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I believe that being an attorney is more than just advising clients on the law and appearing in Court. As a Matrimonial and Family Law attorney, I believe in establishing a close rapport with my clients, knowing their genuine needs and concerns, and counseling them in times when they are most vulnerable. I want my clients to know that I truly care about the outcome of their case, and doing my best to obtain results that are in their best interests and that of their children.
I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, where the majority of my family continues to reside. My parents are hard-working people who took on many jobs throughout my childhood to send my sister and I to private schools and give us many advantages that we wouldn't otherwise have if it weren't for their hard work and dedication. I am the first person in my family to attend and complete college.
My parents, as middle-class folks, always stressed the importance of treating people as I would want to be treated, regardless of gender, religion, race, age, disability, social status, sexual orientation, and the like. All of my grandparents immigrated to the United States from Sicily and Poland, respectively, and worked hard to establish a life in the US. I was raised with patriotism and respect for our servicemembers, and currently have family in active deployment.
The importance of education was always a focus in my home, but my parents also encouraged our involvement in sports and extracurriculars. I have played competitive sports my whole life, particularly basketball and softball. My father played AAA baseball and my my younger sister obtained her advanced degree in neuroscience by attending college on a basketball scholarship.
I have always enjoyed reading and writing poetry, and I was first published in a national magazine at age five. I am highly supportive of the United States Military and actively participate in projects to benefit War Veterans. I consistently donate to organizations that support world literacy, veterans, and animal shelters.
I worked full-time as a Project Coordinator for The Home Depot for ten years while I attended undergrad and law school. I have worked with architects, contractors, and homeowners on any project you can think of, but particularly entire kitchen/bath ronnovation, flooring installation, plumbing, and electrical projects. I love physical labor and I like to get dirty. It's therapeutic.
My upbringing and experience has taught me the importance of hard work, healthy competition, but also working as a team. Equally important, I have also learned the importance of family, friendship, and respect. I pride myself in my work as an attorney, and take care to provide each client with quality representation. Many clients have stated their appreciation that I am "real". where I give straightforward, understandable advice. Being an attorney is one of the MANY things that define me, as result of hard work and persistence. It's my goal to continue that hard work and persistence throughout my career.
4
Practice Areas
12 years
12 years
12 years
12 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
Sometimes
State: New York
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
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2560 Walden Avenue, Suite 110, Cheektowaga, NY, 14225
montelawfirm.com/40 Client Reviews
Showing 6 - 10 of 12 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by J.D. | May 01, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
WHY HAVE YOU NOT HIRED HER YET?! STOP WAITING YOU'RE ONLY HURTING YOURSELF AND YOUR KIDS WAITING TO DO SO!!!
WHY HAVE YOU NOT HIRED HER YET?! STOP WAITING YOU'RE ONLY HURTING YOURSELF AND YOUR KIDS WAITING TO DO SO!!! The best damn move I did was to hire her. She has been invested deeply into my case for a VERY looooong time. Over 5 years work if not longer. She is RUTHLESS in the court room and speaks f...
Posted by michael | March 19, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Great lawyer and down to earth
I have dealt with multiple attorneys for my custody and support battles and Elaine has by far been the best. Very knowledgeable, thorough, and a pleasure to talk to. Shes always got back to me in a timely manner and kept me updated. I highly recommend her if you are gonna start a custodial or matrimo...
Posted by anonymous | January 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family
Can't find a better "pitbull" for an attorney, especially in litigations than her!
She is what ALL attorneys SHOULD be like! Hands down, arguably the best litigator for your rights in the court room with regard to family law and fairness. She speaks from the heart, is extremely passionate, resonates with her clients, and is the best person you can have on your side to argue for you...
Posted by Kristi | December 28, 2014 | Child Custody
Relief in a Time of Uncertainty
I was going through a custody order adjustment and didn't know who I could turn to for help. I found Elaina and sent an email through her site explaining my situation and asking for help. She contacted me right away and I was in to see her the next week. As soon as I met her I knew she would do an...
Posted by Lora | November 17, 2014 | Divorce & Separation
Satisfied Client Review
Elaina is a phenomenal attorney, very knowledgeable of the law. She is a very strong advocate for her client while keeping them grounded in terms of what is realistic for them to achieve given the situation. She pays excellent attention to detail and is a very good listener, which is demonstrated i...
"I endorse this lawyer. Elaina is a passionate advocate who genuinely wants to help her clients. She is very knowledgeable and I recommend her to any clients looking for a talented attorney in the area of family law."
"Elaina is a highly qualified family court lawyer. She goes above and beyond for her clients. She has a practical understanding of the law and the people who work in the field. Most importantly, she cares about her clients. Without hesitation, I frequently refer family law cases to Elaina. I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Family lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2015
10 Best Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2012
Certificate of Appreciation for Service, Kaleida Health
2009
Certificate of Appreciation for Service, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2008
Certificate of Appreciation for Service, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2011 - 2014
Attorney, Dennis C. Gaughan Attorneys
2009 - 2011
Law Clerk, Dennis C. Gaughan Attorneys
2007 - 2009
Legal Assistant, Legal Assistance Center of Kent County, Michigan
2011 - Present
Bar Association of Erie CountyMember
2011 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Matrimonial Attorneys - Erie County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Young Lawyer's Committee - Erie County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
United States District Court, Western District of New YorkAdmitted to Practice
2011 - Present
United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of New YorkAdmitted to Practice
After trial, successfully obtained order terminating Husband's support obligation to Wife. Wife also ordered to return monies withdrawn from Husband's bank account, and repay back maintenance paid throughout proceedings.
Successfully modified petition wherein Client no longer required supervision during access with child. Ordered that Client have alternating weekends, additional time each week, split holidays, vacation time in summer, and time with child on his birthday.
Obtained sole custody of adolescent sons for Mother; also established Order of Child Support and retroactive basic support and add-on child support for uninsured medical expenses, childcare, and education expenses.
2010
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
Social Security and Healthcare Proxy
N/A
English
Legal Answers
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Child support and relocation.
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