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.
4.7 /5.0
53 Client Reviews
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Clifford J. Petroske
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About Clifford
Biography
I promise to give you my honest and realistic assessment of your situation and offer what I believe is the best legal and practical approach, drawing on my knowledge of the relevant law, and decades of experience with the procedures and personalities in the courtroom.
Since handling my own divorce thirty years ago, I have devoted my practice to matrimonial and family law on Long Island, representing business owners, executives, teachers, police officers, doctors, attorneys, homemakers, union members, and firefighters. I have handled hundreds of divorce and family law cases, negotiating favorable settlements for most, and proceeding to trial when necessary, and have prevailed on numerous divorce, child support, and child custody appeals.
I was born and raised on Long Island. I graduated from Half Hollow Hills High School, and earned my undergraduate degree, cum laude, in 1986 from SUNY Stony Brook. I attended Hofstra University School of Law, where I was editor of the Hofstra Environmental Law Digest, and earned my law degree in 1989. I was admitted to the New York Bar in 1990, and started my own practice in 1992.
Matrimonial & Family Law | 30+ Years Experience to Guide You Through the Tough Choices
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
85%
35 years
Uncontested Divorce
5%
Child Custody
3%
35 years
Family
3%
35 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in New York for 36 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C.
1393 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 414N, Hauppauge, NY, 11788
petroskelaw.comLaw Offices of Clifford J. Petroske
1055 Franklin Avenue, Suite 206, Garden City, NY, 11530
petroskelaw.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Clifford online.
Clifford J. Petroske's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Child Support
Posted by James | February 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Support
Would highly recommend!
Worked with Cliff on what I thought were some complicated divorce/child support issues. Cliff’s expertise of the law as well as the system helped resolve my legal matters. Felt as if I finally had a voice and was truly represented during the process. Would highly recommend!
Posted by Karen | February 08, 2016 | Child Support
Clifford J Petroske
I cannot be more pleased with my experience with Clifford Petroske and his staff. While being both professional and personable, they were able to get me the results that I was seeking with my child support case in a reasonable amount of time. Should I encounter another issue in the future that requ...
Posted by LuAnne | March 20, 2014 | Child Support
My experience with Clifford J. Petroske
Cliff was my attorney for my divorce many years ago. I was scared and did not know much about the legal system. Anyone who has dealt with the legal system knows the system is broken. You have to be realistic - no one wins in the legal system. Keeping that in mind Cliff did the best he could for m...
Clifford Petroske
Replied last March 20, 2014Thank you LuAnne! I appreciate the support, always. Best to you and yours, Cliff.
Posted by anonymous | September 20, 2013 | Child Support
Great Law Office for a not so great situation.............
It is not an easy task to choose an attorney when there is so many out there.At a time when I was so stressed and confused, I went around kind of interviewing lawyers to see who would be the most knowledgeable and who I felt most comfortable with. Cliff stood out for me and I hired him for my simple...
Posted by MikeMcGuire | September 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Support
Do Not Hire
Before I posted this review I wrote an email on a few different occasions about not being pleased about the law firm. I did not receive a response from the owner cliff until today. Not a phone nothing I have been a client since October 2015. I first asked for a refund because the firm did not do the ...
Clifford Petroske
Replied last September 28, 2016Mike- I understand that you are angry with the judge’s decision, but I performed the services for which you hired me, and your review is unwarranted. You had a good case, but there were no guarantees. Despite our best efforts the judge did not agree to modify your child support obligation. During the course of our representation, while you expressed your dissatisfaction with the judicial process, you never complained about my work product. I acknowledge that my office made a mistake by sending a document to the wrong address. We apologized repeatedly at the time, and you were issued a credit for the cost of the services required to correct the mistake. This led to a three month delay in the resolution of your case (not six months), but it had no effect on the final result. Our fees are based on an hourly rate for services rendered, as is stated clearly in your written Retainer Agreement. Attorney rules prevent me from taking a child support case on a contingency basis– that is, while I work hard to get the best outcome for all of my clients, I cannot collect fees based on whether or not I “win” your case. Therefore, when you demanded that I issue you a full refund of over $4,000 or you would use your “freedom of social media,” I refused. I advised you of the definition of grand larceny by extortion, and that your proper recourse if you feel you are entitled to a refund is to submit your request to the Suffolk County Bar Association using the application that I provided to you. As I told you before, if the arbitration panel finds that you are entitled to a refund, I will issue it immediately.
Clifford J. Petroske's Lawyer Endorsements
"I am happy to endorse this lawyer. His answers to AVVO questions demonstrate his knowledge and dedication as a family law attorney"
"I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly. His experience and courtroom savvy are invaluable to any prospective client needing representation in the area of matrimonial law or child custody."
"Cliff and I have had many cases over the years. I have always found him to be prepared, well reasoned and a fierce advocate for his clients."
"Exceptional attorney, dedicated to client success. Highly recommended."
"Cliff is a profoundly remarkable attorney who balances zealous advocacy for each of his clients with a pragmatic approach toward settlement -- arts which are rare to find by themselves, never mind combined. Additionally, Cliff has a true passion for the law, as well as compassion for his clients. I highly endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. attorney Petroske is highly respected in his legal community. His AVVO response are well thought out and informative."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Cliff is very experienced in family law. He will fight for his clients to the end using not only his expertise in the law, but his passion for helping his clients."
Ryan Riezenman
Unknown lawyer
Michael Meyers
Unknown lawyer
Jeffrey Spinner
Unknown lawyer
Penelope Blizzard-McGrath
Family lawyer
Thomas Benigno
Real estate lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
New York Metro Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
New York Metro Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
New York Metro Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
New York Metro Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
New York Metro Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
New York Metro Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
New York Metro Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
New York Metro Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top Contributor, Avvo.com
2015
Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates
2015
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2014
Top 100 Matrimonial and Family Lawyers, The National Advocates
2014
Top Contributor, Avvo.com
2014
Clients' Choice, Avvo.com
2014
Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates
2014
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Clients' Choice, Avvo.com
2013
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Clients' Choice, Avvo.com
2012
BV Rated, Martindale Hubbell
2011
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Owner, Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C.
1992 - 2015
Owner, Law Offices of Clifford J. Petroske, P.C.
1989 - 1992
Associate, Reisch, Simoni, Bythewood & Gleason
Associations
2020 - Present
American Academy for Certified Financial LitigatorsMember
2015 - Present
National Association of Distinguished CounselMember
2014 - Present
American Society of Legal AdvocatesMember
2014 - Present
Association of Entrepreneurial AttorneysMember
2008 - Present
Suffolk County Matrimonial Bar AssociationMember
1992 - Present
NYSBA Family Law SectionMember
1990 - Present
Suffolk County Bar AssociationMember
1990 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Block v. Block
Pre-Nuptial Agreement Vacated, Found to Be Unfair and Unconscionable
Hinck v. Hinck
Succeeded on appeal
Saravia v. Godzieba
obtained more parenting time for non-custodial father
Gort v. Kull
obtained visitation order for paternal grandmother
Hinck v. Hinck
dismissal of adversary's case, and counsel fees awarded
Ruggiero v. Noe
favorable parenting schedule upheld on appeal
Zwillman v. Kull
obtained meaningful visitation for out-of-state father
Katsaros v. Katsaros
defeated attack on pre-nuptial agreement
Ruggiero v. Noe
unfavorable custody ruling modified on appeal
Bernholc v. Bornstein
unfair divorce trial decision modified
Lee v. Lee
$5800/month maintenance reinstated on appeal
Skladanek v. Skladanek
$690/week Maintenance, $41,217 Attorneys Fees
Hinck v. Hinck
Successful defense of prenuptial agreement
Reynolds v. Reynolds
Attorney succeeded in child support modification
Janofsky v. Janofsky
Attorney prevailed on appeal from QDRO
Education
1989
Hofstra University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
State University of New York, Stony Brook
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2004
CLE
Suffolk Academy of Law
Publications
2016
The Suffolk Lawyer
Rights of Gay and Lesbian Couples to Custody and Visitation
2015
PetroskeLaw.com
New Spousal Maintenance Law Expected Soon
2015
PetroskeLaw.com
Shared Custody of Your Child: A Practical Guide
2015
PetroskeLaw.com
Danger of the DIY Divorce Agreement
2015
2014
2014
NYfamilylaw.info
Pet "Custody" in Divorce Actions
2013
2012
NYfamilylaw.info
Is Divorce Mediation Right For You?
2012
NYfamilylaw.info
9 Reasons Not To Delay in Obtaining a QDRO
2010
NYfamilylaw.info
Child Support Modification Amendment
2010
NYfamilylaw.info
New Domestic Relations Laws of 2010
2010
NYfamilylaw.info
Recoupment Revisited
2009
NYfamilylaw.info
Appreciation of Separate Property
2008
NYfamilylaw.info
Domestic Partnerships
2007
NYfamilylaw.info
Only One Bite at the Apple
2007
NYfamilylaw.info
The Marital Residence and Separate Property
2007
NYfamilylaw.info
Solomon's Baby: Custody Relocation in New York
2001
NYfamilylaw.info
Separate But Different Property
N/A
NYfamilylaw.info
Battle on the Homefront
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I receive a downward modification in my child support when I take a 30% pay cut if moving to an area w lower cost of living?
13 May 2019
Q&A
My divorce case is going to trial. A forensic psychologist will be testifying, as there are parenting concerns. In his report,
04 Sep 2015
Q&A
During contested divorce, should I sign the HIPPA medical information release form at the request of the Plaintiff's lawyer?
31 Aug 2015
Legal Guides
Video Legal Guide
How Do I File For Divorce?
09 Feb 2016
Legal Guide
Major Changes in New York’s Spousal Maintenance Law
25 Jan 2016
Video Legal Guide
How Long Does Divorce Take in New York?
21 Dec 2015