No Photo

Kevin L. O'Brien

5.0
Rating: 6.7

Licensed for 37 years

Lawyer

About Kevin

Practice Areas

This attorney has not specified their practice areas.

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in New York for 37 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1989

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Kevin L. O'Brien's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

180 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 38 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Kristen | November 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Family

Great lawyer

Kevin listened to my issues while coming up with solutions. Was very honest with billing something I have not always received with previous lawyers. If your looking for a real lawyer who’s honest and fights for what is right for your situation Kevin’s your guy . Wish I called him for my previous fami...ly court issues.

Posted by Frank | September 16, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

The best family law attorney in Eastern New York

I have been fortunate to have Kevin represent me on two very important cases. The first was my gaining custody of my child after my former spouse, that previously had physical custody, voluntarily asked that I take physical custody as she was not able to do so any longer. This case was interstate. Ke...vin masterfully, and with compassion for all parties, particularly my child, developed the legal strategy and guided me through its execution. The results were beyond expectations, and the results, which my family reaps to this day, have resulted in better outcomes in the life of my child and in the health and strength of my relationship with my child to this day. My child is now in their late twenties, a college graduate, with a solid career and nurturing life partner. As a client there can be no greater outcome than what I have just described. Without Kevin's counsel and dedication these were not likely possible. I am now a client of Kevin's again, nearly eighteen years later. I have a fifteen-plus year marriage ending in divorce, and another child of mine facing different, yet equally important circumstances. Again, Kevin is keenly and sensitively developing a plan and providing me guidance on how to achieve the same lofty results. If you need representation and counsel about a family matter, particularly one involving a divorce and children, you need to seriously consider retaining Kevin O'Brien as attorney.

Posted by anonymous | August 24, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Kevin O'Brien - Exceptional Family and Divorce Lawyer

Kevin O'Brien is the definition of an exceptional lawyer. His sound legal expertise, proactive nature, strategic vision, and tactical plan helped me to finish one of the most complex two-state divorce case in six months. He skillfully navigated the case by gaining jurisdiction to NY, overcoming false... domestic offense allegations, and helped me to dissolute marriage in a most respectful way with my rightful child custody and other important factors. Thank you Kevin! I am very satisfied with your services and highly recommend to others.

Posted by Michael | June 30, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Child custody case

I used Kevin's services while trying to obtain custody of my child. As a father trying to get custody, Kevin was easily reached and easy to talk to, everything was explained and court time went very well. Kevin never told me just what I wanted to hear, he explained things and helped clear my head and... lead me in the correct direction. I am very pleased I hired Kevin and would use him again, although I hope I don't need to. I would highly recommend Kevin O'Brien to anyone needing divorce or custody services.

Posted by Skeeter | September 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Life Saver and Friend

Divorce is very emotional scary, even more so when you are leaving an unhealthy, controlling, and abusive relationship. You find yourself with not a lot of confidence and courage, and in my case not realizing what my children and I deserved (after years of being told "I would get nothing because not...hing is in your name"). Mr. O'Brien made sure my children and I were first and foremost safe! Making sure we had an order of protection in place. Then he went to battle for what we deserved. He has set us up for a bright future. He was very diligent in making sure that we were given the assets, equity in the home (none which were in my name), support, education, and navigating the very difficult Military Pension system to make sure my children and I were given what was fair and entitled. I can never put down in words what he has done for my children and me. Some moments he was very tough with me, because he knew we deserved and he wasn’t going to let me go without that! He is extremely professional and confident. I not only hired a Warrior for my family, Kevin will forever be a hero and a FOREVER FRIEND to me!! We are now at that light at the end of the long dark tunnel thanks to him!!

See All Client Reviews

Kevin L. O'Brien's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Kevin

No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't received any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

Peter J. Scagnelli headshot
Peter Scagnelli

Divorce and separation lawyer

Michael J. Belsky Sr. headshot
Michael Belsky

Divorce and separation lawyer

Laura M. Hoffman headshot
Laura Hoffman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Joseph P. Drescher headshot
Joseph Drescher

Divorce and separation lawyer

Daniel Seth Ross headshot
Daniel Ross

Divorce and separation lawyer

Kevin Michael Colwell headshot
Kevin Colwell

Divorce and separation lawyer

Carolyn Diane Kersch headshot
Carolyn Kersch

Divorce and separation lawyer

Kelly Marie Curro headshot
Kelly Curro

Family lawyer

Joanne Patricia Monagan headshot
Joanne Monagan

Divorce and separation lawyer

Barrett D. Mack headshot
Barrett Mack

Divorce and separation lawyer

Suzanne Louise Latimer headshot
Suzanne Latimer

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  6.7 (Good)

Sample of Legal Cases

ZB v. SS, (New York State Family Court, Chemung County, 2017)

Father granted sole legal and physical custody with Mother getting one weekend of parenting time per month.

In the Matter of T.O. (Albany County 2017-07-11)

The Department did not have sufficient evidence to meet the higher evidentiary burden of proof, therefor the relief sought by Appellant was granted and the indication unfounded.

B. v. B. (New York State Family Court; County of Saratoga, 2015)

After trial, Court granted child's attendance at boarding school. It was in the child's best interest to attend. Father was not credible on direct or indirect testimony. Relocation claim denied as mother's burden for travel.

Shedden v. Shedden (New York State Supreme Court; County of Rensselaer, 2014)

After trial, wife denied any portion of medical practice; wife received reasonable maintenance and attorney's fees.

Bonocoro v. Bonocoro (New York State Supreme Court; Courty of Saratoga, 2013)

After trial, husband received 80% of business, wife received 20% of business; Court found wife was capable of seeking gainful employment, no maintenance, no attorney's fees.

G.F.H. v. K.M.B. (New York State Family Court; County of Tompkins, 2013)

Court held change of circumstances; mother given sole custody of three children. The fourth, a teenager, remained with the father, per her request, and per her strained relationship with the mother.

DeRuzzio v. Ruggles, 88 A.D. 3d 1091 (3rd Dept. 2011)

Court upheld Family Court's dismissal of Petitioner's petition. Providing the minor with a wine cooler on one occasion, while "inexcusable," was an incident in isolation; Petitioner's other arguments were dismissed because they were without merit.

Griffith v. Griffith (New York State Supreme Court; County of Rensselaer, 2011)

After trial, Court denied husband's relief because parties had relations during one-year period prior to his commencement of the divorce action.

T.O. v. R.O. (New York State Family Court; County of Rensselaer, 2011)

The de novo review ordered Mr. O.'s child support be based upon his current annual income - 25% for his two children - from the date of the filing of the petition.

Gasparro v. Edwards, 85 A.D.3d 1222 (3rd Dept. 2011)

Family Court Decision upheld wherein father had proved a sufficient change in circumstances and was awarded primary physical custody, in part due to Respondent's poor judgment, chaotic living situation, mental health concerns, and her work history.

In the Matter of the Appeal of P.G. Pursuant to Section 422 of the Social Services Law (Montgomery County, 2011)

Agency did not prove by a preponderance of evidence Appellant committed acts of child maltreatment. Report amended to unfounded and sealed. Question of whether maltreatment alleged is relevant and reasonably related to childcare need not be addressed.

Griffith v. Griffith (New York State Supreme Court; County of Rensselaer, 2010)

After trial, husband's claim denied because he could not prove allegations that it was unsafe or inappropriate for the parties to continue to reside together.

Gasparro v. Edwards (New York State Family Court; County of Saratoga, 2010)

After a trial, the father was designated primary parent. Best interests of the children demanded same considering each parent's home enviroment, fitness, stability, and ability to provide for the children's intellectual and emotional development.

Warchol v. Warchol (New York State Supreme Court; County of Albany, 2010)

After trial, Defendant's Motion denied; Plaintiff's Motion granted with costs and attorney's feees. Additional factual issues preserved for further proceedings.

Warchol v. Warchol (New York State Family Court; County of Albany, 2009)

After trial, Court held Respondent to pay child support for his daughter. Child support ordered over the cap was justified, in part, due to the reduction in Respondent's expenses paid by the family company. His petition was dismissed.

Murphy v. August (New York State Family Court; County of Albany, 2009)

After trial, change in circumstances was determined, wherein Respondent directed to pay child support. However, strict application not applied due to the circumstances and the financial resources of the parties.

Chopra v. Chopra (New York State Supreme Court; County of Nassau, 2008)

After trial, the Court denied the husband's claim for cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment, and adultery. The Court held the husband's testimony to be unworthy of belief.

Parnes v. Parnes, 41 A.D.3d 934 (3rd Dept. 2007)

Defendant liable for past-due maintenance arrears; agreement clear and unambiguous; wife was awarded counsel fees because Defendant did not meet his burden of proof. However, no contempt found, as less drastic remedies were not used first.

R. v. R. (New York State Family Court; County of Fulton, 2006)

After 14 days of trial, the father proved change of circumstances. The children of the marriage were placed with him, under severe restrictions for both parents, including, but not limited to, seeking psychiatric counseling.

In the Matter of D.L.B. v. John A. Johnson, as Commissioner, et al., 19 A.D.3d 799 (3rd Dept. 2005)

Court found no merit to the arguments. Record supported removal and affirmed indicated reports.

In the Matter of the Appeal of D.D., Pursuant to Section 422 of the Social Services Law

Since maltreatment was not established by a fair preponderance of the evidence, the indicated report was amended to unfounded, with the records being sealed.

In the Matter of the Appeal of D.B., Pursuant to Sections 400 and 422 of the Social Services Law

Appellant's request to amend the indicated report was denied. Same was relevant and reasonably related to child care issues.

C.F. v. J.F. (New York State Family Court; County of Columbia, 2003)

Court awarded father with sole legal and physical custody of his son; father having proved a change in circumstance based on the mother's alienation.

B.C.B. v. P.N.S. (New York State Family Court; County of Schenectady, 2002)

After several days of trial, the Court held there existed a substantial change of circumstances, and awarded Petitioner sole legal and physical custody of his daughter.

In the Matter of Catherine, 280 A.D.2d 732 (3rd Dept. 2001)

Family Court's decision was affirmed. Petitioner established by a preponderance of the evidence Respondent's neglect of the child due to his failure to exercise a minimum degree of care.

In the Matter of LEE TT., 87 N.Y.2d 699 (1996)

Standard use by DSS to deny expunction request violated due process. DSS at Fair Hearing must us some credible evidence.

Szot v. Iannone, (New York State Supreme Court; County of Albany, 2009)

After trial, Court granted husband a divorce on the grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment, finding that anger, violence, and disparaging remarks by the wife and her son toward the husband served as a medical nexus to worsen husband's heart condition.

D. v. D. (New York State Family Court; County of Columbia, 2009)

After trial, father's petition was dismissed. The Court found his testimony inconsistent, and held that the mother having supplied alcohol to her 15-year-old on one occasion did not warrant a change in custody.

Williams v. Williams, No.: 514199 (3rd Dept. 2012)

Wife granted long-term maintenance, attorney's fees, and equitable portion of husband's pension, despite his objection to some financial accounts.

Yaghi v. Catalano, 84 A.D.ed 1521 (3rd Dept. 2011)

Husband could not prove he had an interest in the wife's business.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

Albany Law School

LL.M - Master of Laws

1987

Western New England University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1982

State University of New York, Albany

Master of Arts

1979

State University of New York, Albany

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution