
Melissa Cipriano
- 175 Fairfield Ave, Suite 4 C/D West Caldwell, NJ 07006, Cipriano Law Offices - 175 Fairfield Ave, Suite 4 C/D, Cipriano Law Offices - 533 NE Third Avenue, Suite R-1
- +1-973-403-8600
- No email available
About:
As a child of Divorce and a Divorcee herself Ms. Cipriano has a unique insight into the toll this process takes on a family. As a business owner with not only a Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center but also a Master's of Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University, she understands the unique issues that face business owners when moving through divorce. Ms. Cipriano is here to help her clients, their family and their finances emerge from the process to more stable, happier, healthier future. Ms. Cipriano is admitted to practice law in New Jersey, New York and Florida. She is also admitted to the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. Ms. Cipriano volunteers on the Essex County Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel. She has tried numerous matrimonial cases to completion and is also a qualified family law mediator and a Parenting Coordinator. Ms. Cipriano's tremendous experience assisting families through contentious situations affords her a keen insight into problem solving for families in regards to both economic issues and parenting time concerns. She uses her vast experience to help families move through what may seem to be insurmountable obstacles. She also taps on her business sensibilities to assist owners as they untangle their business interests from their marital concerns.
Jurisdiction:Florida, New Jersey, New York, 3rd Circuit, U.S. District Court District of New Jersey, U.S. District Court Eastern & Southern Districts of New York, U.S. Supreme Court
Practice Area
Victims’ Rights
Explains survivor rights in criminal cases, including notices, attendance, restitution, privacy, protection orders, and input at bail, plea, sentencing, and post-conviction hearings.
Criminal Law
Guides reporting, evidence, bail conditions, no-contact orders, prosecutions or defenses, and record sealing, centering survivor safety and informed participation across the criminal process.
Family Law
Handles divorce, custody, parenting time, and support with DV-informed safety planning, temporary orders, safe exchanges, discovery protections, and long-term financial stability.
Personal Injury Law
Seeks compensation for assault-related injuries, trauma costs, lost wages, and property damage, coordinating with protection orders, insurance claims, and victim compensation programs.
Languages
English
Fees
Free Consultation
Education
J.D.
Awards
Top Lawyer
Super Lawyer
10.0 Superb Rating
Top 50 Women New Jersey Super Lawyers
Best Divorce Lawyers in Paterson
Client Champion - PLATINUM
Best Divorce Lawyers in Passaic
Certificate of Appreciation, Early Settlement Panelist
10 Best
Rising Star
Associations
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Reviews
RATED 1.0
Aug 7, 2025via Google
oscar garrido
"Giving her a 1 star it is too much I hire her to represent me on a Domestic Violence case 2005 before I hire her I ask her if her family members could be witness (because they will lie in order for her to win) she told me no, that was not the case in court they were allowed to testify with just lies My wife testimony was that on a particular date I hit her and punch her, her son in law say it was another date not the one my wife gave on her testimony(no consistency on his testimony) her daughter says on that date it was late and the only thing she heard was that I called her stupid she did not hear the hitting and kicking because that will for sure make noise beside my wife testimony said that I hit pretty hard but no marks also? or why they did not come to help her I'm sure if I was hitting her they should have being lots of noise, Ms Cipriano never question it also my wife on history of past incidents she stated that we went for a walk she, my 3 month baby and I and that I was pretty upset and I hit my 3 month baby and did a scratch on her head (on the streets I guess since we went out for a walk no witness?), Ms Cipriano again fail to ask for a medical report if that was true why my wife never took the baby to the hospital she (baby)could had serious injuries my wife would have in serious problems due to her negligence to take the baby to the hospital Ms Cipriano again never question it or say anything about it. just a Little note and at the time her 2 witness were undocumented in this country (to me they are not credible witness, due for them to get thing done here like license,bank account etc,they have to lie so they are natural lairs) If someone want to see that I'm not lying I have the transcripts, I'm not an attorney but to me she misrepresented me in all aspect."
RATED 5.0
Jul 10, 2025via Google
Amanda
RATED 1.0
May 10, 2025via Google
Jesse Ross
"Absolute worst. Wish I could give them zero stars. I've used Bart Lombardo who was so bad I fired him and then used the owner Melissa who was just as bad. They dragged everything out for years to generate more legal bills. Could never get updates, they missed important emails from the opposing attorney, wasn't prepared for court, the list goes on and on. Melissa even accidently sent me emails meant for other clients MULTIPLE times. One of the emails had sensitive information with a disturbing video attached. I couldn't believe how unprofessional this office was. Biggest waste of money I've ever spent and I encourage anyone who is looking for a family attorney to look elsewhere."
RATED 5.0
Apr 10, 2025via Google
Sharonda Thacker
"Cipriano Law goes above and beyond the rest when comes to client care. My attorney, Karen Willitts, took time to listen to my concerns. Her support made us feel as though our case truly mattered to her. I cannot thank Cipriano Law for everything have done for my family and me."
RATED 1.0
Apr 10, 2025via Google
Henry
"I had an extremely disappointing experience with this law firm. Despite paying for months of legal services, I saw little to no progress in my divorce case. This firm was recommended to me, but based on my experience, I do not understand why. Communication was slow and unhelpful. When I asked questions about my case, I was often met with condescending or dismissive responses. The attorneys and staff did not demonstrate the level of professionalism or urgency I expected from a family law firm handling such an emotional and important process. For over six months, I worked with one attorney, but no motions were filed—just back-and-forth correspondence with my adversary that led nowhere. When I attempted to take initiative and research aspects of my case, I was criticized rather than supported. Scheduling an appointment was unnecessarily difficult, as availability was rarely provided upfront, yet I was still charged for every email related to coordinating a meeting. The passive-aggressive responses, such as questioning why I was concerned about certain issues in my own case, made me feel disregarded and unheard. After I terminated their services, it took a full week for the firm to respond and over two and a half weeks for my retainer refund to be processed, with the explanation that it was delayed due to unavailability to sign the check—something that could have easily been handled electronically. When I received my case file, it contained only the documents I had originally provided, indicating that little to no additional work had been done on my behalf. I also noticed a pattern with online reviews. Whenever a negative review is posted, a series of glowing five-star reviews appear shortly after. Many of these reviews lack details about specific services provided, making it difficult to gauge their authenticity. This pattern is also evident on Yelp. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this law firm. If you are considering their services, I strongly encourage you to do thorough research before making a decision. The way I was treated throughout this process was unacceptable, and I believe that their practices raise ethical concerns regarding client care and legal responsibility."