Stephan Shattuck

About

Stephan Shattuck, Esq. is a divorce, family law attorney based out of Astoria, Queens, New York. He believes in taking the time to listen to his clients and educating them on the law, in the philosophy called “client-centered lawyering.”
In the area of divorce, Mr. Shattuck is knowledgeable and tactful in his approach to “equitable distribution” (i.e. property and debt division) as well as “maintenance” (i.e. alimony or spousal support). Whether it be through means of settlement or trial, Mr. Shattuck believes that informing clients from the start to set realistic expectations. Mr. Shattuck also believes low conflict settlement is preferable. However, where settlement is not possible, Mr. Shattuck is a tough litigator.
Mr. Shattuck is a skilled and experienced attorney in matters of child custody and visitation, including enforcement actions and issues involving relocation of the child(ren). In such cases, it is paramount to understand that most often the court process does not produce quick results. However, in certain cases it is important that a parent moves quickly or risk having the court rule against them. While the law is clear on the basic rights of both parents, there are many factors that can shape the outcome of a custody case. For this reason, Mr. Shattuck understands the importance of gathering all the facts to help guide his clients and the court towards favorable resolution.
Mr. Shattuck first became interested in family law before even starting his legal career. While studying at the University of Baltimore School of Law he participated in the school's Family Law Clinic as both a summer clerk and then a student attorney. This educational opportunity laid the foundation to his style in representing clients today. This commitment to family law continued after he became a licensed attorney by working with the New York Court’s Access to Justice Program, where he helped unrepresented litigants with issues of custody, child support, and domestic violence.
“Understanding the family dynamic and the individuals involved is crucial to my practice. To be an effective lawyer, I believe it is essential to be a strong advocate. However, I also believe it is just as important to be a good listener. There is no better way to represent clients effectively than to hear their story, and that is exactly how I practice.”