Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
74 Client Reviews
PRO
Mary Katherine Brown
Virtual Consultation Available
About Mary Katherine
Biography
In my New York Family Law and divorce practice, I regularly provide legal services pertaining to child custody; child and spoousal support; prenups, post-nups and other marital agreements; private placement and step-parent adoptions; and, similar services pertaining to challenges faced by individuals and families throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. Whatever the task, my goal is the same: do all I can to achieve the best possible result, within budget, and with as little stress as possible for my client--I make that commitment in recognition of the trust and faith they put in me.
Everyone on my team strives to balance efficiency with patience. Attention to each client’s need to understand their rights, responsibilities and options is paramount, and we believe it’s the most important step towards achieving the client’s goals. It is also extremely important to me that I counsel each of my clients on the risks and benefits of litigation and what can be done to avoid a legal "crisis" in the future. Many, many legal disputes can be avoided entirely or at least minimized with proper advance planning.
That said, when litigation is required, I undertake it with one goal—a winning result for my client.
The best compliment I can receive from a client is a referral to a friend or a family member--there's no greater validation that my efforts on behalf of my clients are worthwhile and meaningful. To those who have made such referrals, thank you again!
From prenups to custody plans and divorce settlements, we will help you get it done right!
Advocates for individual and family legal matters in a range of practice areas. Affordable help now!
Strategy, planning and, yes, some compromise...we'll help you get it done right!
Custody disputes can be overwhelming, and the court process is intimidating--help is here!
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
40%
26 years
Family
25%
26 years
Child Custody
15%
26 years
Marriage and Prenuptials
15%
26 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2020
...
+
5
2024 2023 2022
...
+
11
Licenses
Licensed in New York for 25 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Mary Katherine Brown
147 Prince Street, Suite 24, Brooklyn, NY, 11201
brooklynfamilydivorce.lawyer/Law Office of Mary Katherine Brown
425 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY, 10017
brooklynfamilydivorce.lawyer/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Mary Katherine online.
Mary Katherine Brown's Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (66)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Professionalism (25)
Recommendation (25)
Practice Area Knowledge (24)
Advocacy (23)
Case Results (23)
Communication Style (20)
General Knowledge (20)
Responsiveness (17)
Character & Conduct (13)
Staff & Support (11)
Trustworthiness (11)
Cost of Services (10)
Compassion (8)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews | Character & Conduct
Posted by Laurie | February 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Uncontested Divorce
How I Found the Right Attorney for me Online
I hired Ms. Brown to help me with an uncontested divorce after 35 years of marriage. I’m accustomed to hiring professionals like this from referrals from friends or family. Certainly not online! But I wasn’t having any luck connecting with someone I wanted to hire, and I really wanted to move forwar...
Mary Katherine Brown
Replied last February 23, 2025Thank you so much for the thoughtful, detailed and positive review! It was a pleasure working with you, and we all wish you the very best :-)
Posted by felix | December 20, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Amazing Help
My experience with Law Office of Mary Katherine Brown was excellent. My attorney, Mary Katherine Brown, gave my case all the time and attention that was needed to be successful in court. Mary Katherine Brown was a calming and confident presence during very difficult court proceedings. I never once wa...
Mary Katherine Brown
Replied last March 21, 2022I really appreciate your detailed and positive review! Thank you! You know I am here for you whenever you need. I wish you and your family the best. mkb
Posted by Susan Davidson | May 15, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Must hire
Ms Brown, is an Extraordinary person, she’s calm, very professional, has a wonderful personality easy to work with and always has your best interests in mind. She handed my “nasty” divorce in such a calm and professional way that it shocked me and the opposing side. She doesn’t talk too much or annoy...
Mary Katherine Brown
Replied last May 15, 2019Thank you so much for your positive review! I really appreciate it. You were a 5-star client :-)
Posted by Michael | December 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family
Gave steady, good legal advice in a
I had a family emergency which has some serious consequences that I needed immediate legal advice. Ms. Brown's team was quick to respond and I was able to speak to her within hours. She provided calm, rational legal advice as well as talk me through some challenges I was facing with third parties to...
Mary Katherine Brown
Replied last December 15, 2017Thank you, Michael. I appreciate the positive review!
Posted by Steve | May 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
A human lawyer.
Simply put, Ms. Brown was extremely helpful. Even though she represented me, she really wanted both parties to receive fair treatment. The other lawyer stalled things, but not Mary. She tried to get it done quickly and fairly and didn't try to stretch it out to gouge me. I have already recommended he...
Mary Katherine Brown
Replied last May 02, 2017Thank you for the positive review!
Mary Katherine Brown's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mary is very sharp. She quickly grasps the essence of an issue, is intelligent and articulate, and gives sound advice. She also has the guts to stand up and fight for her client's interests. The best attorneys are the ones that have the intellect "and" the follow through to get things done - Mary has both."
"Divorce is not just about getting out of a marriage. Mary takes the time with clients, and has the broad kind of experience that allows her to discover the facts necessary to secure a seperation and dissolution that takes into account the future needs of her clients, not only the immedeate desire to break away. I endorse her for the thoughtful representation that is apparent from the answers to the client inquiries, and I endorse her because her broad practice, including estates and elder law, allow her to anticipate the needs of her clients before the client realizes these issues need to be addressed in every divorce."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Brown provides a much-needed service on Avvo and donates time to individuals who are in need of immediate legal answers."
"Mary Katherine Brown is an outstanding attorney: her professionalism, client-caring advice and advocacy ensures first rate results. When it comes to all things family and child related she is your go-to choice in New York. I endorse her without reservation. WM"
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer for her extensive knowledge, experience, and contributions to the Avvo community."
"Ms. Brown is a fantastic lawyer. She is a brilliant and gifted advocate, she is great with her clients, but she can fight like a tiger with those opposing their interests. I absolutely recommend and endorse this lawyer. (For what it's worth, I like the old picture better, the one that's further down in your profile now.)"
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Brown is an effective and passionate advocate for her clients. She shares her knowledge freely with both the general public and the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Takes a straightforward and very practical approach to her cases. Knowledgeable and forthright in her dealings. A consummate professional."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Brown and I have had a number of cases together. She has always zealously advocated for her clients while seeking to conclude matters expeditiously and fairly."
"Ms. Brown is an exceptional attorney and I would like highly recommend her to anyone seeking sound legal advice and representation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have been privileged to have observed Ms. Brown and observe the quality of her contributions to those of us who have a passion for justice. She has a strong work ethic and puts the client's needs above anything else. A great attorney all around who has secured great results for her clients."
"Ms. Brown's wealth of knowledge and experience make her an exceptional advocate for her clients. I highly endorse her services."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Brown consistently offers insightful, compassionate AVVO responses to people seeking answers."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Brown is quite a knowledgeable and experienced attorney."
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Experience
Honors
2017
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Top Contributor, AVVO
2015
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Client's Choice, Avvo
2015
Top Contributor, AVVO
2014
Client's Choice, AVVO
2014
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Top Contributor, AVVO
2013
Superb Rating, AVVO
2013
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Part 36 Certification Article 81 Fiduciary, Office Court Administration
2012
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Certifiction Article 81 Fiduciary, Office Court Administration
2012
Client's Choice, AVVO
2011
Certifiction Article 81 Fiduciary, Office of Court Administration
2011
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1995
Volunteer Advocate, CASA
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Founder, Law Office of Mary Katherine Brown
2008 - 2010
Attorney, MLET
2000 - 2001
Business Affairs, DMA
Associations
2011 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of New Yorkmember
2011 - Present
United States District Court for the Southern District of New Yorkmember
1997 - Present
New York State Bar Associationmember
Sample of Legal Cases
NYU v K.
Summary Judgment granted for client
Education
1997
New York Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
SUNY
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2024
New York State Bar Association
Legal Writing CLE Attended
1999
Family Law
Family Law
1999
Contracts and the UCC
Contract Law
Publications
2013
Legal Peeks
Paternity
Languages
French
Spanish
Polish
Mandarin
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Mary Katherine earned significant contribution points in 2024.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Custody transfer of child from mother to father
02 May 2026
Q&A
Can my ex-husband require my children to have dinner with current wife while he lives in abroad?
27 Apr 2026
Q&A
Moving within the state?
15 Apr 2026
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
2013 Tax Credit for Non-custodial Parents
20 Feb 2013
Legal Guide
How to comply with the law when you are not sure whether you are a father?
29 Aug 2011
Legal Guide
Why should unmarried people legally establish paternity?
29 Aug 2011