Cheryl Stein Understands the Money, the Emotions, and When to Fight

A parent with two young children came to Cheryl Stein with a divorce settlement already taking shape. The client needed more than someone to explain the paperwork; she needed an attorney who could recognize what the proposed terms failed to protect. After reviewing the documents and participating in mediation, Stein helped reshape the settlement substantially in her client’s favor. It was the kind of result that captures her central strength: understanding when compromise can move a family forward—and when accepting the terms on the table would be a mistake.

Divorce law often seems designed to intensify conflict. Finances come under scrutiny, relationships become strained, and decisions about children may be placed before a judge. Stein offers clients several ways through that uncertainty. As both a family-law litigator and certified mediator, she can negotiate a thoughtful agreement, guide both sides through mediation, or advocate in court when litigation becomes necessary.

She founded the Law and Mediation Offices of Cheryl Stein in 2011 and remains its principal attorney. Drawing on 20 years of legal experience, she handles contested and uncontested divorces, custody and support disputes, high-net-worth property division, marital agreements, and post-divorce enforcement. The value of that range is practical: clients are not pushed toward one method simply because it is the only method their attorney understands.

Stein also brings an uncommon combination of financial and psychological training to the work. She studied family law, securities, and finance during law school and completed psychology-related coursework. That foundation is particularly useful when a divorce involves business interests, investment accounts, real estate, or emotionally difficult parenting decisions. Numbers must be examined carefully, but so must the human consequences attached to them.

Her courtroom perspective began before she entered private practice. While attending Fordham University School of Law, Stein represented clients through its Family Law Clinic and Legal Services of New York. She also interned for Judge Esther Morgenstern in Family Court and Integrated Domestic Violence Court, which coordinates related family, matrimonial, and criminal matters involving domestic violence. Those experiences gave her early exposure to how sensitive family disputes are presented, evaluated, and decided.

Not every case, however, benefits from a courtroom battle. In another matter, Stein helped a family complete an amicable divorce for parents who had lived apart for more than a decade. With one parent facing serious health concerns, protecting both parties’ assets became especially important. She handled the matter remotely, helped divide the property fairly, and brought the uncontested divorce through court acceptance.

Her professional recognition reflects that ability to move between determined advocacy and constructive resolution. Stein was selected to New York Metro Rising Stars from 2017 through 2019 and to Super Lawyers every year from 2020 through 2026—10 consecutive years of recognition. She also remains active in leading family-law and mediation organizations and has written about courtroom advocacy and developing matrimonial issues.

Public feedback provides an equally important measure. Her Manhattan practice maintains a perfect 5.0-star Google rating based on 67 reviews, with clients praising her responsiveness, professionalism, and ability to bring clarity to emotionally difficult situations. Stein speaks English and Hebrew, allowing her to communicate directly with clients in both languages.

For someone facing divorce, knowing the law is only the beginning. The attorney must understand the money, recognize the emotions driving the conflict, and possess the judgment to determine whether the better answer is negotiation or a fight. Stein has built her practice around making that decision carefully—and acting decisively once the right path becomes clear.

That combination of experience, reputation, verified professional standing, and public credibility is why Cheryl Stein was included on FreddieFender.com.