Let an Experienced Litigation Attorney Handle Your Family Law Issues in a Peaceful, Affordable, and Healthier Way

Stay out of court with Mediation or Collaborative Law
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Family-Centered Legal Background

Karen D. Kipnes, is an experienced litigation attorney who now focuses only on Collaborative Law and Mediation.  Whether you are looking to write a prenuptial/postnuptial agreement or navigating possible separation or divorce, Karen is here to help with informative, supportive, fair, and practical guidance.

  • Expert guidance through all phases of family life or separation

  • Focus on fair and cost-effective resolutions

  • Support for families during stressful and emotional transitions

  • Commitment to helping clients move toward a happier next chapter

  • Karen was a child protective attorney (Law Guardian) and worked at the Manhattan DA's office in the Child Abuse Bureau.  Her practice is child-centered.

  • Keep control of the process in your hands and out of court

Learn More About My Approach

Personalized Solutions for Families

Collaborative Law practice and Mediation differ from litigation by supporting and empowering families to create personalized solutions to their conflicts. Karen helps clients navigate the many issues that separation and divorce present while developing a plan that works best for the entire family.

Caring for Everyone

Unlike litigation, Collaborative Law and Mediation are not designed to create “winners” and “losers” or pit family members against each other. The focus is on finding compromises that help ensure every family member is cared for, protected, and able to move forward through a more positive and empowering experience.

Karen has over 30 years of Child-Focused Legal Experience

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    Cornell University Education:  Studied Human Development and Family Studies at Cornell University.

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    Manhattan District Attorey's Office:  Served as a child specialist in the Child Abuse Bureau 

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    Legal Aid Society:  Attorney in the Juvenile Rights Division of the Legal Aid Society of New York. 

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    Decades of Litigation Experience: Represented children in abuse and neglect cases in family court.

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Supporting Parenting Solutions That Work

My vast experience working with children and families gives me a unique understanding of the emotional and practical challenges families face during separation and divorce. I am especially sensitive to the changing needs of children and help families create parenting arrangements that provide stability, care, and long-term support.

Collaborative and Peaceful Resolution Process

I strongly believe court is NOT the best place to solve family disputes.
I strongly believe court is NOT the best place to solve family disputes.
As a Collaborative Attorney and Mediator, I help families create personalized solutions.
As a Collaborative Attorney and Mediator, I help families create personalized solutions.
I aim to strengthen relationships instead of creating further conflict. By tackling issues head-on, when we are done you can both concentrate on co-parenting well together.
I aim to strengthen relationships instead of creating further conflict. By tackling issues head-on, when we are done you can both concentrate on co-parenting well together.
Personalized guidance helps support the unique needs of each family.
Personalized guidance helps support the unique needs of each family.
My goal is to create constructive and positive resolution experiences.
My goal is to create constructive and positive resolution experiences.
Hope the process feels supportive and cathartic for everyone involved.
Hope the process feels supportive and cathartic for everyone involved.

Caring Guidance from your initial call through Divorce Finalization

As an attorney, I can draft the binding legal documents that reflects all the terms we have agreed on during our work together.  I have the legal ability to help you finalize your divorce. I can guide you through this process from beginning to end, and I will be there to support you every step of the way.  You never need to step foot in court.  I do that for you.

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What Sets Me Apart

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    I am a successful litigator-turned-mediator/collaborative lawyer and know that these alternatives to litigation are better for all involved.

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    As a prior child protective attorney, I will make sure your children are protected.

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    Quicker process: You decide the schedule, not the court.

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    Mediation and collaborative law are less expensive than litigation.

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    Privacy: You are not in a public courtroom.

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    Individualized process: you decide what is right for your family.

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    Power in your hands, not the court system.

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    Less stress than a litigated case.