Paul W. Matthews, Esq. — Experienced Manhattan Family Law Attorney
Quick Summary
Paul W. Matthews, Esq., a summa cum laude Brooklyn Law School graduate, has represented New York City families for over 25 years. He opened his first Manhattan office in 1996 and now meets clients again in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District. Mr. Matthews focuses on family-law trials and appeals, bringing unmatched experience, integrity, and affordability to every case.
About Paul W. Matthews, Esq.
I am a New York City Family Law and Appellate Attorney who graduated summa cum laude (first in my class) from Brooklyn Law School in 1992. While there, I served as a Law Review Editor and earned seven American Jurisprudence Awards for academic excellence.
After graduation, I joined the New York City Law Department (Corporation Counsel), first in the Torts Division defending the City in personal-injury and civil-rights cases, then in the Family Court Division prosecuting juvenile delinquency matters. During that time, I appeared before Judge Judith Sheindlin (“Judge Judy”), whose courtroom taught me the value of precision and discipline in trial practice.
Manhattan Roots and Career Path
I opened my first private law office in Manhattan in 1996, near the Manhattan FamilyCourt. Although I mostly resided in Queens and maintained a Staten Island practice, my career has for most of my working years centered in Manhattan Family Court and the Appellate Divisions. I now meet clients at my Broad Street office in the Financial District, continuing the same commitment to quality representation and reasonable fees that has defined my practice for decades.
Over the years, I have tried more than 500 cases in New York Family Courts and perfected over 30 appeals in the Appellate Divisions and the Court of Appeals. My experience spans custody, child support, family offense, paternity, and termination of parental rights cases.
Teaching and Mentorship
In addition to my litigation work, I have taught continuing legal education (CLE) courses on Evidence, Child Support, Termination of Parental Rights, and Client Relations. I have also mentored young attorneys, sharing lessons from real Family Court practice throughout New York City.
Personal Interests and Additional Expertise
Beyond the courtroom, I developed advanced skills in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) after studying with leading experts worldwide. I apply those skills to build educational legal websites such as Affordable-Uncontested-Divorce.com and now FamilyLawyerInManhattan.com, making reliable family-law information accessible to New York residents.
I also train in Wing Chun Kung Fu, a Chinese martial art that sharpens focus and discipline — qualities that carry into my trial work.
Introducing Nicholas A. Pedersen, Esq.
Nicholas A. Pedersen is a New York City-based attorney concentrating in divorce and family law. A graduate of Albany Law School (2015) and member of the New York State Bar since 2016, Nick has handled cases in all five boroughs and on Long Island, including custody, child support, spousal support, paternity, and family-offense matters.
He has worked with firms such as Peter L. Cedeño & Associates and Tully Rinckey PLLC, and now operates his own practice, the Law Office of Nicholas A. Pedersen, P.C. Nick also devotes time to pro bono advocacy for individuals with disabilities and enjoys New York sports and family life with his dog Tessa.
Although Nick and I are not partners and do not share cases, we share a commitment to ethical, affordable representation for New York families. And I do refer many cases to Nick when I am not avaoilable or if the cases are in boros htat are far away.
Visit Us in Lower Manhattan
You can meet us at our Broad Street office in the Financial District, just steps from Wall Street and a short walk from the New York Family Court and the Appellate Division, First Department. Our location makes it easy for clients from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island to access experienced legal help without excessive travel or cost.
FAQ — About Paul W. Matthews, Esq.
What types of cases does Paul W. Matthews handle?
Family Court trials and appeals including custody, visitation, child support, family offense, and termination of parental rights.
Where is Paul W. Matthews’s Manhattan office located?
In the Financial District at Broad Street, near Wall Street and the New York Family Court.
How long has he been practicing law?
Since 1992 — more than 25 years of New York Family Law and Appellate experience.
Does Mr. Matthews teach or mentor other lawyers?
Yes. He has taught CLE courses and mentored new attorneys in trial practice and ethics.
Are Mr. Matthews and Mr. Pedersen law partners?
No. They maintain separate practices but share similar values and collaborate informally to help New York families find affordable legal services.
Paul W. Matthews, Esq.
Attorney at Law
Paul W. Matthews, Esq.
Attorney at Law
90 Broad Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10004
Phone: (347) 461-0760
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