
Diane M. O'Leary, Family Law Attorney in Poughkeepsie, New York
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Family Law and Litigation · 4.7/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews
MemberatOstertag O'Leary Barrett & Faulkner
Poughkeepsie, NY
Practicing family law in Poughkeepsie since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 4.7 ★
- 10 client reviews
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Diane M. O'Leary?
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Quick answer
Diane M. O'Leary is a member based in Poughkeepsie, NY. The practice focuses on Family Law and Litigation. Diane has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ostertag O'Leary Barrett & Faulkner. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
- Based in
- Poughkeepsie, NY
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Family Law · Litigation
- Handles Family Law and Litigation matters from Poughkeepsie, NY.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Diane M. O'Leary: Diane M. O'Leary is a member based in Poughkeepsie, NY. The practice focuses on Family Law and Litigation. Diane has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ostertag O'Leary Barrett & Faulkner. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Diane's practice areas in Poughkeepsie
Diane concentrates on family law and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Diane handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases in Poughkeepsie, New York
Diane takes family law matters in Poughkeepsie, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Diane agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Poughkeepsie, New York
Diane takes litigation matters in Poughkeepsie, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Diane agrees to represent you.
Biography
Diane M. O'Leary, family law attorney serving Poughkeepsie
Diane M. O'Leary is a member based in Poughkeepsie, NY. The practice focuses on Family Law and Litigation. Diane has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ostertag O'Leary Barrett & Faulkner. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 10 client reviews. Diane works from Poughkeepsie, New York and takes on family law matters across the region.
Recipient, New York State Bar Association "Outstanding Young Lawyer" Award for 1989. Adjunct Instructor, Paralegal Studies, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, New York, 1986-1990. Member, Marist College Paralegal Advisory Board, 1986—. Vassar-Warner Home, Board of Trustees, 1989-1998. President, 1996-1998. Vassar Warner Home Foundation, 2000-2001. Member, Dutchess County Community Alternative Systems Agency, Advisory Board, 1991-1994. Member, United Way Admissions & Grants Committee, 1992-1997. Member, Dutchess County Women's Action Coalition, 1996-2000. Member, Arlington Rotary Club, 2006—. Delegate to Women's Bar Association of the State of New York, 1989-1990, 1991-1992. Delegate to New York State Bar Association's House of Delegates, 1995-1999, 2002-2005.
Working with Diane on a family law matter
Recipient, New York State Bar Association "Outstanding Young Lawyer" Award for 1989. Adjunct Instructor, Paralegal Studies, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, New York, 1986-1990. Member, Marist College Paralegal Advisory Board, 1986—. Vassar-Warner Home, Board of Trustees, 1989-1998. President, 1996-1998. Vassar Warner Home Foundation, 2000-2001. Member, Dutchess County Community Alternative Systems…
Clients Diane works with
Diane reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law and litigation matters in Poughkeepsie and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Diane studied and practices
Brooklyn Law School J.D.
—
Douglass College of Rutgers University
B.A. Marist · 1966
Jurisdictions
Diane's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1988 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1988 · ACTIVE
New York
1984 · ACTIVE
Diane studied at — in Brooklyn Law School J.D. and B.A. Marist in Douglass College of Rutgers University.
Law school and academic background
Diane completed — in Brooklyn Law School J.D. and B.A. Marist in Douglass College of Rutgers University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Diane runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Diane's legal honors and published work
Diane has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Diane M. O'Leary's office in Poughkeepsie
Diane's primary office is at 301 Manchester Road, Suite 201, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12603. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Ostertag O'Leary Barrett & Faulkner
301 Manchester Road, Suite 201
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Diane M. O'Leary — 4.7/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Diane. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing family law attorneys in Poughkeepsie.
4.7
10 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Diane M. O'Leary claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Diane M. O'Leary — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Diane usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Diane charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Diane's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Diane will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in Poughkeepsie, New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Diane
Diane discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Diane confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Diane's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Diane M. O'Leary
How much does it cost to hire Diane for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Diane walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Diane offer a free consultation?
Diane charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Diane's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Diane's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in New York typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Diane gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Diane take my case if I'm outside Poughkeepsie?
Diane is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Diane will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Diane?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Diane will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Diane accepting new family law clients right now?
Diane's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving Poughkeepsie and Albany in New York
Diane handles family law matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated family law attorneys in New York
If Diane's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Poughkeepsie handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





