$ 350-450 per hour
PRO
Adelola Sheralynn Dow
Virtual Consultation Available
About Adelola
Biography
Divorce and family law issues can be difficult to navigate without the use of skilled legal counsel. As the child of divorced parents, and having initiated my own divorce, I understand the importance of counseling my clients on methods they can use to move their divorce along in a manner which does not negatively impact their children or their dignity. I also understand the fear that often comes by engaging in this foreign process and know full well how to help you harness that fear by turning it into power while you navigate through this process.
I founded this law practice to bring integrity to the practice of divorce law in a time when mistrust of divorce lawyers and the matrimonial (divorce) law system is at an all-time high. The training I received as a law clerk and law secretary (Judge’s Personal Attorney) to two divorce/family law judges has given me a unique understanding of the way judges make decisions in family law matters. I pride myself in providing teaching-based representation so that you understand the law and the way it will work in your case. It is that knowledge which we will use to turn your fear of the divorce process into your power as we work together to protect your legal interests and the best interests of your children.
If you aren’t yet married and you want to protect your assets in the event of a divorce, or if you have rekindled a marriage and want to limit the legal argument you would have in the event of an eventual divorce, I will help you craft an agreement which fairly and properly protects your assets and those of your children.
While most cases settle without going to trial, it is important to hire an attorney who can litigate your matter in the event a trial becomes necessary. Skilled litigators can advise you about whether your case has the potential to be litigated and about ways to avoid trial, if that is possible. Approximately 10% of cases go to trial. If your case is one of the 10%, we are here to help.
While I am an adept litigator, I also know that it is important to hire an attorney who can assess when your interests can be better served with non-litigation tactics, such as collaborative law and mediation. I am a trained collaborative divorce lawyer and can help you to navigate the waters of divorce without the cost and emotional expense of litigation.
Born in Manhattan and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I am a truth-speaker who “keeps it real” even when what I have to say isn’t necessarily what my client wants to hear. I relocated to Staten Island at the age of 16 and attended Wagner College, Grymes Hill, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in English and minored in Sociology. After taking a few years off to sell real estate and save money for law school, I attended the City University School of Law in Flushing, Queens, where I received my Juris Doctorate degree. I have been practicing law for over a decade and enjoy helping and developing long-lasting relationships with my clients. I reside with my husband, Michael E. Dow, Jr., a Staten Island native, and our two children.
Turning Fear Into Power When Happily Ever After Fades Away ®
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
50%
Family
40%
Domestic Violence
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2023 2022
...
+
2
Licenses
Licensed in New York for 17 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Licensed in New Jersey for 19 years
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Adelola online.
Adelola Sheralynn Dow's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
50 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Compassion
Posted by Sean | September 13, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
The "BEST" Attorney for any man looking to defy the odds
Extremely experienced and highly recommended Attorney. I could not ask for a better person to represent me in my challenges with my ex-wife and children. I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Dow for many years on multiple court cases. She handles all matters with compassion and integrity. In the ...
Adelola Dow
Replied last October 01, 2023It was such an honor to represent you and to help you as a Dad!! Thank you for trusting us!
Posted by Angela | December 28, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Family
Using Ms. Dow was the best decision ever
Sheralynn Dow was referred by my previous attorney, if a competing attorney recommending her doesn’t speak volumes, what does? Out of all the advice my previous attorney offered, using Ms. Dow was by far the best advice ever given. Ms. Dow and her staff are just amazing. Her knowledge is second to n...
Posted by Kev | June 22, 2018 | Family
Consultation Services
Mrs. Dow was knowledgeable, professional and sensitive in providing me with vital information that I could use before beginning legal proceedings. Her vast knowledge of family law allowed me to feel prepared and realistic as to what to expect.
Posted by Helena | February 01, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
AMAZING!!
It's not often that you can say that your divorce was amazing but with great THANKS and some hand holding my divorce turned out to be an amazing experience. I have never been divorced I have no close friends or relatives that are divorced so I had to have her explain everything to me like I was a 4 y...
Adelola Dow
Replied last February 01, 2018Oh, Helena. Thank you so very much. We met at Panera Bread many months before you came into my offices. It was just a chance meeting, but you are one of the clients who has shaped the way I practice law. I am so happy to have been able to help in what had been a chaotic time. Our work is still not done, so I am looking forward to seeing you shortly.
Posted by Paul | February 03, 2014 | Divorce & Separation
She Was My Second Lawyer
I came to Mrs. Dow as my second divorce attorney two days before I had to go to in court. Mrs. Dow always told me the truth about my case and she never said things just to make me feel good. She told the truth at every step so that I could make decisions that were best for me and my kids. She would ...
Adelola Dow
Replied last February 03, 2014Paul, it was a pleasure to serve you. I am so touched by your review and thank you for taking the time to write about your experience with my office. Call me anytime!
Adelola Sheralynn Dow's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Dow is an intelligent hardworking attorney. She has handled numerous family cases with many success stories. She is great at what she does because she is compassionate. If you need a lawyer passionate about your case, then call Ms. DOW."
"I have known Ade for several years and I know her to be bright and a zealous advocate for her clients. She truly cares about helping her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Dow is one tough cookie. We've had several rather challenging matters against each other- and she has shown herself to be a real master of her profession."
"Mrs. Dow is a great attorney. I have represented a number of her family law clients who were arrested for violations of orders of protections. Each and everyone of the clients raved about how great of an attorney she is. Not one person said a bad thing about her. Furthermore, I have referred a number of my clients that had family problems and her representation of them was second to none. Mrs. Dow is a great attorney and I highly recommend her services."
"I have known Ade Dow for 10 years. We attended law school together and became fast friends. Ade is a rare jewel. She is the person I turn to when I am in need of advice. She is a counsel to counselors. I can't think of a better person, or attorney to have as an advocate when enduring the stresses of divorce or separation. Ade is unwavering in her dedication to her clients and seeking the outcome that allows them to move on with dignity. I give Ade my highest recommendation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Adelola is an excellent attorney who goes the extra mile for her clients. I have referred matters to her in the past with great results."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Adelola Sheralynn Dow, Esq. is a very competent, very knowledgeable, and very approachable attorney within the fields of Divorce/Domestic Relations Law and Family Law. She is thorough in her work both in and out of the courtroom. She is also the type of attorney that will maintain her determination and poise in fields of law in which the stakes and pressure is high. A client that she represents can rest assured that they are going to get the best possible outcome in their matter."
"I endorse this lawyer. I met Attorney Dow during her Clerkship with a well known Family Law Division Presiding Judge at the Monmouth County Vicinage. As a law clerk, she authored legal opinions regarding high-conflict divorces including alimony and custody matters. In private practice, she is an experienced family lawyer with a proven track record serving the community with integrity and competence. If you want aggressive and zealous legal representation, retain attorney Adelola Sheralynn Dow."
"I endorse this lawyer, because she is smart, thoughtful and caring about her client needs and objectives."
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Experience
Honors
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, New York Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2014
Rising Star, New York Super Lawyers
2013
Rising Star, New York Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2008 - 2009
Assistant Court Attorney, New York State Unified Court System
2007 - 2008
Matrimonial Associate, The Law Office of Steven P. Monaghan, LLC
2006 - 2007
Law Clerk to the Honorable Paul A. Kapalko, J.S.C., New Jersey Superior Court, Monmouth Vicinage
Associations
2014 - Present
National Association of Professsional WomenMember
2010 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationStaten Island District Representative for Young Lawyers Section
2009 - Present
Staten Island Women's Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Richmond County Bar AssociationMember
New Jersey State Bar Association
Member
New York State Unified Court System's Volunteer Attorney Program
Volunteer Attorney
Richmond County Bar Association's Volunteer Lawyers program
Volunteer Attorney
Monmouth County Black Lawyers Caucus
Member
Community Legal Resource Network
Member
New York State Bar Association
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
NBM v. JM
Our client prevalied at having the court deny his wife's attempt to set the parties' 15-year old separation agreement aside.
M.G. v. D.G.
Our client was afforded a separate property credit. This case was published within the New York Law Journal.
MF v. JF
FRO granted.
Education
2006
CUNY School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2001
Wagner College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2011
Guest on a Cable Television Show
2010 Revisions to NYS Divorce and Family Laws
2007
Passing The Bar Exam
Bar Exam Preparation
Publications
2013
Black Enterprise Magazine Online
Should You Check into the Divorce Hotel?
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
My friend got kicked out of his girlfriend's house after 6 years and he helped with the mortgage. What can he do?
23 Jul 2018
Q&A
Does a summons with notices expire?
23 Jul 2018
Q&A
Changing your attorney during divorce proceedings, good or bad?
26 Mar 2015