Lawyer of Firm Description

About Vella & Vella — Family Law Springville New York

Family law Springville New York clients and Erie County residents in western New York facing custody, divorce, and general legal matters have turned to Vella & Vella for decades of community-based legal service. Located at 378 E Main St in Springville, the firm includes attorneys Emily Vella, Gerald Vella, and their team, handling family law, custody, real estate closings, and general practice matters for clients throughout Erie County’s southern tier. Emily Vella is recognized for dedication to clients at critical moments, providing emotional support alongside legal strategy in challenging custody and family cases. Find more Springville, New York attorneys.

Clients who have relied on Vella & Vella for 20-plus years describe unwavering loyalty to the firm. Emily is credited with being the only source of hope for a client facing unjust accusations and delivering a favorable outcome through dedication and genuine concern. The firm is described by longtime clients as being completely in their corner when retained for representation, with deep knowledge of Erie County’s courts and legal landscape.

What Clients Say

Long-term clients describe Vella & Vella as having their back 100% when retained and call the firm excellent. Emily Vella is praised for going above and beyond, for professionalism, and for providing emotional relief during the most turbulent situations clients had faced. One client who had been defended from unjust accusations calls Emily the only glimmer of hope they had and says their children are forever thankful. Clients who have used the firm for real estate closings describe Jeff as a reliable, professional closing attorney in the Springville area.

Family Law Springville New York — Practice Areas & Services

Child Custody & Parenting: Contested custody representation in Erie County Family Court, with an attorney who provides both legal strategy and genuine client support through difficult proceedings.
Divorce: Contested and uncontested divorce for Erie County clients, including property division and support matters for Springville and western New York families.
Law Guardian Services: Court-appointed law guardian representation for children in Family Court proceedings throughout Erie County.
Real Estate Closings: Buyer and seller representation for home purchases and sales in Springville and the Erie County southern tier.
General Legal Services: Wills, estates, and general civil matters for Springville-area clients who value a trusted local attorney relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does New York determine child custody?

New York Family Courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child, considering each parent’s stability, relationship with the child, history of domestic violence, and ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. There is no automatic preference for either parent, and courts may consider the child’s preference in older children.

What is a law guardian in New York?

A law guardian (officially called an Attorney for the Child) is appointed in New York Family Court proceedings to represent the child’s interests independently of either parent. The law guardian advocates for the child’s stated position in most circumstances. Their role can significantly influence custody and visitation outcomes.

How is property divided in a New York divorce?

New York uses equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly — but not necessarily equally. Courts consider each spouse’s income, contributions to the marriage, length of the marriage, and future financial circumstances. Separate property (owned before marriage or received as a gift/inheritance) is generally not subject to division.

Quick Facts: Family Law in Springville, New York

Erie County population: Approximately 940,000 residents in western New York — U.S. Census Bureau
New York custody standard: Best interests of the child, with no presumption in favor of either parent — NY Dom. Rel. Law § 70
New York equitable distribution: Marital property divided fairly based on multiple factors — NY Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

Vella & Vella, located in Springville, New York, is a law firm that has garnered a mix of reviews, with some clients expressing deep appreciation for their services. Many reviewers highlight Emily Vella’s dedication, professionalism, and ability to provide emotional support during challenging legal situations, particularly in custody cases. Overall, while there are critical voices, several clients affirm that Vella & Vella has been a reliable choice for legal representation, emphasizing their commitment to clients and positive outcomes in various matters.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

Emily Vella is a deceptive con-artist in the highest degree and should be disbarred for misrepresenting clients.

Wouldn’t even give a star. Issues, lied saying things were done that they didn’t do. Poor communication and delayed causing to spend more money.

Great lawyer. Really helped in my custody case

Conflict of interest she was appointed law guardian for my 15 yr old 2023 /: her firm represented the other party in 2017 when he tried his shenanigans ( bribing my daughter with $$ , and no accountability for her behavior!!!

Vella and Vella has represented me for 20 plus years and will not go anywhere else if I don’t need too.

She has way too much say in cases and she definitely sides with one side. Doesn’t communicate nor visit with the other side. In cases with Children, she doesn’t speak for the Children she speaks for herself without even trying to be fair or just. Lawyers do and say whatever they want, they all just want the money. Wouldn’t hire her if she was the last person on earth

She started out great and then she wouldn’t return calls or emails. Really worked hard initially and then I felt like she was working for the other side. Like she stoped caring to help me or my case. She did less than a public defender would do for premium pay. Was not satisfied with the end result.

Excellent lawyers.. Mr. Vella and his daughter were the best!!

This attorney has always helped me with my legal problems…

Trying to close on a house that was foreclosed on. Process started back in November when Jack McGirr started bankruptcy and bank foreclosed on house. Then deed wasn’t filed and the house can’t be sold. We have our insurance, mortgage, realtors and attorneys ready to close all have been calling for weeks now, and can’t get a reply. I finally called myself this morning was told she works mornings and would call back, my attorney, my realtor and my self have yet to hear back, or just have the foreclosure deed redone and sent to the county so we can close.

Gerald Vella is a terrible lawyer. Was forced to deal with him on two home sales. He was always unavailable to talk to, he is always on vacation and his rates were above standard. His para legal Becky was unhelpful in any way by just being a messenger taker. Here it is a day before closing and no phone call on whats going on or where to be..The stress he will put you through is never ending.

Emily Vella was assigned to my husband for a matter not of his doing. She has never called him back and no communication until a letter comes in the mail 3 weeks later. This is a VERY IMPORTANT matter and you would think she could communicate with her client to be able to defend him.

Emily Vella was the only glimmer of hope l had at a time when my choices seemed hopeless and the chances of a positive outcome seemed unlikely. Not only was she able to defend me from unjust accusations, her dedication and genuine concern offered me some emotional relief during this most tumultuous time in my life. My children and I are forever thankful for her service and I highly recommend Ms. Vella without hesitation.

If this firm is for you, they got your back 100% and do whatever needs to be done to get you what your asking for. If they are against you, you better come with a good lawyer.

I certainly would recommend Emily. She is very professional and went above and beyond more so than any lawyer we had