Certified Family Law Specialist And Mediator

"A couple of years ago, I found out I needed to have very major surgery. It made me think about all the 'what ifs': what if I died, what if I couldn't make decisions for myself, what if I needed extended care. Since I am single, I realized that if something happened to me decisions would legally be made by my elderly father or my brother who lives far away. My friends are much closer and better equipped to know my wishes in case "what if" became a reality. You helped me write and expedite a will and a power of attorney for both finances and health care. You took time, and helped me understand the implications of all my decisions. Also charged a very reasonable fee. Luckily, none of these efforts were necessary, but having my wishes in place and having someone listen gave me a far greater sense of security going into the hospital and for that I am thankful."

"I contacted you when I was staying at a Battered Women's Shelter. The children's father, was an officer in the military, had a bad temper, and he hit me and the children again and again. I didn't know where to turn. You helped me to obtain a restraining order and a therapist for my children. With your help, I filed for divorce and was able to get full custody of the children, as well as support. We even got the court's permission to move back to my parent's home in the Midwest. I've been working with my own therapist and learning how to be a good parent and a strong and powerful woman. Thank you so much!"

"My partner and I, who were together for eight years, bought a house, but it was in her name. I paid for a lot of the expenses, including the down payment, and made repairs to the house throughout our relationship. When we broke up, I told her I wanted my share of the house. She said because it was in her name, I wasn't going to get anything! Because of your help, we were able to mediate an agreement that allowed her to keep the house, but pay me for my own investment in the property. One of the best things is that we kept it out of court and used a mediator. It kept down the expenses, as well as the fighting."

"I was referred to Cheryl Sena in 2006 in regard to my divorce. I immediately felt that I was in good hands, as she was extremely knowledgeable and experienced, while at the same time she expressed a level of empathy and compassion that put me at ease during a very difficult time. Ms. Sena was quick to respond to any question or concern that I had, which reinforced her level of commitment. I quickly became very confident that I was being represented by an extremely competent and well-respected attorney. Through the process of divorce and later child custody issues, Ms. Sena remained true to her oath. She has gone far beyond what is required of her in her representation of me and my family. Through her tenacity, I have gotten custody of my daughter after a very long and arduous trial in family court. Through all of the craziness, I could rely on Ms. Sena to maintain a clear plan of action without losing sight of the big picture. I would highly recommend Cheryl Sena as an attorney. I am eternally grateful for all that she has done, and continues to do for my family."

"After 32 years of marriage, my husband decided to leave me. I was devastated and thought my life had come to an end. You helped me get through the trauma of a divorce, obtain support, divide our assets, and helped me find vocational training and a new job, even at my age. You were with me all the way, protecting my rights and giving me encouragement. I recommend you to others who are in the same boat."

"I want to thank you for helping my father. He came to you several years ago. He was elderly, disabled and confined to his home. My mother married him when I was 6 months old, and I was raised as his daughter. He wanted to adopt me, but my biological father refused. When I turned 18, he asked me again if I wanted him to adopt me. I loved him very much and was thrilled that he wanted me to be a full member of the family. You were able to arrange for the adoption in court, even thought he could not physically be there due to his disability. It was a wonderful day for our family. When he died last year, he left me a letter telling me how happy he was he was able to be my father."

"I recently finalized my divorce, and I cannot speak more highly of Ms Sena. My ex-husband and I were originally going through mediation. When I decided to consult with an attorney, a friend's mother, about my rights my ex got freaked out and decided to hire a lawyer, too. My friend's mother is getting ready to retire and was not interested in taking the matter to trial so declined getting any further involved. This was well into the involvement of the matter, so I was left scrambling for another lawyer to take the case. Luckily, another friend, recommended Cheryl Sena, who works in the same building as she and had heard good things about her. I went in to talk with her. She was succinct and to the point, but I liked how no-nonsense she was. I had what I thought was a complicated case, but she picked up the ball and ran with it. I was not interested in "screwing over" my husband and told her that, but I still wanted to make sure I had the funds to cover my eventual needs. I cannot speak more highly of the job that Ms. Sena did for me. I was amazed at how quickly she was able to pick up where the other lawyer had left off and was able to neutralize the demands that my ex-husband's lawyer was proposing. I know that I would not have ended off half as well if I had not been referred to Ms. Sena."

"I finally decided, after 17 years of marriage, to leave my husband. Our son was out of college, and I just couldn't stand living with someone as controlling as B. He wanted to have power over my every decision. I can't believe I was so lucky to find you to represent me. You actually forced this man into mediation. He started out making demands, and we actually ended up agreeing to divide everything 50/50. It wasn't easy but you helped me get through it. You're the best!"

"My partner died of AIDS last year. Since he came out to his family 10 years ago, they have refused to have anything to do with him. John and I were together for eight years and had a wonderful relationship. He came to you several years ago to ask for help in preparing a will and a trust. You sat patiently with John, answering his questions, preparing draft after draft, and working with him to develop a living trust. When he died, I became the executor of his will and the successor trustee of his trust. When his father arrived, declaring that John's death was "retribution for his evil ways" and demanding that I turn over John's belongings to him, I was able to refer them to you. At a time that I was grieving over the loss of my partner, you were able to keep the vultures away."

"My wife left me and took our three children. She refused to talk with me or even let me see them. When I came to you, I was very angry and wanted to 'get even.' You were able to help me focus on the needs of our children and come up with a plan asking the court for joint custody, and recognize the need to encourage a relationship between the children and their mother. As a result of your work, we have taken parenting classes, the children are doing well, and we are both able to spend quality time with our children. I appreciate your willingness to support me, while encouraging me to find a reasonable solution to our situation."