Margaret A. Nicholson

Margaret A. Nicholson

4.0
Rating: 7.8

Licensed for 48 years

Marriage and prenuptials Lawyer at Somers, NY
Practice Areas: Marriage & Prenuptials, Divorce & Separation, Family, Mediation

340 Route 202, Suite M, Somers, NY

About Margaret

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in New York for 42 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1984

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 48 years

State: California

Acquired: 1977

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Margaret A. Nicholson

340 Route 202, Suite M, Somers, NY, 10589

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Margaret A. Nicholson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.0 /5.0

4 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (4) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Character & Conduct

Posted by anonymous | February 20, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Disheartening, Disturbing, Disappointing

Divorce lawyer begged me to hire this lady to protect my children in a disastrous divorce. She would recognize what my kid's mother was doing to them. Did everything but protect my children. Turned everything on me. Why would I go out of my way to hire somebody if I was causing all the trouble. Did...n't matter. Court day came and Ms Nicholson and my divorce lawyer decided that they would pin everything on me. The mother was making up stories of drug abuse, anger and lack of self-control. All straight up lies and Nicholson very well knew this. Meanwhile, they decided that I would not be able to drive my children around for two weeks with absolutely no evidence. This is after I had pre warned her that this would happen because my ex-wife was and is a high-conflict, full fledge, Narcissist. One of the biggest things a Narc does is project themselves onto you. And it was so obvious. But because Nicholson got intimidated by the other lawyer, I had to take the fall for doing nothing wrong. Two days later she tells me that she knows I have no drug or anger problems. Horrific. There were several times I tried to present Nicholson evidence of lies and deceiption and it was completely ignored. She dropped her fee, knowing that she had done me wrong in hopes that I would not write this. I could not possibly be more disappointed with the result of going anywhere near Ms Nicholson's services. She only served to make things much worse. If you are a male in a high conflict divorce you are already behind the 8 ball. Do yourself a huge favor and get yourself an attorney that's got a backbone. How many times would you say Miss Nicholson has contacted either myself or my ex-wife to see how the kids are doing in 10 months? Not one. That should tell you all you need to know. I don't know how people like this can live with themselves

Margaret Nicholson

Replied last November 02, 2021

In response to this review, I would simply like to clarify the facts. I was not hired by the gentleman who posted this review. I was appointed by the Judge who was presiding over this couple’s divorce to represent their three children. This was done with the parties’ consent. The parties did not sign a retainer agreement with me as my fees were set by the Judge in a court order. My role as Attorney for the Children (AFC) is defined by law in the State of NY. 22 NYCRR §7.2(d)(3) states that the AFC can substitute judgment only if he or she “is convinced either that the child lacks the capacity for knowing, voluntary and considered judgment, or that following the child’s wishes is likely to result in a substantial risk of imminent, serious harm to the child.” 22 NYCRR §7.2 only requires the child to have “… a basic understanding of the issues in the case and their consequences.” In other words, the AFC must zealously advocate and convey the child’s wishes irrespective of what the AFC may believe is in the child’s best interests under these circumstances. In an effort to address this gentleman’s concerns, I suggested that the parties retain a forensic evaluator (licensed mental health professional) to assess the parties and provide detailed psychological information about each member of the family as it related to their respective roles in the parent/child relationship. Such evaluations are very useful in confirming the existence of a parent’s issues with anger, substance abuse, etc. This suggestion was declined by both parties. Ultimately, the attorneys were left with “he said – she said” allegations. It was very sad for the children. In closing, as an AFC, my role (and legal responsibility) was to represent the rights and wishes of the children. Unfortunately, in these situations, the wishes of the children do not always align with the wishes of one or both parents – as was the case here.

Posted by anonymous | August 04, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family

Margaret A. Nicholson - Review

We found Ms. Nicholson to be all that a family in need of legal help could want in an Lawyer. Ms. Nicholson was very professional, with a strong work ethic, and caring for our issues concerning our Son. Ms. Nicholson also has a vast reservoir of additional professionals who she had no issues in calli...ng for advice, when needed. Ms. Nicholson will continue to be our family lawyer.

See All Client Reviews

Margaret A. Nicholson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Margaret
Kenneth J. Novenstern headshot
Kenneth Novenstern

Family lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I strongly endorse this lawyer. Margaret is an excellent and thorough attorney. She zealously represents her clients, and at the same time works rationally toward settlements to help minimize legal fees for both parties."

Christine Moccia headshot
Christine Moccia

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Margaret is a highly professional attorney in the area of family and matrimonial year. I have known Margaret for well over 10 years, having met her as opposing counsel on a difficult and heavily contested divorce. Without her professionalism and knowledge of matrimonial law, we never would have been able to attain the settlement that we had. Her interest was in representing her client to the best of her ability, while also working towards a resolution for the couple and their small children. I would be happy to work with Margaret at any time in the future."

View All Endorsements
Kenneth J. Novenstern headshot
Kenneth Novenstern

Divorce and separation lawyer

Christine Moccia headshot
Christine Moccia

Divorce and separation lawyer

Melissa Beth Goodstein headshot
Melissa Goodstein

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.8 (Very Good)

Associations

2015 - Present

Putnam County Bar Association

2005 - Present

Westchester Bar Association

2005 - Present

Westchester Women's Bar Association

Education

1983

St John's University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

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