team-member

Melissa Needle

N/A

Licensed for 31 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Divorce and separation

Language

English

About

Attorney Melissa Needle is an active Divorce and Family Law litigator with an impressive track record. Most of the cases in which Melissa appears involve high net worth divorce property division, complex business valuations, highly contested custody, and petitions for child relocation. She is well-known in Connecticut courts as a forceful, but fair fighter; an attorney with great integrity; and as a worthy adversary who does not shy away from litigation if that path is the best opportunity for her client to reach an equitable solution. Melissa understands that divorce is not just about the dissolution of marriage or stop-gap solutions but helping clients develop and negotiate a comprehensive plan for the rest of their lives. Melissa and the firm pride themselves on providing their clients "Guidance that Moves Lives Forward.” Needle | Cuda: Divorce and Family Law, the firm she founded in 2010 proudly serves clients in Greenwich (Including Cos Cob, Riverside, Old Greenwich, Belle Haven, and Glenville) Darien (including Rowayton), Fairfield (including Southport), New Canaan, Ridgefield, Westport, Weston, Wilton -- and the surrounding towns and communities. Melissa is a lifetime Connecticut resident. She was born in New Haven, raised in Fairfield, and now resides in Westport with her family. Attorney Needle is a third-generation attorney with deep family roots in Connecticut. Her father, Attorney Charles Needle, was a founder of the Connecticut firm Zeldes, Needle & Cooper in 1971. Since her admission to the Connecticut Bar in 1990, Melissa has exclusively practiced divorce and family law. Melissa started Needle | Cuda: Divorce and Family Law in 2010. The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys named Needle | Cuda a Connecticut Top 10 Best Firm in Client Satisfaction in 2019, 2020, and 2021.  Attorney Needle has been a Super Lawyer Honoree in 2019, 2020, and 2021. 

Practices Areas

Child custody

Divorce and separation

Language

English

Contact

Needle | Cuda Divorce & Family Law830 Post Rd ESTE 101Westport, CT, 06880-5222

Office: (203) 652-8879

Website: N/A

Reviews

Cheryl
September 4, 2019

Melissa was personable, efficient, and knowledgeable. With her counsel, I was divorced in less than 6 months.

jennifer
November 12, 2018

Melissa Needle always made me feel comfortable during a very stressful and emotional time. She was very knowledgeable and worked hard to get this done in a timely manner.

Jay
November 16, 2018

Attorney Melissa Needle and her team accomplished a most acceptable revision of a prior divorce contract that others firms said wouldn't happen. I applaude them for their diligence.

Debra
November 12, 2018

Melissa Needle and her staff provided me with professional, common sense support during a very difficult process. She never judged, was level headed while dealing with a very obstructionist opposing Counsel, and simplified what could have been a drawn out process. I have complete confidence in her and was fortunate to have her on my side.

anonymous
November 12, 2018

Melissa is a top-notch divorce lawyer with a vast knowledge of the legal system and the skills to navigate it. But of equal importance to a client going through a divorce, she is sensitive and compassionate and always realistic about expectations. There is no one better I'd rather have on my side.

Debra
November 12, 2018

I knew instantly after meeting Melissa that I wanted her to represent me if I was going to get divorced. It is such a difficult and emotional process, but she is professional, reassuring and caring. My divorce ended up going to trial, which no one wants. Melissa represented me very well and the outcome was favorable. She was prepared, organized and so composed. She presented the facts in such a professional manner. I would highly recommend Melissa if you need a caring, intelligent, professional attorney.

Mark
June 14, 2018

Melissa is a fine lawyer who has mastered the art of combining legal ability, strategic thinking and a sense of humanity towards her client. She is a pleasure to work with and I’d strongly recommend her.

anonymous
June 12, 2018

At a very difficult and emotional time, Atty Needle helped to keep things calm. Professional, thorough and to the point, Melissa helped to guide me in the right direction. She quickly gained my trust so I felt confident with the legal councel I received. Atty Needle’s ability to keep things positive while getting the job done is what stands out the most when someone asks about my experience.

anonymous
June 12, 2018

I spent 11 long years in the system. I would not have been trapped there for so long if I had Attorney Melissa Needle as my counsel from the beginning. She was a ray of sunshine in the very dark world of divorce and in my never ending storm. Melissa gave me back my freedom and not only brought justice to the ones who were trying to defy the system, but she defended me from many unjust accusations. I have spoken to countless lawyers during this process. Attorney Needle is the only lawyer who was not in it for the money or the big win--she's about justice and she fought for what was best for my kids and me. She has a level of empathy that can sometimes be hard to find in a lawyer. She cares. She is honest--a word hardly ever used in the process. She is a wife and a mother, which is so important in the world of divorce, so you can truly understand the dynamics of a family/marriage in all its facets. Melissa was the first attorney to be fair, and to truly care about my children and me. And her integrity spans all aspects of her business--she never over billed me or over charged me. I highly recommend Attorney Needle and am eternally grateful to her for all she did for me.

Dan
June 12, 2018

Melissa was extremely helpful as I went through my divorce process. She delivered great legal advice with a lot of technical excellence through some very complex employment compensation issues. However, more importantly, she understood my emotions and end goals and was able to communicate practically, patiently and with compassion to deliver a favorable result.

Cheryl
September 4, 2019

Melissa was personable, efficient, and knowledgeable. With her counsel, I was divorced in less than 6 months.

jennifer
November 12, 2018

Melissa Needle always made me feel comfortable during a very stressful and emotional time. She was very knowledgeable and worked hard to get this done in a timely manner.

Jay
November 16, 2018

Attorney Melissa Needle and her team accomplished a most acceptable revision of a prior divorce contract that others firms said wouldn't happen. I applaude them for their diligence.

Debra
November 12, 2018

Melissa Needle and her staff provided me with professional, common sense support during a very difficult process. She never judged, was level headed while dealing with a very obstructionist opposing Counsel, and simplified what could have been a drawn out process. I have complete confidence in her and was fortunate to have her on my side.

anonymous
November 12, 2018

Melissa is a top-notch divorce lawyer with a vast knowledge of the legal system and the skills to navigate it. But of equal importance to a client going through a divorce, she is sensitive and compassionate and always realistic about expectations. There is no one better I'd rather have on my side.

Debra
November 12, 2018

I knew instantly after meeting Melissa that I wanted her to represent me if I was going to get divorced. It is such a difficult and emotional process, but she is professional, reassuring and caring. My divorce ended up going to trial, which no one wants. Melissa represented me very well and the outcome was favorable. She was prepared, organized and so composed. She presented the facts in such a professional manner. I would highly recommend Melissa if you need a caring, intelligent, professional attorney.

Mark
June 14, 2018

Melissa is a fine lawyer who has mastered the art of combining legal ability, strategic thinking and a sense of humanity towards her client. She is a pleasure to work with and I’d strongly recommend her.

anonymous
June 12, 2018

At a very difficult and emotional time, Atty Needle helped to keep things calm. Professional, thorough and to the point, Melissa helped to guide me in the right direction. She quickly gained my trust so I felt confident with the legal councel I received. Atty Needle’s ability to keep things positive while getting the job done is what stands out the most when someone asks about my experience.

anonymous
June 12, 2018

I spent 11 long years in the system. I would not have been trapped there for so long if I had Attorney Melissa Needle as my counsel from the beginning. She was a ray of sunshine in the very dark world of divorce and in my never ending storm. Melissa gave me back my freedom and not only brought justice to the ones who were trying to defy the system, but she defended me from many unjust accusations. I have spoken to countless lawyers during this process. Attorney Needle is the only lawyer who was not in it for the money or the big win--she's about justice and she fought for what was best for my kids and me. She has a level of empathy that can sometimes be hard to find in a lawyer. She cares. She is honest--a word hardly ever used in the process. She is a wife and a mother, which is so important in the world of divorce, so you can truly understand the dynamics of a family/marriage in all its facets. Melissa was the first attorney to be fair, and to truly care about my children and me. And her integrity spans all aspects of her business--she never over billed me or over charged me. I highly recommend Attorney Needle and am eternally grateful to her for all she did for me.

Dan
June 12, 2018

Melissa was extremely helpful as I went through my divorce process. She delivered great legal advice with a lot of technical excellence through some very complex employment compensation issues. However, more importantly, she understood my emotions and end goals and was able to communicate practically, patiently and with compassion to deliver a favorable result.

Cheryl
September 4, 2019

Melissa was personable, efficient, and knowledgeable. With her counsel, I was divorced in less than 6 months.

jennifer
November 12, 2018

Melissa Needle always made me feel comfortable during a very stressful and emotional time. She was very knowledgeable and worked hard to get this done in a timely manner.

Jay
November 16, 2018

Attorney Melissa Needle and her team accomplished a most acceptable revision of a prior divorce contract that others firms said wouldn't happen. I applaude them for their diligence.

Debra
November 12, 2018

Melissa Needle and her staff provided me with professional, common sense support during a very difficult process. She never judged, was level headed while dealing with a very obstructionist opposing Counsel, and simplified what could have been a drawn out process. I have complete confidence in her and was fortunate to have her on my side.

anonymous
November 12, 2018

Melissa is a top-notch divorce lawyer with a vast knowledge of the legal system and the skills to navigate it. But of equal importance to a client going through a divorce, she is sensitive and compassionate and always realistic about expectations. There is no one better I'd rather have on my side.

Debra
November 12, 2018

I knew instantly after meeting Melissa that I wanted her to represent me if I was going to get divorced. It is such a difficult and emotional process, but she is professional, reassuring and caring. My divorce ended up going to trial, which no one wants. Melissa represented me very well and the outcome was favorable. She was prepared, organized and so composed. She presented the facts in such a professional manner. I would highly recommend Melissa if you need a caring, intelligent, professional attorney.

Mark
June 14, 2018

Melissa is a fine lawyer who has mastered the art of combining legal ability, strategic thinking and a sense of humanity towards her client. She is a pleasure to work with and I’d strongly recommend her.

anonymous
June 12, 2018

At a very difficult and emotional time, Atty Needle helped to keep things calm. Professional, thorough and to the point, Melissa helped to guide me in the right direction. She quickly gained my trust so I felt confident with the legal councel I received. Atty Needle’s ability to keep things positive while getting the job done is what stands out the most when someone asks about my experience.

anonymous
June 12, 2018

I spent 11 long years in the system. I would not have been trapped there for so long if I had Attorney Melissa Needle as my counsel from the beginning. She was a ray of sunshine in the very dark world of divorce and in my never ending storm. Melissa gave me back my freedom and not only brought justice to the ones who were trying to defy the system, but she defended me from many unjust accusations. I have spoken to countless lawyers during this process. Attorney Needle is the only lawyer who was not in it for the money or the big win--she's about justice and she fought for what was best for my kids and me. She has a level of empathy that can sometimes be hard to find in a lawyer. She cares. She is honest--a word hardly ever used in the process. She is a wife and a mother, which is so important in the world of divorce, so you can truly understand the dynamics of a family/marriage in all its facets. Melissa was the first attorney to be fair, and to truly care about my children and me. And her integrity spans all aspects of her business--she never over billed me or over charged me. I highly recommend Attorney Needle and am eternally grateful to her for all she did for me.

Dan
June 12, 2018

Melissa was extremely helpful as I went through my divorce process. She delivered great legal advice with a lot of technical excellence through some very complex employment compensation issues. However, more importantly, she understood my emotions and end goals and was able to communicate practically, patiently and with compassion to deliver a favorable result.

Cheryl
September 4, 2019

Melissa was personable, efficient, and knowledgeable. With her counsel, I was divorced in less than 6 months.

jennifer
November 12, 2018

Melissa Needle always made me feel comfortable during a very stressful and emotional time. She was very knowledgeable and worked hard to get this done in a timely manner.

Jay
November 16, 2018

Attorney Melissa Needle and her team accomplished a most acceptable revision of a prior divorce contract that others firms said wouldn't happen. I applaude them for their diligence.

Debra
November 12, 2018

Melissa Needle and her staff provided me with professional, common sense support during a very difficult process. She never judged, was level headed while dealing with a very obstructionist opposing Counsel, and simplified what could have been a drawn out process. I have complete confidence in her and was fortunate to have her on my side.

anonymous
November 12, 2018

Melissa is a top-notch divorce lawyer with a vast knowledge of the legal system and the skills to navigate it. But of equal importance to a client going through a divorce, she is sensitive and compassionate and always realistic about expectations. There is no one better I'd rather have on my side.

Debra
November 12, 2018

I knew instantly after meeting Melissa that I wanted her to represent me if I was going to get divorced. It is such a difficult and emotional process, but she is professional, reassuring and caring. My divorce ended up going to trial, which no one wants. Melissa represented me very well and the outcome was favorable. She was prepared, organized and so composed. She presented the facts in such a professional manner. I would highly recommend Melissa if you need a caring, intelligent, professional attorney.

Mark
June 14, 2018

Melissa is a fine lawyer who has mastered the art of combining legal ability, strategic thinking and a sense of humanity towards her client. She is a pleasure to work with and I’d strongly recommend her.

anonymous
June 12, 2018

At a very difficult and emotional time, Atty Needle helped to keep things calm. Professional, thorough and to the point, Melissa helped to guide me in the right direction. She quickly gained my trust so I felt confident with the legal councel I received. Atty Needle’s ability to keep things positive while getting the job done is what stands out the most when someone asks about my experience.

anonymous
June 12, 2018

I spent 11 long years in the system. I would not have been trapped there for so long if I had Attorney Melissa Needle as my counsel from the beginning. She was a ray of sunshine in the very dark world of divorce and in my never ending storm. Melissa gave me back my freedom and not only brought justice to the ones who were trying to defy the system, but she defended me from many unjust accusations. I have spoken to countless lawyers during this process. Attorney Needle is the only lawyer who was not in it for the money or the big win--she's about justice and she fought for what was best for my kids and me. She has a level of empathy that can sometimes be hard to find in a lawyer. She cares. She is honest--a word hardly ever used in the process. She is a wife and a mother, which is so important in the world of divorce, so you can truly understand the dynamics of a family/marriage in all its facets. Melissa was the first attorney to be fair, and to truly care about my children and me. And her integrity spans all aspects of her business--she never over billed me or over charged me. I highly recommend Attorney Needle and am eternally grateful to her for all she did for me.

Dan
June 12, 2018

Melissa was extremely helpful as I went through my divorce process. She delivered great legal advice with a lot of technical excellence through some very complex employment compensation issues. However, more importantly, she understood my emotions and end goals and was able to communicate practically, patiently and with compassion to deliver a favorable result.