Bender & Crane LLP

Bender & Crane in New York, New York, is a boutique matrimonial and family law firm dedicated to guiding individuals and families through some of life’s most personal and challenging moments. We understand that issues involving your family are deeply emotional, often complex and uniquely sensitive. That is why we prioritize compassion, clarity and unwavering advocacy in everything we do. By intentionally limiting our caseload, we ensure that every client receives the personal attention, thoughtful strategy and meticulous care their matter deserves.

We represent clients in all aspects of divorce negotiation and litigation, working tirelessly to protect their rights, interests and long-term stability. In child custody matters, we design strategic, direct and child-focused plans to safeguard what matters most – your family’s future. We also offer comprehensive guidance in drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, helping clients establish security and peace of mind with transparency and fairness.

Our firm is committed to offering pathways to resolution outside the courtroom. Through mediation, our highly trained mediators help clients reach amicable, constructive solutions and avoid unnecessary conflict. When arbitration is the most appropriate route, our experienced arbitrators provide a fair, efficient and professional process that minimizes protracted litigation. A longstanding cornerstone of our practice is our representation of the LGBTQIA+ community, and we are proud to offer affirming, knowledgeable counsel tailored to their unique needs.

Our work is anchored by the leadership and accomplishments of our partners. Susan L. Bender brings decades of trial experience, having represented hundreds of clients in Family and Supreme Courts across New York state, with more than 45 reported Appellate Court decisions. Her extensive training as an arbitrator, mediator and former special referee further strengthens our firm’s dispute-resolution capabilities. Lauren Crane applies decades of litigation experience to her work as a mediator, completing advanced training through the American Arbitration Association and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and serving on the New York County Supreme Court’s Roster of Matrimonial Mediators.