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Kevin L. O'Brien

5.0
Rating: 6.7

Licensed for 37 years

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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 1 - 5 of 20 reviews | Staff & Support

Posted by Lisa | May 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Excellent attorney

Kevin and his team provided the absolute highest level of service when representing me. They are all kind, compassionate, substantive and extremely responsive. Kevin and his team helped make a very difficult situation much easier. Kevin truly cares about his clients and treats them as such. I highly ...recommend his counsel.

Posted by anonymous | March 01, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Family

Hire him!

Kevin and his staff are experienced, compassionate, and extremely skilled. I would absolutely not want anyone else advocating for me during the crucial moments in family court. In the court house it is clear that Kevin has the respect of his peers as a negotiator, and as an adversary. Kevin didn't ju...st go through the motions, but he seemed to actually enjoy his work of lobbying on my behalf. His obvious ease, comfort and confidence in courtroom helped me to stay focused on my objective in a heavily emotional negotiation. Further, Kevin was the second lawyer I hired, and by the time he was on my case it had become a confusing legal mess. Kevin quickly got everything back on track. He was upfront about the legal process and clearly explained what my realistic options were. Family court can be a very scary place because so many factors seem unknown and uncontrollable. Kevin and his staff did an excellent job to make me feel empowered during an overwhelming process. And, most importantly, Kevin was able to get me a favorable result. If you find yourself in family court, don't hesitate. You want Kevin O'brien working for YOU....not for the opposing party.

Posted by Trisha | February 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Make the right choice!

Finding the right lawyer at the most difficult time is a challenge. I had met with countless lawyers and was ready to give up hope. Then I met Mr. O’Brien. He came highly recommended by a friend and when I met him I understood why she recommended him. I remember the day I walked into his office. I wa...s nervous and scared and I felt as if I was going through this divorce when it was the last thing I ever wanted in life. Mr. O’Brien made me feel comfortable. Mr. O’Brien was not only professional and knowledgeable, but he was kind and compassionate. He was honest and understanding. He was everything I was looking for in a lawyer. I retained Mr. O’Brien that day and I was very thankful for the help and guidance from his office. Mr. O’Brien was hard working and always answered my questions and concerns in a timely manner. His staff was also professional and kind and always made me feel very comfortable. I can honestly say that Mr. O’Brien went above and beyond and he was successful in getting all I asked for in my divorce. No one gets married to get divorced, but when it is your only option, Mr. O’Brien is the right choice. I highly recommend Kevin O’Brien.

Posted by Steven | November 01, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce

Kevin is a honest hard working attorney and goes out of his way to help and explain all parts of a divorce. His staff is also hard working and honest. There is never a dumb question with anyone in his office.if you call with a question you will get a answer in a very timely manner. I have texted Kev...in and he has replied several times around 7pm.Kevin also has a way of making you feel at ease. This is very important in a divorce there are times you need someone like Kevin at your side . If you have any doubts in the beginning , you will not at the end. Going through a divorce isn’t easy but with a guy like Kevin he made it a easier.

Posted by anonymous | October 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Your MVP in the courthouse

I contacted seven attorneys within a few days before my custody case went to trial in less than two weeks. My original lawyer failed to make it to a very important court hearing allowing the court to make it seem as if I had to represent myself. If you don’t know law it can be very tricky and you can... get into terrible predicament even if you feel the cards are in your favor. I went with this firm and Without hesitation Kevin OBrien took my case and worked with the ADA and my child’s attorney to work out an agreement hurting me less than what could of been the outcome. If you want someone who will give you his honest opinion and go the distance, this is the man for the job. Mr. OBrien gave me light at the end of my legal tunnel. Yes his services aren’t cheap but you get what you pay for and at the end of it all how much is it worth for you to have your child and be the father you know are in their life? Don’t ever go somewhere you’re not welcome and if you have to then bring someone who everyone else looks up to like they are the cool kid on the varsity basketball team. Dan Hartman (associate attorney) listened to my every word and you would see his general concern and engagement in his face. Allison the (assistant to Mr. Obrien) was very professional. When the going gets rough.. OBrien & Associates get going. 5 stars because 10 stars isn’t an option. I will use them and talk about them every chance I hear matrimonial or custody conversations anywhere.

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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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