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830 Post Road East, Suite 301 | Westport, Connecticut 06880
2435 Route 6, 2nd Floor | Brewster, New York 10509
Call For Consultation 203-557-9500845-860-0000
Testimonials

I knew instantly after meeting Melissa that I wanted her to represent me if I was going to get divorced. It is such a difficult and emotional process, but she is professional, reassuring and caring. My divorce ended up going to trial, which no one wants. Melissa represented me very well and the outcome was favorable. She was prepared, organized and so composed. She presented the facts in such a professional manner. I would highly recommend Melissa if you need a caring, intelligent, professional attorney.

-Sharon C.Testimonials


There aren’t enough glowing things to say Melissa Needle and her entire team. Melissa took me through a difficult and challenging cross state relocation case and helped me achieve what I thought was impossible. With intention and smart strategic moves all the way through, Melissa helped me navigate the process with patience, incredible attention to detail, foresight, and incomparable smarts. She is seasoned, empathic, but knows when to make hard calls and tough decisions. And they always seemed to lead to the desired outcomes. I trusted her with the biggest decision of my life, and she secured the outcome we desperately wanted. She and her entire team are accessible, responsive, supportive, caring, and they don’t leave one stone unturned. I can’t recommend her highly enough and with Melissa, you are in THE BEST hands.

-Gayle Greenberger


Recently, I retained Needle and Cuda for my divorce. The entire law practice treated me with kindness, compassion and professionalism. The first day I knew I was in excellent hands, and everything I was promised came true for the future well being for my children and me. This law firm was protective of me, and knew the exact needs and legal advice that was required for me to get the best results for my divorce. The painful and arduous process of a divorce was made as caring and considerate to my needs and three children. I recommend hiring Needle and Cuda to anyone needing a divorce who will get the best settlement, while being treated with empathy and the best legal advice. Every question and concern was responded to the same day, and the entire office staff was professional while always remaining incredibly caring.

  • Ellie Williams

Melissa Needle and her staff provided me with professional, common sense support during a very difficult process. She never

Attorney Melissa Needle along with her Paralegal Jessica Calise represented me through a very difficult revision of a prior divorce contract. Their skills accomplished th

Highly recommend Melissa Needle! Divorce is very hard but she made it easier through her caring manner, responsiveness, assertiveness, and creativity in getting things done. She helped me keep the faith during a pandemic and eventually got me what I needed and deserved. Her team including Jessica Calise are excellent. Thank you Needle Cuda!!

-Karen Patani


From the first step into this law office to the day my divorced was resolved I got the best legal help and emotional supported by the best people I have ever known. Going through divorce is traumatic and painful, and the unknown is scary, but I was fortuned enough to meet Melissa. She works tirelessly to make sure you are getting the best advise and is quick to respond, very methodical, professional and does not leave any stone unturned. She has given me all the strength that I needed to put the pieces together and move on with my life. Melissa is nothing but honest, compassionate and caring, but she is also a fierce fighter, she knows how to win, how to negotiate and how to be fair. These are qualities that you cannot put a price tag on but more important are hard to find all in one.
I have said that a million times, Melissa was my angle my shining star and I am doing well today because she fought for me!!

-Mikki S.


Working with Melissa Needle was outstanding. She is very professional and really helped get my divorce finalized. Melissa got things done that my initial attorney couldn’t get done in 15 months. Melissa and Jessica at Needle Cuda are outstanding professionals.

I hate that I had to have a divorce, and hope that folks never have to go through them – but if you have no choice, like I did, I highly recommend Melissa Needle.

-Vincent Rosedahl


I have complete confidence recommending attorney Alex Cuda to anyone in need of legal help. He has represented me through difficult post-divorce proceedings. Throughout this period, Alex kept laser-focus on every detail of a complex case. I always felt that he gave his undivided attention. As a litigator, he was thoroughly prepared. I felt I was in the hands of an experienced and capable attorney every step of the way. Most of all, his display of integrity and ethical recommendations confirmed I picked the right attorney. 10 out of 10.

-Caroline Mecartney


Attorney Melissa Needle along with her Paralegal Jessica Calise represented me through a very difficult revision of a prior divorce contract. Their skills accomplished the goals I needed in a timely manner.
– J.U.


I knew instantly that I wanted Melissa to represent me if I was getting divorced. She is caring, professional and quick to respond. My case went to trial, which no one wants. She handled my trial brilliantly and the results were excellent. I highly recommend Melissa and her firm. You will be in great hands.
– D.P.


Melissa Needle and her staff provided me with professional, common sense support during a very difficult process. She never judged, was level headed while dealing with a very obstructionist opposing Counsel, and simplified what could have been a drawn out process.

I have complete confidence in her and was fortunate to have her on my side.
– Debra


Melissa Needle always made me feel comfortable during a very stressful and emotional time. She was very knowledgeable and worked hard to get this done in a timely manner.
– Jennifer


Melissa is a top-notch divorce lawyer with a vast knowledge of the legal system and the skills to navigate it. But of equal importance to a client going through a divorce, she is sensitive and compassionate and always realistic about expectations. There is no one better I’d rather have on my side.
– Anonymous


I knew instantly after meeting Melissa that I wanted her to represent me if I was going to get divorced. It is such a difficult and emotional process, but she is professional, reassuring and caring. My divorce ended up going to trial, which no one wants. Melissa represented me very well and the outcome was favorable. She was prepared, organized and so composed. She presented the facts in such a professional manner. I would highly recommend Melissa if you need a caring, intelligent, professional attorney.
– Debra


“When I realized my marriage of 27 years was broken beyond repair, I approached Melissa Needle to represent me. Melissa’s goal was to avoid a trial. “That’s not the way I like to do business,” Melissa said. Some attorneys exploit emotions in order to increase billable hours regardless of the financial and emotional toll on the client. Melissa does not work this way. Unfortunately, my spouse and his attorney chose a path of divisiveness, and we were forced to go to trial. As the trial date approached, Melissa and I worked together to create a plan. She gave me the confidence to testify under oath, even while under cross examination by a very tough attorney. Most important, Melissa never allowed the emotional back story to blur her understanding of the relevant facts–the information Melissa knew would matter to a judge when rendering a decision. Her grasp of the financial details, in my case involving years of deferred compensation earned by my spouse, was superb. Had it not been for the thoroughness of Melissa’s presentation, and her paralegal’s attention to details, the outcome for me would surely have been less favorable.

Melissa knows the Family Courts and the judges who preside over them. She understands how the system works, which is not always the way the client would like it to. But her representation is grounded in realities based on years of experience. Melissa is smart and supportive. She empowers her clients instead of patronizing them. Melissa is experienced and plugged-in. She is tough when she needs to be, but she’s never a bully. Melissa will always choose a fair and amicable path, but will fight for her client’s best interests should a trial become necessary. Melissa Needle is an excellent lawyer. She’s also a highly ethical and empathetic human being. And she has my highest praise.”
D.S. – Westport


“I felt that my case could never be settled…I was at a loss, not knowing which way to turn. You took my case, that appeared hopeless, and gave me back hope . . . I knew I was in capable hands. My decision to hire you was the best decision I have ever made. Thank you for your time, patience, and support and for settling the case so that I could move on with my life.”
R.C. – New Canaan


“Divorce is a scary and emotionally draining experience for both sides, regardless of the circumstances. Melissa’s professional and yet personal approach softened the impact of what is otherwise a potentially destructive process. She had a strong grasp of the law, was very professional and respectful of all parties, and yet represented what was fair across the board. She gave me the confidence in my positions on things and allowed for a flow of rationale discussions eventually leading to a final agreement that was fair for both parties, allowing each to walk away with dignity and confidence. I can’t say enough how grateful I was during that difficult time for her counsel.”
B.C. – Weston


“I knew I was in good hands after my first meeting with Melissa Needle. She listened to my story with compassion, and thoroughly explained my legal options to me. I made difficult choices, based on her guidance and expertise, with the confidence that I needed to move forward with my divorce and my life. She offered a very realistic point of view, and her positive attitude helped me through very dark times. It also helped to know that she was always just a phone call away, and that she was capable of dealing with complicated issues and unexpected problems. I achieved the best possible outcome, and know that Melissa made all the difference. I am very grateful for her expert representation, and for her understanding and support.”
B.E. – Westport


I came to Melissa after my divorce and settlement were finalized with the intention to relocate out of state. One meeting with her and her paralegal, and I knew I found a like-minded advocate. Like many in similar circumstances, the situation was emotionally draining and easily one of the most difficult periods of my life. Melissa was sympathetic to the emotional toll a relocation can cause, yet expertly led me through the legal process and CT family court system. Throughout the nearly year long procedure, she kept her eye on the ball and focused on a positive result. She took every step to avoid a trial and worked hard towards a settlement. When it became clear that we were going to trial, she was thorough, prepared, and navigated the Family Court system with certainty and years of experience under her belt. Her expertise in this realm gave me the confidence to endure 2 days of cross examination and 6 days of trial with grace and composure. Thankfully Melissa won my case for me and I was permitted to relocate with my child to another state.
Your choice of counsel during these highly emotionally-charged times is the single most important decision you can make. At this vulnerable time in your life, you need an advocate that will consider your short and long-term interests. If Melissa had been the lawyer to handle my divorce, I firmly believe she would have thought through a potential relocation with a solid divorce agreement and I would have avoided the emotional heartache and financial toll of litigation.
I highly recommend Melissa to anyone in a difficult family situation. She and her firm have my highest respect and I will be forever grateful for their guidance.
Anonymous


Melissa is a fine lawyer who has mastered the art of combining legal ability, strategic thinking and a sense of humanity towards her client. She is a pleasure to work with and I’d strongly recommend her.
-Mark


I spent 11 long years in the system. I would not have been trapped there for so long if I had Attorney Melissa Needle as my counsel from the beginning. She was a ray of sunshine in the very dark world of divorce and in my never ending storm. Melissa gave me back my freedom and not only brought justice to the ones who were trying to defy the system, but she defended me from many unjust accusations. I have spoken to countless lawyers during this process. Attorney Needle is the only lawyer who was not in it for the money or the big win–she’s about justice and she fought for what was best for my kids and me. She has a level of empathy that can sometimes be hard to find in a lawyer. She cares. She is honest–a word hardly ever used in the process. She is a wife and a mother, which is so important in the world of divorce, so you can truly understand the dynamics of a family/marriage in all its facets. Melissa was the first attorney to be fair, and to truly care about my children and me. And her integrity spans all aspects of her business–she never over billed me or over charged me. I highly recommend Attorney Needle and am eternally grateful to her for all she did for me.
-Anonymous


Melissa has professionally represented me for over 12 years; guiding me thru the legal & emotional hurdles of a difficult divorce, thru a court modification process to the original agreement, thru an appeal to that modification, & thru another full court hearing on the modification…all with fair & positive rulings in my favor. I have & will continue to recommend her legal services to others.
-Bill


Melissa was extremely helpful as I went through my divorce process. She delivered great legal advice with a lot of technical excellence through some very complex employment compensation issues. However, more importantly, she understood my emotions and end goals and was able to communicate practically, patiently and with compassion to deliver a favorable result.
–Dan


At a very difficult and emotional time, Atty Needle helped to keep things calm. Professional, thorough and to the point, Melissa helped to guide me in the right direction. She quickly gained my trust so I felt confident with the legal counsel I received. Atty Needle’s ability to keep things positive while getting the job done is what stands out the most when someone asks about my experience.
-Anonymous

 

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