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Jodi Ann Donato

Divorce and separation Attorney at East Islip, NY

4.8   41 reviews

also known as DONATO LAW


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About Jodi

Learn Jodi’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    40%
    Represent clients in uncontested divorces, contested divorces and legal separations.

    30 years

  2. Family
    25%
    Represent clients in all types of family matters, including but not limited to: divorce, separation, child support, custody, visitation, maintenance, orders of protection, neglect, and more.

    30 years

  3. Estate planning
    10%
    Estate planning includes wills, trusts, living wills, powers of attorney, and health care proxies.

    30 years

  4. Residential real estate
    8%
    Represent people who are buying or selling a home

    30 years

  5. Child custody
    7%
    Represent clients in connection with a custody petition, including modification petitions and violation petitions.

    29 years

  6. Child support
    7%
    Represent clients in connection with support petitions, including modification petitions and violation petitions.

    30 years

  7. Probate
    2%
    Probate or administration of estates

    30 years

  8. Other
    1%

     Everything I do is based on my core values of HONESTY, INTEGRITY and LOYALTY.  

     I provide my clients with personal service. As a sole practitioner, I am involved in every aspect of my cases.  My clients are able to contact me by telephone, e-mail and text message.   

      I am a member of several legal plans including:  ARAG, MetLife and CLC.  If you are a member of one of these plans, you are entitled to a discounted fee and, depending on your plan, your services may be covered in part or full. I also offer discounts to ALL UNION MEMBERS.  

     The current economy has caused many people to re-consider how they do business.  I offer two different payment plans for those clients that meet certain criteria. 

Photos and videos

Licensed for 30 years
State NY
Status Currently Registered
Acquired 1993
Updated 11/28/2022

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

Contact Jodi

Similar lawyers nearby

DONATO LAW
130 West Main Street
East Islip, NY, 11730

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  41 customer reviews
Posted by Cheryl | October 15, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Jodi Donato-lawyer we used to buy and sell our home
Jodi was a great lawyer during the selling and buying of our homes. She was precise, thorough, and represented us professionally with our best interests in all legal matters. Everything was done in a timely manner, and we had full confidence in her ability to represent us. I would recommend her highly.
Posted by Bernard | July 14, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Family will
Jodi, has provided my family with excellent professionals services. During the peak of the covid crisis she went above and beyond to work with us. Thank you .
Posted by Andrea | August 16, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Attentive and caring!
Jodi is very responsive and so helpful. She helped with the closing of My new home. We had some issues causing a delay in closing and she just went above and beyond. Always communicating and keeping me informed! (I’m a 1st time home buyer)
Posted by anonymous | August 16, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Seeking help with divorce
I was very happy with Ms. Donato’s service. She sat down with me and thoroughly went step by step with me when finalizing my divorce. She answered any questions that I had as well as if something came up she was right there getting in touch with me right away. I would highly recommend her.
Posted by Michelle | May 24, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Handled my Divorce
She was informativa, collaborative, supportive, and tough. She was fair but firm, she had insight and advise, I felt I had a strong advocate.
Posted by Jenn | February 21, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Expert Advice
I needed advice on giving back property to a family member that I no longer speak to. Jody once again provided great advice and guidance on how to proceed with this situation.
Posted by Gene | February 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
GREAT ATTORNEY
Excellent, professional service! A great advocate who fought hard and kept me informed every step of the way. Would highly recommend Jodi for family and divorce issues
Posted by Laura C | February 19, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent , knowledgeable attorney
Deciding to divorce is a scary and expensive decision. After interviewing several attorneys (who were more like SHARKS), a friend recommended I see Jodi. I immediately liked her energy. Her fees are more than fair, and she ALWAYS answers my emails/calls, which is very important to me. As a woman, I feel Jodi understands the difficulties that come with divorce - she isn't just "in it for the money" - she genuinely cares. Jodi's knowledge of how divorce works showed me that she was the attorney for me. I found that some of the lawyers I interviewed with prior, had given me bad and incomplete information. I also felt that they were rushing me for my retainer. Jodi never did that to me. She made me feel comfortable in her office and confident in her abilities. I have, and will continue to recommend Jodi, as I am very satisfied with the services she provided. These days, its hard to find an attorney you can trust; someone who is on the ball; and who wont take advantage of a bad situation. Consultation is free! I absolutely recommend her!
Read less
Posted by anonymous | February 19, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Client
Negotiated a difficult divorce wherein the other party on occasion would not respond. Chased him and his attorney and pushed for resolution. Recovered past delinquent child support in addition to other financial obligations I was entitled to.
Posted by Elayne | February 25, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My Guardian Angel
Jodi has held my hand and guided me through the darkest period in my life. She is intelligent, patient, caring, supportive and always there for you every step of the way. For this reason I call her, "my guardian angel". I am sooo grateful to have Jodi by my side representing me and highly recommend her. She is amazing!!!!!
Posted by Debbie | February 23, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Final chapter in a divorce
Jodi, is very professional. She was my attorney for my entire divorce. She is prompt on returning your calls. She cares about her clients well being.
Posted by Sammy | February 22, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great and professional
Great expirence with my divorce process. Kept me informed. Jodi was very patient with me and the whole process. I would definitely recommend her.
Posted by Dorothy | March 2, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Jodi is brilliant, shrewd, resourceful, fair and extremely adept!
When I was at my most vulnerable, Jodi brought the truth to light. She crafted, and executed, a fair settlement while she was up against the ex DA who was a family friend of my husband, the defendant. Jodi will get the job done. I cant imagine what would have happened if Jodi was not representing me in supreme court.
Posted by Steven | February 21, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Jodi Ann Donato
Both my wife and I have used Jodi several times over the last ~11 years for issues with our ex spouses, review of closing documents, wills and for health care paperwork. We have always been very satisfied with her knowledge and humanity. She is a pleasure to deal with and explains everything clearly.
Posted by Marcia | December 21, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Jodi Ann Donato
I hired Jodi Ann Donato to handle a child custody case and she was able to negotiate an agreement that was favorable for me. I also hired her to handle traffic violations and she was able to settle/reduce each one. I highly recommend Ms. Donato as she is courteous, professional and competent.
Response from Jodi Donato January 17, 2017
Thank you Marcia. It's been a pleasure working with you and your family.
Posted by Michael | December 18, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Personalized service
Jodi helped with our wills, our divorce, and then guided me through re-doing my will. I dealt with her, not passed around to different people like happens with large law firms. I trusted her advice and will use her in the future.
Response from Jodi Donato January 17, 2017
Thanks Mike.
Posted by Tammy | December 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful
I've used Jodi for my closing, estate planning, legal agreements. She's extremely professional and forthcoming with all your questions. She's prompt and handles everything in a timely fashion. A true pleasure to deal with. I've recommended her to family members and they found her to be exactly the same way.
Response from Jodi Donato January 17, 2017
Thank you Tammy and thanks for the referrals.
Posted by anonymous | December 3, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Strong and fierce
I only used Ms. Donato 's services for a will and power of attorney, but I wouldn't hesitate to hire her for divorce if I could afford it. She seems like she would stop at nothing to stand up for her clients. Very strong attorney.
Response from Jodi Donato January 17, 2017
Thank you very much.
Posted by lisa | December 2, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Prompt and professional
I came to Ms. Donato to have my will drawn up. She was prompt and professional and had my requests completed in a timely manner. I definitely recommend her services.
Response from Jodi Donato January 17, 2017
Thank you Lisa. I appreciate your comments.
Posted by Dominic | December 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Comercial Real Estate
I hired Jodi to review some Commercial Real Estate Lease agreements when we moved into our new building. She responded on short notice even though she was very busy in court. She was fair with her fees and explained anything that I did not understand. I would use her again if a need arises again in the future.
Response from Jodi Donato December 1, 2016
Thanks Dominic.
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • President
  • Donato Law LTD
  • 2017 - Present
  • Arbitrator - Small Claims
  • Suffolk County District Court
  • 1997 - Present
  • Managing Member
  • Jodi Ann Donato, Esq., LLC
  • 2008 - 2017
  • President
  • Jodi Ann Donato PC
  • 1997 - 2008
  • Associate
  • Law Office of Phililip W. Rogers
  • 1995 - 1997
  • Associate
  • Jack D. Glazer, Esq.
  • 1993 - 1995
  • Comptroller
  • Smithtown Toyota
  • 1988 - 1991
View all work experience

Education

  • Touro Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1992
  • Hofstra University
  • BBA
  • 1985

Legal Cases

  • L.M. v R.M.
  • Permission to relocate with children granted
  • A.L. v J.L.
  • Decision in Favor of my client

Associations

  • Suffolk County Women's Bar Association
  • Director and WBASNY Delegate
  • 2020 - Present
  • Womens Bar Association of the State of New York
  • Legislation Committee
  • 2020 - Present
  • Womens Bar Association of the State of New York
  • Chapter Delegate
  • 2020 - Present
  • Homeowner's Association
  • Vice President
  • 2017 - Present
  • St. Mary's Church
  • Catechist
  • 2015 - Present
  • New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 1997 - Present
  • Suffolk County Bar Association, Matrimonial Committee and Family Court Committee
  • Member
  • 1997 - Present
  • New York State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1993 - Present
  • Suffolk County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • Suffolk County Bar Association - Charitable Foundation
  • Director -
  • 2017 - 2020
  • SCBA Charititable Foundation
  • Secretary
  • 2017 - 2020
  • True North Church
  • Uptown Volunteer
  • 2016 - 2017
  • EIUFSD Budget Advisory Committee
  • Member
  • 2010 - 2012
  • EIHS PTSA
  • SIT Committee Parent Reprsentative
  • 2009 - 2013
  • Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
  • S.U. Coordinator
  • 2008 - 2011
  • EIMS PTA
  • President
  • 2008 - 2010
  • EIMS PTA
  • 1st Vice President
  • 2007 - 2008
  • Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
  • Organizer/Consultant
  • 2006 - 2008
  • Cub Scout Pack 205
  • Committee Chair
  • 2006 - 2008
  • EIMS PTA
  • Committee Chair
  • 2006 - 2008
  • Boy Scout Troop 205
  • Committee Member
  • 2001 - 2004
  • Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
  • Leader
  • 2000 - 2014
  • Timber Point PTA
  • Treasurer
  • 1997 - 1999
  • Timber Point PTA
  • Committee Chair
  • 1995 - 1999
  • St. Mary's Church
  • Catechist
  • 1995 - 2008
  • Cub Scout Pack 205
  • Leader/Committee Member
  • 1995 - 2006
  • American Bar Association
  • 1992 - 1994
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • The Reisman Award for Law Firm Growth
  • Clio
  • 2020
  • Pro Bono Attorney of the Month
  • SCBA
  • 2019
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • Appreciation Pin
  • Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
  • 2010
  • Service Unit Star Award
  • Girl Scouts of Suffolk county
  • 2009
  • Pro Bono Attorney of the Month
  • Suffolk County Pro Bono Foundation
  • 2007
  • Distinguished Service Award
  • Town of Islip - Women's History Month
  • 2007
  • Spirit of Scouting
  • Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
  • 2007
  • Pro Bono Attorney of the Month
  • Suffolk County Pro Bono Project
  • 2007
  • Hall of Fame Inductee
  • East Islip School District
  • 2000
  • Pro Bono Attorney of the Month
  • Suffolk County Pro Bono Foundation
  • 1999
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (2)
Given (2)
Endorse Jodi
Family Attorney | Oct 29
Relationship: Other
"Mrs. Donato is an outstanding professional and is very responsive to her clients. She invests a lot of herself into her cases and achieves outstanding results. Not only does she have excellent legal knowledge, she provides solid practical advice to her family law clients. I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 01
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Jodi and I just finished settling a case together. While she worked hard to ensure her client's rights were protected, she had an open mind and was a pleasure to have on the other side."
Child custody
Divorce and separation