Divorce & Family Law Attorney
Kingston, New York

At the law office of Catherine Charuk, I am a solo practitioner representing clients in the areas of divorce and family law, wills and estates, and guardianships and elder law for Kingston, Ulster County, New York and surrounding areas.  I also have what is known as a general civil practice, which means I accept cases in a variety of non-criminal areas outside these fields.

I strive to help clients through the emotional and legal difficulties that often accompany legal issues by carefully assessing their concerns, goals, and options.  I make certain to educate my clients about the law that governs their particular legal matters.  I am honest with my clients about the challenges they may face.  I believe this allows the client to make the optimum decision given his or her circumstances.

My clients appreciate the personal touch I extend in every case.   They say I am patient, clear and articulate—elements that build the integral trust and confidence for resolving personal issues.   Below are brief descriptions of my practice areas.

Divorce and Family Law 

I understand that when divorce or family problems strike, it is painful for all concerned.    I also understand that once you’ve come to my office, you have in all probability made the final decision to take action either to end yourrelationship or to seek other assistance from the family court.   While I try to be attentive to your pain, I consider it my job as your family law attorney to help you through the legal process as skillfully as possible.

I also help clients who need legal assistance when in the process of separating from a live-in partner, including same-sex domestic partnerships.

Custody and Visitation

When there are children involved, I try to help my divorcing or separating clients understand that in the eyes of those children the union that brought them into the world is never completely over.  Whenever possible, the the children need to maintain healthy, satisfactory relationships with both of their parents.   Therefore, I encourage, and help, my clients to communicate with their soon-to-be ex-partners to work together in a constructive manner for the best interests of the children.   If this is not possible, I try to construct the most practical framework within which the separated parties can remain parents to their children with a minimum of interference or grief.  Of course, as human beings all of us must realize that nothing is perfect and that often there are no completely satisfactory solutions to these problems.  Under those circumstances, we try to achieve the best result possible.

I use my skills both to establish and enforce child support orders, even if one party resides out of state.  Conversely, I also defend such proceedings where the law allows.

Guardianship & Elder Law

Sometimes families have not been able to plan sufficiently for the decline of an elderly relative.  Sometimes their planning has not gone quite far enough.  It may become necessary to apply to a court for the appointment of a guardian for the elderly or disabled person who is no longer able to care for him or herself, but who, at the same time, is resistant to change o does not understand or agree with the need for changes in their living situations.

Wills, Estates and Living Wills

Everyone should have a will.  Even if you think you have nothing to “leave”, I’ll bet if you think about it there is something at least of sentimental value that a friend or relative would appreciate as a last remembrance of you.  Many people avoid making wills because they cannot make up their minds about what they want to leave to whom.  Without a will, your estate could benefit someone you actually dislike, and a will can always be changed if you later change your mind.  I can help you plan your will, which governs the disposition of your estate after you die, help you with a living will, which tells your loved ones how you want to be treated if you become severely disabled, and help you protect your assets from the costs of long-term care.

Please contact me for a consultation on your legal matter.

I serve clients throughout southeastern New York, including Kingston, Saugerties, New Paltz, Poughkeepsie, Red Hook, Rhinebeck, Catskill, Delhi, Margaretville, Goshen, Newburgh, Middletown as well as all other locations in Ulster, Dutchess, Greene, Delaware, Columbia, Orange and Sullivan counties.

Catherine Charuk, Attorney at Law
26 Pearl Street
UPO Box 4011
Kingston, New York 12402

Phone (845) 334-9775
Fax (845) 334-9776
Email