team-member

Kristen Kelley

Garden City, NY

Licensed for 10 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Child custody

Language

English

About

I have been a practicing attorney in the areas of divorce and family law since graduating law school.  I represent clients in the court room at all stages of the proceeding, from conferences to emergency applications to hearings and trials.  I am experienced in motion practice, preparing all litigation documents, and completing divorce submission packets. Whether it be custody, child support, maintenance, relocation, orders of protection, equitable distribution of the assets, identifying marital and separate property, dividing retirement accounts and pensions, college contribution, prenuptial/postnuptial/separation agreements, or enforcement and/or modification of a prior order,  I can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive what you are legally entitled.  My experience under the ambit of family law has overflowed into adoptions, which I have done for the last five (5) years.  It is a field of practice that I am enjoying deeply and have built a strong rapport with the court such that I can make the adoption process as seemless as the end result is joyous.While I understand that some issues need to be litigated, I am a strong believer in obtaining favorable and cretaive solutions to resolve the terms of a divorce instead of engaging in expensive and protracted litigation.  To that end, I pride myself on working with clients and adversaries to reach a meeting of the minds in a way that protects your rights but also allows you to close this chapter in the most cost-efficient yet productive manner possible.  At Keith, Shapiro & Ford you will receive the individualized attention that you deserve as we purposely maintain a small firm with aggressive and passionate attorneys that will achieve big firm results.  Through our representation, we allow your voice to be heard, thus empoweing you during one of the most difficut and vulnerable times in your life.  Our commitment to bringing you security, comfort, and closure is paramount through zealous advocacy combined with a creative eye towards resolution.While in law school, I served as a Note and Comment Editor of the Catholic University Law Review and as a Research Assistant for a highly established professor specializing in crimes against women and children. I participated in two law clinics during my time in law school, affording me the opportunity to litigate at D.C. Superior Court and represent young children facing legal ramifications.  Prior to law school, I served as a litigation paralegal at a top law firm in New York City, leading my own team of paralegals through an intensive and extensive discovery review and preparing for trials and arbitration proceedings.Every divorce and familial issue is different and every person's response to these circumstances is different.  It is the most difficult, stressful, and vulnerable times that someone goes through in their life. Beyond protecting your legal rights, attorneys at Keith, Shapiro & Ford help you bring this difficult chapter of your life to conclusion with sensitivity and approachability combined with professional, aggressive, and zealous representation. 

Practices Areas

Child custody

Child support

Divorce and separation

Family

Language

English

Contact

Law Offices of Keith, Shapiro & Ford666 Old Country RoadSuite 509Garden City, NY, 11530666 Old Country RoadSuite 509Suite 509Garden City, NY, 11530

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

anonymous
February 23, 2022

Ms. Devaney was extremely helpful in explaining and guiding us through the process of creating and drafting our prenuptial agreement. We really appreciated her professional guidance and patience as we worked through all the details. Offering suggestions when appropriate, as well as alternatives for us to consider. Ms. Devaney clearly has demonstrative skills and experience in preparing prenuptial agreements. She made us feel very much at ease, positive and comfortable in discussing a very complex and sensitive topic. We are grateful this highly respected attorney was recommended to us.

Jennifer
December 21, 2021

Kristen was professional, knowledgeable and got the job done! I would definitely recommend her to friends and family.

Tracy
December 8, 2021

Very professional, knowledgable, personable..Easy to work with. Would definately refer her.

anonymous
November 23, 2021

Kristen Devaney was very honest from the first phone call when inquiring about the divorce process that I was pursuing. She explained to me in terms that I could understand what made sense for me given my specific situation. Getting divorced during the pandemic proved to be a challenge for a lot of people, but not for me. All communication was easily had via, phone, text, emails, etc. The only time that I ever needed to be present in her office was when signing my official settlement. She provided legal counsel so far as what made sense, not what would cost me more money, stress, etc. in the future. While waiting in between steps of the process she would check in with a quick update just to let me know where we were. This was a small gesture that helped ease my mind during what could have been made to be a lot more upsetting given my circumstances.

anonymous
November 19, 2021

I was referred to Kristen and from the very first time I sat down with her, I knew that she was going to make this very difficult process as easy as she could for me. I had no idea what to expect and she took me through step by step. She listened to me complain and vent. She listened to me yell and she also listened to me cry. She was always there for me and treated me like family. If you're going through a divorce, you need a lawyer that knows the process inside and out. That's Kristen. She's knows the process and is highly intelligent. Any questions that I had were always answered. Her response turnaround time was immediate. Nobody ever plans on being divorced. And divorces aren't easy. Mine was especially difficult and an extremely long process. Kristen significantly helped me through my divorce. I would recommend Kristen to anyone that needs help going through a divorce. She is the BEST!

Chris
November 18, 2021

Kristen went above and beyond and was able to walk me through the process. She was very knowledgeable and helpful with all questions and concerns. She was able to answer every question and meet whenever I needed. Would strongly recommend to anyone in need.

David
November 18, 2021

Kristen Devaney is an excellent attorney. I had Kristen handle a Probate case, and also assisted on a Divorce case, and I am very pleased with the results of both. Kristen was instrumental in mitigating contentious situations that arose in both cases, and provided very good guidance and advice on making important decisions. I highly recommend Kristen.

clint
November 18, 2021

I would highly recommend Kristen Devaney to anyone I know to handle their divorce she handled my divorce and got me the best outcome I could have asked for and she always worked around my schedule to get together whether it be nights or weekends she was always available to me if I had any questions or concerns she was always there. she came highly recommended by a friend as I would recommend her to anyone I know She is an excellent divorce attorney.

Luke
November 18, 2021

I never felt as though she didn’t care about my case, she called in the evening to ask if pick ups and drop offs went well. She stayed in contact with me and she was compassionate and caring of my case. She kept in touch with the law guardian and always kept me updated with what ever was spoken about. She talked me off the ledge when I was having an anxiety attack several times. She always sent me copies of paperwork. She was fair, she didn’t always tell me what I wanted to hear but she always kept it real and she was very good at explaining why things happened the way they did and that explanation much more often then not really helped ease the the pain. She was also very good with numbers and making deals to keep child support more affordable because the NYS child support formula had me paying a ridiculous amount given my circumstances I could never afford it. I would highly recommend her, for me she was a godsend.

Nadine
November 17, 2021

I found Kristen Devaney to be incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, honest, detail oriented and super-duper smart. I sought out an attorney for a Suffolk specific post divorce issue that seemed hopeless and she was incredible— she settled the main case quickly in my favor. As a secondary issue, my ex-husband filed more than four(!) frivolous lawsuits against me and she was able to have them all dismissed quickly (a definitely fear during COVID!). I have recommended her to several friends and acquaintances and cannot hesitate to leave her a five star review on this site.

anonymous
February 23, 2022

Ms. Devaney was extremely helpful in explaining and guiding us through the process of creating and drafting our prenuptial agreement. We really appreciated her professional guidance and patience as we worked through all the details. Offering suggestions when appropriate, as well as alternatives for us to consider. Ms. Devaney clearly has demonstrative skills and experience in preparing prenuptial agreements. She made us feel very much at ease, positive and comfortable in discussing a very complex and sensitive topic. We are grateful this highly respected attorney was recommended to us.

Jennifer
December 21, 2021

Kristen was professional, knowledgeable and got the job done! I would definitely recommend her to friends and family.

Tracy
December 8, 2021

Very professional, knowledgable, personable..Easy to work with. Would definately refer her.

anonymous
November 23, 2021

Kristen Devaney was very honest from the first phone call when inquiring about the divorce process that I was pursuing. She explained to me in terms that I could understand what made sense for me given my specific situation. Getting divorced during the pandemic proved to be a challenge for a lot of people, but not for me. All communication was easily had via, phone, text, emails, etc. The only time that I ever needed to be present in her office was when signing my official settlement. She provided legal counsel so far as what made sense, not what would cost me more money, stress, etc. in the future. While waiting in between steps of the process she would check in with a quick update just to let me know where we were. This was a small gesture that helped ease my mind during what could have been made to be a lot more upsetting given my circumstances.

anonymous
November 19, 2021

I was referred to Kristen and from the very first time I sat down with her, I knew that she was going to make this very difficult process as easy as she could for me. I had no idea what to expect and she took me through step by step. She listened to me complain and vent. She listened to me yell and she also listened to me cry. She was always there for me and treated me like family. If you're going through a divorce, you need a lawyer that knows the process inside and out. That's Kristen. She's knows the process and is highly intelligent. Any questions that I had were always answered. Her response turnaround time was immediate. Nobody ever plans on being divorced. And divorces aren't easy. Mine was especially difficult and an extremely long process. Kristen significantly helped me through my divorce. I would recommend Kristen to anyone that needs help going through a divorce. She is the BEST!

Chris
November 18, 2021

Kristen went above and beyond and was able to walk me through the process. She was very knowledgeable and helpful with all questions and concerns. She was able to answer every question and meet whenever I needed. Would strongly recommend to anyone in need.

David
November 18, 2021

Kristen Devaney is an excellent attorney. I had Kristen handle a Probate case, and also assisted on a Divorce case, and I am very pleased with the results of both. Kristen was instrumental in mitigating contentious situations that arose in both cases, and provided very good guidance and advice on making important decisions. I highly recommend Kristen.

clint
November 18, 2021

I would highly recommend Kristen Devaney to anyone I know to handle their divorce she handled my divorce and got me the best outcome I could have asked for and she always worked around my schedule to get together whether it be nights or weekends she was always available to me if I had any questions or concerns she was always there. she came highly recommended by a friend as I would recommend her to anyone I know She is an excellent divorce attorney.

Luke
November 18, 2021

I never felt as though she didn’t care about my case, she called in the evening to ask if pick ups and drop offs went well. She stayed in contact with me and she was compassionate and caring of my case. She kept in touch with the law guardian and always kept me updated with what ever was spoken about. She talked me off the ledge when I was having an anxiety attack several times. She always sent me copies of paperwork. She was fair, she didn’t always tell me what I wanted to hear but she always kept it real and she was very good at explaining why things happened the way they did and that explanation much more often then not really helped ease the the pain. She was also very good with numbers and making deals to keep child support more affordable because the NYS child support formula had me paying a ridiculous amount given my circumstances I could never afford it. I would highly recommend her, for me she was a godsend.

Nadine
November 17, 2021

I found Kristen Devaney to be incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, honest, detail oriented and super-duper smart. I sought out an attorney for a Suffolk specific post divorce issue that seemed hopeless and she was incredible— she settled the main case quickly in my favor. As a secondary issue, my ex-husband filed more than four(!) frivolous lawsuits against me and she was able to have them all dismissed quickly (a definitely fear during COVID!). I have recommended her to several friends and acquaintances and cannot hesitate to leave her a five star review on this site.

anonymous
February 23, 2022

Ms. Devaney was extremely helpful in explaining and guiding us through the process of creating and drafting our prenuptial agreement. We really appreciated her professional guidance and patience as we worked through all the details. Offering suggestions when appropriate, as well as alternatives for us to consider. Ms. Devaney clearly has demonstrative skills and experience in preparing prenuptial agreements. She made us feel very much at ease, positive and comfortable in discussing a very complex and sensitive topic. We are grateful this highly respected attorney was recommended to us.

Jennifer
December 21, 2021

Kristen was professional, knowledgeable and got the job done! I would definitely recommend her to friends and family.

Tracy
December 8, 2021

Very professional, knowledgable, personable..Easy to work with. Would definately refer her.

anonymous
November 23, 2021

Kristen Devaney was very honest from the first phone call when inquiring about the divorce process that I was pursuing. She explained to me in terms that I could understand what made sense for me given my specific situation. Getting divorced during the pandemic proved to be a challenge for a lot of people, but not for me. All communication was easily had via, phone, text, emails, etc. The only time that I ever needed to be present in her office was when signing my official settlement. She provided legal counsel so far as what made sense, not what would cost me more money, stress, etc. in the future. While waiting in between steps of the process she would check in with a quick update just to let me know where we were. This was a small gesture that helped ease my mind during what could have been made to be a lot more upsetting given my circumstances.

anonymous
November 19, 2021

I was referred to Kristen and from the very first time I sat down with her, I knew that she was going to make this very difficult process as easy as she could for me. I had no idea what to expect and she took me through step by step. She listened to me complain and vent. She listened to me yell and she also listened to me cry. She was always there for me and treated me like family. If you're going through a divorce, you need a lawyer that knows the process inside and out. That's Kristen. She's knows the process and is highly intelligent. Any questions that I had were always answered. Her response turnaround time was immediate. Nobody ever plans on being divorced. And divorces aren't easy. Mine was especially difficult and an extremely long process. Kristen significantly helped me through my divorce. I would recommend Kristen to anyone that needs help going through a divorce. She is the BEST!

Chris
November 18, 2021

Kristen went above and beyond and was able to walk me through the process. She was very knowledgeable and helpful with all questions and concerns. She was able to answer every question and meet whenever I needed. Would strongly recommend to anyone in need.

David
November 18, 2021

Kristen Devaney is an excellent attorney. I had Kristen handle a Probate case, and also assisted on a Divorce case, and I am very pleased with the results of both. Kristen was instrumental in mitigating contentious situations that arose in both cases, and provided very good guidance and advice on making important decisions. I highly recommend Kristen.

clint
November 18, 2021

I would highly recommend Kristen Devaney to anyone I know to handle their divorce she handled my divorce and got me the best outcome I could have asked for and she always worked around my schedule to get together whether it be nights or weekends she was always available to me if I had any questions or concerns she was always there. she came highly recommended by a friend as I would recommend her to anyone I know She is an excellent divorce attorney.

Luke
November 18, 2021

I never felt as though she didn’t care about my case, she called in the evening to ask if pick ups and drop offs went well. She stayed in contact with me and she was compassionate and caring of my case. She kept in touch with the law guardian and always kept me updated with what ever was spoken about. She talked me off the ledge when I was having an anxiety attack several times. She always sent me copies of paperwork. She was fair, she didn’t always tell me what I wanted to hear but she always kept it real and she was very good at explaining why things happened the way they did and that explanation much more often then not really helped ease the the pain. She was also very good with numbers and making deals to keep child support more affordable because the NYS child support formula had me paying a ridiculous amount given my circumstances I could never afford it. I would highly recommend her, for me she was a godsend.

Nadine
November 17, 2021

I found Kristen Devaney to be incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, honest, detail oriented and super-duper smart. I sought out an attorney for a Suffolk specific post divorce issue that seemed hopeless and she was incredible— she settled the main case quickly in my favor. As a secondary issue, my ex-husband filed more than four(!) frivolous lawsuits against me and she was able to have them all dismissed quickly (a definitely fear during COVID!). I have recommended her to several friends and acquaintances and cannot hesitate to leave her a five star review on this site.