Reviews

The issues that Family Law contend with are always difficult and inevitably come at an emotional time. It’s therefore extremely important that the lawyer one uses is knowledgeable and professional, but also sensitive and easy to work with – which is exactly how I would describe the lawyers at Needle & Cuda. Melissa Needle clearly has deep knowledge of the issues governing Family Law and is able to explain these in a very clear and concise fashion. Importantly, with help from Mark Randall (and of course Jessica) the team responded quickly to our questions – always in a sensitive but prompt and professional manner. My experience could not have been better.

Attorney Melissa Needle and her team accomplished a most acceptable revision of a prior divorce contract that others firms said wouldn't happen. I applaude them for their diligence.

Melissa was personable, efficient, and knowledgeable. With her counsel, I was divorced in less than 6 months.

Melissa Needle and her staff provided me with professional, common sense support during a very difficult process. She never judged, was level headed while dealing with a very obstructionist opposing Counsel, and simplified what could have been a drawn out process. I've complete confidence in her and was fortunate to have her on my side.

Rob Walker is one of the best real estate and estate attorneys I have ever worked with. His motto is "the lawyer who returns your calls" and he actually DOES! He is professional, thorough, friendly and an excellent asset to have on your team. I've been in real estate for 20 years and Rob is the only attorney that has been on my list during all 20 years!

When I realized my marriage of 27 years was broken beyond repair, I approached Melissa Needle to represent me. Melissa’s goal was to avoid a trial. “That’s not the way I like to do business,” Melissa said. Some attorneys exploit emotions in order to increase billable hours regardless of the financial and emotional toll on the client. Melissa does not work this way. Unfortunately, my spouse and his attorney chose a path of divisiveness, and we were forced to go to trial. As the trial date approached, Melissa and I worked together to create a plan. She gave me the confidence to testify under oath, even while under cross examination by a very tough attorney. Most important, Melissa never allowed the emotional back story to blur her understanding of the relevant facts–the information Melissa knew would matter to a judge when rendering a decision. Her grasp of the financial details, in my case involving years of deferred compensation earned by my spouse, was superb. Had it not been for the thoroughness of Melissa’s presentation, and her paralegal’s attention to details, the outcome for me would surely have been less favorable. Melissa knows the Family Courts and the judges who preside over them. She understands how the system works, which is not always the way the client would like it to. But her representation is grounded in realities based on years of experience. Melissa is smart and supportive. She empowers her clients instead of patronizing them. Melissa is experienced and plugged-in. She is tough when she needs to be, but she’s never a bully. Melissa will always choose a fair and amicable path, but will fight for her client’s best interests should a trial become necessary. Melissa Needle is an excellent lawyer. She’s also a highly ethical and empathetic human being. And she has my highest praise.

Recently, I retained Needle and Cuda for my divorce. The entire law practice treated me with kindness, compassion and professionalism. The first day I knew I was in excellent hands, and everything I was promised came true for the future well being for my children and me. This law firm was protective of me, and knew the exact needs and legal advice that was required for me to get the best results for my divorce. The painful and arduous process of a divorce was made as caring and considerate to my needs and three children. I recommend hiring Needle and Cuda to anyone needing a divorce who will get the best settlement, while being treated with empathy and the best legal advice. Every question and concern was responded to the same day, and the entire office staff was professional while always remaining incredibly caring.

Melissa is probably the most professional family lawyer in Westport. Highly recommended lawyer and highly recommended law firm.

From the first step into this law office to the day my divorced was resolved I got the best legal help and emotional supported by the best people I have ever known. Going through divorce is traumatic and painful, and the unknown is scary, but I was fortuned enough to meet Melissa. She works tirelessly to make sure you are getting the best advise and is quick to respond, very methodical, professional and does not leave any stone unturned. She has given me all the strength that I needed to put the pieces together and move on with my life. Melissa is nothing but honest, compassionate and caring, but she is also a fierce fighter, she knows how to win, how to negotiate and how to be fair. These are qualities that you cannot put a price tag on but more important are hard to find all in one. I have said that a million times, Melissa was my angle my shining star and I am doing well today because she fought for me!!

Working with Melissa Needle was outstanding. She is very professional and really helped get my divorce finalized. Melissa got things done that my initial attorney couldn't get done in 15 months. Melissa and Jessica at Needle Cuda are outstanding professionals. I hate that I had to have a divorce, and hope that folks never have to go through them - but if you have no choice, like I did, I highly recommend Melissa Needle.

I hired Melissa Needle in a time of need. She demanded $25,000 for a retainer fee and made it clear that payment to her was a priority. I came to Melissa for child custody matters and with hope she could help. Her nice office and nice front desk was a facade. Melissa made huge legal mistakes that have cost my daughter and I both psychological and financial harm. At the hearing, Melissa was pressuring me to agree to an unsafe plan. She filed the wrong motion. Even the Judge said so. During the hearing, she was unprepared, kept making mistakes in facts, has a hearing problem, and did not make objections when needed. She barely cross-examined my ex-spouse and still denies she filed the wrong application even though the Judge said it herself. Choosing the right divorce attorney is one of the most important decisions you make. My daughter and I are still suffering the consequences of Melissa’s mistakes and her inflated bills. Be mindful who you choose to retain and do not be fooled by the website, the nice office, and the friendly front desk.