David Ivan Bliven

PRO

David Ivan Bliven

4.8
190 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 28 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at White Plains, NY
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Child Support ... +5 more

140 Grand St., Suite 402, White Plains, NY

Virtual Consultation Available

About David

Biography

Former Family Court prosecutor who gives personalized attention to your case!

Practice Areas

8

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 70%

29 years | 400 cases

70%
Child Custody 12%

29 years | 275 cases

12%
Child Support 7%

This does not count the 1,000+ cases I handled as a prosecutor.

29 years | 225 cases

7%
Family 5%

This in an umbrella term, and thus includes alot of overlap from the other case categories. This also does not count the 1,000+ cases I handled as a prosecutor.

29 years | 850 cases

5%
Domestic Violence 2%

29 years | 100 cases

2%
Marriage and Prenuptials 2%

Prenuptial Agreements

29 years | 50 cases

2%
Adoption 1%

1%
Alimony 1%

1%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 10
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2020 2019 2018
...
+ 6
Platinum Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in New York for 28 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1998

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of David Bliven

140 Grand St., Suite 402, White Plains, NY, 10601

blivenlaw.net/

Bliven David

3190 Riverdale Avenue, Suite 1, Bronx, NY, 10463

blivenlaw.net/

Online Presence

Other places you can find David online.

David Ivan Bliven's Reviews

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Criminal Defense

Posted by anonymous | February 23, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Phenomenal, Honest Lawyer!!!

It is impossible for me to say enough good things about this man. He is a totally honest, honorable, competent man and a phenomenal lawyer. As I e mailed him privately, in the movie "Another 48 Hours," after Nick Nolte got the tar beaten out of him in a bar Eddie Murphy shot one of the rednecks in th...e kneecap and he and Nolte walked out of the bar with no furher harm. Bliven shot the opposition in the kneecap and I walked away unharmed. CPS took me to court on some very nasty, hyperinflated charges. I retained an excellent, crooked lawyer that made a mess of things and made things look hopeless. Then in comes Bliven. While he wasn't able to be present until after the hearing was over for the first date after I retained him, the judge saw the documents he sent to the other lawyers and commented upon how professional they looked. Even though he didn't tell me in so many words, I'd put money on the fact that when all hope was lost, he got me back into my home on a limited basis. He then issued a dscovery request that handcuffed the opposition, then kept e mail hammering away at them mercilessly to fish or cut bait. While his potential legal strategies turned out to be unnecessary given the path my case took, they would have been excellent were they called for. He comes off as a cross between Herman Munster (oh goody) and Mr. Flanders in the Simpsons (hi diddly dee neighbor), but under that mild mannered exterior is a bloodthirsty starving Great White Shark focused on one thing only: tearing the opposition to shreds. He's not cheap (you get what you pay for), but he is scrupulously honest in his billing, does not charge for an hour when it took him five minutes to write the mail, and while his assistant did make a couple of honest mistakes with the billing, one message on the telephone got them corrected almost instantly (as opposed to one certified letter to the previous lawyer, one cetified letter to the Grievance Committee, and six months to get the balance of the retainer rightfully owed me). After experiencing that crooked lowlife, Bliven compared to the crooked lowlife is like a delicious Chinese dinner compared to dogfood. At almost twice the hourly rate of the previous lawyer, it took Bliven six times longer to finally burn through his retainer (money very well spent). Bliven got me a six month ACD, half the length of a normal ACD, and I got through it with minimal disruption to my life. Readers of this review may believe as they choose, but I am not in any way associated with him, I am an actual former client, and have received nothing for writing this review. If CPS has taken your situation, put one and one together and made it one hundred eleven thousand, call Bliven. Period.

Posted by Ms. Z. Israel | September 03, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Worst attorney in NYS

He was absolutely one of the worst paid lawyers that I've retained. He's consistently late or sick. He charges you for email inboxes, instead of on aggressive and assertive representation in the court. He provided me with substandard representation. In the end I paid thousands of dollars on him recei...ving emails, and him sending out nonsense subpoena when it was never used, and his primary intention was to get me a standard 6-12 month ACD, when I clearly informed him that Trial is where I intend to take this case.Don't bother retain this legal aid attorney/ private attorney who disguises himself as a knowledgeable former ACS attorney. The worst attorney can get you an ACD for free. Word of advice to those seeking a family lawyer is spend your money where it will work for you, and clearly it won't work for you when hiring David Bliven.

David Bliven

Replied last October 30, 2013

I never represented anyone by the name of "Israel," so people reading this review are cautioned that this may be a completely fictitious review (I understand Avvo has not received verification from this person that they were an actual client of mine). If I had to guess, though, I represented this person in a Family Court matter. As for me supposedly arriving late, my records reveal the following: 2/27/13 court date I arrived on time for the 9am call, 3/5/13 date I arrived 12 minutes early, 3/15/13 date I arrived on time for the 9:30 call, 5/8/13 date I arrived 6 minutes early and 7/19/13 date I arrived 2 hours late, BUT with permission of the court as I had another appearance in another court (& the client and all counsel were notified of same in advance). On the 8/5/13 court date, I called in sick (which was the only court date or appointment I missed due to illness) because I had just recently been hospitalized due to severe bronchitis. As for supposedly paying a lot of money for subpar representation, this person never raised a single complaint. Indeed, her reasons for releasing me as her attorney had absolutely nothing to do with her dissatisfaction of me as her attorney. I'll quote from her e-mail requesting my release: "I've exhausted all my savings, and can no longer afford to retain you as my lawyer." Additionally, her characterization of an "ACD" (or "adjournment in contemplation of dismissal") being "standard," thus implying it's easy to receive, is completely misplaced. An ACD in my experience is very hard to get as a plea offer from ACS (anyone who doubts that is free to post that question to any of the other lawyers on Avvo). ACDs are given out in less than 10% of all ACS cases - and thus her statement that the worst attorney can get you one is completely baseless. In sum, this person never complained at all about my services and only released me because she could not afford me. I felt bad that she could not continue to afford my services - but certainly this does not give her grounds to post a bogus review about me online.

See All Client Reviews

David Ivan Bliven's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Derek Jacques headshot
Derek Jacques

Child custody lawyer | Jan 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Scottie Lynn Leming headshot
Scottie Leming

Child custody lawyer | Mar 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this attorney, who gives so generously to the AVVO community."

Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Civil rights lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Exceptional attorney, dedicated to client success. Highly recommended."

Darren DeUrso headshot
Darren DeUrso

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Ted Zink Jr. headshot
Ted Zink

Unknown lawyer | Jul 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Noah K. Peterson headshot
Noah Peterson

Child custody lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Bliven consistently provides accurate legal analysis to the online avvo community. I endorse this lawyer."

Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Family lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Jill L Rogers headshot
Jill Rogers

Unknown lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Such a wonderful spirit and is truly dedicated to clients."

Paul Karl Siepmann headshot
Paul Siepmann

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Child custody lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."

Ingrid Gherman headshot
Ingrid Gherman

Family lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer. He is a credit to the family law community."

D. Morgan Burkett headshot
D. Burkett

Child custody lawyer | Nov 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Other

"This attorney has an excellent reputation for providing the highest quality representation to clients. Experience and proven results!"

William Hilton Ridings Jr headshot
William Ridings

Child custody lawyer | Sep 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Cheryl Ann Berzer headshot
Cheryl Berzer

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Extremely knowledgeable attorney!"

Mario David Cometti headshot
Mario Cometti

Family lawyer | Jul 30

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. I found his answers on AVVO to be thoughtful and informative."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Child custody lawyer | Jul 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Wayne F. Crowe headshot
Wayne Crowe

Child custody lawyer | Jul 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Great Custody Attorney. Very prepared and willing to take on any Attorney, Any Judge. Would highly recommend."

Gina M. Famularo headshot
Gina Famularo

Family lawyer | Jun 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Bennett James Wills headshot
Bennett Wills

Unknown lawyer | Jun 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Nancy D. Kellman headshot
Nancy Kellman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Darren DeUrso headshot
Darren DeUrso

Family lawyer

Gregory A Salant headshot
Gregory Salant

Family lawyer

Steven P. Forbes headshot
Steven Forbes

Family lawyer

Ingrid Gherman headshot
Ingrid Gherman

Family lawyer

David Zaslavsky headshot
David Zaslavsky

Divorce and separation lawyer

Wayne F. Crowe headshot
Wayne Crowe

Family lawyer

Bruce Provda headshot
Bruce Provda

Divorce and separation lawyer

Arthur Wemegah headshot
Arthur Wemegah

Divorce and separation lawyer

Steven P. Kuhn headshot
Steven Kuhn

Divorce and separation lawyer

Ian S. Mednick headshot
Ian Mednick

Family lawyer

John Anthony Van Ness headshot
John Van Ness

Real estate lawyer

Mike E. Saint-Pre headshot
Mike Saint-Pre

Divorce and separation lawyer

Guljit Kaur Bains headshot
Guljit Bains

Family lawyer

Brad S. Margolis headshot
Brad Margolis

Family lawyer

Eric Edward Rothstein headshot
Eric Rothstein

Family lawyer

Philip Adam Kusnetz headshot
Philip Kusnetz

Family lawyer

Jack Richard Lebowitz headshot
Jack Lebowitz

Family lawyer

Ivan E. Young headshot
Ivan Young

Foreclosure lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

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

Work Experience

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

Associations

2011 - Present

Attorneys for Children Panel - Westchester

Attorney Member

2010 - Present

Bronx Bar Association

Attorney Member

2006 - Present

New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section

Attorney Member

2006 - Present

Westchester County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Attorney Member

2005 - Present

Westchester County Bar Association

Member

2005 - Present

National Lawyers Guild, National Police Accountability Project

Attorney Member

New York State Bar Association

Member

New York County Lawyers' Association

Member

National Lawyers Guild

Attorney Member

2000 - 2005

Attorneys for Children Panel - Queens

Attorney Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Isichenko v Isichenko, 161 A.D.3d 833, 75 N.Y.S.3d 530 (2d Dept. 2018)

Won Appeal!

Matter of Nevaeh R. (Veronica B.—Rueben M.)

Adoption Appeal confirmed!

Backhaus v. Backhaus, 128 A.D.3d 872, 9 N.Y.S.3d 618 (2d Dept 2015)

Trial Court reversed

Matter of Delehia J., 93 A.D.3d 668, 939 N.Y.S.2d 570 (2d Dept 2012)

Precedent established

Ito v. Ito, 73 A.D.3d 983, 900 N.Y.S.2d 665 (2d Dept. 2010)

Won appeal

Barnette v. Blair, 57 A.D.3d 893, 870 N.Y.S.2d 409 (2d Dept 2008)

Appeal won

Scott v. Scott, 62 A.D.3d 714, 879 N.Y.S.2d 488 (2d Dept 2009)

Appeal won.

Khan v. Dolly, 6 A.D.3d 437, 774 N.Y.S.2d 365 (2d Dept 2004)

Appeal won

In re Cory M., 307 A.D.2d 1035, 763 N.Y.S.2d 771 (2d Dept 2003)

Appeal won

Colvin v. Guo

Custody restored!

See More Legal Cases

Education

1997

New York Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

Syracuse University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

2014

2013

How to Assist Your Child Welfare Defense Attorney

Child Abuse

2005

Child Abuse & Neglect Proceedings

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Publications

2022

Speakeasy Publishing Navigating Your New York Post-Divorce Case: Modifications & Enforcement

2021

Speakeasy Publishing Navigating Your New York High Net Worth Divorce Case

2020

Speakeasy Publishing Navigating Your New York Family Court Case

2018

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

David earned significant contribution points in 2020.

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution