Richard Adago brings more than 30 years of litigation experience to his representation of high-net-worth individuals in divorce proceedings and other family law matters. An equally assertive and compassionate advocate, he regularly litigates and settles disputes before the New York State trial courts. He has particular experience in same-sex divorce litigation.
In addition to his work on contested divorces, Richard advises on property distribution agreements, custody issues, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, paternity suits, and other matrimonial matters touching on real estate, tax, and trusts and estate planning issues. While he has taken complex matters to trial—and prepares to do so in any dispute—he regularly guides clients through mediations and settlements that prove far more efficient and satisfying. Richard himself has been designated as a mediator on the New York Court Supreme Court Roster of Marital Mediators.
For more than a decade, Richard has taught a family law writing class as an adjunct professor at Fordham Law School. He has spoken to the LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York and other groups on same-sex marriage and divorce. His pro bono work for an Iraqi war veteran who lost custody of her children became the subject of a documentary.
Before joining KSTM, Richard co-chaired the New York matrimonial and family law practice at Phillips Nizer LLP, where he practiced alongside Mitchell Levitin. He previously served as a partner in multiple leading matrimonial practices, including at Blank Rome LLP. He began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.
HONORS
- New York Super Lawyer in Family Law (2014-2022)
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
- Co-chair, Matrimonial and Family Law Practice | Phillips Nizer LLP
- Partner | Hartmann Doherty Rosa Berman & Bulbulia, LLC
- Partner | Blank Rome LLP
EDUCATION
- Seton Hall University of Law
- State University of New York at Oswego
MEMBERSHIPS
- New York State Bar Association (Member, Family Law Section)
- City Bar of New York (Member, Family Law Section)
- The National Association of Divorce Planners, Grand Central Chapter
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
ADMISSIONS
- New York
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
