn how to practice law from this excellent and knowledgeable attorney. He is scholar. He has the ability to analyze the law and apply it in a very unique and creative way. He is one of a kind.
Vanessa Gabriele, Family Attorney on Oct 1, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Joel is an expert on New York family law and divorce. He is the author of the New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook. I own his book and as a young attorney, I found this book extremely helpful in all facets of my family law practice. The handbook was extremely helpful to me when I used it to prepare questions for the cross examination of my first forensic custody expert in a very contested custody hearing.
Robert Pollack, Divorce and separation Attorney on Oct 1, 2019
Relationship: Other
When an attorney speaks the name "Joel Brandes" in New York, it can mean only one thing; the preeminent scholarly authority on matrimonial practice and appeals in New York. I have personally relied upon Joel's practice series and "Bits and Bytes" for years. He has most recently topped himself with his "Matrimonial Trial Handbook" which is by far, THE most important practice tool I have ever seen. Accordingly, Joel Brandes has my highest respect and endorsement.
Daniel Seidel, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 28, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Joel's continued presence on the web and data/case analysis are without peer!! Love his email updates - Joel is quite knowledgeable in matrimonial law and practice - many ot the cases he finds and analyzes I found useful for my practrice and appellate briefs. I'd hire him!!
Howard Pobiner, Family Attorney on Sep 28, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Brandes is an exemplary scholar and expert in Family Law.
Ira Raab, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 28, 2019
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. He appeared before me in my capacity as a Matrimonial Judge, and I found him to be well versed in matrimonial law.
Marc Brawer, Family Attorney on Jul 19, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Joel Brandes professionally and personally for nearly 40 years. I know him to be one of the most skilled talented and competent family lawyers in the country. He has extensive experience on the trial and appellate levels, he has lectured extensively and offered numerous articles on various aspects of family law, and has for many years written and updated New York Law and the Family, the most widely respected multi volume treatise on New York family law.
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