Fauna M. Pappalardo, matrimonial and family law attorney
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Practice Areas
Collaborative Law
Collaborative Law provides an alternative process to assist clients with resolving disputes respectfully and outside of the courtroom. The Collaborative Law Association of the Rochester Area offers a variety of professional services that can assist in resolving your issues in the context of your divorce or dispute.
Child Custody & Visitation
Child Custody and Visitation describes the legal and practical relationship between a child or children and those responsible for their care. Ms. Pappalardo represents those who have an interest in the physical and legal custody of children.
Family Law
Family Law is the area of law that deals with domestic relationships and issues pertaining to children. It encompasses proceedings for adoption, child custody and visitation, grandparents' rights, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, child support, guardianship, child relocation, and cases of juvenile delinquency and persons in need of supervision.
Ms. Pappalardo has focused her practice in the area of Family Law since she first began practicing in 1994. She enjoys working with families, representing those responsible for the care and well-being of children, and the children themselves. Ms. Pappalardo utilizes a compassionate, creative and practical approach to assist families with their Family Law issues.
Attorney for the Child
The Attorney for the Child has the responsibility to represent and advocate for the child's wishes and interests in cases involving issues such as custody/visitation, abuse/neglect of children, juvenile delinqueny, and domestic violence. Ms. Pappalardo represents children in both the New York State Supreme Court and Family Court. She has been the recipient of awards and recognitions for her zealous advocacy of children, including the James R. Boyle Award for Child Advocacy and The Honorable Michael F. Dillon Law Guardian Award.
Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage between two people. A Separation Agreement, (also referred to as a "Settlement Agreement") is sometimes used as a first step before a divorce. Ms. Pappalardo represents parties going through the divorce process. She represents clients in the courtroom, or by negotiating out-of-Court settlements or Separation Agreements, and utilizing the Collaborative process.
Divorce & Separation Agreements
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence is defined as "a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person." Domestic violence can affect individuals and families from all demographics.
Ms. Pappalardo represents those who have suffered from domestic violence, as well as those who have been accused of committing domestic violence against another. She also represents children who reside in households where domestic violence is present.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
For resources, services, and contact information in Rochester, NY:
www.cityofrochester.gov/domesticviolence