Ellen B. Holtzman

Just after college I met and married Rose. I hoped we would have a happily ever after and I truly tried my best to make that happen. I worked hard and made good money. We had four children, but my wife made me do everything. She never worked during the marriage, and that was fine with me because we d...idn’t need the money. However, I always hoped she would take more interest in the kids and our home, but it never happened. Year after year, I was the one who got up to make breakfast and the school lunches for the kids before I went to work. Over time, Rose and I grew apart and I realized that I was carrying everything on my back. I never felt like I had a partner. We tried counselling but nothing changed. Finally, after nearly 20 years, I decided to get a divorce. I asked friends about divorce lawyers and the Law Office of Ellen Holtzman came highly recommended. After the initial consult I asked Ellen to send the divorce papers to Rose. I was always generous to Rose and the kids, but she was never satisfied. It was never enough, even when I willingly gave her above and beyond what the court ordered. Since the divorce became final seven years ago, she has taken me to court for extra support more than 20 times over issues that lack any validity. She seems to do it just to waste everybody’s time because the judges never find in her favor. I used to wonder why Ellen kept such a detailed paper trail about everything, all the correspondence back and forth. Honestly, I didn’t think a lot of it was necessary. But later, dragged into court year after year by my ex, I saw the point. When the judge had a question, Ellen always had the answer, and she always had the documents to prove everything. Proof that all the checks and the letters had been received, proof that the checks were deposited, and receipts showing that the money being sought for needed items had already been paid. Now happily remarried to a woman who is a true partner, I want to say that you can rely on Ellen and her team. They have been there for me every time I needed them. With Ellen, I had the best and she changed my life. Also want to say, Meryl was very kind and helpful to me. The office functioned as a really good team and I feel so lucky to have had them all on my side.

When you are contemplating or facing a divorce, the myriad of emotions and the depth of those feelings can overwhelm you and hijack your normally logical thought process. It can really challenge the foundation of who you are. This is what I found when I was facing my own divorce. Even though I am a w...ell educated PhD with a successful career, this process reduced me to feeling helpless and weak. This is why it was so meaningful that I found Ellen Holtzman and Christina Campolo on their website. As strong and well respected women leaders in their field and community, they understood how destabilizing divorce is and how even the most successful woman can find herself lost in the system. Both attorneys took their time to listen carefully to my fears and needs. Their expertise and knowledge of family law is impressive, but their ability to connect with clients is their strength. Ms. Holtzman is especially adept at constructing child parenting plans and negotiating child support even in a contentious divorce, and I was thoroughly awed by Ms. Campolo. She is smart and strategic and often thought of details and suggestions that would move us toward the outcome I desired. I am proud to call Ellen Holtzman, Christina Campolo, and her office friends of mine. They are so much more than just lawyers. They become part of your life and fight for you.