Neil Allen Fredman

A year and a half into a contentious custody dispute and acrimonious divorce, I met Neil Fredman and Ken Novenstern, attorneys at Fredman, Baken and Novenstern. During the most painful time of my life, I was finally in capable, compassionate hands. Neil and Ken are not your typical lawyers. From t...he get go, they focused on doing the right thing. They have heart, and most definitely appreciated my situation. Despite the emotional turbulence of those months, working with them was a pleasure. As I got to know them, I saw quickly how well they both know and understand the system. They have relationships with many of the judges, clerks, referees and staff in the White Plains Supreme and Family Court, so they just know how to handle every scenario and every surprise from the opposing side. Because of their understanding of the Westchester court system, things went smoothly from the beginning. Brilliant writers, they always impressed me with their comprehensive letters to the court and the opposing attorney. Nothing was left out of the letters and every time, they nailed it. Neil and Ken had a special ability to support me through an immensely stressful period. Speaking to them felt like I was talking to friends, father figures in a way, who gave me trusted and wise counsel. Down to earth, easy-going and gracious, they are both just good people. You just get this positive feeling about people and with them, I felt it right away. As experienced divorce attorneys, they know what to focus on. When the other side created distractions or said things to rile me up, they would reassure me that it wasn’t a big deal and not to worry. Facile in putting things into layman’s terms, they have a very direct, clear and real world communication style. They know what’s important and ultimately what matters most. During emotional custody and divorce battles, you need them on your side. Honest, authentic, and intelligent, Neil and Ken kept my expectations in check. If I wanted to go after something, they would let me know if it was worth it, and if not, they would help me refocus my energy on what was truly essential. Above all, Neil and Ken brought me results. Working with them got me a solid and fair financial agreement and custody agreement for my two children, who mean more to me than anything in the world. After a year and a half of withstanding mean-spirited and demoralizing attacks by the opposing counsel in court, I am thankful that I finally found attorneys who ensured I was properly protected and fought for. I am happy to have my divorce and custody battle behind me and am incredibly grateful for the stellar legal results I received. Neil and Ken understood my side of the story and fought for me, and won for all of us, including my two sons. I recommend them at the highest level.

Neil Fredman represented me in my divorce/custody case in 1995. In the years since then I spoke of him often in the sharing of that story and I will again here, later. But first let me say that 25 years later, Neil once again saved the day. In the face of coronavirus, I decided to take a lump su...m payment of my pension plan. If I died, this pension plan did not allow for a non-spouse beneficiary – meaning my children could not inherit it. But I could take the lump sum and roll it into an IRA account, naming my children as beneficiary. We are talking about a couple hundred thousand dollars that if left within the pension and I died, would simply be absorbed by the pension plan. I desperately wanted to make sure that my kids would be able to inherit these funds. The pension administrator required a copy of my divorce decree which neither I nor my Ex was able to locate. To get a copy from the Court, I’d have to go in-person to New York – from Florida, during coronavirus crisis. I took a chance and emailed Neil Fredman. Neil emailed me a certified copy of my 25 year old divorce decree in just one day!!! Because of Neil, I am now the happy recipient of my lump sum pension plan distribution. Of course, I thanked him profusely and took the opportunity to tell him how grateful I have always been for his sage advice way back in 1995. I reflected on my divorce scenario and Neil’s role and I’d like to take this opportunity to comment on that as well. 25 years ago, my Ex and I intended to resolve custody and divorce matters amicably. We had agreed on joint custody. I agreed to no alimony or child support because I earned more than him. We didn’t have much savings and didn’t own a home, so there wasn’t much to fight over. Never-the-less, a blood-sucking divorce attorney sunk his teeth into my ex-husband and promised him sole custody and alimony, prompting the animosity and legal fees to pile up. My first attorney was of a similar ilk. But a few days before a temporary custody hearing, he died of a brain aneurysm. I figured I was a great Mom so I went into court representing myself. I was not able to handle the procedural requirements of civil court, and I lost temporary custody of our kids. My heart was broken. That was when I hired Neil Fredman. His reputation proceeded him. I had one chance to change the course of events in the trial for full custody. In truth, it never got that far. Neil reviewed the findings from Social Services- who found both of us quite suitable parents- and supported joint custody with the children living with me and generous visitation with their Dad. Neil Fredman went to my Ex’s blood-sucking attorney and “encouraged” him to support the original proposal of joint custody, no alimony or child support. I later found out from my Ex that his attorney told him that while he could easily win against me, he would never be able to win against Neil Fredman. With Neil at the helm, the case was quickly resolved through a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement. At the time, I thought Neil’s hourly rates were high – but in the end, well worth it. He NEVER tried to drag it out. He worked towards settling rather than going to trial. I’m proud to say that ultimately, my Ex and I amicably co-parented. Our kids often said, “Why can’t you and Dad be like other divorced parents and not speak to each other?” – because we stood united in our parenting decisions and they couldn’t pit us against each other. It was Neil Fredman who paved the path to this end, and I have been eternally grateful to him ever since. Now 25 years later, Neil once again resolved my problem quickly and effectively. Neil Fredman has integrity and consideration for what happens AFTER the divorce process is finalized with the goal of meeting the best interests of the children and the adults in the years that follow. He is a rare find in divorce law and I highly recommend him.

Was not happy with the service his firm provided. Legal fees were over $100K - we didn’t even go to trial, and the firm was well aware of my financial assets at the time, especially as a stay-at-home mom and no employment. This was a simple divorce without complex financial assets. Would never recom...mend to anyone. I went to court about a year after the divorce was finalized due to being taken advantage of by my ex who found loopholes in the agreement poor written by this firm. I represented myself and won against my ex (both in family court and with support magistrate) who had legal representation. I could have handled this better on my own. Do not recommend this firm to anyone.