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Paul B Goldhamer

Divorce and separation Attorney at Chestnut Ridge, NY

5.0   24 reviews
Licensed for 47 years
Licensed for 47 years

About Paul

Learn Paul’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas

Divorce attorney Paul Goldhamer, B.A, J.D. Esq. applies his extensive experience to litigation, primarily in the area of matrimonial and family law. He has conducted seminars and lectured on the law at local high schools, colleges and civic organizations. Mr. Goldhamer was the first attorney to conduct free seminars for the public in both New York and New Jersey. He often lectures for professional groups including the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education. He has appeared on local and national radio and television on numerous occasions, including several appearances on the popular A Current Affair andEyewitness News. One of his more notable matters was the Sir Rudolf Bing annulment. He has handled thousands of divorces and some of his appellate cases have revised the law.

Mr. Goldhamer was selected as a 2014 “Super Lawyer” by Superlawyers.com.

Serving the Community

Mr. Goldhamer has a passion for justice and was even cited for bravery when he aided a woman under attack and affected a citizen’s arrest of the would-be rapist. He has served on the executive committee and was a Governor of the Board of Directors of the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation for Better Health, the Board of Directors of the Ramapo Police Athletic League and the Suffern High School Alumni Association. He is presently on the executive board of the Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center, Inc.

Professional Profile

Mr. Goldhamer is recognized as one of the leading matrimonial and trial lawyers in metropolitan New York and its suburbs. A graduate of Long Island University, cum laude, and New York Law School, he is licensed to practice law in the states of New York, New Jersey and in Washington, D.C., the Federal District Courts of New York and New Jersey, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Tax Court. With partner Walter Kantrowitz, Mr. Goldhamer founded Kantrowitz & Goldhamer [now Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman P.C.] in 1975. He has taught courses at New York, Fordham and Columbia Universities.

Need to File for Divorce in Rockland County or Bergen County?

You can contact divorce lawyer Paul Goldhamer Esq. by phone at or by submitting our online contact form. Meet with us in our offices in either Bergen County, NJ or Rockland County, NY.

Areas of Practice

  • Divorce
  • Matrimonial and family law

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
2016

Photos and videos

Licensed for 47 years
State NY
Status Currently Registered
Acquired 1975
Updated 04/15/2023
State DC
Status Resigned
Acquired 1990
Updated 06/14/2016
State NJ
Status Retired
Acquired 1983
Updated 03/09/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Paul

Kantrowitz Goldhamer & Graifman, PC
747 Chestnut Ridge Road
Suite 200
Chestnut Ridge, NY, 10977
Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C.
210 Summit Avenue
Montvale, NJ, 07645
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  24 customer reviews
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Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Ellen & Bob | July 3, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and Perfection
Professionalism and perfection are apparent from the minute a client enters Paul Goldhamer’s law firm. Obviously, as an attorney in his practice, Paul has set the tone that clients are to be treated in a responsive and respectful manner. Paul has been instrumental in providing us with sensible and sound legal advice in several legal matters. His experience and expertise have proved to be extremely beneficial. His response is timely and advice is accurate. It is our good fortune to have had legal interactions with Paul. Our daughter recently referred a prospective client to Paul. She described her dealings with him in glowing words. She felt the advice he offered her was sound and lifesaving. Paul not only is a respected attorney in the county, he gives freely of his time to help in the community. The fund raising he has personally done for MS is unbelievable.
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Posted by Helen | June 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A True Genuine Lawyer
One of the most genuinely caring people that I have ever met and this was my lawyer. I will always be grateful for everything that Paul Goldhamer did for me. He gave me hope that my situation was not a complete disaster and he fought for me as my lawyer and got me what I deserved. He went above & beyond for me. Paul Goldhamer represents what a good lawyer is he is excellent at what he does and treats his clients with empathy.
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Posted by Rena | June 27, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Attorney
As a Client who hired Paul Goldhamer to handle our Wills & trusts, we feel we were well served. Paul is also the Trustee of the Life insurance trust. He is honest, helpful and extremely competent. Paul is very knowledgable. He has also done wills and estates for our adult children.
Posted by Colleen | June 22, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
I have known Paul Goldhamer for 48 years. He is honest ,fair, and highly competent. He was hired as my lawyer for a real estate closing, will, and an accident. My daughter also used him, and he was extremely fair-minded.
Posted by Ronald Marsh | June 20, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional
I have known and been a client of attorney Paul Goldhamer since he established his practice in 1975. During my forty-year association with Mr. Goldhamer, he has always gone above and beyond his professional obligations, taking the time and effort to clarify the legal and personal outcomes that could occur. He is always accessible, professional, and prepared, and a caring advocate for his clients. Having been represented by Paul Goldhamer and his firm, my recommendation could not be stronger. He is exceptional.
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Posted by Bill | June 16, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Planning
After the death of my mother, my family and I needed a competent law firm. I contacted my old high school friend, Paul Goldhamer. His law firm has for years been considered one of the best in our area, without question. Paul's law firm not only showed compassion for our situation, but his staff always treated us with the upmost professionalism. We are very fortunate to have retained Paul's help in this matter.
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Posted by Robert | June 16, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The attorney you want in your corner
Our client - counselor relationship goes back to 1978. I achieved joint custody of my children at a time when joint custody was unheard of in Rockland County. Paul is the man who turned my life around with his ability to negotiate within the law to arrive at a joint settlement. He was my lawyer then, and he remains my lawyer today. I find him to be forthright, competent and above all committed to serving his client. I will continue to recommend Paul Goldhamer to friends in need of legal advice. If you're looking for an excellent attorney, Paul is the man you want in your corner.
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Posted by Kevin | June 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
I am very satisfied with Paul Goldhamer. Paul and his law firm handled my case professionally, he was responsive and when we went to court he went prepared. I highly recommend Paul Goldhamer.
Posted by Harry | June 15, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Paul Goldhamer is an excellent attorney
I recently had the opportunity to consult with Mr. Goldhamer on a few matrimonial legal issues. I found him to be open, cooperative, helpful and honest. I also found him to be extremely knowledgeable about matrimonial law. It was a pleasure working with him. I have known Mr. Goldhamer for more than 50 years.
Posted by anonymous | June 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledge and experience are two of Attorney Goldhamer's best qualities.
Paul has been our attorney for years. He's handled several matters for us from house closings to will and estate planning matters. He is extremely knowledgeable, responsive, and the person you want as your advocate. From a client's perspective, his physical presence in court is comforting. From the opposition's perspective, I imagine he can be intimidating. That's what I want in a lawyer!
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Posted by anonymous | June 15, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
An Amazing Attorney Who Truly Cares About His Clients
I went with my sister to consult with Paul when she was in need of a matrimonial attorney. He was extremely knowledgeable, patient and caring and responded to all our calls and e-mails. Besides providing us with excellent advice, he was extremely concerned with my sister's well being and mental health. He is the attorney to go to when you need the best. In the long run, my sister did not go through with a divorce but Paul is still on speed dial!
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Posted by Peter | June 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Representation
Paul Goldhamer is an excellent divorce attorney. He and his professional staff were very attentive to my needs and sensitive to my situation during a most difficult divorce involving children and property. He was instrumental in obtaining a fair resolution, and was always there when I needed him. I highly recommend him and his firm.
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Posted by anonymous | June 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honesty, trust, and care...yes from an attorney.
Before my divorce I had never known Paul. I didnt have a huge settlement, I didn't have a ton of money to back me...he didnt care. He treated my case like it just as important as any other he had. He tried to save me costs as much as he could and was upfront it which I appreciated. Through my entire process he was honest (even when I didnt want to hear it), truly caring (even though I didn't know why), and kept me calm (when I thought I couldn't take anymore). He gracefully helped me through one of the toughest times of my life when I needed a rock and had no family to support me. Paul's experience is second to NONE. The man knows his business and has always been an amazing professional every step of the way. He was there for me (and still is) anytime I need him.
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Posted by Kristen | June 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I went with the best
Divorce is never easy...even when both parties know that they should no longer be married. That is the situation I found myself in several years ago. After a brief marriage, I knew that it was necessary that I seek a divorce. When I asked around, I kept getting the same recommendation...Paul Goldhamer from Chestnut Ridge. My husband at the time had a lot of anger and resentment towards me for wanting the divorce. I met with Paul and immediately I knew that I wanted to retain his services. He came highly recommended and from the moment I met him, I found him to be very professional, a good listener and I also knew that he was going to work hard for me. In addition, his entire staff was impressive and extremely supportive. Without all of the details, I will summarize in saying that the divorce, which should have been easy considering we had no kids and I was willing to walk away from the house, was a disaster. My husband at the time was hostile and very downright nasty. In truth, his ego was hurt and he, therefore, was going to hurt me where he could the most...my wallet. The case dragged on and on because of my husband, including my ex closing our bank accounts and taking every penny we had. It was emotional and upsetting. Paul was excellent at keeping me relaxed and prepared throughout the ordeal. Whenever we went to court, I felt I was very well represented. We had to answer to many foolish and expensive motions, which was frustrating to me because of financial restraints. But Paul always told me that he would work with me in regard to the financial aspect. He gave me very sound advice on a financial aspects and in ways to handle myself in regard to contact with my husband, his family, in court, etc. To watch him in the courtroom, he is a bulldog, but also a man with a great heart. He knew that because of my teacher salary, it was going to be upsetting and financially straining for me to go to trial and we spoke extensively about that. Paul convinced me that I deserved the best and that a trial was necessary to get what I deserved. Scared of the cost of his services and his staff, I was hesitant, but after we discussed it, he worked out a deal with me that I was comfortable with and was able to move ahead with preparation of trial. As Paul suspected, my husband settled before trial. I can't say enough about Paul Goldhamer and his entire staff. I could not have asked for better representation. On a personal level, he was also very good to me. I know that he always gives back to the community, as I have sponsored him for Multiple Sclerosis Bike Rides in NYC. If you are looking for an attorney that will fight to the end for you and also has a heart of gold, Paul Goldhamer is someone you should make an appointment to see. You will not regret it.
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Posted by Robert | June 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Paul is the guy you want in your corner
I have known Paul for more then 50 years and have used him several times for legal issues including estate planning, last will and testament and relationship advice as well as divorce. He has always taken a personal and mentoring approach to these situations over the years as I relied on his expertise. I do not like lawyers but Paul is a genuine human being an I would recommend him to everyone I know.
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Posted by Ira | June 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent lawyer and firm
My case was complex. He and his firm did an great job dealing with all of the issues that came out during the case. He was patient with me and was a great advocate for me. I appreciate how much time he gave me at different times during the whole case.
Posted by Ronald | June 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very professional and competent, reasonable fees
Paul and his firm represented me in an involved case against NY State a few years ago. The case was long and heavily defended and these folks fought it to the end at the cost they first said it would be. I'm very happy I found them.
Posted by JD | June 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
No one better
When my ex sued for full custody, Paul and his staff rallied and shut it down. Paul and his staff did everything they could to keep costs down and keep me realistically optimistic about possible outcomes. No one knows the subtleties and complexity of matrimonial law better than Paul. Paul listens! He is not only your advocate but he becomes your partner in the most important mission in your life.
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Posted by Alissa | June 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
He is amazing. He covered my case and he was extraordinary. He was always one step ahead, explained every single step in detail, was cautious with everything that could affect the case. He is very oriented not only to win the case, but to bring justice to the table, and that my children don't go through much hazard. If I have to go through something like this, I would never hesitate to hire him again. And I have referred him to my friends who are going through the same thing.
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Posted by Geraldine | June 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My divorce
My ex was a "captain of industry" and I thought I would be at a disadvantage against the big-time corporate lawyers he hired. Wrong! Paul Goldhamer saw thru some of their ploys, countered them, and got me a better outcome than the other side thought possible. Proof? The other lawyer, after the negotiations were over, said he would be calling Paul for any other "matrimonials" that were brought to his office, because as a corporate firm, he did not feel competent in this area. I am still reaping the benefits that Paul secured for me that day.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.7 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • CEO and Lead Trial Attorney
  • Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, PC
  • 1975 - Present

Education

  • Long Island University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • N/A
  • New York Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • N/A

Legal Cases

  • Brightenback v. Brightenback
  • Lisetza v. Lisetza
  • Manno v. Manno
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Bergen County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1983 - Present
  • New Jersey State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1983 - Present
  • Rockland County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1975 - Present
  • New York Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1975 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • Super Firm
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2014
  • Super Firm
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2013
  • Super Firm
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2013
  • Certificate of Appreciation
  • Rockland County District Attorney's Office
  • 2001
  • Certificate of Appreciation and Recognition
  • New York State Legislature
  • 2001
  • Certificate of Recognition
  • Rockland County Legislature
  • 2001
  • Man of the Year
  • Challenger Center
  • 1996
  • Alumni of the Year
  • Suffern High School
  • 1995
View all awards

Publications

  • Rockland County Women's Bar Association
  • CLE Arbitration Packet
  • 2016

Speaking Engagements

  • Attorney Liens and enforcement of Fees
  • Attorney and Charging Liens
  • 2016
  • Seminar
  • Handling the Bitter DIvorce
  • 2002
  • New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education Lecture
  • Lecture
  • 2002
  • Business Evaluations
  • Forensic Accounting and Business Evaluations under New York Law
  • 2001
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (12)
Given (7)
Endorse Paul
Family Attorney | Jul 16
Relationship: Other
"Mr. Goldhamer is a leader in his profession in matrimonial and family law in New York and New Jersey, as well as being a top trial lawyer in this area of practice."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 23
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Paul is a distinguished and well versed litigator and advocate. I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 21
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Paul on numerous matters. He works very hard and gets good results for his clients. he has a significant and powerful presence in the courtroom and is a force to be reckoned with. Despite his enormous strengths and fighting power, I always enjoy working with him."
Family Attorney | Jun 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Paul is a top pick lawyer. A lawyers lawyer with the experience, stamina and attitude to get the job done!"
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Paul for more than 24 years as a colleague whom I have had cases against and as a member of the Rockland County Bar Association. His grasp of the law and his willingness to assist other attorneys with his encyclopedic knowledge of the law and "how to do it" is superb. His reputation for his tenacity in presenting his clients' cases is legendary. Although I compete in the same area of law I highly recommend him for his ability and integrity."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Fortunately I have a good marriage so I don't need his services. Mr. Goldhamer is a knowledgeable, dedicated and effective attorney. Mr. Goldhamer knows matrimonial and general law matters extremely well. Unlike many attorneys he is willing to try matters when needed and in my experience usually wins. From what I have seen over the last 12 years of dealing with him he would be my first recommendation as a matrimonial attorney, for ethics, dedication and results."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Paul is definitely an attorney you want working for you, and not against you. He is extremely knowledgeable, astute and aggressively fights for his clients."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Paul is a skilled practitioner who vigorously represents his client. His reputation in and out of the court room is unmatched. He is well known for getting the optimal results for his client. He is honest, trustworthy and an extremely well respected litigator."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 14
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I worked with Paul on a heavily litigated matrimonial matter. Paul is an excellent litigator and a valuable attorney to have in your corner."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 13
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Paul knows his stuff. He is a hard working adversary for sure! Paul is a real professional and cares about his clients. Over the years I have had many cases with Paul and I always learn something new. He also has a great team of attorneys who work for him. I endorse Paul with 5 stars!!!"
Divorce and separation Attorney | May 01
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Paul Goldhamer is an experienced and hard working divorce and family law attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 28
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Paul Goldhamer is a highly skilled member of the divorce and family law community in New York and New Jersey. Paul has been actively working in the field for over three decades and has helped countless clients navigate both simple and complex matters. I have worked on several cases where Paul was opposing counsel and have always been impressed with his skills as a trial lawyer and negotiator. I would recommend him to anyone seeking a skilled family law attorney without hesitation and with great confidence in both his abilities and integrity. He is well respected by the bench and bar. A first rate lawyer."
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Divorce and separation
Personal injury
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation

Avvo Contributions

1 Legal Answers 0 Legal Guides
Chestnut Ridge Divorce and separation Lawyer Paul B Goldhamer
Paul B Goldhamer
Divorce and separation Attorney
Chestnut Ridge, NY
Licensed for 47 years