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 - 2 of 2 reviews | Punctuality
Posted by Rich | March 20, 2014 | Family
Modification based on Change of Circumstance
I have been going to court on and off for several years. I have had an extensive trial and have gone through several attorneys over the last 7 years. Cliff has been by far the most knowledgeable of the processes at the family court of Nassau County. I would recommend him in a second over my other att...
Clifford Petroske
Replied last March 20, 2014Thank you Rich. It is always nice to hear kind words, and your support means a lot. Best wishes on your future endeavors. Cliff P.
Posted by Michael | July 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Debt Settlement
Clifford Petroske...Gorilla biller and poor representation
I retained the services of Clifford Petroske for the purpose of a downward modification. His firm filed my case in the wrong jurisdiction and then failed to meet prima facie. They billed me for it and then claimed they would redo it for free! Really, how kind to fix your mistake for free! Then th...
Clifford Petroske
Replied last July 29, 2016Michael, I was disheartened to learn for the first time, nearly five years after we successfully negotiated a downward modification of your child support obligation, that you were apparently unhappy with our legal services. The litigation did not last three years. You hired us in May, 2010, and by October, 2010 we had persuaded the court to temporarily lower your child support obligation while the petition was pending. The case was ultimately settled in November, 2011. Also, we did not fail to appear for numerous court appearances. The only time we did not appear was when you told the judge that you wanted to represent yourself. We subsequently appeared when directed to do so. Finally, your case was not filed in the wrong county. Under the Family Court Act, a petition can be filed in any county. We filed in Nassau County where you resided, for your convenience. The judge transferred the petition to the county in which you were divorced, which was the court’s prerogative. We were well prepared to prosecute your petition and, as a result, we were successful in negotiating a lower child support obligation for you. I have been quite understanding of your circumstances and have waited years for you to make some payment towards your outstanding balance, which you have failed to do. I felt I had no choice but to send your account to collections after you did not respond to our numerous efforts to amicably resolve the balance due. To post a negative review to avoid paying for services already provided, after you have reaped the benefit of those services for many years, is disingenuous, and has little to do with the quality of our work. If you would still like to work something out, please contact my office directly.
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