Divorce and family law are two of the most difficult areas for clients, and require a litigator who understands the special stress that these times place on individuals and families.
Our lead attorney is also of counsel to the Law Office of Hope R. Jay PLLC, one of Western New York’s leading Matrimonial and Family Law firms. Not only will we help you navigate the process, but we also ensure that your family’s full range of needs is being met. With access to The Center for Hope WNY, we can assist you with referrals to additional services, including family counseling.
MATRIMONIAL LAW
Whether you are contemplating separation or divorce, or seeking resolution of a child custody or other matrimonial dispute, we will work with you to resolve your situation in the best way possible for you and your family. And should the matter come to court, we will advocate for your interests fully before, during, and after the trial. Divorce isn’t about winning, but about resolving.
The outcome of a divorce or child custody case will have a big impact on many areas of your life — from where you and your children will live, and when the kids will see their parents, to how the assets will be divided, and how much support will need to be paid. Whether the resolution comes by agreement or by litigation, our team will stand by your side throughout the entire process.
The Law Offices of Kristen Balbick Degnan practices in the following areas of Matrimonial Law:
- Legal Separation and Divorce
- Domestic Violence
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Annulment
- Division of debt and division of assets
- Pre and postnuptial agreements
- Settlement and Separation Agreements
- Appeals, modifications, and enforcement
- Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
FAMILY LAW
If you are facing a Family Law problem, it is important to protect your rights and your children’s rights. The outcome of your case could affect you and your family for the rest of your life. Having an experienced Family Law attorney on your side can give you the best possible chance of achieving a favorable solution to your legal problem. We can help you with a wide range of Family Law issues and will keep your concerns and those of your family foremost in a legal strategy.
The Law Offices of Kristen Balbick Degnan practices in the following areas of Family Law:
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Adoption
- Child support modification
- Defense of PINS/JD petitions
- Paternity
- Abuse and Neglect petitions
- Grandparent’s rights
- Orders of Protection/Domestic Violence
Family Law and Matrimonial Overview
Family law cases are high-stakes. They determine your parenting time and financial footing for years to come.
You do not get a second shot at these decisions.
KBD Law represents clients who need a family law attorney with a sharp sense of leverage, timing, and strategy, and the confidence to use each one to protect their position from the very start.
We Lead With Strategy, Not Reaction
We Push for Strong, Practical Outcomes
We Advocate Confidently
Divorce and Legal Separation
Divorce is a full reset of your finances, parenting schedule, and day-to-day life. The choices made during this time can follow you for years.
We walk clients through every stage of divorce and legal separation, from the first filing to final agreements or court if it comes to that. Property division, custody, and spousal support are usually the biggest pressure points, and we address each one carefully and strategically.
Through our family law services, we analyze financial details carefully and work toward fair and workable terms. If negotiation can get you there, we pursue it. If litigation is necessary, we are prepared.
Child Custody and Support
Few issues are more serious than a custody dispute. Parenting time, decision-making authority, school choices, and medical care define your role in your child’s life.
When those rights are questioned or renegotiated, you need a child custody lawyer who will fight for your rights to the end.
We represent parents in contested custody cases, structured plan negotiations, and modification proceedings. Whether the issue involves relocation, schedule changes, or concerns about the child’s well-being, we work to secure meaningful parenting time and structured agreements.
Our child support attorneys also review income, expenses, and statutory guidelines carefully to make sure the calculations are accurate and fair.
Spousal Support and Alimony
Spousal support can shape your financial life long after a divorce is finalized. Strong guidance from a spousal support attorney helps ensure the terms are reasonable and supported by accurate financial data.
Alimony determinations consider several factors, including the duration of the marriage, earning capacity, financial contributions, and the lifestyle established during the relationship. Our alimony lawyers present a detailed financial picture and challenge unsupported claims.
Support orders can also change over time. A job loss, income increase, or major life shift may justify a modification. We pursue enforcement through the appropriate legal channels in case payments are not honored.
Property Division and Asset Protection
Dividing property during a divorce can get complicated quickly. The house, retirement accounts, savings, business interests, and debt must be accounted for carefully. Small oversights can turn into big financial problems later. We make sure nothing is missed or unfairly assigned to you.
Not all property is treated the same. Some holdings may qualify as marital, while others may be separate depending on how and when they were acquired. We review documentation closely, trace ownership where needed, and question seemingly inaccurate evaluations.
With help from our competent property division attorney, you can avoid costly mistakes and protect what is rightfully yours. Our team emphasizes thoughtful divorce asset-protection strategies, including proper property classification and careful financial analysis before any agreement is finalized.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is not about planning for divorce. It is about setting clear expectations and protecting both sides before problems arise.
Working with our prenuptial agreements lawyers allows couples to define property rights, outline financial responsibilities, and protect separate assets from the outset. Clear expectations reduce uncertainty later.
If your circumstances change after marriage, a postnuptial agreements attorney can step in to put safeguards in place.
Our marriage legal services prioritize fairness and enforceability. We draft straightforward, balanced agreements designed to hold up if ever reviewed in court.
Divorce Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Court is not the only option. In many cases, divorce mediation offers a faster, more controlled path to resolution.
Through focused family law mediation, we help clients negotiate custody, support, and property terms in a structured setting designed to reduce conflict and protect leverage. You maintain more control over the outcome instead of handing decisions entirely to a judge.
Our Approach to Family Law and Matrimonial Matters
Choosing the right legal team can shape the entire outcome of your case. You need lawyers who are prepared, responsive, and fully invested in protecting your interests throughout.
Our matrimonial law services are designed to keep you informed and strategically positioned. We provide:
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- A clear, practical plan from day one
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- Honest guidance about risks and likely outcomes
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- Customized strategies for divorce, custody, support, and property division
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- Strong negotiation backed by serious trial readiness
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- Consistent updates so you always know where things stand
Through our full scope of family legal services, we remain proactive and engaged. Some matters conclude through a negotiated settlement. Others require firm courtroom advocacy. In either situation, our focus remains on protecting your interests and helping you move forward with confidence.
Get Legal Help Today
The sooner you have the right legal guidance, the stronger your position will be.
Contact KBD Law to schedule a consultation with a skilled family law attorney. We will review your situation, explain your options clearly, and outline the best path forward for you.
Your future deserves careful planning and strong advocacy. Reach out today and take control of what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cases does the Law Offices of Kristen Balbick Degnan handle?
The firm handles civil litigation, family and matrimonial law, criminal defense, estate planning, insurance defense litigation, real estate law, and workers’ compensation cases for clients in Buffalo and throughout New York State.
Where is the Law Offices of Kristen Balbick Degnan located?
The office is located at 42 Delaware Avenue, Suite 700, Buffalo, New York 14202.
Do you serve clients outside of Buffalo, New York?
Yes. The firm provides dedicated legal representation to clients across all of New York State.
How much legal experience does Kristen Balbick Degnan have?
Kristen Balbick Degnan has nearly two decades of legal experience, including service as an Assistant District Attorney in Erie County and extensive private practice litigation experience.
What should I expect during an initial consultation?
During an initial consultation, you can expect a discussion of your legal issue, an overview of your options, and an explanation of how the firm may assist you moving forward.
Do you handle both litigation and non litigation matters?
Yes. The firm provides both litigation representation and non-litigation legal services such as estate planning and real estate transactions.
How can I contact the firm to schedule a consultation?
You can contact the office by phone at 716-318-5355 or by email at office@kbd.law.