Jacqueline Harounian is Managing Partner of Wisselman, Harounian Family Law, and is a recognized leader in the field of matrimonial and family law. Jacqueline’s unique multidisciplinary background, including a graduate degree in Behavioral Forensic Psychology and Family Systems Therapy, enables her to adeptly handle complex divorce, custody and support matters in the Family and Supreme Courts on Long Island and New York City.
Recognized as a highly experienced trial and appellate advocate, Jacqueline nevertheless believes that a negotiated settlement is often the best strategy, especially if there are minor children and co- parenting is desired. Her approach is straightforward, responsive, and client focused. She emphasizes respect and compassion during the divorce process, and guides her clients towards a holistic and cost effective resolution of their matter that is in their best interest.
Jacqueline offers clients mediation and divorce settlement services as alternatives to litigated divorce or family law proceedings. These options provide an alternative way to handle separation and divorce outside of court to saves time and money. Mediation gives the parties more control over the outcome of their marital dispute and, therefore, provides a fairer outcome for both parties.
Jacqueline is the current co-chair of the Matrimonial Committee for the Women’s Bar of the State of New York. She also served as an Instructor of Family Law at Hofstra Law School for over ten years, and lectures regularly to attorneys, mental health professionals, accountants, and women’s groups, and is a sought after speaker for a range of topics including financial and legal empowerment, religious divorce (Islamic Mahr, Jewish Gett), sexual and cyber- harassment, intellectual property, intellectual property, parenting issues, negotiating skills, and mental health/addiction issues.
Jacqueline has seen sweeping changes in family law during the past decade and is committed to staying ahead of the curve as social change transforms the definition of marriage, gender roles & the notion of family. Her experience encompassing over 2 decades includes expertise involving:
- Divorce & Family
- Child Custody
- Child Support & Visitation
- Same Sex Disputes
- High net worth assets
- Estate planning
- Domestic violence
- Cyber harassment
- Mental health issues
- IVF/ reproductive rights
- Prenups
- Substance addiction
- Religious divorce (Jewish Gett & Islamic Mahr).
Education
- Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, J.D., 1994
- Columbia University, B.A., English Literature, Middle Eastern Languages and Culture, 1991
- The State University of New York, Certificate – Behavioral Forensics, Behavioral Forensic Psychology, 2017
Licenses & Certifications
- Narcan Training Certified, Northwell Health, 2018
Fluent in Hebrew, Farsi / Persian