David H. Friedman

David H. Friedman jointly runs a family law practice with his father – both are Certified Family Law Specialists – and said his commitment to the field stems from lessons from the patriarch and a desire to find his own niche.

“Working with my father, who specializes in family law, drew me into family law,” the younger Friedman said. “Helping people, and often minor children, during a difficult time in their lives keeps me interested.”

Friedman said he finds fulfillment in helping children during difficult times in their lives.

He has worked on several significant and related cases, including a probate guardianship where he helped reunite his teenage clients with their mother.

“I think the outcome was favorable as my clients wanted to be back with their mother,” Friedman said. “The guardian, their grandmother, kept saying that at some point in the future the guardianship would terminate but wouldn’t say when she thought it should terminate.”

Friedman said he enjoys helping children navigate difficult times and helping them understand the legal process. He believes it is important to be a voice for children who are often not heard in custody litigation.

In the guardianship case, Friedman said his biggest challenge was determining whether his clients should testify in court. Once the judge made the determination, Friedman prepared his clients for testifying. To prepare minors for testifying, Friedman said he likes to go through a question-and-answer session.

“I try to ask questions that I will be asking and anticipate questions the other parties and counsel will be asking,” he said. “As for children testifying, it is really a case-by-case basis. But I have had a few clients that were happy that they got to go and talk to the Judge. They felt heard and that they were part of the process.”

In collection matters, a sub-specialty the family business is known for, Friedman said he has learned a lot from his father.

“I have also done some research and we are now garnishing Social Security after I found out that this is a possible way to collect past due child and spousal support,” Friedman said.