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Established in 2000, the Law Offices of David Bliven assists individuals and families in Westchester County and Bronx County with divorce, child custody, and other family law matters. Attorney David Bliven leverages his nearly 30 years of experience, including prosecutor work, to provide comprehensive and strategic legal counsel. He is ranked in the top 5% of Family Law attorneys in the NYC metro area, maintains a 10.0 (Superb) Avvo rating and has the highest possible rating for Legal Ability & Ethical Standards. He has been published in numerous periodicals and has authored several books, including "Navigating Your New York Divorce Case" and "Navigating Your New York Family Court Case" and "Navigating Your New York Contested Divorce Case."
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Practice Areas
29 years | 400 cases
29 years | 275 cases
29 years | 225 cases
29 years | 850 cases
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: New York
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Other places you can find David online.
Showing 6 - 10 of 11 reviews | Punctuality
Posted by anonymous | December 31, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Family
Disappointed
I hired David Bliven largely on the strength of these reviews, and because his office is accessible to me. First his staff repeatedly screwed up appointments with him, including my first and last meetings with David. He didn't show up to scheduled online meetings and then, when I called the office,...
Preliminarily, one should note this review is "anonymous," and thus is may not be a legitimate review. It also deprives me of responding with specifics based on a review of this particular person's file. That said, I'll respond as best I can as follows: (1) I can only state that nearly all of my clients are quite happy with my services & the actions of my staff. If this 1 person is not it may be more a function of this person's disgruntlement with his life situation than anything else. (2) If we couldn't find aa payment he made, it was more likely that he sent in a payment (via Zelle, etc.) without letting us know. Zelle doesn't automatically notify us of payments - which is why we ask in our payments due e-mail for clients to confirm the payments with us. Apparently this person didn't - thus the frustration. (3) Regarding my note-taking - I do NOT post notes from clients online (same would be unethical) so I have no idea what this person is talking about. As for taking note "for myself" - I submit the primary purpose is so myself & my clients are "on the same page." Nearly all my clients are grateful to receiving my notes of appointments & court proceedings. Indeed, many who've had prior counsel have stated they really like this service in particular as their prior attorneys often kept them in the dark about what was discussed with opposing counsel or the Judge outside of their presence. (4) This person has the gall to criticize me for being on-time. With this person, it's apparent I can't win - if I'm on-time, I'm faulted. But I'm also quite sure if I showed up 15-20 minutes early -and billed him for sitting there & staring at the wall - he'd resent that as well. More importantly, the reason I don't usually show up to court substantially early is because I pride myself on preparing the case beforehand - meeting with my clients, striving to communicate with opposing counsel & reviewing my file. If my guest is right as to who this person is, then his frustration was because he often failed to abide by specific recommendations of mine to scheduled appointments to meet with me prior to each court hearing. (7) Again, if I have this person right, I had advised him he was committing massive tax fraud & would likely lose at trial. I was his 3d attorney - and he hired me after many other attorneys (according to him) rejected his case because he sunk himself by representing himself for several months & then sought to retain counsel on the eve of 2 depositions. Not only did I take on his case, but got him a quite favorable result. Among other things, he ended up paying child support based on HIS representation of his income - as opposed to his actual gross income of between $200-300k. Additionally, his executed settlement states: "he is fully satisfied with the representation of his attorney, and represents that he does not have any dispute or claim against his attorney, including but not limited to performance and/or fees." I further disagree I'm "not a good speaker in court" - even my other negative reviews on this site don't say that. As such, this may be seen as more the lens thru which an angry person sees the rest of the world. Finally, if I have this person right, he received a far more favorable settlement than one he would've received had he represented himself. I recall a prior client who had 5 PhD's who chose to represent himself at trial as he believed he was smarter than most attorneys. His result: alimony & support of $18,000 per month and attorneys fees owed to his ex-wife if $300,000. "Those who represent themselves have a fool for a client." From the sound of things, from a Karma perspective, here's hoping he chooses to represent himself next time - no offense.
Posted by Mohamed | September 09, 2020 | Divorce & Separation
Repeatedly asking for money without providing any service in return
I contacted Mr. Bliven's office regrading a post-divorce case. They asked me to schedule a 20-minute consultation. I paid for it but Mr. Bliven called and told me that he went through the documents but there is no enough time to speak with me about it and I should pay gain for 50-minutes call for him...
First, Mr Omar was never a client of mine - and thus his "review" should be judged accordingly. Second, we never "asked him to schedule a 20-minute consultation." Instead, we provided him our consultation options, and he picked from them. Third, our standard intake form - which Mr Omar signed off upon - CLEARLY states that if a potential client requests that I review documents as part of the consultation, then my time in reviewing those documents are counted against their consultation time. Mr Omar provided my office with no less than 23 documents to review as part of his consult - some of them quite lengthy. Quite frankly, taking only 30 minutes to review them was relatively speedy. Fourth, it is grossly inaccurate to say that I "refused to answer a single question about his case." Since Mr Omar himself acknowledges that we spoke for at least 20 minutes, what in his mind did we talk about then? Quite obviously, it was answering questions about his case. As such, anyone looking at his review of me should very much question his credibility. Finally, there is a good reason why Mr Omar was unhappy - I did not tell him what he wanted to hear. Instead, I was honest with him & told him the odds were very much against him winning his case. His case involved him failing to show up in court and the Court declined to find he stated a "reasonable excuse for his default." It is submitted that Mr Omar has sunk himself in his own case - and then is looking to blame everyone but himself for his predicament.
Posted by anonymous | May 28, 2015 | Child Support
Mr Bliven was very nasty and condescending
My experience with Mr Bliven was horrible. At no time during my experience with him that I felt he was looking out for my best interest. Any inquiries made by me received a condescending response. Mr Bliven on two court appearance arrived late and didn't appear interested in my case. My case involv...
This review is a good example of an ex-client digging themselves a deep hole, then hiring a lawyer & thinking the lawyer can solve everything. First, I only represented this client for about 3 months, and at no time prior to the decision on his case (5/26/15) did he ever voice any complaint about myself or my services - implicit or otherwise. He only voiced a complaint for the first time when he lost his case. This guy not only acted as his own lawyer prior to hiring me, but also acted as his own doctor. He skipped a court date because he was "in too much pain," yet didn't bother to get a "no work/no school" letter from his Dr. which might have saved him. He also never called the Court or anyone else to say he wasn't coming to Court - just made a self-diagnoses that his pain was too great to travel. What did him in wasn't anything I did or didn't do, but the fact that it came out in the wash (after submitting our motion to dismiss) that he not only texted the other party that same day, but also wasn't in enough pain to stop visiting his children. Opps! The Judge then decided if he could send a text, he should have called the Court to request an adjournment. As for me "arriving late," most NYC Family Court Judges don't start their morning calendar until 9:30a.m. & their afternoon calendar until 2:30p.m. (unless they give the case a "time-certain"). Thus, while the time on the printed calendar may say 9:00a.m., the lawyers are not considered "late" if they arrive at 9:30a.m., since that's the time most of the cases begin to be called in. On the day in question (5/26/15), I arrived to Court just a few minutes after 9:30, but only because an accident had just occurred on the highway I was traveling on (& thus my GPS didn't read it until I arrived at the traffic jam), causing an unexpected delay. It should be noted that, in an ironic twist of the facts (though not mentioned by this ex-client), HE arrived nearly 45 minutes late - and that's 45 minutes AFTER 9:30! If he was holding himself to the same standard as he was holding me, then he would have been 1 hour, 15 minutes late to his own case (and a case he previously lost because he was defaulted). Quite obviously, however, this person would rather blame everyone else in the world for his own, self-created problems. This review should thus be viewed through that lens.
Posted by Arlinda | February 09, 2015 | Child Support
Worst Decision I Ever Made
I have never before written a negative review about any other professionals, but in this case I feel that it's important to do so because I don't want any other struggling single mothers to make the same mistake I made. I hired Mr. Bliven to represent me in my support case and I'm beyond disappointed...
This review came just a day after I dared to insist that the ex-client pay her final balance. I had worked hard on her case, she received an unfavorable decision, and felt that she shouldn't pay her final balance because of that. There's no detail of what "unprofessionalism" I engaged in, and indeed on a review of all phone calls & e-mails, there was not a single complaint received from this ex-client - until 2 days ago, of course, when I insisted upon payment. I even sent her an e-mail dated 7/8/13 stating my records had not revealed any prior complaints from her & invited her to provide me with any details of such prior complaints. No response was received. This ex-client initially retained me on a Violation case. It turned out there was also a downward modification case pending, though she did not mention same upon retaining me. While on my contract I could have charged her an additional fee for the extra petition (as the case was thus more complex than the one she initially retained me on), I waived that additional fee. Indeed, I had even given her a 50% discount on both my retainer and my hourly rates for the duration of the case. Additionally, as opposed to the "thousands & thousands" supposedly spent, this ex-client paid $2,000 for a case which spanned multiple court dates and lasted nearly a year. Moreover, she states she was only able to speak with me at the initial consultation. The truth is far different. Besides multiple phone calls and e-mails throughout the case (including, as an example, a 1/30/12 call to my cell phone), this client had 2 subsequent in-office appointments with me, on 12/28/11 and on 1/4/12, together lasting well over an hour. There is not a single phone call, e-mail or other communication from this ex-client indicating she was either trying to reach me or make an appointment with me in which her efforts were frustrated. As opposed to the ex-client stating I was "always late," once again there is nothing in my records indicating same. More importantly, there is no record of any phone call, e-mail or other communication from the ex-client in which she noted any of my supposed lateness's. The case was scheduled for 2/7/12 and was a preliminary date which was adjourned on request of the respondent. The matter was on for 3/7/12 and the Violation case (the very case the ex-client had retained me on) was successfully settled after SCU revealed they had seized all of the outstanding arrears from the father's bank account. The matter was adjourned for a hearing. As opposed to the statement of me supposedly being "unprepared," for the next court date (6/7/12) I properly filed a motion to compel disclosure against the father for failing to produce certain previously-requested financial documents. The Magistrate granted the application, in part, by ordering the father to produce the requested documents under threat of disclosure sanctions. The case had final trial dates of 9/24/12 & 10/15/12. During the hearing, I made a proper application that the father's petition be dismissed. The Magistrate stated she would proceed with the hearing and consider whatever documents - or lack thereof - father produced on his case. Finally, this ex-client states she lost the case due to my "unprofessionalism and lack of integrity." Once again, there isn't the slightest hint as to what is meant by this. The ex-client "lost" her case - in part - by the Magistrate reducing her order of support from $391/week to $291/week as the Magistrate found that the father had been laid-off from his higher paying job, but found a subsequent job earning $25/hour. I say she only "partially" lost her case because the Magistrate made that entire reduced amount applicable retroactively - including for significant periods of time the father claimed he was unemployed. She was sent a closing letter on 1/3/13 stating I hoped she found my services to be adequate - no response was received.
Posted by anonymous | February 09, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Caution
He always arrives late to court hearings, unprepared, and doesn't wholeheartedly advocate for what you want as a client. He doesn't listen to his clients wishes. He cowards down when he comes across a hostile Judge. He's not an assertive lawyer. He gives a good presentation upon getting your retain...
It is hard to reply with any specifics, given how vague this posting is. That said, in terms of "being late," I am rarely late. At times, if a case is scheduled for 9am (for example) & I know that the Judge doesn't get going until 9:30 or after, I may show up at closer to 9:30. Most of my clients appreciate that I'm trying to save them money & not bill them for sitting around in a waiting area when I knew going in the case wasn't going to be called on time - apparently 1 client doesn't appreciate this. In terms of "being unprepared," I can only say the vast majority of my clients are very pleased with my services (I refer you to all my other reviews). It sounds as though this client simply lost his/her case & instead of putting the blame where it needs to be, s/he decides to make vague & unfounded accusations in an anonymous internet post. In terms of me not being a "wholehearted advocate," I specifically meet with all of my clients prior to the hearings & never settle a case without his/her input & consent. Finally, in terms of me "cowering down," I can only say that as a former Family Court prosecutor, I have extensive trial experience appearing before Judges, who are sometimes hostile both to me and my client's position. I don't back down & would refer you to any of the rest of the client reviews who back that assertion up. I submit this posting comes not from someone genuinely dissatisfied with my services (especially given the lack of specifics), but instead from someone who received their final bill & have actually found to their chagrin that I'm insisting on them paying it. Go figure.
"Mr. Bliven is an excellent advocate for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to a client in need. He is also an asset to the Avvo Community, providing invaluable resources to those seeking help."
"I endorse this attorney, who gives so generously to the AVVO community."
"Exceptional attorney, dedicated to client success. Highly recommended."
"I endorse this lawyer. David Bliven provides his clients with a comprehensive approach. I have had many cases with him and have found him to be well-prepared and professional in all aspects of the case."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Bliven consistently provides accurate legal analysis to the online avvo community. I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly endorse Mr. Bliven. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help."
"I endorse this lawyer. Such a wonderful spirit and is truly dedicated to clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. It should be readily apparent to anyone dealing with Attorney David Bliven that he is both highly skilled and very knowledgeable in the Matrimonial and Family Law areas. He's clearly a zealous advocate for his clients and a formidable adversary for opposing counsel."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer. He is a credit to the family law community."
"Mr. Bliven and I worked on a custody/relocation matter that required extensive pre-trial negotiation and attempts at settlement which ultimately failed despite the attorneys' best efforts. He was a thoroughly professional, courteous, and impressive adversary, without whose efforts would have had no chance of settling. I look forward to our next matter together."
"This attorney has an excellent reputation for providing the highest quality representation to clients. Experience and proven results!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Extremely knowledgeable attorney!"
"I endorse this lawyer. I found his answers on AVVO to be thoughtful and informative."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great Custody Attorney. Very prepared and willing to take on any Attorney, Any Judge. Would highly recommend."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Top Attorney - NY Metro & Westchester Area, Westchester Magazine
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Certified Financial Litigator, AACFL
2018
Super Lawyers, Thompson Reuters
2018
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau
2014
Superb Rating, Avvo
2014
Top Contributor, Avvo
2013
Superb Rating, Avvo
2013
Clients' Choice, AVVO
2013
Top Contributor, AVVO
2012
Top Contributor, AVVO
2011
Attorneys for Children - Private-Pay Assignments, Appellate Division, Second Department
2007
Assigned Counsel Panel member, Westchester County Bar Association
2005
Lawyer Referral Panel, New York County Lawyers' Association
1998
SDNY & EDNY Admittance, Federal Bar Association
1997
Cum Laude, New York Law School
1997
Top 15% Class Rank, New York Law School
1993
Cum Laude, Syracuse University
2000 - Present
Attorney, Law Offices of David Bliven
1999 - 2000
Prosecuting Attorney, Nyc Administration For Children's Services
1998 - 1999
Prosecuting Attorney, New York City Corporation Counsel
1997 - 1997
Legal Intern, Lansner & Kubitscheck
1997 - 1998
Associate, Wolfson & Carroll
1996 - 1997
Tutor, New York Law School
1994 - 1994
Legal Intern, Supreme Court Of The State Of New York
1993 - 1994
Legal Intern, New York State Unified Court System
2011 - Present
Attorneys for Children Panel - WestchesterAttorney Member
2010 - Present
Bronx Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2006 - Present
New York State Bar Association, Family Law SectionAttorney Member
2006 - Present
Westchester County Bar Association, Family Law SectionAttorney Member
2005 - Present
Westchester County Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
National Lawyers Guild, National Police Accountability ProjectAttorney Member
Member
Member
Attorney Member
2000 - 2005
Attorneys for Children Panel - QueensAttorney Member
Won Appeal!
Adoption Appeal confirmed!
Trial Court reversed
Precedent established
Won appeal
Appeal won
Appeal won.
Appeal won
Appeal won
Custody restored!
1997
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2014
2014
2014
2013
Child Abuse
2005
Shaken Baby Syndrome
2022
2021
2020
2018
2018
2018
2017
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David earned significant contribution points in 2020.
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12 Mar 2017
I lost my job - how do I modify child support?
14 Mar 2015
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26 Feb 2015