Harold B. Beeler, Divorce & Family Law Attorney & Mediator

Harold Beeler, Esq.

Harold Beeler practices family and divorce law in New York and is a trained divorce mediator. He was a New York State Judge for more than twenty years, during which he presided over criminal, civil, and matrimonial cases. His experience as a matrimonial justice in the New York State Supreme Court is invaluable to his practice of law and mediation. He conducted numerous high conflict divorce trials and settled many others through his skills as a mediator. He is knowledgeable about every type of issue related to a divorce, including grounds for divorce, the equitable distribution of property, spousal maintenance (alimony), child support, parental decision making, parenting plans for access to children, post-divorce relocation, and the drafting and validity of separation and pre- and postnuptial agreements. He has presided over high-profile divorce cases and published numerous scholarly family and matrimonial law opinions.

Education:

Harvard Law School, J.D., cum laude
New York University Law School, L.L.M. in Taxation
University of Michigan, B.A., magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa

Certifications & Awards:

• Center for Mediation & Training, completion of training in Divorce Mediation


• Center for Mediation in Law, completion of Mediation Intensive Training program


• New York County Lawyers Association, Honored by Matrimonial Law Section

Professional Memberships:

• New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section


• New York County Lawyers, Matrimonial Law Committee


• New York City Bar Association


• New York State Council on Divorce Mediation

Overview of Practice

Divorce is an extremely stressful and painful time in a person’s life. As a skilled and knowledgeable family law attorney, specializing in divorce litigation, I will represent you in your contested divorce case and successfully get you through this most difficult time. I have the knowledge and perspective gained from having served as a New York State judge for more than twenty years. As a former matrimonial judge in the New York Supreme Court, I will explain to you all the legal issues involved in a divorce. These can include child custody and support, spousal maintenance (alimony), equitable distribution of property, parental decision making, and parenting plans for children.

I have published numerous decisions in the field of matrimonial law and presided over high profile divorce cases. I am known not only for my expertise in divorce law but also for my calm disposition and compassion. I will patiently listen to you and explain to you all of your options.

Almost all contested divorce cases are settled without going to court or having a trial. I will forcefully advocate your interests in any settlement discussions and negotiate a settlement on terms favorable for you. In the very rare case that a settlement cannot be reached, I have the background and ability to successfully represent you in court in all stages of your divorce case.

I am also trained in divorce mediation which for some spouses can be a successful alternative to adversarial divorce litigation. There are many advantages to divorce mediation. It enables couples themselves to decide all issues involved in the dissolution of a marriage. It is confidential and conducted in a safe private environment, it costs far less than divorce litigation, and it takes far less time.

A divorce mediator does not take sides or impose solutions. He is an impartial third party who helps divorcing spouses identify their post-divorce needs and explore all available options. The result is an agreement which the parties themselves have created to meet their own unique needs and interests.