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Kevin L. O'Brien

5.0
Rating: 6.7

Licensed for 37 years

Lawyer

About Kevin

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Licenses

Licensed in New York for 37 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1989

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

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Kevin L. O'Brien's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

180 Client Reviews

Showing 21 - 25 of 39 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | June 30, 2015

Loyal, trustworthy and in your corner.

Kevin is approachable, loyal, trustworthy and in your corner. From my experience he maintained my privacy while helping me to comprehend where I stand in my case. At each turn Mr. O'Brien has been able to quickly analyze optional solutions to stay steps ahead allowing for choices rather than to sim...ply react in the progression of my situation. I must commend Mr. O'Brien on his communication techniques, never at any time did I feel dodged or put aside, actually the opposite. I was contacted often and given plenty of availability to his time, sometimes with professional insight at no charge. Kevin O'Brian has a great deal of knowledge and integrity And with MY best interest at the forefront. I searched through many attorneys, finding many jack asses who are focused on themselves, billing and personal convenience. Kevin O'Brien focused on me even with my crazy schedule.

Posted by anonymous | June 12, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

Handled a complex case well

My divorce case involved a large variety of variables and factors with a relatively high degree of complexity (including valuation of degrees, cultural components, allegations of theft and abuse, determination of maintenance, personal property disputes), and Kevin provided a steady guiding hand to he...lp me navigate the often murky waters. At the very end when final negotiations before settlement became even more contentious his advice saved me considerable heartache. When the case called for an expert (in valuation of the degree) he recommended someone who was just as excellent as he was. He is exceedingly calm and collected under pressure but also very shrewd and knowledgeable. He speaks clearly and keeps communication to what is necessary and pertinent. He is easily accessible and always took my calls or called me back promptly. In a time of a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty he was able to provide reassurance, guidance, and most importantly a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. I would gladly work with him again, though hopefully I never have to!

Posted by Adell | May 04, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

He was my angel

Mr. O'Brien has served as my attorney for years, providing legal advice and counsel to me through a very difficult divorce. The end of a thirty-five year marriage is never easy, but Kevin really helped me get through that time in my life. I not only consider him to be my attorney, but he has become a... very dear friend. He is professional, honest, conscientious and courteous. While in the Court room, Kevin is highly driven in getting results, but never seems to lose sight of the needs of his clients and is very empathetic when needed. During my tumultuous divorce, there were many times where money became an issue and Kevin worked pro bono to help me obtain what, we felt, what was rightfully owed to a spouse after such a long marriage. I am disabled, and often times was unable, both physically and emotionally, to attend court, yet Kevin would graciously attend on my behalf and later rearrange his schedule to meet with me, after hours and after my doctor appointments, to ensure I had a good understanding of my case. Kevin is confident in his work and knowledgeable of the law. He has a natural gift in reacting to unforeseen circumstances while maintaining his composure and making one feel at ease. I would certainly recommend Kevin for legal counsel and can say with the utmost confidence that he will deliver results and will work hard in ensuring his clients are not only pleased with his services, but are truly "winners" in the end."

Posted by John | May 04, 2015 | Family

A lawyer who knows his craft, and with his toolkit rebuilds lives.

When you need a lawyer for a family matter, it is always an emergency. I am sure Mr. O'Brien gets his share of frantic calls. In our case he certainly did, and we were in his office two hours later. He listened to everything we had to share with him, only occasionally asking a question. When w...e finished, he thought a minute or two, and asked what we hoped to accomplish. When he had that answer, he laid out a series of options, one of which we settled on. We met with him the next day for an extensive interview and papers were filed the following day. Over the course of the next few months he was always available to us to answer questions and deal with curves in the road. He was polite and civil, but at the same time in his quiet way, aggressive. We had what we thought was a super outcome, more than we could have hoped for when the world fell apart for our daughter.

Posted by O H. | April 13, 2015

Endorsement of Kevin O'Brien

Kevin was a voice of reason and calm during a very stressful period. He always made time for me and answered my questions expediently and thoroughly. His staff was very courteous and helpful. I would highly recommend Kevin to anyone in search of an attorney who encompasses the attributes of professi...onalism and compassion.

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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.

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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

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