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Our Introduction

We can be caring and even-handed, or tenacious and unrelenting. Since 1997 when we opened our office in downtown Manhattan, our experienced team of attorneys at the Law Firm of Joseph & Smargiassi, LLC has provided outstanding legal services in all matters relating to divorces between marital, domestic and business partners. Whether you are an individual going through a difficult divorce, a business partner contemplating dissolution, or need a lifelong family attorney, our team of talented and experienced lawyers will focus every effort and resource to win your case. Follow us on Facebook for updated information and news.

Where We Solve Problems

Joseph & Smargiassi, LLC provides legal services in New York and New Jersey. We have an office located on the South Shore of Long Island at 1024 Broadway in Woodmere that is located near parking and multiple LIRR stations. We also have an office in downtown Manhattan at 65 Broadway which is located near the subway, ferries, PATH and parking. Call (212) 625-9949 or (516) 874-0263

Do Your Research

Do not make your life more complicated by hiring the wrong lawyer. All too often, prospective clients come in with terrible problems that have been made worse by their poor choice(s) of counsel. Please let us help you from the start. Call to schedule a consultation. A paid consultation is required by our office to discuss confidential matters with a member of our legal team.

10 Points to Address During Your Consultation

  1. Equitable distribution does not mean equal distribution. 
  2. Equitable distribution may apply to assets or debts, no matter who’s name is on it.
  3. Mothers are not always awarded custody.
  4. You can get a divorce over the objection of your spouse.
  5. A religious marriage alone can still result in equitable distribution.
  6. Sharing residential custody and parenting time 50/50 does not prevent an award of child support.
  7. There are consequences when a spouse refuses to remove barriers to remarriage.
  8. You cannot rely on a mediator to tell you whether you’re accepting too little or giving too much.
  9. There is no practical advantage to hiring an attorney with an office near the courthouse, and it does not mean s/he is any more competent. Do not limit your choices. 
  10. The attorney available today for you to retain may not be available next week. In fact, a responsible attorney will turn away new clients when s/he is too busy. 

Testimonials

We Love That Our Clients  Appreciate That We Go the Extra Two Miles. Below Are Samplings of Client Feedback:

“The A Team. As a world-class expert myself in my field, I was looking for someone who was of equal caliber …. I contacted my colleagues at Holland and Knight, who recommended Mario. When I first met Mario, I told a friend “I’m scared of this guy” — scared of being on the other side of Mario in litigation. He’s a brilliant negotiator and litigator. He’s got a knack for getting judges to think along his lines. At an appellate level, the judges treat him as a knowledgeable colleague. Likewise, his partner John Smargiassi is also brilliant, methodical, and has deep technical knowledge. Their firm is resourceful, has good connections, and has access to a wide range of specialists.” FF

“Thanks for your help. You were the ONLY honest and dedicated lawyer I found during the last decade!! And I’ve had to deal with quite a few lately! You are honest, efficient, have integrity, diligence and personable. (and the rest of the Boy Scout oath! Brave, clean and reverent!) I’ve been dealing with the lawyers on a Madoff-like scheme involving 100 investors and I’ve described it as “surviving the Titanic and being rescued by pirates!” RB

“Divorce is ugly, scary and painful but a good attorney can make it easy. From my first consultation I felt I was in good hands, Mario’s first question to me was what do I want? Of all the divorces of people I know since mine not one I know has been asked this by their attorney. Its always cookie cutter this is what you get and that’s that pay me. Not here, I was explained in detail what will happen and how I can get what I wanted. I was well aware of the plan and procedures throughout. I was instructed what I should do and not be doing. I felt I was well prepared throughout the entire experience. In the end i won Custody of my 3 children and life goes on. There is not a day that goes by that I do not thank Mario for all he did. I have recommended him to countless people who hire a lawyer from the yellow pages and wind up getting slaughtered. Its a big mistake, you cannot go wrong here he is the only divorce attorney you should call, no one can get the job done like Mario, John and staff. Thank you always.” Michael

“I sometimes become suspicious when references are overly glowing but in this case they are deserved. As a professional, working in investment banking, I am used to interviewing and dealing with talented people and am not easily impressed. However, I have to admit that Mario & John both impressed me. They were recommended to me personally and I have had no regrets with my choice of representation. A short period of time into my case, I was hauled into court at short notice to oppose an emergency motion that would have prevented me seeing my only son. We only had 3 days notice to prepare the opposition and everyone worked hard to prepare for it. On that day in court, Mario worked to defeat the motion and was successful. I could have knelt on the ground and kissed the man’s shoes. From that point on, until the conclusion of the case, I was always very happy with the representation I received in every way. Both John and Mario are very talented and understanding and have different strengths that complement the other. Neither are given to unnecessary action in order to inflate their billing. The firm worked with me to help reduce my bill wherever possible, and their flexibility with payment methods and plans was very much appreciated.” JN

“Many divorce attorneys are fireworks, Mr. Smargiassi is calm, focused, and knowledgeable. Mr. Smargiassi (with his partner Mr. Joseph) took over my divorce case, which was stalled and I was unaware of the consequences my prior attorney had left me. Mr. Smargiassi has a geek streak in him: very technical on law and procedure. However, it’s that geek streak that I learned to count upon: it’s the really smart arguments that get heard by the judges. Mr. Smargiassi helped write a successful appeal in my case … not too many divorce attorneys with those kind of chops. Lastly, on a personal level: he understands parenting and people: he’s a great coach on finessing many aspects of co-parenting that help your children, and help you. Absolutely, I would seriously listen to any advice he gave on any aspect of divorce and family.” Frank

“Hi Mario. You have no idea how you have played a part in my life. It is true that I have not been in contact, but not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for the guidance, insight, and fortitude you have given me. I send blessings to you everyday. Because of YOU (I, being an abused wife) I was able to see and feel how MV used me and my children. It was in your office, after a consultation, when you looked at me with such pain written on your face and said “I cannot comprehend how a man could destroy his family”. Everything changed after that. I am and will be forever, eternally grateful to you and everyone who had a role in bringing forth this result. Thank You, from the bottom of my heart, for your tenacious attitude. Best of Health, Happiness, and Prosperity to you and your dear family. God Bless.” CR

“Hello all. Just wanted to say thank you for all of your help. Every one of you have helped me at one point or another in this long process. I will only have good things to say about how I was represented. I never felt like I was a “small client”, and I was always impressed that Jasmine recognized my voice every time, even months after not calling! I am satisfied with the results, and I hope my case has provided you with more than a couple of stories that you can tell your friends and colleagues (I know I have a few of my own!). I am proud to be able to say that I know a lawyer (Mario) that can make the opposing counsel cry. You can’t get much better than that! Thanks again, and all the best.” BJ

“Hi Mario. I was just sitting in my house, looking through files and getting some stuff done before we (me, the kids and my brother) go to Disney on Monday. We are meeting my father and his wife as well. I was looking through the court papers trying to find the kids SS#’s, since their cards are locked away upstate. I spent about 20 minutes sifting through all we went through. So I decided not just to say hello, but to thank you from the bottom of my heart, along with John and the rest of your team. I am sitting in my house, its never looked better, my kids are doing really well, I have a good job and grow everyday a little more and you were a major player in making that happen. Thank you again.” MP

“I can’t thank you enough for the time and advice you gave me earlier today. You educated me and also gave me your professional advice in addition to making me feel like life isn’t over – just yet at least! I’m sure you know when a husband leaves it can be the most painful thing in someone’s life, so thank you for lifting my spirits … it helped a lot.” JW

“Thank you for helping me through one of life’s difficult situations and allowing me to land firmly on solid ground. I trusted you and I am glad that I did and I would not hesitate to recommend you to others.” JH

“Words cannot even begin to express how much we appreciate all you did for us. Your support, guidance, and of course your time, were invaluable. Thank you.” SL

“Dealing with Joseph & Smargiassi, LLC has been a very positive experience for me during very trying times. They gave me excellent legal advice during my divorce and enhanced my own understanding of family law for years to come. I am most grateful to this team and endorse them as a highly reliable, caring and dependable group of professionals.” JB

“My divorce was not an easy one. (Is it ever?) Mario and John and the entire staff were extraordinarily professional and kind during the entire process. Even after the divorce was final, several other issues emerged, and the firm continued to provide sane and cogent advice.” Meems

“I have worked with Mario several times over the last 15 years and I would highly recommend him as one of the best attorneys in New York. Very knowledgable and always there for you whether you need serious help or just a quick heads-up on a legal matter. Mario has gone beyond the call of duty for me many times including going out of his way to personally serve documents. In my opinion he is truly the best!” Anthony

“Mario was my attorney in a long custody battle from my ex wife which I was already divorce but was neglecting the child… bc of Mario I was able to prove neglect on her part and won full custody of my son. He is an amazing litigator and always ready and prepare for court. I was amazed of how much knowledge and understanding of the law he has.” Simon

“When the stuff was hitting the fan Mario made time to see me right away. He clearly explained my options and possible consequences of different ways we could go. Most importantly, he was very confident and clear. I knew that whatever attorney my now ex-wife hired I would not be bullied or out-lawyered. I referred a friend to Mario , and she was equally happy with his services! I absolutely recommend him!” Josh

News

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Legal problems don’t pay attention to the news. This is a great time to take advantage of some down time. Be smart! Develop a plan and get your questions answered. Our team is ready for you and your legal problems. Since the outbreak, we have been operating from our Long Island office primarily, and secondarily from our Manhattan office. Call us at (212) 625-9949 to schedule a consultation by phone or in person. Follow us on Facebook for updated information and news.

Peer Ranking 2023: The Martindale Hubbell / LexisNexis Attorney Peer Review Ratings are in for Mario A. Joseph, Esq. who is the founding member of our law office. Congratulations! He has been certified as ‘AV Preeminent’. AV Preeminent “is a significant rating accomplishment – a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence”.

Super Lawyers 2023: Congratulations to John Smargiassi on his new selection! Congratulations also to Mario Joseph on his repeat selection. Both are the stewards of our law firm and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

NY Magazine: We are proud to announce that we were featured in The New York Area’s Top Rated Lawyers, published in conjunction with The New York Law Journal and New York Magazine. We can’t thank enough our clients and fellow members of the bar for their support and recognition. We are highlighted on page 65 of the annual publication.

NYLJ: We are also pleased to announce that we were recognized by the New York Law Journal, and honored to be included in it’s annual publication, “NYLJ 100“.

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