Business Details
Trusted Family Law Attorneys in Albany, NY
Balzer & Leary, PLLC has dedicated its practice exclusively to family and matrimonial law since its founding. Our attorneys combine decades of legal experience with a client-centered approach to navigate complex divorce proceedings, custody disputes, and financial settlements. We serve clients across the Albany Capital District and surrounding counties, offering both skilled negotiation and trial representation. Our team maintains active memberships in state and local bar associations while staying current through continuing legal education programs. We prioritize responsive communication and tailored strategies to protect clients' rights throughout the legal process.With extensive courtroom experience in Supreme and Family Courts, we balance pragmatic advice with vigorous advocacy. Our practice addresses all aspects of family law including prenuptial agreements, domestic relations orders, and post-divorce modifications. We maintain strong professional networks to address complex financial and custody issues. Our attorneys' backgrounds in both law and accounting provide unique perspectives in resolving high-asset divorce cases. We remain committed to ethical representation and community involvement through local youth hockey organizations.
Services
Divorce Actions
Separation Agreements
Prenuptial Agreements
Custody Litigation
Spousal Support
Highlights and features
- Specialized exclusively in family and matrimonial law since 1997
- Experienced trial attorneys with Supreme and Family Court expertise
- Client-centered approach with personalized legal strategies
- Serving 8 counties across New York's Capital District
- Combination of legal and financial expertise in high-asset divorces
What people say
Best in the area
Great experience
Tough negotiators
Excellent results
Highly responsive
Services
Divorce Actions
Our attorneys handle all aspects of divorce proceedings from initial filing through final settlement. We represent clients in contested divorces requiring litigation as well as uncontested cases needing formal documentation. Our experience spans complex financial divisions, business valuations, and high-conflict custody disputes while maintaining focus on clients' long-term interests.
Prenuptial Agreements
We draft and review prenuptial agreements that protect individual assets and clarify financial responsibilities. Our attorneys ensure agreements meet legal requirements while addressing unique client circumstances. We help clients understand implications of marital property laws and create customized solutions that withstand judicial scrutiny in potential future proceedings.
Custody Litigation
Our firm advocates for clients in custody determinations and modifications. We handle emergency custody motions, parenting plan development, and visitation disputes. Attorneys prepare thorough case strategies involving child welfare assessments, school records, and expert testimony to support clients' parental rights while prioritizing children's best interests.
Spousal Support
We represent clients seeking or contesting spousal maintenance awards. Our services include calculating support amounts, presenting evidence of financial needs and capabilities, and negotiating fair arrangements. We handle temporary support during divorce proceedings and post-divorce modifications based on changed circumstances.
Settlement Agreements
Our team negotiates comprehensive marital settlement agreements that resolve property division, custody, support, and other issues. We draft detailed documents covering asset distribution, debt allocation, and parenting plans to prevent future conflicts. Attorneys ensure agreements protect clients' rights while facilitating amicable resolutions.
People
Chad E. Balzer
Attorney & Partner
Chad Balzer focuses on matrimonial law with 25+ years of experience in divorce litigation and settlements. He graduated magna cum laude from SUNY Buffalo and Albany Law School cum laude. A certified trial advocate, he represents clients in Supreme and Family Courts across the Capital District while maintaining active bar association memberships.
Gerald P. Leary
Attorney & Partner
Gerald Leary specializes in family law with extensive experience in complex divorce cases and custody matters. A former CPA, he combines legal and financial expertise in handling high-asset divorces. He graduated cum laude from Albany Law School and serves on the New York State Character and Fitness Committee while coaching youth hockey in the community.
Questions
What areas of family law do you specialize in?
We focus on divorce proceedings, custody disputes, prenuptial agreements, spousal support, and complex financial settlements.
Which counties do you serve?
We represent clients throughout Albany, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Washington, and Warren counties.
Do you handle both contested and uncontested divorces?
Yes, we provide legal representation for both negotiated settlements and contested divorce trials.
What makes your firm different?
Our exclusive focus on family law combined with financial expertise and personalized client service sets us apart.
How do you handle child custody cases?
We prioritize children's best interests while protecting parental rights through negotiated agreements or court advocacy.
Can you help with post-divorce modifications?
Yes, we assist with modifying custody arrangements, support orders, and other post-divorce legal matters.
