Joel R. Brandes
About Joel
Biography
Joel R. Brandes concentrates his statewide practice on appeals in divorce, equitable distribution, custody, and family law cases, as well as in post-judgment enforcement and modification proceedings. He also serves as counsel to attorneys with all levels of experience assisting them with their difficult appeals and litigated 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 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 2024-2025 Edition (12 volumes) (and all its prior editiions), Law and The Family New York, 2d (9 volumes), Law and the Family New York Forms 20214 Edition (5 volumes) (and all its prior editions (bothThomson Reuters), and the New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook (Bookbaby). 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, and two blogs, “New York Divorce and Family Law” and “A Child is Missing: The International Child Abduction Blog”. His blog, “A Child is Missing: The International Child Abduction Blog” has been selected by the United States Library of Congress for inclusion in the historic collection of Internet materials related to the Legal Blawgs Web Archive.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
57 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 57 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1969
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2002. Returned to good standing in 2019
Location
The Law Firm of Joel R. Brandes, P.C.
43 West 43rd Street, Suite 34, New York, NY, 10036-7424
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Joel R. Brandes's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
1 Client Review
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review
Posted by JOSHUA | April 22, 2021 | Family
Excellent and knowledgeable family attorney
You could not pick a better attorney to represent you in front of the NY family courts. I had a case that the judge told me I would likely lose. I was referred to Joel and his staff who helped me every step of the way. In fact, he helped me turn the judge around and have the court rule in my favor. I...
Joel R. Brandes's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Brandes is an exemplary scholar and expert in Family Law."
"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."
"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."
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer returned to good standing in 2019.
Reinstated From Disbarment issued in NY, 2019
updated on 06/02/2021After 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.
“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."”
Disbarment issued in NY, 2002
updated on 11/12/2019Disbarment 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.
“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.”
Honors
2025
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2024
10.0 Rating, Justia
2020
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
10.0 Rating, Justia
2019
“Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award”, Marquis Who's Who
2016
Who's Who in America - 2016, 70th Edition (pub. 2016);, Marquis Who's Who
2015
Who's Who in America - 2016, 69th Edition (pub. 2015);, Marquis Who's Who
2003
Listed, Marquis Who's Who in America
2003
Listed, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis
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
Listed, Best Lawyers in America
Work Experience
2019 - Present
President, The Law Firm of Joel R. Brandes, P.C.
2010 - 2019
Guardian ad litem, State of Florida, 11th Judicial District Guardian Ad Litem Panel
2003 - 2019
President, Joel R. Brandes Consulting Services, Inc.
1977 - 2002
President, The Law Firm of Joel R. Brandes, P.C.
Associations
2019 - Present
New York City Bar Association
2019 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember Family Law Section
2019 - Present
New York State Bar Association
1988 - Present
American Society of Legal WritersMember
1990 - 1992
New York State Bar AssociationFinancial Officer
1988 - 2002
International Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow
1982 - 1984
Nassau County Bar Association, Matrimonial Law CommitteeChairman
1982 - 1983
American Bar Association, Child Custody CommitteeExecutive Committee
1980 - 1992
New York State Bar Association, Committee on Continuing Legal EducationChairman
1980 - 1982
Nassau County Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education SubcommitteeChairman
1979 - 1980
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, New York Chapter Legislation CommitteeChairman
1979 - 1983
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersBoard of Managers
1979 - 1980
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersBoard of Examiners
1978 - 1980
Nassau County Bar Association, Legislative SubcommitteeChairman
1976 - 2002
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow
1975 - 1977
New York State Bar Association, Committee on LegislationSecretary
1971 - 2002
American Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
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Education
1974
LL.M - Master of Laws
1968
JD - Juris Doctor
1965
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2019
Professional Ethics for Family Lawyers
2002
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
Continuing Legal Education Faculty, 1979-1992
2001
Basic Matrimonial Law Practice in New York
2001
Matrimonial Agreements
2000
Equitable Distribution
1999
McSparronizing Maintenance Awards
1996
Practical Effects of the Court of Appeals Decision
1996
Evolution of the Present Law...O'Brien to McSparron
1995
Custody, Experts, Evaluation and Reports
1994
Valuation of Professional Practices & Licenses.
1994
Recent Decisions
1993
Divorce in the 90's: Lawyer Ethics, Client Relations and Legal Fees
1993
Trial Techniques "How to Establish a Prima Facie case for Dissolution"
1992
"How to Handle New Developments in Matrimonial Law."
1981
Instructor in Matrimonial Law, Adelphi University, 1976-1981
1979
Child Support Under Boden
1979
Matrimonial Appellate Practice
1979
Enforcement and Modification
1978
Disclosure in Matrimonial Actions
1977
Respondent's Position in Enforcement and Modification Proceedings
1976
Revision of the Domestic Relations Law
Publications
2024
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Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Can I file the qdro that my ex wife should file and can I withhold the money for filing from the money I pay each month .?
04 Sep 2021
I need advice on possible divorce
07 Aug 2021
How do I divorce my husband ?
22 Sep 2019