Needle | Cuda: Divorce & Family Law - Westport, Connecticut

Christine S.

I had the pleasure of working with Alex Cuda and his staff, and I can’t speak highly enough of the experience. From the very first call, to meeting with Alex in person, I felt I was in capable hands. Alex and his team were incredibly kind, professional, and attentive throughout the entire process.

Alex took the time to listen to my concerns and fought for my interests every step of the way. His experience and knowledge in family law were evident as he handled my case with efficiency and care. One of the things I appreciated most was how well he communicated. His emails to opposing counsel were clear, concise, and impeccably written, which minimized unnecessary back-and-forth.

I always felt confident that Alex was prioritizing what was most important to me. He’s a lawyer who doesn’t waste your time or resources, and I’m grateful for the outcome he achieved for me. I highly recommend Alex Cuda for anyone seeking legal representation in family law.

Lisa L.

Wow, where do I start?! Bottomline, if you want to come out your divorce quickly with the best possible outcome, call Melissa Needle.

Mine was was a high net-worth, very contentious divorce. Melissa and team were professional, thorough, efficient and genuinely warm and easy to work with keeping their eye on the end game. They got me out of this marriage with the highest equity possible that could sustain me on not only on a day-to-day basis, but for my long-term future as well. Melissa’s team completed my divorce in less than a year with constant guidance along the way – no surprises, just solutions…

They were responsive to my concerns and needs, helped to keep emotions regulated and coached me when to lose a battle (not many) to win the war.

And I did. Big time. Melissa and team set me up for life – not just financially, but emotionally and mentally encouraging me to start fresh and not look back.

I’m forever grateful to Melissa Needle and her team for positioning me for Act II!

Donald M.

Melissa, Kevin and Kelly showed the perfect combination of compassion and competence as they took me thru the most financially threatening, emotional disturbing and overall challenging time of my life. As a result I landed on my feet happy and in good shape for my future. I am now able to take care of my sons and look forward to happier days in every aspect of my life. The service approach of always being there to answer questions combined with their deep knowledge of divorce law and decades of experience combined to quickly build my trust in the Needle Cuda team. If you find yourself in a divorce situation I highly recommend your first call be to this team.
Don McGuire

James F.

When I was ambushed with divorce papers, I had to find legal representation and fast. Melissa Needle came highly recommended.

The process of divorce is intimidating and distressing... the cost, the legal procedures, unpleasant surprises etc -- all of which have the potential to raise the temperature and stress levels in the worst possible way. This is coupled with a plethora of unsolicited advice / interference from people that are long on opinion and short on fact.

Melissa's really knows the law (turns out not all lawyers do) and her finesse comes by combining considerable experience with the warm reassurance of someone that really knows what she's doing.

You get what you pay for in this life. And yes, the upfront deposit is not trivial, but think about it... faced with a bleak medical prognosis, would you cut corners choosing a doctor? No you wouldn't, and nor should you here.

Also, and equally important, Melissa has an amazing staff -- all kind, personable and professional. I dealt with Jessica, Alison, and Kelly. They're all extremely competent and available -- with complete empathy for the strain this whole process asserts on you, the client -- and they were always accurate and up to date with the facts. And this really matters during an uncertain and turbulent time.

At every step, Melissa and her staff lowered the pressure and temperature, which made a truly upsetting and unpleasant set of circumstances, bearable and reassuring. I would absolutely recommend Needle Cuda to anyone that finds themself in my position.

Sheetal K.

Kevin and Heather were the perfect team for my divorce. They made one of the toughest experiences of my life bearable. They showed that they cared and were there every step of the way. They always had my best interest in mind.

Desiree A.

Melissa and her staff were undoubtably the reason for my family and children’s success after a very lengthy and contentious divorce. Melissa made sure to address every single need, thought and question I brought to her attention, was always available and fought for every resolution I needed. She has been a major contributor to a seamless transition for my children and I during a very difficult process. I fully trusted every recommendation and thought she offered to me. I am forever grateful to her and her staff for their expertise and sensitivity during this time.

Timothy S.

I have known Melissa Needle for over 15 years. I have had nothing but positive interactions with her. I find her to be very reasonable, intelligent and articulate for her clients. She has a complete understanding of the more complex issues in family law. In fact, I refer cases to her. She has the unique ability to manage her client’s expectations which results in the greater likelihood of a case being resolved short of trial. I have been practicing family law exclusively for well over 35 years, and I would count Melissa Needle among the top ten ethical lawyers that I deal with.

James L.

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.