Navigating a family law issue can be one of the most difficult and emotional challenges of your life. Whether you’re going through a divorce, negotiating custody, or seeking to protect your financial future, these are more than legal decisions—they’re life decisions. You deserve legal counsel that is not only skilled but genuinely invested in your well-being.
At The Mandel Law Firm, we bring over four decades of focused family law experience to every case, helping clients in Carroll Gardens and throughout Brooklyn protect what matters most: their families, their homes, their children, and their peace of mind. Known for our commitment to personalized representation, clear communication, and strategic advocacy, we guide you through the legal process with confidence and care.
Why Carroll Gardens Families Choose The Mandel Law Firm
Carroll Gardens is a neighborhood defined by tradition, strong family ties, and an enduring sense of community. It’s a place where old-world charm meets modern life—and where family matters take center stage. From brownstone-lined streets to multi-generational households, Carroll Gardens is home to people who deeply value relationships and stability.
Our clients here come to us because they want legal solutions that are as practical as they are compassionate. They want to feel heard, protected, and respected. At The Mandel Law Firm, we offer just that.
We provide comprehensive legal services across a wide range of family law issues and tailor every strategy to the individual and their circumstances. Whether you’re resolving an uncontested divorce amicably or litigating a high-conflict custody matter, we’ll stand beside you as a steady advocate and trusted advisor.
Our Core Family Law Services in Carroll Gardens
We know that no two families—and no two legal cases—are alike. That’s why our legal services are never one-size-fits-all. Below is an overview of the services we offer and how we handle each with care, clarity, and commitment.
Divorce Representation
Ending a marriage is never easy. But it doesn’t have to be chaotic. We offer full-service legal guidance for all types of divorce, from straightforward separations to complex litigation involving significant assets or contested parenting issues.
- Contested Divorce
If you and your spouse disagree on any key terms—such as child custody, alimony, or property division—a contested divorce may be required. These cases demand thorough preparation and strong advocacy. We handle every aspect, from financial discovery to court appearances, with the goal of protecting your rights and achieving a favorable outcome. - Uncontested Divorce
When both parties agree on the terms of the divorce, we streamline the process with clarity and efficiency. We ensure that agreements are fair, comprehensive, and enforceable—so you can move on without unnecessary delays or disputes. - High Net Worth Divorce
For clients with substantial assets—including real estate, businesses, investments, retirement accounts, or inherited wealth—divorce becomes more complex. We offer sophisticated legal representation, often working with financial experts to properly value and divide marital property. We’re particularly attuned to the needs of Carroll Gardens professionals, entrepreneurs, and families with multi-generational holdings.
Child Custody and Parenting Time
Few issues are as sensitive and emotionally charged as those involving children. Whether you’re creating a parenting plan for the first time or modifying an existing one, we help you prioritize your child’s best interests while protecting your parental rights.
- Legal and Physical Custody
We assist clients in negotiating or litigating custody agreements that define where the child will live and how decisions regarding their education, health, and welfare will be made. - Parenting Schedules and Visitation
Creating a predictable and flexible schedule is essential. We help establish clear, realistic visitation plans, including holiday and vacation time, that minimize stress and promote cooperation between parents. - Parental Relocation
If a parent wishes to move to a new neighborhood, city, or out of state, that move can dramatically affect custody agreements. We represent both relocating and non-relocating parents in these complex cases, working to maintain stability and preserve parental bonds.
Child Support and Spousal Maintenance
Fair and appropriate financial support is essential to ensuring that children and dependent spouses are taken care of after a separation or divorce.
- Child Support
We calculate child support based on New York State guidelines but also factor in special circumstances such as private schooling, medical expenses, and shared custody. Our goal is to arrive at an arrangement that supports the child’s well-being while being fair to both parents. - Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
Whether you’re seeking or contesting spousal support, we help determine what’s appropriate based on the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and their financial contributions. We negotiate, mediate, or litigate to ensure that support awards are equitable and sustainable. - Modification and Enforcement
Life changes—so should legal agreements. We assist clients in modifying support obligations when there’s a substantial change in income or need. If your ex-spouse fails to comply with an order, we take swift action to enforce compliance through wage garnishment, contempt proceedings, or other legal remedies.
Paternity and Grandparent Rights
Legal recognition of parent-child relationships is essential to securing long-term rights and responsibilities.
- Paternity
Establishing paternity allows fathers to assert custody and visitation rights—or enables mothers to seek child support. We represent both mothers and fathers in paternity actions and guide them through the court process with compassion and clarity. - Grandparent Visitation
In some cases, grandparents play a central role in a child’s upbringing—particularly when a parent is absent, unfit, or deceased. We help grandparents petition the court for visitation when it’s in the child’s best interest and advocate to preserve these crucial family bonds.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
More couples today are planning proactively. Whether you’re entering marriage with substantial assets or simply want clarity about financial expectations, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements offer peace of mind.
- Prenuptial Agreements
Before you marry, we help draft agreements that define how property, income, and debts will be handled in case of divorce or death. These are especially important in second marriages, where children from previous relationships may be involved. - Postnuptial Agreements
If you’re already married and want to create legal boundaries around finances, a postnuptial agreement offers similar protections. These documents can cover everything from asset division to spousal support, and we ensure that they reflect your goals while complying with New York law.
Pet Custody and Non-Traditional Assets
Pets are family—and we treat them as such. As courts increasingly consider the well-being of animals in separation and divorce, we advocate for arrangements that prioritize the emotional connection and daily care of the pet.
- Pet Custody
Whether you’re seeking full ownership or a shared arrangement, we work to create fair resolutions that consider history of care, bonding, and stability.
We also address non-traditional assets like artwork, intellectual property, heirlooms, and cryptocurrency holdings, which are increasingly relevant in modern relationships. Our legal team ensures proper valuation and equitable distribution of these unique assets.
LGBTQ+ Family Law
We proudly serve members of the LGBTQ+ community with inclusive, informed legal representation in all family law matters.
- Same-Sex Divorce
We assist with divorce, equitable distribution, and custody for same-sex couples, many of whom may have legal histories that predate marriage equality. Our goal is to ensure fair treatment and clear legal outcomes in an often-evolving legal landscape. - Parenting Rights
We advocate for non-biological and adoptive parents to ensure they receive equal standing in custody and visitation. Whether you’re co-parenting or separating, we fight to protect the relationship you’ve built with your child.
Legal Separation and Annulment
Not all relationships end in divorce. In some cases, separation or annulment may be a better fit.
- Legal Separation
For couples who want to live apart without legally ending the marriage, we create separation agreements that address property, custody, and financial support. These agreements often serve as the framework for a future divorce or as a long-term solution in and of themselves. - Annulments
If your marriage was never legally valid—due to fraud, coercion, or other legal grounds—we assist with the annulment process, helping you obtain a clean break and clarity for the future.
Post-Divorce Modifications and Enforcement
Even the most carefully written divorce agreement may need to change over time. We help you stay protected as your life evolves.
- Modifications
Changes in income, relocation, new marriages, or your child’s needs can warrant a modification. We help you petition for (or oppose) adjustments to custody, support, or parenting plans. - Enforcement
When a former spouse fails to meet their legal obligations, we take action to uphold your rights. Whether it’s unpaid support or denied visitation, we pursue the remedies available under the law to restore compliance.
Let Us Help You Navigate What Comes Next
At The Mandel Law Firm, we know that family law is never just about the law. It’s about people. Emotions. Change. And the future. Our mission is to help clients in Carroll Gardens face those changes head-on—with strength, strategy, and support.
We pride ourselves on being more than just attorneys. We’re advocates, problem-solvers, and trusted guides through some of life’s most pivotal moments. Whether you’re seeking to resolve conflict peacefully or need someone to fight for your rights in court, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.
Schedule Your Confidential Consultation Today
If you’re facing a divorce, custody dispute, support issue, or any other family-related legal matter in Carroll Gardens, now is the time to act. Let The Mandel Law Firm give you the support, knowledge, and legal power you need to move forward.
Call us at 646-770-3868 or contact us online to schedule a private consultation. We’re ready to help you protect your future—one decision at a time.
