Reviews for Friedman & Friedman
Andrea Friedman is an outstanding divorce and family law attorney who combines
expertise and knowledge of the law to quickly identify issues, take decisive
action and deliver optimal results. As a stay-at-home-dad with four kids
difficult challenges lay ahead but Andrea never hesitated from the challenge
and developed a clear strategy and pathway to meet my family’s needs.
She gave hope when there wasn't any and proceeded to completely turn
the table upside down in my favor. Andrea was results-oriented and direct
in her approach but operated with skill, integrity, grace and poise that
commanded respect in the courtroom, meetings and even from her adversary.
She was incredibly efficient with her time and kept me focused throughout
even when emotions ran high. She was empathetic, genuine and is truly
a good person. I can say with complete confidence Andrea is the person
you want on your side whatever your situation may be. Thanks to Friedman
& Friedman I now truly believe that fathers do have rights!
D.L.
Andrea assisted me with my divorce and did an excellent job. It was an
extremely complex process that required both patience and stamina. My
spouse and my spouse's lawyer made everything very difficult from
the first day until the last. Andrea helped me understand the range of
options and the pros/cons of different alternatives. She enabled me to
appreciate the trade-offs throughout the process, ranging from settling
to going to trial. In a divorce like mine, there are many difficult decisions
to be made. Andrea remained available to me throughout and really knew
how to separate out the smaller from the bigger issues. In particular,
she is unfazed when under attack in the courtroom. Similarly, in the written
documents, she knows how to pull together many different bits of proof
and information into a coherent document that communicates clearly to
the Judge. She thinks quickly on her feet. As tough as she is externally
to the opposition, she is equally as pleasant to work with from a client’s
perspective. I have read numerous reviews of her online. The positive
ones match my experience with her. The negative ones suggest that something
out-of-the-ordinary occurred that probably had more to do with the client
than Andrea. In a divorce, no one gets 100% of what they want. Andrea
does a great job of explaining what is possible rather than what is merely
desirable. Anyone in a problematic divorce needs to learn this, and it
is a lot easier to learn this from a lawyer who understands it. Andrea
doesn’t overpromise and under-deliver. On the contrary, she makes
clear the range of likely outcomes and the relative probabilities of each.
She routinely asks the hardest question, namely “What do you want
to do” and makes sure you understand the implications of your decisions.
A Client
I had worked with Andrea throughout my divorce process, and she is now
assisting me in the next chapter of moving forward. She has, historically
speaking, always answered me honestly and fully. Even if the answer was
not in my favor. This is an admirable trait when you are dealing with
a rough separation and petitioning process. You want your attorney to
always be honest with you, about your expectations and the probable outcome
of your case. You will feel comfortable and at ease when speaking with
her, and her demeanor has a very positive effect when dealing with "pre-hearing
jitters". I strongly recommend Andrea, and can personally attest
to the level of care and support she offers.
Arianna
Andrea Friedman was an attorney in my custody trial for my then 6 month
old son. As a single father going through a divorce, Ms. Friedman met
my needs with understanding and knowledge to aid me in winning custody.
She, along with her legal team, drafted all of my court documents with
excellence and honesty. I was always very impressed with how she took
my information from me, and translated it to the courts, so that they
were able to comprehend the details pertaining to my situation. Due to
her attention to detail, and expertise, I was awarded sole custody. Ms.
Friedman saw my case all the way though the appeal. I can now say my 4
1/2 year old son is living with me and thriving in his happy life. And
I have Andrea Friedman to thank for that.
Joey
Ms. Andrea Friedman represented me earlier this year in a proceeding to
enforce provisions in the separation agreement incorporated in my divorce
decree. She was excellent. My only regret is that she did not represent
me in my divorce proceeding.
Patricia Ward
Andrea Friedman handled my case in an extremely professional and courteous
manner throughout the entire divorce. My emails and phone calls were answered
promptly at all times. She was knowledgeable in all areas of my case and
I would highly recommend Andrea Friedman and her firm.
Will
Andrea has represented my interests and the best interests of my family
on more than one occasion. Each time she has been very responsive to my
concerns and thoughts. My case was/is a multi-state custody dispute with
many nuances. Andrea handled all of those nuances well and thoughtfully.
Matt
I want to thank you all for making my divorce a pretty painless event.
A special Thank You to Andrea. I may forget where I parked my car but
I will never forget how great of a job you all did. Thank You.
I.C.
Before Sari's firm represented me in a vicious divorce action my prior
attorney was selling me short and I felt that I was constantly fighting
an uphill battle. Sari and her team leveled the playing field for me in
there no-nonsense approach. Andrea Friedman was assigned my case and has
represented me with a steadfastness and compassion second to none. If
it was not for Sari and Andrea I really do not know where I would have ended up.
R.P.
I began working with the Friedman and Friedman firm in January 2013. I
am a same sex mom so i knew the road ahead would be rough, but I was about
to find out just how rough. Andrea with the help of Sari Friedman and
their dedicated team continued to work closely with me to protect my rights
as a non-biological parent. Her knowledge, diligence and professionalism
helped to me to make case law in hopes that other same sex parents will
never experience the pain and financial burden that I have had to endure.
After a long road we finally were able to reach a settlement. Andrea worked
endless hours to make sure that everything was done correctly and to protect
the best interest of my son and me. She handled every single thing that
came our way and I thank her for taking my case.
Mercedes
Let me start off by saying, I am not a regular review writer, but this
experience has prompted me to express my gratitude and appreciation to
both Andrea and Sari Friedman. The "dynamic duo" handled my
recent custody case. Without getting into too much detail, my 16 year
old daughter needed a change and wanted to live with me (her dad). Her
mother was unwilling to oblige, therefore, we needed help. Enter Andrea
and Sari. From the initial consultation, we felt confident in a positive
outcome. Andrea explained options, helped form a plan, and executed that
plan with extreme professionalism and care. She listened, not only to
me, but to my daughter, and made her feel both comfortable and relevant
to our matter. From negotiations with opposing council, to actual court
appearances, we always felt as if we were in good hands. We cannot say
enough good things about Andrea and Sari, and highly recommend their services
to anyone facing any type of family matter.
TC
Dear Sari, Andrea & entire Sari Law Crew,
I write to you today a very happy man! Words cannot express my gratitude
and appreciation of what you and your firm has done for my family and
I. Winning sole custody was more than just a victory for me, it was a
victory for my 19 month old son, Joey Jr.
When I walked through your doors some sixteen months ago, I did not know
what to expect. The "no-nonsense", "cut to the chase",
and stern approach caught me off guard, and almost scared me away! I did
not understand at first why you cannot get emotionally attached to your
cases or clients. As they say, there are always 3 sides to every story,
so to speak. You did your job of bringing the truth out at trial, and
showing the NY State Supreme Court that the best interests of my son,
were to be raised by me, his single father. I am now glad that you were
all business when it came to my case.
I want to thank you Sari for fighting so hard at trial. You are a pit bull,
but more importantly, you know how to cross examine. You told me not to
wait for it, but you did bring forth that "Code Red" moment,
and I thank you!
Andrea, thank you for your attention to detail. Thank you for your day
to day dealings with my family and I, and our 1 million questions, thoughts
and concerns. Thank you for painting the picture for Sari to display on
my trial dates.
And to you Cynthia and the rest of the crew, thank you for your support
and patience with me over the past sixteen months. For taking my calls,
giving great advice, letting my son Joey run around the office when I
had no one to watch him and had to bring him with me, and promptly sending
my bills/invoices on an extremely regular basis.
One thing I have learned, if you believe in what you are fighting for,
get in the trenches and help fight. Apparently it is not impossible for
a single father to attain sole custody of his infant, if it is in the
best interests of the child.
I am sure we will work together for many years to come, considering my
circumstances. And one day when Joey is old enough, I am certain of one
thing... He will walk through those same doors that I did, some sixteen
months ago, to thank you all personally himself.
With much love, appreciation, joy and gratitude,
Joey Sr.
Sari and Andrea Friedman have represented me through the divorce of a high
conflict woman who I believe exhibits personality disordered behavior
and is engaging in parental alienation tactics. Both my attorneys are
very good at helping me maintain a cool head and sanity in the eyes of
the Court. They are firm, assertive and do not engage in the dirty tricks
that many other attorneys at larger firms seem completely alright with.
It has not been easy or cheap - and no contested divorce is. If your expectations
are out of line with the unfortunate real world of the divorce court system,
then you will constantly be disappointed by any attorney you hire. But
if you accept that you must fight in the face of true adversity, against
a high conflict and extremely unreasonable adversary, and allow your attorney
to do the job, and most of all develop patience, then you can come out
of it being the saner and wiser of two parents. Sari and Andrea know this,
and are prepared to handle any scenario that's thrown at them. I trust
them implicitly and am very thankful I hired them. Give them a chance.
You won't be sorry.
A Client
My divorce was very emotional for me. Not only did Sari and Andrea provide
me with expert legal advice, but they showed great compassion for my situation.
They became my confidants during the most challenging time in my life.
I recommend Sari and Andrea to anyone who is looking for positive direction
during their divorce process.
A Client
Before Sari's firm represented me in a vicious divorce action my prior
attorney was selling me short and I was fighting an uphill battle. Sari
and her team leveled the playing field for me in there no nonsense approach.
I worked with Sari and Andrea Friedman and they represented me with a
steadfastness and compassion second to none. If it was not for them I
don't know where I would be today. They are the best.
Ronald
Friedman & Friedman did a commendable job, from start to finish, with
my divorce case. I was very pleased with the results obtained, and they
were in line with what was explained to me during the initial consultation
and subsequent conferences. I knew what to expect, and felt a great deal
of confidence throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend
this firm. Their office staff is very personable and attentive, and the
attorney that handled my case showed great care and compassion throughout.
Barbara Lehrer
They made me feel like family and made me feel they really cared about
my case. Divorces aren't easy and having good representation is important.
If you need advice, see Friedman & Friedman, Attorneys at Law.
Jonathan Lehrer
Wonderful law firm with very efficient back office as well. I always was
made to feel that I was very important and that my issues were attended
to immediately from the beginning of the case until the end. I always
received top notch legal advice and guidance from professionals.
Barbara
I was very happy with Friedman & Friedman. I feel I received the best
possible settlement and outcome. They are very experienced and know the
answers to just about any question that I had. I would not hesitate to
go back to them if I ever need additional help.
Patti
Overall it was a difficult journey and Sari was there for me and my family
each step of the way - was dealing with custody and financial and aggressiveness
from my ex - sari guided me in a way that navigated me to peace and a
good overall outcome. She is good for those needing a strong forceful
approach yet someone who will listen to your needs. Her staff was excellent
and kind especially during the more stressful times.
A Client
Every step of the way in my divorce process Sari has been a competent and
tough negotiator on my behalf. She is very knowledgeable and respected
and came highly recommended. I am so happy to have her as my attorney
in this difficult process. She has always been a few steps ahead of the
opposing attorney and so far has had a few successes on my behalf. I have
trust in her ability and I will recommend her highly to anyone going through
the difficult process of a divorce.
Olive Plhak
I came to my divorce in a state of shock and disbelief and was very nervous.
Sari told me from the first consult to "meet this situation head-on".
I wish I had taken her advice, because it would have saved me time and
money. While not accepting what was being demanded from my now ex-wife,
I wasted a lot of time wishing things were different. Sari and her team
have lots of experience and good advice to give for any situation that
presents itself when it comes to a divorce. They always made me feel like
I was in good hands.
Brian
I hired Sari after my first lawyer messed up and she really helped. I had
an unusual situation because I make a lot more money than my ex-husband
and before I had Sari, the court had ordered that I had to pay all his
attorney's fees. So he had no incentive to compromise and dragged
everything out, knowing I was going to have to pay for both sides. Sari
was very sensitive to this and was able to get a settlement done quickly,
which saved me a bundle, and she did it without compromising my most important
positions. I got sole custody of our three children (ages 8, 6 and 3)
as well as getting to stay in our house, so our older children didn't
have to change schools. She was able to get some credit in the maintenance
award for the attorney's fees I paid for my-ex and was able to concede
just enough on things that didn't matter much to me but were important
to my ex so that the whole breakup became more amicable. All in all, she
really turned a difficult situation into a reasonable one and let me get
on with my life.
A Client
Sari was recommended to me after my case stalled with another firm. She
immediately investigated my case and understood thoroughly what was going
on, what my positions were and what I needed. She and her team were adept
at understanding the nuances and facts of my case and have fought fiercely
and tirelessly to already settle a difficult custody case on my behalf.
Not only does Sari know the law inside out, she will also explain it to
you as it relates to your case to help you make the right decisions, she
does not waste time, and she is in it to win for you. I highly recommend
Sari to you if you are looking for the best of the best!
Olive
Sari Friedman and team helped me from the first day - offering guidance
and steps towards my divorce. I had a very difficult situation with issues
such as abuse, neglect, financial hoarding - and sari and team were very
responsive, knowledgeable and guided me to closure. There were also many
issues of concern related to the wellbeing of my young child - sari was
compassionate and sensitive as she fought for what was best for my child.
Sari in particular was instrumental and owned the case while her team
offered their expertise. Her office staff was very patient with my phone
calls and to this day I know I can call anytime. Highly recommend especially
if difficult spouse, custody issues and a need to address each issue timely
with the courts. Very grateful.
A Client
I came into Sari's office very unsure and very afraid of the process
ahead. I was very quickly assured that my nervousness is understandable,
and everything I needed to know before moving forward was explained to
me in detail. I had hired another attorney, prior to coming into her office.
That experience left me wishing I had consulted with her first. It is
very important to have a confident and competent lawyer in matters like
these. The level of professionalism within Sari's handling of my case
was unmatched. If you are considering this type of matter, I urge you
to set up a consultation with Sari. Aside from your questions being answered
thoroughly and honestly, you will leave there with a sense of confidence
that will help you throughout the remainder of the process.
Arianna
Sari Friedman handled my divorce in 1996, I was so impressed with the level
of service I received that when my daughter found herself in need of a
divorce attorney I immediately retained Ms. Friedman
I am confident that my daughter will have the same caring commitment from
Sari that I experienced so many years ago.
Elissa
She is an excellent attorney. Sadly, the negative posts are written by
people with unrealistic expectations and want work done for free. I know
sari cared about my case and worked hard to protect my best interests!
A Divorce Client
In a drawn-out and difficult personal separation, Sari was a tenacious
advocate. If you have a lot at stake in a divorce, Sari is the advocate
you want on your side.
A Divorce Client
From the minute I met Sari I knew I was in good hands. Her hands on style
showed me that she was really interested in me and my future. I would
recommend Sari Friedman to anyone looking for a clear victory in their cases.
Ronald
Sari's level of expertise in the field will set your mind at ease.
I had the pleasure of working with her throughout parts of my divorce
action. She was able to answer all the questions I had, and kept me well
informed and prepared for all of my court dates. Her staff is courteous
and attentive, and I felt at ease during the whole case. I would highly
recommend Sari and her team.
Arianna T.
Completely disregarding the joint custody agreement we had reached in another
state, my ex alienated me from my daughter claiming she feared for our
daughter's physical and mental well-being while in my home. She filed
for full custody in NYS, using my family's mental health history against
me. Faced with false accusations and three appearances in family court,
I was relegated to 2 days (12 hours) of parenting time with my daughter
each week, which by court order were to be held only in a public place.
Additionally, I was involved in two investigations by Child Protective
Services — both of which were ultimately dismissed as "unfounded."
Through it all, Sari Friedman was quick to answer my questions and concerns
all hours of the day and night. In my weakest moments, Sari never played
upon my emotions but instead helped to settle them with her professional,
no-nonsense, even-keeled demeanor—just as she did my case. Today,
I enjoy unrestricted weekday and weekend overnights with my 3-year-old
daughter. I feel we now have a plan in place that ensures fairness and
reasonability. My future life with my daughter is finally looking bright
thanks to the efforts of Sari Friedman.
Thankful Client
Sari Friedman and her dedicated legal staff helped me to survive the difficult
and sometimes contentious divorce process. Sari assured me from the very
beginning that I would be fine and that she would see to it. And, she
did. Sari and her "team" fought hard for my legal rights. Sari
was always accessible whenever the need arose. I was treated with respect
and compassion. It was a privilege to be represented by such a prestigious
and dedicated law firm. Today, I am extremely happy and looking forward
to a bright future. I will be forever grateful to Sari and all who work
with her. I highly recommend this exceptional law firm.
J.K.
The very first time I stepped into Sari's office I was in total despair.
My case was one of high net worth, I was the non-monied spouse and my
ex had me over the barrel. Sari's first statement to me was "I
can help you." From that point forward she spent the next 4 1/2 years
taking on each and every battle, prevailing every time, until she ultimately
won the war. She is a tenacious litigator with incredible knowledge of
the law. She negotiated an incredible settlement for me, but most importantly,
she stuck with me through the entire process, when the lighthearted would
have bailed out.
M.U.
Sari from the very beginning you gave me hope and showed me what a real
attorney can do for me. You will be the only divorce attorney that I would
recommend without hesitation, and I do whenever I can.
G.T.
I am a mature adult who for the past 10 years have been trying to get a
fair divorce. When I started this process in 2003, I was not well advised,
I didn't think that the court system was just.
In 2009, I started the process again and decided then that no matter what,
I will go through with it. I was referred then referred to an attorney;
I was not satisfied. I was again referred to another one, I felt he was
not handing my case fairly. I then decided that I was not going to accept
any more referrals and find my attorney myself!
I went to family court, and as luck would have it, I was allowed to go
sit in the court room as often as I wanted. I went daily for three days
and collected many business cards. I was a bit disappointed because I
knew exactly what i was looking for. On the third day, I again sat in
the court room, looking at a business card trying to decide if i was going
to contact that specific attorney. All of a sudden, I heard heels clapping,
and a cart rolling, two females, with a lot of attitude! I looked up and
saw their facial expressions and understood them to mean "I am not
going to take any nonsense today." Attitude galore! They are respectively:
Princess Attitude (Andrea) and Queen Attitude (Sari). Of course, I took
their business card.
I went again the next day to see them on trial. That same afternoon, I
made an appointment to visit Sari Friedman's office. This was the
first time I felt someone was fighting for me and I was going to win this
battle. I did! For all the concern, care, and of course attitude, thank
you ladies.
G.C.
To Whom It May Concern
I am a 53 year old man who has just finalized a three year divorce initiated
by my wife. One of the best decisions I made at the start of my divorce
was to hire Friedman & Friedman, Attorneys at Law to represent me.
I am a registered nurse at a prestigious N.Y. hospital, and I am used to
doing my homework. I interviewed over 20 attorneys in the Nassau/Suffolk
area before choosing Ms. Friedman's firm, and I can say beyond all
doubt that I am happy I did my homework and thrilled with my choice.
Throughout my extremely complicated case, the attorney's and staff
who were involved with me from Friedman & Friedman, Attorneys at Law
were excessively dedicated, extremely competent, and readily available
to me. From their exceptional support staff to Sari Friedman herself,
I was met with an "At Your Service" attitude from genuine people
who readily responded to my concerns, were exceptionally well versed in
the legal matters at hand, and NEVER failed to go the extra mile for me.
Friedman & Friedman, Attorneys at Law's ability to continuously
seek resolution in an exceptionally hostile environment, while protecting
my interests astounded me. As time wore on, their dedication to my case
and my interests only intensified, culminating in what I could only describe
as a spectacular display of professionalism during trial and final negotiation.
I can honestly say I have been able to walk away from this life altering
event as whole as could possibly be imagined.
As anyone who has been through this process or works in the legal field
could tell you, there are no "winners" in a divorce. So much
is dependent on factors well beyond the control of both you and your attorney.
I will tell you that during the course of the three years I worked with
Friedman & Friedman, Attorneys at Law, everyone I met within the system
who asked me about my representation spoke exceptionally high of Sari,
her firm, and their representation abilities. I now see why.
I believe Sari Friedman, Andrea Friedman, and their support staff Cynthia
and Emily to not only be exceptional professionals, but exceptional human
beings as well. I would highly recommend the services of Friedman &
Friedman, Attorneys at Law to anyone needing divorce representation without
hesitation or reservation.
Sincerely,
A. C.
Dear Sari Friedman,
I just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for all your help over
the last 2 years. I am happy and grateful. I still remember the day I
walked into your office, emotional and totally unaware of the divorce process.
Today I am in a better state of mind and quite educated. You've been
a great counsel, providing good legal advice, being pragmatic, sensitive,
and assertive.
Everything I could ask for. I have to thank you for the "Pendent Lite
arrangement". I now have a great parenting time. I'm grateful
that even though Daniel does not go with me anymore, I have a great relationship
with Michael. You have a great team and it's been fun working with
Andrea all this time.
I must mention that Andrea was very helpful and provided great advice,
and dealing with my emotions especially all the drama with the Kids. Thanks
again Andrea for putting together the Parenting Stipulation and the numerous
motions we made. I have to also mention Allyson who did a great job of
wrapping everything up with the settlement docs, even rushing in the rain
on Monday to Jerome's office.
Then there is Cynthia and Emily who were always there to help me whenever
I needed them. Cynthia has always been nice but I've never had the
courage to ring that bell, I don't know why. Overall, it was a great
experience. You and your staff were very helpful, honest and kind. I wish
you all the best in the future. Thanks again for everything.
S V