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Marie I Crossley

Divorce and separation Attorney at Centreville, DE

4.9   19 reviews
  • Licensed for 21 years
    State DE
    Acquired 2002
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Marie

Learn Marie’s areas of practice.

WITH OVER 17 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN DIVORCE AND CUSTODY MATTERS IN DELAWARE, I AM HERE TO HELP!

My focus in every case is my client and how to achieve their goals. While I have extensive trial and litigation experience, I am also trained in Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution. Particularly in the area of Family Law, the ability to effectively negotiate is just as important as trial advocacy and my mediation background allows me to tailor my approach to my client's individual needs.

          

I have been practicing Family Law exclusively for 16 years in the state of Delaware. After graduating from Washington & Jefferson College in 1998, I attended Villanova University School of Law. After graduating from Villanova, I clerked for the Honorable William L. Chapman and the Honorable Alison Whitmer Tumas, State of Delaware Family Court.  I am a partner at MacElree Harvey and manage the Centreville Delaware office.

 

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Contact Marie

MacElree Harvey, Ltd.

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  19 customer reviews
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Posted by Thomas | March 10, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Marie Crossley made all the difference in achieving a positive outcome to my divorce proceedings
Marie Crossley made all the difference in achieving a positive outcome to my divorce proceedings. I retained joint custody (50/50) of my three children and the financial settlement determined by the court (child support and alimony) was less than the proposal we offered pre-trial. The process was long and erratic with lots of exaggerated claims of wrongdoing on my part. Throughout, Marie was available, responsive and level-headed. She is an expert at what she does. She knows the law, the system, the opposing attorneys and the judges. She is open to negotiation, but only for a good outcome. She is unfazed by dramatic posturing, sudden changes and unrealistic expectations. She cared about me and my children as clients, not in a schmaltzy manner, but as a professional who knew the outcome would impact my relationship with my children and our financial well being for years to come. The divorce process is horrible for everyone, particularly fathers. Marie knows this; I am truly fortunate to have worked with her.
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Posted by Dennis | March 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thanks Marie for a job well done...
Marie was recommended to me, for legal help with divorce, by one of her peers whom I had worked with many years before. The recommendation turned out to be a great success for me. I was sued for divorce, and the substantial combined marital financial and property assets were primarily sourced by me. Marie expertly identified and assessed the marital assets that were affected, guided me through completing complicated legal forms and procedures, took the initiative with the opposing attorney to firmly state my position, all the while keeping me informed and up-to-date with progress and results. In the end, I was able to obtain a very fair and satisfactory financial settlement that allowed me to retain the bulk of my assets, and also permitted a cordial ending between the parties, which is something I identified early on to Marie as an important issue for me. Additionally, Marie's legal staff also did a great job and I always felt comfortable and confident of success. I highly recommend Marie as a great resource to resolve family legal matters.
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Posted by Howard | June 3, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A Wonderful Outcome for My Divorce
From the very beginning of my divorce process, Marie was practical, calm, informative, and very engaging. As a terrific coach and advisor, she explained every aspect of what to expect and where I might have the best and least likely chances of success. I could not have asked for a more competent and professional expert and litigator working on my behalf.
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Posted by anonymous | May 18, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Modification of Visitation and Relocation
I hired Marie Crossley to represent me during a Court hearing that I had scheduled where I was requesting to modify my Child Custody agreement and relocation to another state where I could have more support to raise my two sons. Relocation cases are never easy but Marie did a very good job at showing the court that it was in the best interest of my children to relocate to live with my fiancé and I and his family since we had no support system here in DE and their father did not have a sufficient level of involvement in the boys lives. Many factors went into the outcome of our case but ultimately the judge ruled to allow the boys and I to move and put a visitation schedule in place that would allow their dad to still have frequent and meaningful visits with the children. I am very grateful for all the support and guidance Marie provided me during this case and I know the positive outcome we had will have a very positive impact on my children's lives for years to come.
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Posted by Bob W | January 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Marie is excellent
As an older male going through divorce and custody, I was very tentative/skeptical about attorneys. I searched and interviewed. If your looking for the best, Marie is it. Makes you feel important and is attentive to your wishes. She tells it like it's is. She's a fighter when needed but her demeanor otherwise is perfect Loved her Would recommend her strongly. Tough to find the good ones
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Posted by Megan | April 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Marie Crossley's review
Marie has been very involved with helping me get primary residence of my young son, Vincent. Due to a distance situation with Vincent's father and the disagreement on what state my son would attend school in, I sought out Marie's counsel. From the beginning she kept me up to date, including her staff, and explained how these cases work. I felt more than confident with Marie as my attorney when it was time to appear before the judge. She was able to prove to the court that my sons father and his witness were not being truthful in specific time frames, which I believe were crucial in winning the case. Marie maintained a calm, cool and collective stance when representing me and there was a very large visible difference if comparing attorneys. Ultimately I won and did receive primary residence of my son, and I couldn't be happier. I received an email from Marie's office and she also texted me with the good news. I would recommend Marie to anyone of my friends or family seeking this type of counsel.
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Posted by anonymous | April 13, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Honest and helpful
I did not hire Ms. Crossley precisely because of how great she is. I read so many great reviews about her that I really wanted to hire her. However, during our consultation, she told me that I had better chances of getting the results I needed if I were to hire an attorney in my county. I had no idea that was the case, but boy was she right! She even recommended the best attorneys in my county and put me in contact with them. I am now being represented by the best lawyers in my county thanks to Marie Crossley's honesty and integrity. She could have simply let me hire her to get my business, but instead, she gave me the advise I truly needed.
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Posted by Joe | June 8, 2015
Great Lawyer and Person
Marie was great. I actually chose her based on a review like I am doing now. She is very informative, professional, and a great person. You would not go wrong choosing her to represent you. As a guy and not from DE I was not sure what to do after my ex-wife hired some high priced law firm. I'm very glad I hired her and would recommend her especially (like in my case) I knew nothing about how this all works. A true professional.
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Posted by W | June 4, 2015
Best Family Law Attorney in Delaware
I hired Marie after consulting several attorneys in Delaware (and even working with one). My child custody case was complicated due to jurisdictional challenges; however, Marie (and her team) quickly guided me to the right path. Despite the tight deadlines, she delivered high quality documentation which eventually led us to win our case. Marie is extremely knowledgeable, responsive and dedicated. She is probably one of the best professionals I have ever met and I can vouch that she is the best attorney in Delaware for child custody litigation. She is also conscientious of the time she bills. I am very satisfied with her services and glad that was able to obtain results that are in the best interest of my child. High recommended.
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Posted by Michael | April 10, 2015
In Marie we trust
I used Marie for a divorce after 15 years. I ignored her tactical advice in the beginning which wound up biting me in the butt. Months later and after my financial deal was negotiated I had to fight against a BS Offensive touching Charge and convenient PFA. With two pre-teens in the picture this was extremely difficult. Marie however was a grounding force who really kept me sane in the process. Her guidance in hindsight turned out to be spot on. Marie is not a jaded lawyer through the years and is not your classic lawyer Pitbull to be clear. But do not mistake her easy demeanor as a sign of weakness. She has been around the block a few times and knows this arena extremely well. Although Rome wasn't built in a day everything I needed came to fruition and my overall outcome was all that I could have expected. Her team and referrals to fight the criminal aspect of my case were vital to our success and without Marie I am doubtful that I would have seen the same success both legally and mentally. If you think your situation is hopeless or even that you are behind the 8-ball please see Marie and get some help. I assure you it will be the best money you spent since prior to getting married. :)
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Posted by anonymous | August 11, 2014
Division of marital property following a divorce.
Marie worked with me to enforce my prenuptial agreement and move forward to finalize the property settlement. Throughout the process, Marie was extremely professional and focused. She described her plan of action and answered my questions regarding the pros & cons. I would highly recommend Marie Crossley.
Posted by anonymous | March 3, 2014
Great experience!
I am a father who went through a divorce, PFA, child custody and child support. Marie was the fourth attorney I hired after feeling I had very little success in achieving fair results for myself and children through Family Court using the three other attorneys. After hiring Marie, for the first time in two years, I felt there was someone truly on my side. Her knowledge and skill was a refreshing change. She was very conscientious of the time she was billing me by either asking permission to work on specific items or by giving me time estimates for up coming events. Unfortunately, I did not hire her until the second round of custody/child support hearings and was happy with the results. I do feel I would have had better results if she had represented me from the start. I have referred close friends to her and will continue to hire her in the future if needed.
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Posted by Bridget | February 3, 2014
Help with a custody situation
We sought Marie's advice after facing a custody struggle with my stepson. She responded to our inquiries prompty and quickly put us on the right path. Since the issue involved multiple states, she maintained her professionalism and referred us to seek other attornies when needed. Throughout this very scarey and uncomfortable process, I felt confident in the decisions we were making.
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Posted by Elizabeth | January 17, 2014
A+ Attorney!
From the very first meeting Marie was very upfront and knowledgeable about what my options were moving forward with my child custody case. She was always honest with what we could expect from the judge and I greatly appreciated her honesty. I would definitely recommend Marie to anyone looking for an attorney.
Posted by William | September 30, 2013
Great Lawyer
Marie, handled my divore and was very professional , knowlegable and friendly to me. Could not ask for a better lawyer, she is the best hands down
Posted by Richard | September 18, 2013
Marie I Crossley Client Review
Marie is an honest and trustworthy lawyer. She is meticulous and thorough when going through case material. Marie fights to get what is in the best interest of her client. Her knowledge of the legal system and laws is unmatched. Marie is genuinely caring and knows how to handle the delicate situations that arise in family court matters. I highly recommend Marie and intend on utilizing her for my legal needs going forward.
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Posted by David | May 22, 2013
Highly Recommend
I found Marie to be very knowledgeable and professional. Her concern for my best interests were impeccable and I highly recommend Ms. Crossley.
Posted by Alan | May 15, 2013
HIghest Professionalism
Marie Crossley represented me in a Motion to Show Cause matter in 2010, entailing a dispute with my ex-wife over her breach of our Settlement Agreement. While this matter is not fully resolved due to a serious health issue on my end, we did get the results needed, and will hopefully complete this in the near future. Marie instilled confidence and detailed knowledge of the attorneys, judges, and procedures within the Family Court System in Delaware. Her professionalism is unquestionably of the highest caliber. I would not hesitate to retain Marie's services again.
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Posted by Greg | May 6, 2014
Great customer service!
Ms. Crossley was very professional, organized and top of things throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend her services to anyone interested.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • MacElree Harvey, Ltd.
  • 2013 - Present
  • Partner
  • Rahaim & Saints
  • 2002 - 2012
  • Law Clerk
  • The Family Court Of The State Of Delaware
  • 2001 - 2002

Education

  • Villanova University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2001
  • Washington and Jefferson College
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1998

Legal Cases

  • Brad King v. Karen L. Howard
  • Appeal Granted; Remand
  • A.C. v. D.C.
  • Shared Residential Placement

Associations

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution Section
  • Vice Chair
  • 2018 - Present
  • Delaware State Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2002 - Present
  • Delaware Volunteer Legal Services
  • Pro Bono Attorney
  • 2002 - Present
  • Delaware Victims Advocacy Project
  • Pro Bono Attorney
  • 2002 - Present
  • Melson-Arsht American Inn of Court
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Best Lawyer, Family Law
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2020
  • Pro Bono Award
  • Delaware State Bar Associatiion
  • 2004

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Current Trends in Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Mediation
  • 2018
  • Guest Lecturer Mediation and Negotiation
  • Mediation for Professionals
  • 2014
  • Divorce Litigation from Start to Finish
  • Divorce Litigation
  • 2014
  • Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
  • Family Law
  • 2014
  • Law Day at A.I. Dupont High School
  • Equality for All: The Emancipation Proclamation and Brown v. Board of Education
  • 2013
  • Fundamentals of Family Law
  • Family Law Moderator
  • 2004
  • Pro Se Divorce Seminar
  • Divorce
  • 2003
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)
Given (16)
Endorse Marie
Family Attorney | Aug 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Marie takes a practical and logical approach to her cases. She takes care not to ramp up the emotions or to damage the family through litigation. I endorse her!"
Unknown Attorney | May 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Marie is a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney. She balances zealous advocacy for her clients with professionalism and reasonableness."
Family Attorney | Jan 21
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Crossley contacted my law practice to refer a client. I sincerely appreciated not only the referral but the professionalism she displayed. Ms. Crossley was able to provide me with a brief, yet concise, background of the matter while simultaneously explaining the jurisdictional roadblocks she anticipated in her home state of Delaware. It is truly an honor to work with professional and knowledgeable attorneys both intrastate and interstate. I would highly recommend her services!"
Family Attorney | Jan 15
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Jan 15
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms, Crossley is very experienced in family law matters. She is diligent in her representation. Ms. Crossley thoroughly prepares for her cases."
Family Attorney | Jan 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Marie is an excellent attorney that represents her clients zealously while keeping an eye on the big picture of the case."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 15
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Marie is very knowledgeable, personable and hard working. Her clients rave about her. She is an excellent family law lawyer"
Family Attorney | May 13
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Marie is highly professional and is a zealous advocate for her clients. She is very knowledgeable and experienced."
Family Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. She is not only brilliant but also very kind."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Dec 18
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Marie is always professional and reasonable while doing a great job for her client."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 04
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"Marie has handled Family law, domestic law, divorce and custody matters for many years. I have referred both my own clients and family members to her for counseling and representation. She is dedicated and compassionate.I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. I am very lucky to work with Marie Crossley. She was my supervisor and mentor when I started practicing family law. She works hard to obtain the best possible outcomes for her clients."
Family Attorney | Mar 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've known Marie since she began practicing law, and have always found her to be a knowledgable, experienced and hard working attorney who consistently goes the extra mile for each and every one of her clients."
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