Chambers High Net Worth 2025 has highly ranked Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law practice group in California and New York, as well as co-chairs Kristina Royce and Morgan Fraser Mouchette, and partners Marilyn B. Chinitz, Norman S. Heller, Lois J. Liberman, Sophie Jacobi-Parisi, Stacy D. Phillips, Mary T. Vidas, and Brett S. Ward.
As profiled in Chambers High Net Worth 2025:
Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law Practice Group
California (Band 1): The Blank Rome team specializes in handling divorce, child support, property distribution, and domestic violence issues for wealthy clients. The firm's California attorneys also advise on pre- and post-nuptial agreements and cross-border separations. Market insiders agree that the California team is “very good – they have an international focus and are on some high-value mandates.” Another interviewee said: “Blank Rome is a solid player in the space. They are a big firm with other practice groups readily available to the client.”
New York (Band 1): The team at Blank Rome is highly sought after by high net worth clients to advise on complex matrimonial matters, such as divorce proceedings and child custody issues. “Blank Rome provides a white glove service. The team was able to help with the multiple facets of my divorce including custody, real estate, finance, and appraisal, from start to finish,” said a source. Another interviewee adds: “Blank Rome has great experience which helps it provide grounded, practical guidance to clients. Blank Rome is also very responsive and addresses the soft features of matrimonial law well.” Other market insiders said: “The Blank Rome team are all really very experienced and knowledgeable in their field. I find their scope and breadth a tremendous value add.”
Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law Attorneys
California:
Stacy D. Phillips (Band 1) “is wonderful,” says a source. She frequently handles complicated matrimonial cases for high net worth and high-profile clients. Stacy is a highly experienced family law attorney and is highly regarded at the family Bar in California and nationally. An interviewee notes: “Stacy Phillips is a top family law advocate and is very respected for her skills and approach to all cases.”
Kristina Royce (Band 1) “is an excellent lawyer and I enjoy working with her and her team on family law matters,” says a market commentator. Another source states: “Kristina Royce is excellent. She is highly competent and overall a great attorney.” Kristina Royce is co-chair of Blank Rome's family law group. Her practice includes complex divorce matters, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and property distribution issues.
New York:
Norman S. Heller (Band 1) enjoys a fantastic reputation as a go-to for complex and high-value family and matrimonial matters. “Norman Heller is an exceptional lawyer and scholar,” states an interviewee. Another source comments: “Norman Heller has a very deep knowledge of matrimonial law, and when you are on the other side, he is very affable and can really identify the issues and come up with solutions.” Other market insiders say:
“Norman Heller is a great man. He is a dean of the Bar. We use him regularly for mediations and potential arbitrations.”
“Norman Heller is fantastic. He is one of the top matrimonial lawyers practicing.”
“Norman Heller is at the top of the food chain. He does arbitration, mediation and is also an excellent trial lawyer.”
Marilyn B. Chinitz (Band 2) acts for high net worth individuals in complex divorce cases, custody matters, and marital agreements. “Marilyn Chinitz works hard to ensure her client's needs are being met. I can't praise her work ethic, keen eye and diligence enough. She is simply a wonderful and talented attorney,” says one interviewee. Another notes, “Marilyn Chinitz is a consummate professional. Beyond her exceptional legal expertise, Marilyn brings warmth and humanity to every interaction with clients and their other advisers.” Another interviewee said: “I feel grateful to have worked with Marilyn Chinitz on my divorce.”
Lois J. Liberman (Band 2) is a well-known matrimonial lawyer with substantial experience acting for high net worth clients. “She's a passionate advocate for her client, always calm, always respectful, and always extremely personable,” states one market insider. An additional source adds: “She's very professional and very straightforward. She really cares, is focused on getting things done, doesn't drag things out, and always has a pragmatic approach.”
Brett S. Ward (Band 2) co-chairs the firm's Litigation Department previously served as co-chair of the Matrimonial & Family Law practice group. One market insider notes that Brett “has good judgement on what is real and what is not. He is incredibly persuasive and delivers excellent oral arguments.” Another source comments: “He is compassionate, professional, detailed, and probably the best litigator I have met. He is the definition of zealous advocate and knows how to protect his clients' rights with dignity.”
Morgan Fraser Mouchette (Band 3) advises high net worth individuals on contentious family and matrimonial matters, including divorce proceedings and international custodial disputes. An interviewee states: “Morgan is a zealous advocate for her client while also looking for the most efficient resolution. She is very creative, thinks outside the box, and can pivot when needed.” Another source adds, “Morgan is wonderful. I would recommend her to anyone going through the difficult circumstances of a divorce, whether amicable or not.”
Sophie Jacobi-Parisi (Band 3) represents high net worth clients in New York City in matrimonial matters. “Sophie Jacobi-Parisi is a pleasure to work with. She listens carefully and helps us accomplish all of our goals,” one source notes. Another interviewee adds: “she is attentive, practical and a great resource for clients and other advisers.” Another market insider says, “Sophie Jacobi-Parisi is a fantastic attorney. She has excellent judgement in knowing when to be aggressive and when not to be.”
Pennsylvania:
Mary T. Vidas (Band 1) advises on marital agreements, child custody cases, adoption matters, and complex divorces. Sources agree that Vidas is a well-known practitioner in matrimonial and family law in Pennsylvania. “When I think of top divorce lawyers in the Philadelphia, Mary Vidas is number one,” said one market insider.
Blank Rome's Private Wealth Law Attorneys were also highly ranked in Chambers High Net Worth 2025. To learn more, click here.
About Chambers High Net Worth
The guide covers private wealth management work and related specialties in key jurisdictions around the world, featuring in-depth editorial about the leading lawyers and law firms for wealthy individuals and families. Chambers High Net Worth also features listings and information about many of the top accountancy and tax firms, private banks, wealth management firms and multi-family offices acting for high net worth individuals. For more information on Chambers High Net Worth 2025, please click here.
