Michael S. Paulonis, Esq.
Compassionate and Tailored Legal Representation. "Built Around You"
From New York City to Franklin and Clinton counties, I've spent over 25 years supporting families with compassionate guidance, careful listening, and trusted advocacy - protecting clients rights in divorce, custody, child support, and mediation.
DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW, Franklin & Clinton, NY
Practice Areas
At Michael S. Paulonis, Esq., we provide the following legal services.
DIVORCE
Contested and Uncontested
- Maintenance and Spousal Support
- Custody
- Child Support
- Orders of Protection
- Post Divorce-Judgment Motions
- Pet Custody
- Exclusive Use and Occupancy of Marital Residence
- Settlement Agreements
CUSTODY
- Visitation/Parenting Time
- Modification of Custody
- Enforcement and Violation
- Orders of Protection
- Grandparent Rights
- Parenting Plan/Schedule
CHILD SUPPORT
- Paternity
- Child Support
- Modification of Child Support
- Enforcement and Violation
MEDIATION
Mediation offers a confidential, cooperative way to resolve disputes while saving time, reducing stress, and avoiding the uncertainty and cost of litigation.
Our experienced mediators are trained to guide you through the process, helping both parties communicate openly, explore creative solutions, and reach mutually beneficial agreements. Whether you’re facing divorce, custody issues, or other family law conflicts, mediation can help preserve relationships and focus on what matters most, your family’s future.
PRE/POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
Prenuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract created before marriage that outlines how assets, debts, and other financial matters will be handled if the marriage ends in divorce or death.
Postnuptial Agreements
A postnuptial agreement serves the same purpose as a prenuptial agreement, but it is created after the marriage has already taken place. Couples often choose this option when circumstances change such as a new business venture, significant inheritance, or financial shift and they want to protect their interests moving forward.
DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW Lawyer
About Michael S. Paulonis, Esq.
At the Law Office of Michael S. Paulonis, the focus is on providing clients with personal, dedicated service. Clients receive more than legal representation — they receive guidance, understanding, and support during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Michael primarily works with clients in Franklin and Clinton Counties, where he has built strong ties to the courts and communities he serves. Unlike larger firms where cases may be passed between attorneys, here you work directly with Michael at every stage of your matter. This one-on-one approach ensures that no detail is overlooked and that your questions are answered with care and clarity.
What makes this practice unique is Michael’s approach: he wants clients to feel like they are talking to family about their problems, not like they are sitting stiffly across from a lawyer. He takes the time to listen carefully, learn your story, and understand your perspective so that he can be your strongest voice in court and in negotiation. His blend of courtroom experience, practical problem-solving, and compassion allows him to guide clients toward favorable results while keeping stress and conflict to a minimum.
The firm is structured to keep the process straightforward and client-centered. Every document is carefully prepared, every deadline is tracked, and every decision is guided by Michael’s experience and commitment to your best interests. The mission is simple: to provide strategic, dedicated, and personal representation that puts clients first. Here, you are never just another case file - you are a person with a story that matters.
Call Mike today at: (518) 481-0565
DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW Legal Team
Meet the team
At this firm, the “team” is simple — it’s Michael S. Paulonis. With more than 25 years of experience in family law across New York City and Northern New York, Michael personally handles every stage of your case. Known to many clients simply as Mike, he takes the time to listen, understand your story, and be the voice that represents you with skill, strategy, and compassion.
Michael S. Paulonis
Principal Attorney
With more than 25 years of experience practicing Family Law throughout New York City and Northern New York, Michael S. Paulonis brings seasoned legal judgment and deep regional insight to every case. He has represented clients in a wide range of family law matters, including contested and uncontested divorce, custody and visitation, child and spousal support, equitable distribution, and family offense proceedings. When you choose this firm, you will work directly with Michael at every stage of your case. Michael likes working directly with clients to ensure that no detail is overlooked and to understand his clients’ stories and perspectives, whose voices he represents. His extensive courtroom experience, combined with a practical and empathetic approach to conflict resolution, has made him a trusted advocate for clients navigating emotionally and legally complex situations, like high conflict Divorce and Custody cases. Having practiced extensively in both urban and rural court systems across the state, Michael offers a unique perspective on the nuances of family law practice in diverse jurisdictions. He is known for his strategic thinking, clear communication, and unwavering dedication to achieving favorable outcomes while minimizing unnecessary conflict and costs. Michael earned his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law and is admitted to practice in the State of New York, as well as the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York. He remains actively engaged in developments in family law and is committed to serving the evolving legal needs of families throughout New York.
Get in touch with
Michael S. Paulonis, Esq.
Call us
(518) 481-0565
Location
305 Broadway, Floor 7
New York, NY 10007