Jacqueline Harounian

About my firm: 

I am the Managing Partner of Wisselman Harounian Family Law, established in 1976 and rated “AV® Preeminent™”. This is the highest rating for ethics and professionalism for a law firm. Our firm is one of the longest running family law firms in New York, with a large team of lawyers, mediators, a social worker, and paralegals. We are top rated and award winning (In 2024:  Super Lawyers, US News and World Report, Best Lawyers Tier One, to name a few.)

About me:

With degrees in both law and behavioral forensic psychology, and nearly 30 years of practice, I have developed a unique approach to resolving family conflict and divorce matters that is interdisciplinary, holistic to the parenting dynamic, and highly effective.

The Covid-19 pandemic caused unprecedented stress, disruption and uncertainty for families. The fallout has continued even years later. There have been sweeping changes in family law during the past few years. Clients require assertive advocacy that is also common sense and cost effective. Options to avoid litigation should be explored from the beginning of every case. Expectations of clients must be in line with courtroom reality.  Virtual courts require law firms that are adept with fast moving technology.

In my practice as a negotiator and neutral mediator, the vast majority of cases are resolved out of court. The legal process works best when both lawyers communicate and encourage their clients to remain amicable and avoid unrealistic positions regarding custody and finances.

My experience encompassing nearly 30 years as a trial attorney, mediator and victims’ advocate includes familiarity with cases involving high net worth and complex assets, domestic violence, mental health issues, personality disorders, substance addiction, religious divorce  and special needs children.

A daughter of Middle Eastern immigrants, I have traveled the world and developed a passion for international family law. I am extremely successful at resolving contentious parenting matters, with a special expertise in international custody disputes and Hague convention cases, a treaty with more than 90 signatory countries which resolves issues of child abduction and jurisdiction. I am fluent in Farsi and well versed in the Jewish Gett and Middle Eastern religion and culture.

Our Work for the Community:

As part of my many volunteer activities, I am proud to serve in several professional, community and non profit organizations. My law firm, Wisselman Harounian Family Law, is dedicated to our clients and our community, and we are committed to helping those in need through philanthropy and leadership.

Our firm is unique in having a licensed social worker on staff, who analyzes mental health issues in custody matters, and provides referrals to clients in need. The firm also runs support groups for the community, and pro bono representation for domestic violence victims. Our firm has always prioritized the mental health needs of its clients, believing that reducing the emotional level in a dispute leads to better outcomes and more effective coparenting. My  multidisciplinary background, including a graduate degree in Behavioral Forensic Psychology and Family Systems Therapy, is also unique among my peers.

I have a long history of public service, including pro bono work for The Safe Center of Long Island. I am Chair of the Matrimonial Committee for the Women’s Bar for the State of New York (WBASNY). I have raised awareness and funds for a range of social and legal causes on Long Island. 

I routinely handle complicated family law matters that require high- level financial experience with assets in real estate, investment accounts, business valuations, tax and retirement benefits. Recognized as an AV® Preeminent™ rated litigator, and having tried numerous and complex numerous and complex, high income and asset matrimonial and family law cases, as well as bench trials, and having prepared and argued appeals before the First and Second Departments of the Appellate Division, I have demonstrated my competence and credibility with judges and adversaries. I nevertheless believe that a negotiated settlement is often the best strategy, especially if there are minor children and co-parenting is desired.

My research articles, including, "Legal Implications of Religious Divorce", “Fertility Law” and “Intellectual Property in Divorce Matters” have been published and presented at national and state level conventions including AFCC 2020 and the WBASNY 2019 annual conventions. I am the author of Divorce Reality Check (2016), and a co-author of the 2020 bestseller Networked.

I emphasize respect and compassion during the divorce process, and guide my clients towards a holistic resolution that is in their best interest. Contact me any time for a free consultation.