Jillian’s practice focuses primarily on family and matrimonial law, including all aspects of divorce, custody, equitable distribution of assets, and child/spousal support, as well as separation agreements, prenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements. Jillian also assists with adoptions, including step-parent adoption, and represents clients in matters concerning domestic violence orders of protection. Prior to returning “home” to Syracuse, Jillian clerked for the Honorable John H. Tisdale of the Circuit Court of Maryland, and practiced privately in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Jillian is an active participant in the New York Bar and remains a member of the Maryland Bar.
Practice Areas
Professional and Community Activities
Current:
- Board of Directors, Central New York Women’s Bar Association
- Board of Directors, Hiscock Legal Aid Society
- Board of Directors, East Syracuse-Minoa Education Foundation
- Board of Directors, East Syracuse-Minoa Youth Sports Association
- Board of Directors, Fremont Elementary Parent Teacher Organization
- Volunteer at the Onondaga County Family Law Clinic
- Member, Onondaga County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, and Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York
- Central New York 40 Under 40 2019
- Youth soccer and lacrosse coach
Prior:
- Board of Directors, Montgomery County Bar Association, Maryland Bar Association, Women’s Bar Association
- Montgomery County, Maryland Inns of Court
- Member, Montgomery County Bar Association, Frederick County Bar Association and Maryland Bar Association
- Tutor for middle school and high school students
- Board of Directors, Onondaga County Bar Foundation
Education
- Bachelor of Arts from College of the Holy Cross
- Jurisdiction Doctor from Washington & Lee University School of Law
Admissions
- New York State Bar
- Maryland State Bar
- Washington D.C. State Bar (currently inactive)
Experience
- Represents clients in matters ranging from simple cases to complex divorce litigation involving substantial assets and high net worth individuals
- Negotiates marital agreements (separation, prenuptial, postnuptial, custody plans)
- Works closely with forensic accountants to value assets and businesses
- Skilled at working to creatively resolve problems, as well as litigating issues in court
- Has represented children in contested divorce and custody cases
News
Nine Mackenzie Hughes Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers
Nine attorneys from Mackenzie Hughes LLP were recognized in the 2023 edition of Super Lawyers. Those recognized as “Super Lawyers” include: Clayton H. Hale, Jr., tax; Stephen T. Helmer, business litigation, personal injury – medical malpractice, civil litigation; Ami S. Longstreet, elder law, estate planning & probate; Jillian L. McGuire, family law; Edward J. Moses, […]
Mackenzie Hughes supports Girls on the Run
Rebecca E Alesi, Brad Hunt, Jillian McGuire and Ami Longstreet attended the Girls on the Run Limitless Potential Breakfast hosted by Girls on the Run Upstate NY. Mackenzie Hughes was honored to sponsor GOTR and learn more about how access to sports, recreational activities, and healthy lifestyle choices for young girls nationwide helps foster their […]
Custody in the Time of COVID-19
In the past month, New Yorkers have been told to shelter-in-place and self-quarantine in an effort to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus and “flatten the curve.” Non-essential workers are working from home while others are unfortunately laid off or furloughed as businesses temporarily shutter their doors. It is an uncertain time for us […]
Blog
Custody in the Time of COVID-19
In the past month, New Yorkers have been told to shelter-in-place and self-quarantine in an effort to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus and “flatten the curve.” Non-essential workers are working from home while others are unfortunately laid off or furloughed as businesses temporarily shutter their doors. It is an uncertain time for us […]
Collaborative Law: An alternative to consider when facing Divorce
Separation and divorce can be an overwhelming and terrifying process. In an instant, everything you hold nearest and dearest – your children, your home, your business, your money – is being examined, considered, and divided. This process is overseen by a judge, a person you have never met, who does not know you, and who […]
New Tax Bill Drastically Changes Treatment Of Alimony
For the last seventy-five years, a spouse paying alimony (also known as “maintenance” or “spousal support” in New York and many other jurisdictions) has been able to deduct the alimony award from his or her tax return each year. Likewise, the spouse receiving the maintenance has the obligation to include the total amount of alimony […]