Elena Giannattasio, a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) and a Member of the Hague Convention Attorney Network of the State Department, is a determined and results-driven attorney, widely respected for her deep knowledge and experience in matrimonial and family law, with a particular focus on complex, multi-jurisdictional cases. Her distinguished practice includes matters involving the UCCJEA, UIFSA, and the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction—areas in which she is consistently recognized by both peers and clients for her expertise and strategic insight.

Since 2014, Elena has devoted her career exclusively to matrimonial and family law. She has successfully handled all aspects of high-net-worth divorces, international custody disputes, and sophisticated litigation, earning a reputation for her tenacious advocacy and her ability to deliver tailored solutions in high-stakes scenarios. Her global perspective—shaped by her international education and cross-border legal experience—sets her apart in navigating the intricacies of modern family law in a globalized world.

Elena holds a law degree from LUISS Guido Carli School of Law in Rome, Italy, with a concentration in Contracts Interpretation and Formation, and Finance—disciplines that are increasingly relevant to the financial complexities of today’s matrimonial matters. After beginning her legal career in Italy, she earned an MBA in International Finance from the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom, followed by an LL.M. in Banking, Corporate, and Finance Law from Fordham University School of Law in New York.

Before becoming founding Of Counsel to Hannon De Palma Elena found Multi-Jurisdictional Divorce, an International Family Law Firm, Elena practiced at leading matrimonial law firms in Manhattan, Beverly Hills, and the Bay Area, where she managed a range of international divorces and complex custody matters involving overlapping jurisdictions and cross-border legal issues.

Fluent in Italian and Spanish, proficient in French, and with some basic knowledge of the Hebrew and Arabic Language, Elena is particularly skilled in drafting sophisticated marital agreements for international clients and excels at distilling complex legal principles into clear, actionable guidance. With a rare combination of global legal training and hands-on courtroom experience, Elena offers her clients exceptional representation tailored to the most intricate family law challenges.

Practice Areas:

• Divorce (contested and uncontested)
• Child custody and parenting time
• Child and spousal support
• Property and asset division
• Domestic violence and restraining orders
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
• Mediation and collaborative law
• International family law
• International child custody and abduction law

Education & Bar Admissions:

• LUISS GUIDO CARLI School of Law, J.D. (2009)
• University of Buckingham, MBA (2011)
• Fordham School of Law, LLM (2012)
• Admitted to practice in the State of New York (2013)
• Admitted to practice in the State of California (2019)

Professional Affiliations:

• Family Law Committee and International Committee of the New York State Bar – Active Member
• Matrimonial Law Section of NYCLA - Active Member
• American Bar Association Family Law and International Law Sections – Active Member
• IAFL – Fellow
• Member Hague Convention Attorney Network of US Department of State