Practice areas: Family Law; view more
Licensed in New York since: 2006
Education: New York Law School
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2014 - 2026 
Selected to Rising Stars: 2013 From the inception of Danielle’s career in law, she has practiced exclusively in the areas of matrimonial and family law in the City of New York. Known as a candid and skilled advocate for her clients, Danielle places the utmost value on strategy and integrity within even the most difficult or complex litigation. Danielle’s practice focuses on complex and high net worth matters, having significant experience in cases where business valuation is required, with extensive experience in matters involving real estate holding companies. Danielle also has significant experience representing high profile clients and matters.
While many who have experienced Danielle within legal proceedings may describe her as a fierce and aggressive litigator, she recognizes that problem-solving (as opposed to problem-making) is the primary role of a family law practitioner.
While most matrimonial and family law matters eventually settle and do not require a trial, where a case requires a trial Danielle is an experienced and formidable trial attorney. Where a case can be settled, Danielle brings a unique “straight-to-the-point” style of advocacy and works relentlessly to find solutions for clients and their children.
Danielle has also successfully handled various matters in both the Appellate Division First and Second Departments, taught on the topic of Matrimonial Law and has in the past served as a student mentor in the area of Matrimonial Law at her alma mater, New York Law School.
Since 2014, Danielle is proud to be selected to the New York Super Lawyers list. Generally reserved for five percent of lawyers 40-years or older, the New York Super Lawyers first selected Danielle at the age of 34. Since 2024, Danielle has been named to the Top 100 and Top 50 Women New York – Metro Super Lawyers lists. Additionally, Danielle has been included in the American Society of Legal Advocates list of the Top 40 Family Lawyers Under 40 in New York State from 2013 through 2020 and she has been named among The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 from 2014 through 2020.
Petitti PLLC, with Danielle at the helm, was honored to be selected to the Best Law Firms ranked by Best Lawyers in Family Law in New York City in 2025.
Danielle prides herself on providing all clients with excellent service and attention. Understanding that a divorce or other family law matters are often the worst and most trying time of a client’s life, Danielle recognizes the importance of being reachable whenever needed.
Practice areas
Family LawFocus areas
Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Marital Property, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Same Sex Family Law
- 100% Family Law
First Admitted: 2006, New York
Professional Webpage: https://petittilaw.com/attorneys/
Bar / Professional Activity
- New York State, 2006
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Matter of Vargas v. Vargas, 2011 NY Slip Op 9658 (App Div 2nd Dept. 2011) : I was the attorney who litigated this matter in the Kings Family Court as well as the attorney who represented the paternal grandmother on appeal. The award of sole legal and physical custody of the subject children to the firm's client, the paternal grandmother, and supervsied visitation to the biological mother, was affirmed (oral argument completed)., 2011
- In re Salvatore D. v. Shyou H., 88 A.D.3d 548 (App Div 1st Dept. 2011): I tried this matter in the Family Court of NY County and prevailed in obtaining a favorable child support award to my client, the Father. The award of support was affirmed on appeal., 2011
- Matter of Anthony M. v. Francesca P., 2010 NY Slip Op 50918 (Kings Cty. Sup. Ct., Graham, J. 2010): Successfully defended a petiton seeking modification of a Father's joint custody order. Motion for summary judgment after Mother's direct case granted., 2010
- Ashmore v. Ashmore, 92 A.D.3d 817 (App Div 2nd Dept. 2012): Prevailed in defending divorce decision after trial. Custody to firm's client and permission to relocate was affirmed. Supervised visitation order to opposing party was affirmed. Child support, spousal support, equitable distribution, distribution of debt and counsel fee award were all also affirmed (oral argument completed)., 2012
- P.C. v. K.K., 2011 NY Slip Op 50046U (Kings Cty. Sup. Ct., Thomas, D., J.S.C. 2011): Prevailed in defending a Motion seeking temporary spousal support to the Husband., 2011
Pro bono / Community Service
- Partipant in the New York County Women's Bar Association's Matrimonial Pro Bono Project, 2011
- Partipant in the New York County Women's Bar Association's Matrimonial Pro Bono Project, 2012
- Partipant in the New York County Women's Bar Association's Matrimonial Pro Bono Project, 2013
Educational Background
- B.A. College of Charleston Major: Philosophy, Minor: Criminal Justice, 2002
Other Outstanding Achievements
- MFY Legal Services - Pro Bono Partner in Justice Award, 2012
These comments were made by fellow attorneys during the annual nomination process.
“She is an excellent litigator. Reasonable adversary and great negotiator.”
“Danielle is a shining star of how to practice family law masterfully, fiercely, and also collegially. I very much look up to her. I cannot recommend her more to be nominated as a SuperLawyer.”
“Shes my mentor and an amazing attorney.”
“I co-counseled with Danielle in a contested divorce proceeding and 17A guardianship for incapacitated son. She is an exceptional attorney.”
“A wonderful attorney!”
“Danielle is wonderful, intelligent and very well-versed in the law.”
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2014 - 2026
- Rising Stars: 2013
