Meet Sara L. Anthis Attorney at Law

Sara L. Anthis, Esq., is a Buffalo, New York family law attorney with a background in social work serving clients throughout Erie County and Western New York. She focuses on divorce, child custody, child visitation, child support, domestic violence, guardianships, name changes, co-parenting facilitation, supervised visitation, and other Family Court matters. With nearly 20 years of combined legal and social work experience, Sara provides compassionate, practical legal representation while helping families navigate complex and emotionally challenging situations.

What sets Sara apart is her unique combination of legal expertise and social work experience. She earned both her Juris Doctor and Master of Social Work (MSW) from the State University of New York at Buffalo, giving her a deep understanding of family dynamics, child development, mental health, and the legal system. This multidisciplinary background allows her to develop legal strategies that protect her clients' rights while keeping the well-being of children and families at the forefront.

As the founder of her Buffalo-based law practice, Sara represents individuals and families in a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, legal separation, child custody disputes, parenting time and visitation, Article 17-A guardianships, adult and minor name changes, family mediation, and related Family Court proceedings. She understands that every family is unique and works closely with each client to develop practical solutions tailored to their goals and circumstances.

In addition to practicing law, Sara owns and operates a professional supervised visitation practice, where she provides supervised visitation, therapeutic supervised visitation, and co-parenting facilitation for families involved in high-conflict custody matters. She has completed advanced training in Parenting Coordination, Divorce and Permanency Mediation, Supervised Visitation, and Nurturing Parenting Programs, equipping her to help families reduce conflict and promote healthier relationships for children.

Before opening her private practice, Sara served as a social worker in child abuse and neglect matters, in crisis intervention and counseling, developmental disability services, child advocacy, research, and community support programs throughout Western New York. These experiences provide valuable insight into the challenges many families face both inside and outside the courtroom.

Sara has long been committed to serving the Buffalo community. She has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children involved in abuse and neglect proceedings and has participated in numerous community organizations focused on child welfare, education, and family support. Her dedication to advocacy continues through both her legal practice and community involvement.

Sara is licensed to practice law in the State of New York and is an active member of the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Erie County Bar Association, New York Public Defender's Association, and the Supervised Visitation Network. She also serves on several Erie County Bar Association committees focused on family law, Family Court practice, diversity and inclusion, and Surrogate's Court matters.

Whether assisting clients through a divorce, helping parents resolve child custody and visitation disputes, establishing guardianships, or guiding families through other Family Court matters, Sara L. Anthis is committed to providing knowledgeable legal counsel, compassionate advocacy, and personalized representation. Her goal is to help every client move forward with confidence while protecting what matters most-their family and their future.

Continuing Education & Certificates

• Supervised Visitation Training Program — Family & Children's Counseling Services, Inc., Laguna Beach, CA (2021)
• Nurturing Parenting Skills for Parents in Supervised Visitation; Nurturing Parenting Programs — Supervised Visitation Network (2022)
• Fundamentals of Parenting Coordination Certificate Program — Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (2025)
• Mediation Training — Permanency Mediation, Divorce Mediation — NY State Unified Court System Office of ADR / Child & Family Services (2015)
  

EDUCATION

EXPERIENCE

SERVING BUFFALO, NY - ERIE COUNTY - WESTERN NEW YORK

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES & LICENSES

• Licensed to practice law in the State of New York
• Membership in the Supervised Visitation Network
• Membership in the American Bar Association
• Membership in the New York State Bar Association
• Member, Bar Association of Erie County — Matrimonial and Family Law Committee; Practice and Procedure in Family Court Committee; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee; Surrogate's Court Committee; Assigned Counsel Program
• Membership in the New York Defender's Association
• Membership in the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
• Buffalo Women's Law Journal (while in law school)