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
167 Client Reviews
PRO
Jo Ann Elizabeth Coughtry
Virtual Consultation Available
About Jo Ann
Biography
Jo Ann E. Coughtry is a seasoned family law attorney with over three decades of experience representing clients exclusively in Matrimonial and Family Law across New York State. Based in Albany, she is known for her adept legal acumen in handling complex divorce cases, child custody disputes, asset division, and support matters. Whether a case is contested or uncontested, Jo Ann provides personalized counsel and strategic advocacy to achieve her clients’ goals while maintaining the privacy and dignity of the family.
Jo Ann earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Russell Sage College (1987) and her Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School (1991). She is a member of the New York State Bar Association and previously served as an Assistant Public Defender for Albany County, where she represented indigent clients in criminal matters.
Highly regarded for her knowledge of divorce law, Jo Ann is an experienced litigator and negotiator who has resolved countless family law disputes. She approaches each case with a tailored strategy, recognizing that some matters are best resolved through negotiation while others require courtroom advocacy. Her ultimate goal is to guide clients through difficult transitions with respect, professionalism, and a focus on achieving lasting solutions.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
50%
Child Custody
15%
Child Support
15%
Adoption
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2023 2022
...
+
5
Licenses
Licensed in New York for 34 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Jo Ann E. Coughtry
(518) 675-8261
Mobile
125 Wolf Road, Suite 124, Albany, NY, 12205
coughtrylawalbany.com/Gallery
Jo Ann Elizabeth Coughtry's Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (162)
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Practice Areas
Divorce & Separation (84)
Child Custody (54)
Family (25)
Child Support (18)
Lawsuits & Disputes (9)
Domestic Violence (5)
Alimony (2)
Litigation (2)
Marriage & Prenuptials (2)
Mediation (2)
Uncontested Divorce (2)
Adoption (1)
Debt Settlement (1)
Education (1)
Estate Planning (1)
Guardianship (1)
LGBT+ Law (1)
Military Law (1)
Showing 26 - 30 of 46 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Darrell | October 24, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Jo Ann is a great lawyer
Our child custody agreement became much more complicated when I had to move out of state. My ex-spouse did not want to allow me to continue my life. Jo Ann Coughtry works with the other attorney for an amicable interstate custody agreement.
Posted by Gifford | October 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Beyond competent lawyer
My ex-wife and I already are in new relationship. We have an amazing daughter, and we’re both equally capable of supporting our child. But, my ex-wife just didn’t want our daughter to have equal time with me. So, we both agreed to consult on what’s best to do. Jo Anne explained the laws and the optio...
Posted by Nikki | October 13, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
She made our separation easy.
When my partner and I came to the realization that we were better apart, we wanted to work with someone qualified for same-sex divorce. JoAnn really knows the law and how to find the best solution for everyone. She made a painful situation more livable and we came to a comfortable agreement.
Posted by Andrew | October 06, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
The best choice i made
JoAnn was the absolute best choice I could have made to help with my divorce. With so much at stake, like custody and support, I wanted someone who knew what they were doing. She is caring and straightforward and really understands the laws. We found the best resolution for everyone thanks to her.
Posted by Daisy | September 25, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
The right choice
When the divorce started I was not in my right mind. I have no idea how I could have gotten through any of it without the support and information JoAnn was able to offer. She helped make sense of things at a time nothing made sense to me. If you have to go through a divorce this is the right person t...
Jo Ann Elizabeth Coughtry's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have had several cases in which Jo Ann was the opposing counsel. She has a nice way of advocating aggressively on behalf of her clients; but in a ethical and constructive manner. Highly recommend recommend her."
"Professional, knowledgeable, and prepared. These are the essentials of a great lawyer and Joann has them in abundance. We have had several cases over the years and she is a worthy adversary."
"I highly recommend Joann. I have known Joann for over fifteen years as we have both practiced Matrimonial and Family Law in the Albany Capital District. I have always found her to be extremely well prepared and is a very strong advocate for her clients. She has always impressed me as very committed to her client's needs and proactive in her client's best interests. She is an excellent attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. She is very responsible and involved in the legal community. She gets praised often by her colleagues. It is a pleasure to know her as an attorney. I refer my clients to her."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ms. Coughtry for over a decade. We have worked on several cases as adversaries and several additional cases in which I have been the attorney for the child. I have always found her to be knowledgable, professional, and on top of her game. I highly recommend her."
Daniel Ross
Family lawyer
Timothy Hart
Tax lawyer
Suzanne Latimer
Family lawyer
Nancy Stroud
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Work Experience
1991 - Present
Private Practitioner, Jo Ann E. Coughtry Esq.
1988 - 2008
Assistant Public Defender, Albany County Public Defender's Office
Associations
New York State Bar Association
Member
Albany County Bar Association
Member
Education
1991
Albany Law School of Union University
JD - Juris Doctor
1989
Russel Sage
BS - Bachelor of Science
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers