Practice areas: Family Law, Schools & Education; view more
Licensed in New York since: 1986
Education: St. John's University School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2009, 2014 - 2026 Details
As a principal attorney at Offit Kurman, Attorneys at Law, based in New York City, New York, Bettina D. Hindin provides dedicated legal representation to individuals and families dealing with personal legal issues. Her practice focuses on family law, special education law involving accommodations and discrimination, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ individuals, reflecting a long-standing commitment to equity, inclusion and client-centered counsel.
With nearly four decades of experience, Ms. Hindin has experience in advising and representing clients in sensitive family and matrimonial matters, as well as disputes involving educational access, disability rights and discrimination. She is widely recognized for her thoughtful, strategic approach and her ability to guide clients through emotionally challenging situations with clarity, professionalism and compassion.
Ms. Hindin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hofstra University in 1982. She then went on to pursue her legal studies at the St. John’s University School of Law, where she honed her shrewd legal acumen and received her Juris Doctor in 1985. After successfully clearing the bar, she became licensed to practice law in New York.
A consummate professional, Ms. Hindin is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States. Additionally, she is certified as a Law Guardian by the Appellate Division, First Department.
An active participant in the legal community, Ms. Hindin is a member of the New York State Bar Association and serves on its Committee on LGBT People and the Law. She is also a member of the Family and Matrimonial Law Committee of LeGaL. In recognition of her many contributions to the legal profession, she has received an AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell, the organization’s highest distinction.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Practice areas
Family Law, Schools & EducationFocus areas
Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Education, Father's Rights, Juvenile Law, Marital Property, Mediation & Collaborative Law, Name Change, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Same Sex Family Law
- 90% Family Law
- 10% Schools & Education
First Admitted: 1986, New York
Professional Webpage: https://www.offitkurman.com/bettina-hindin
Bar / Professional Activity
- Committee on Matrimonial Law, Secretary, Member, 1987-1988
- Committee on Municipal Affairs, Secretary, Member, 1989-1992
- LeGal, Family and Matrimonial Law Committee, Member, 2013-Present
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
- New York
- Elected to membership in the LGBTQIA+ Family Law Institute (after rigorous approval process)., 2023
- The National LGBTQIA+ Bar Association: Member at Large and Member of the Family Law Institute: , 2023
- Hofstra University Women in Leadership Initiative, Member, 2013-Present
- Member, New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers
- New York State Bar Association, Member, Special Committee on LGBT People and the Law
- U.S. State Department Attorney Network, Registered Counsel, The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of Child Abduction
- Member Lambda Legal Defense Fund, Cooperating Attorney Network
- Member, LeGal
- New York State Bar Association- Member, Family Law Section (2004 to present), Executive Committee (2004-2008)
- Member, New York State Bar Association
- Member, Committee on State Legislation
- Member, Committee on Matrimonial Law
- Member, Committee on Family Courts and Family
- Member, Association of the Bar of the City of New York (1987-2007)
- OK RISE, LGBTQIA Subcommittee Chair, 2020-Present
- United States Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
- Certified Law Guardian, Appellate Division, First Department (2002 -Present) Member, Association of the Bar of the City of New York (1987-2007) Member, Committee on Family Courts and Family (2003 – 2007) Member, Committee on State Legislation (1995-1997) Member, Committee on Matrimonial Law (1992-1995) Member, Committee on Matrimonial Law (Secretary, 1987-1988) Member, Committee on Municipal Affairs (Secretary, 1989-1992) Member, New York State Bar Association (1986-Present) Member, Family Law Section, Executive Committee (2004-Present) Member, Hofstra University Women in Leadership Initiative (2013-Present) Member, LeGal, Family and Matrimonial Law Committee (2013-Present) Member Lambda Legal Defense Fund, Cooperating Attorney Network (2009-Present) U.S. Department Attorney Network, Registered Counsel, The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of Child Abduction. (2010-Present) Member, NYSBA, Committee on LGBT People and the Law (2013-Present)
- New York State Bar Association, Member, Special Committee on LGBT People and the Law, 2014
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Braverman v Braverman, 140 A.D.3d 413, 33 N.Y.S.3d 39 (1st2016)
- Spiegel v. Quality Bakers of America Cooperative, Inc., 1992 WL 349799 (S.D.N.Y. 1992)
- Markard v. Markard, 206 A.D.2d 512, 615 N.Y.S.2d 280 (2d Dept. 1994)
- Greenfield v. Greenfield, 270 A.D.2d 57, 704 N.Y.S.2d 55 (1st 2000)
- Jackson v. Jackson, 306 A.D.2d 182, 763 N.Y.S.2d 545 (1st 2003)
- Bartek v. Draper, 309 A.D.2d 825, 765 N.Y.S.2d 893 (2d Dept. 2003)
- In the Matter of C.M., 6 Misc.3d 361, 789 N.Y.S.2d 393 (Sup.Ct., N.Y.Co. 2004)
- Elizabeth T.L. v. Jeffrey C.L., 24 A.D. 3d 270, 8080 N.Y.S.2d 180 (1st 2005)
- T. v. Dash, 37 A.D.2d 107, 827 N.Y.S.2d 112 (1st Dept. 2006)
- Levine v. Levine, 37 A.D.2d 550, 830 N.Y.S.2d 252 (2d Dept. 2007)
- Kaplan v. Kaplan, 51 A.D.3d 635, 857 N.Y.S.2d 677 (2d Dept. 2008)
- Margaret A. v Shawn B. 2011 NY Slip Op 21090 [31 Misc. 3d 769], Decided on March 15, 2011, Supreme Court, Westchester County Connolly, J
Videos
- "The Best Prenuptial Stories: Showbiz Tonight" on CNN with Brooke Anderson "The Mills/McCartney Divorce Battle" on MSNBC "MetroLaw" on MSG Learning Channel, a legal panel show, guest panelist "On the Air With Alex Metz," Syndicated Radio Show, guest speaker on prenuptial agreements "Today Show," WNBC, Inter-Faith Marriage, guest "Cliff and Company," KSON Radio, frequent guest speaker on "Britney Spears Loses Custody," and high profile matrimonial cases. "MSNBC Radio", frequent guest commentator on high profile matrimonial cases. "Court TV," provided research and commentary, TELEVISION/RADIO
- "The Best Prenuptial Stories: Showbiz Tonight" on CNN with Brooke Anderson "The Mills/McCartney Divorce Battle" on MSNBC. "On the Air With Alex Metz," Syndicated Radio Show, guest speaker on prenuptial agreements. "Today Show," WNBC, Inter-Faith Marriage,, Family Law - Divorce Law
- Provided expert commentary and insight into the legal processes of divorce concerning the high net worth individual, High Net Worth Divorce, Thomas Reuters Television, Thomas Reuters Television, 2012
- Multiple television and print appearances, providing expert commentary concerning the Cruise/Holmes divorce, Tom Cruise/Katie Holmes Divorce, E! Entertainment News!, 2012
Representative Clients
- Due to the nature of our practice, we do not release/publish the name of our clients. To the extent that a few of our cases have been addressed in the press, such information is available online. The individuals we represent, however, are some of the wealthiest and well-known celebrities, industrialists and business people in the country, 2017
- Recently appointed a delegate of the IBA (International Bar Association), 2018
Transactions
- Bettina D. Hindin '82 Endowed Scholarship, Hofstra University. This scholarship is awarded to a student(s) studying elementary or secondary education, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, selected based on academic achievement or potential and/or financial need. The recipient will have demonstrated commitment to the activism and advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ+ individuals. , 2024
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Certified Law Guardian/Attorney for the Child, Appellate Division, First Department, 2024
- Certified Law Guardian/Attorney for the Child, Appellate Division, First Department, 2025
- Certified Law Guardian/Attorney for the Child, Appellate Division, First Department, 2022
- Certified Law Guardian/Attorney for the Child, Appellate Division, First Department, 2021
- Admitted to Practice before: The U.S. District Court, For The Eastern District of the State of New York, 1998
- Admitted to Practice before: The U.S. District Court, For The Southern District of the State of New York, 1998
- SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, December 2017, Sworn in as Member of the Bar, 2017
Pro bono / Community Service
- Empire State Pride Agenda - Empire Club/Justice Circle: New York's statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights and advocacy organization. Our successful mission was to win equality and justice for LGBT New Yorkers and our families -- especially marriage equality. We recognized that while significant cultural, legal and governmental advances have led to greater equality for LGBT New Yorkers, we and our families remained highly vulnerable without the vast majority of rights and protections that most New Yorkers take for granted. Through our education, organizing and advocacy programs, we worked toward creating a broadly diverse alliance of LGBT people and our allies in government, communities of faith, labor, all sectors of the workforce and other social justice movements to achieve equality for LGBT New Yorkers and the broader goals of social, racial and economic justice.
- Member of LeGal
- Member, U.S. Department of State's Attorney Network to advise on matters involving The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of Child Abduction. The Convention is an International Treaty that provides a procedure for the prompt return of children who have been “wrongfully removed” or “retained outside” their country of “habitual residence.”
- Alumni Achievement Award, Hofstra University, 2017
Educational Background
- Hofstra University, B.A., 1982
- Hofstra University LGBTQ+ Advisory Board
- University of London, 1981 Elizabethan Theater Modern Theatre in Performance, 1981
White Papers
- In Landmark Ruling Pope Francis Approves Priestly Blessings for Same-sex Couples , In Landmark Ruling Pope Francis Approves Priestly Blessings for Same-sex Couples, Law, 2023
- Imputation of Income: Rebalancing the Support Scales, Imputation of Income: Rebalancing the Support Scales, Law, 2023
- Dirty Tricks Employed by Lawyers and Disregarded by Judges, Dirty Tricks Employed by Lawyers and Disregarded by Judges, Law, 2023
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Seven Offit Kurman Attorneys Named 2024 New York Metro Top Women by Super Lawyers, March 27, 2025
- Sixteen Offit Kurman Attorneys Recognized in 2025 Edition of New York Metro Super Lawyers , October 30, 2025
- On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued the executive order titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” This directive mandates that all federal agencies recognize only two biological sexes -- male and female -- defined at conception. It requires the replacement of the term “gender” with “sex” in official documents and policies and prohibits the use of gender-affirming language and practices within federal operations. Additionally, the order restricts the use of federal funds for gender-affirming care and disallows self-selection of gender on government-issued identification, such as passports and visas., Author, Defending Women from Gender Ideology an Individual’s Sex Is Not a Simple Matter, Family Law -Offit Kurman - February 6, 2025, Family Law And Matrimonial Law, 2024
- Joint divorce is no legal in New York. Neither party needs to be the "bad one," for the divorce to process. The parties apply for divorce together., Author, New York Takes a Progressive Step with Uncontested Joint Divorce, Family Law- Offit Kurman - February 12, 2025, Family Law And Matrimonial Law, 2025
- Can white people be discriminated against? Apparently so..., Author, Examining the US Supreme Court’s “Reverse Discrimination” Case: Fueling the DEI Fight, Family Law- Offit Kurman - March 10, 2025, Family Law And Matrimonial Law, 2025
- LGBTQIA+ law is an ever changing world, where the entitlements and protections you have today, may not be the ones you have tomorrow., Author, Family Law Navigating the Unique Challenges of LGBTQ Divorces in a Changing Legal Landscape, Family Law- Offit Kurman - April 17, 2025, Family Law And Matrimonial Law, 2025
- Overdeck v. Overdeck: When High Net-Worth spouses attempt to disenfranchise their soon to be ex's and exclude them from trusts and the assets contained therein., Author, Trust Structures Under Fire: What High Net-Worth Divorce Means for Advisers, Family Law- Offit Kurman - December 5, 2025, Family Law And Matrimonial Law, 2025
- The Dilemma: Balancing Child Welfare and Procedural Fairness -- New York Courts must reform the manner in which they undertake and execute Lincoln Hearings: Lincoln Hearings are the way children testify in Court in custody trials and hearings., Author, In Secrecy and Sacrifice: Rethinking Lincoln Hearings and the Limits of Due Process in New York Custody Litigation, New York Law Journal, July 28, 2025, Family Law And Matrimonial Law, 2025
- Bettina Hindin Named a Top-Rated Woman Leader in Law, September 17, 2021
- Bettina D. Hindin Named to 2022 New York-Metro: Women’s Edition Super Lawyers List, April 19, 2022
- Seven Offit Kurman Attorneys Named to 2023 New York Metro Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists, October 11, 2023
- Fourteen Offit Kurman Attorneys Recognized in 2024 Edition of New York Metro Super Lawyers, October 24, 2024
- Eight Offit Kurman Attorneys Named 2024 New York Metro Top Women by Super Lawyers, March 27, 2025
- The Child-Parent Security Act and Compensated Surrogacy, The Child-Parent Security Act and Compensated Surrogacy, 2020
- In Landmark Ruling Pope Francis Approves Priestly Blessings for Same-sex Couples (Under Certain Circumstances), In Landmark Ruling Pope Francis Approves Priestly Blessings for Same-sex Couples (Under Certain Circumstances), Law, 2023
- Dirty Tricks Employed by Lawyers and Disregarded by Judges, Dirty Tricks Employed by Lawyers and Disregarded by Judges, Law, 2023
- Imputation of Income: Rebalancing the Support Scales, Imputation of Income: Rebalancing the Support Scales, Law, 2023
- The Role of Forensics in Child Custody Cases in 2023: Ensuring the Best Interests of the Child, The Role of Forensics in Child Custody Cases in 2023: Ensuring the Best Interests of the Child, Law, 2023
- The Role of Forensics in Child Custody Cases in 2023: Ensuring the Best Interests of the Child, The Role of Forensics in Child Custody Cases in 2023: Ensuring the Best Interests of the Child, Law, 2023
- "Prenuptual and Postnuptual Agreements: Financial Planning Before and After Marriage," Family Law Expert Guide 2022, December 15, 2022, Author, "Prenuptual and Postnuptual Agreements: Financial Planning Before and After Marriage," Family Law Expert Guide 2022,, Family Law, 2022
- "Beyond Ozzie and Harriet: Representing Non-Traditional Couples in the Paterson Era," Marriage, Cohabitation and Divorce, New York Law School, November 2008
- "From Stonewall to Stonewalled," Marriage vs. Co-Habitation, LGBTQ Law, 2009 Law Conference
- “The New Frontier for Same-Sex Unions: The DOMA Decision and Beyond,” The WCBA Domestic Relations & Family Law Section and Diversity Committee, 2013
- "Time to Effectively Penalize Failure to Disclose Assets,” New York Law Journal's Matrimonial Law Section, July 15, 2002
- "Need for Experts in Divorce Intensifies,” New York Law Journal's Litigation Section, October 15, 2002
- "Finally on the Right Track,” New York Law Journal Magazine, Vol. 2, No.1, February 2003
- "Avoiding the Witness Crash-and-Burn Syndrome,” New York Law Journal's Matrimonial Law Section, July 14, 2003
- "Redefining the Meanings of Family, Parenthood in Same-Sex Relationships,” New York Law Journal's Matrimonial Law Section, June 7, 2004
- "A Different Kind of Divorce,” New York Law Journal's New Partners Section, February 7, 2005
- “Protecting Same-Sex Clients And Their Families,” New York Law Journal, June 6, 2005
- “Divorce Economics In Difficult Financial Times,” New York Law Journal, August 9, 2010
- In A Newly Released Documentary Pope Francis Endorses Same-Sex Unions, In A Newly Released Documentary Pope Francis Endorses Same-Sex Unions, 2020
- Postnuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements Post COVID, 2020
- Divorce Planning, Divorce-Planning: What You Need To Know Now, 2020
- "High Net Worth Divorce," book to be published by American Lawyer Media in 2013
- Market Volatility, Retirement Savings and Divorce: Avoiding the Pitfalls in Present and Post-COVID-19 Times, Market Volatility, Retirement Savings and Divorce: Avoiding the Pitfalls in Present and Post-COVID-19 Times, 2020
- Divorce Economics, Divorce Economics in the Time of COVID-19 April 1, 2020, 2020
- Collaborative Divorce, Collaborative Divorce: The Time is Now April 28, 2020, 2020
- “Divorce Economics In Difficult Financial Times,” New York Law Journal, August 9, 2010 “Protecting Same-Sex Clients And Their Families,” New York Law Journal, June 6, 2005 "A Different Kind of Divorce,” New York Law Journal's New Partners Section, February 7, 2005 "Redefining the Meanings of Family, Parenthood in Same-Sex Relationships,” New York Law Journal's Matrimonial Law Section, June 7, 2004 "Avoiding the Witness Crash-and-Burn Syndrome,” New York Law Journal's Matrimonial Law Section, July 14, 2003 "Finally on the Right Track,” New York Law Journal Magazine, Vol. 2, No.1, February 2003 "Need for Experts in Divorce Intensifies,” New York Law Journal's Litigation Section, October 15, 2002 "Time to Effectively Penalize Failure to Disclose Assets,” New York Law Journal's Matrimonial Law Section, July 15, 2002, Numerous Scholarly Articles Concerning Divorce
- Issues Unique To High Net-Worth Same-Sex Relationships, “Issues Unique To High Net-Worth Same-Sex Relationships,” Aspatore/Westlaw Practice Series, 2013, 2013
- Speaker/Panelist, "Beyond Ozzie and Harriet: Representing Non-Traditional Couples in the Paterson Era," Marriage, Cohabitation and Divorce, Speaker/Panelist, New York Law School, 2008
- Panelist/Guest Speaker, LGBTQ Law 2009 Law Conference, "From Stonewall to Stonewalled," Marriage vs. Co-Habitation, Panelist/Guest Speaker, LGBTQ Law 2009 Law Conference, 2009
- Author, INSIDE THE MINDS: STRATEGIES FOR FAMILY LAW IN NEW YORK, 2013, THOMAS REUTERS BUSINESS, 2013. Marriage Equality and Attendant Issues for Same-Sex Couples: The purpose of this writing is to acquaint attorneys who practice outside of the matrimonial field (and refocus those within the practice), with the complexities of representing same-sex client's in New York in today's legal and political climate., Author, THOMAS REUTERS BUSINESS, 2013
- "Divorce Economics In Difficult Financial Times," New York Law Journal, August 9, 2010, "Protecting Same-Sex Clients And Their Families," New York Law Journal, June 6, 2005"A Different Kind of Divorce," New York Law Journal's New Partners Section, February 7, 2005"Redefining the Meanings of Family, Parenthood in Same-Sex Relationships," New York Law Journal's Matrimonial Law Section, June 7, 2004"Avoiding the Witness Crash-and-Burn Syndrome," New York Law Journal's Matrimonial Law Section, July 14, 2003 "Finally on the Right Track," New York Law Journal Magazine, Vol. 2, No.1, February 2003"Need for Experts in Divorce Intensifies," New York Law Journal's Litigation Section, October 15, 2002 "Time to Effectively Penalize Failure to Disclose Assets," New York Law Journal's Matrimonial Law Section, July 15, 2002
- Guest Speaker: "Protecting Your Rights In A Same-Sex Relationship", Guest Speaker, Out@TimeInc., Time Magazine, 2008
Other Outstanding Achievements
- 35th Year Anniversary -- Highest Possible Rating in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards, AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale Hubbell, 2025
- Chair, LGBTQIA Affinity Subcommittee of Offit Kurman, 2020
- 2008-2025 - Women at the Forefront of New York Law and Practice, New York Women Leaders in The Law, New York Magazine 2009-2020 - New York Metro Area Super Lawyer, New York Metro Area Super Lawyers 2009-2020 - Judicial and Lawyer Editions -- Highest Possible Rating in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards, AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale Hubbell 2014-2020 - New York Metro Area Super Lawyer, New York Metro Area Top Women Super Lawyers 2013-2020 - Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers, Martindale Hubbell 2017 Hofstra University Alumni Achievement Award 30th Year Anniversary -- Highest Possible Rating in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards, AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale Hubbell, 2020
- AV PREEMINENT RATING: The AV Preeminent Rating is the pinnacle of professional excellence earned through a strenuous Peer Review Rating process that is managed and monitored by the world's most trusted legal resource, Martindale-Hubbell. (R) (Attorney and Judicial Editions)
Honors
- 2008-2025 - Women at the Forefront of New York Law and Practice, New York Women Leaders in The Law, New York Magazine, 2009-2024 - New York Metro Area Super Lawyer, New York Metro Area Super Lawyers, 2009-2024- Judicial and Lawyer Editions -- Highest Possible Rating in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards, AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale Hubbell, 2014-2024- New York Metro Area Super Lawyer, New York Metro Area Top Women Super Lawyers, 2013-2024 - Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers, Martindale Hubbell, 2017 Hofstra University Alumni Achievement Award, 30th Year Anniversary -- Highest Possible Rating in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards, AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale Hubbell, 2014-2024, Awards From 2008-2025
- Top Women, New York Super Lawyer, 2014 - 2020
- Top Rated Woman Leader in Law, Martindale Hubbell, 2021
- Women’s Edition Super Lawyers New York Metro, 2022 - 2025
- 2021 - Top Women Attorneys & Rising Star in the New York Metro Area, The American Registry
- 2024- Top Rated Woman Leader in Law, Martindale Hubbell
- New York’s Top Rated Lawyers, Awards From 2008-2025, 2025
- Women at the Forefront of New York Law and Practice, 2008-2023 New York Women Leaders In The Law, New York Magazine
- 2013-2022 Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers, Martindale Hubbell
- 19th Year Anniversary -- Highest Possible Rating in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards, AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale Hubbell, 2025
- 2009-2025 Judicial Edition -- Highest Possible Rating in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards, AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale Hubbell
- HOSFSTRA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR 2017. The Award for Alumni Achievement is given to Alumni who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields of endeavor and have rendered exemplary service to the University. During Hofstra's seventy-eight years of history, and its graduation of over 234,000 individuals during that time, only 304 people have received this award. The Hofstra University Board of Trustees selects the Award Winners, Hofstra University Alumni Achievement Award, 2014
- 2009-2024 New York Metro Area Super Lawyer, New York Metro Area Super Lawyers
Industry Groups
- Artificial Reproductive Technology (ART)
- Custody Trials and Appeals
- Domestic Relations
- LGBT Law
- Matrimonial Trial And Appellate Court Practice
- Pre-Marital And Post-Marital Agreements
Selections
14 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2009, 2014 - 2026
