New York City Divorce Attorney

Top-Rated Divorce Representation in New York City

As one of the most stressful experiences a family can go through, divorce should only be handled with the assistance of a qualified divorce attorney in New York City. The important decisions which one must make relative to assets, child custody, and support can have an impact on the rest of the family’s life.

The Benefits of Hiring a Divorce Lawyer vs. Representing Yourself

If you are not familiar with the divorce process, it may be extremely difficult for you to accurately fill out paperwork, take the necessary steps to protect yourself, and follow court procedure. In the end, it can actually be much more expensive to represent yourself rather than working with an experienced New York City divorce attorney who will handle all your legal issues accurately.

Motions for contempt for non-compliance of the court's orders, and motions to modify existing orders of support or custody due to substantial changes in your circumstances may all be necessary actions when you are involved in a divorce.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce in New York

New York law now allows for a no-fault divorce. Although you will no longer be required to establish grounds for the divorce—other than the marriage being irretrievably broken—all of the issues regarding property division, child / spousal support, and custody still must be resolved. This is where you need a skilled trial attorney from our firm to represent your rights.

Frequently Asked Divorce Questions

​​​​​​What is a mediated divorce?

A couple that has chosen to end their marriage but is still capable of constructive communication and cooperation can use mediation to carry out their divorce. A trained mediator can act as a neutral third party to facilitate discussion, representing neither the husband nor the wife. The mediator will also act to ensure that every relevant question is fully addressed before bringing the petition for divorce to the court for approval.

How much will getting a divorce cost me?

The cost of a divorce will be in proportion to the amount of work required. This is one of the reasons you should only choose a New York City divorce attorney who can effectively tackle every aspect of your case. Unskilled legal representation can lead to the process bogging down or dragging on far longer than needed, costing you much more than necessary. We encourage couples to get a collaborative divorce wherever possible for this reason.

What are the grounds for divorce in New York?

Until 2010, our state had strict requirements for getting a divorce. You had to prove that you were the victim of cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment for at least a year or adultery. You could complain that your spouse had been imprisoned for 3 years after your marriage, or you had to get a legal separation prior to divorce. Now, you can get a divorce on the grounds that the marriage has been irretrievably broken for at least 6 months, which is essentially a no-fault divorce. Learn more about the grounds for divorce in New York here.

How does the court determine child custody?

The senior guiding principle the court will use is, "What is in the best interests of the children?" Whether your child custody is decided by the judge or if you are seeking approval of a parenting plan you and your former spouse have agreed upon, it is necessary to prove that the arrangement will foster the emotional and physical well-being and happiness of the children. The same is true for child support, visitation and grandparents rights. Read more about child custody determinations here.

Other Family Law Matters

Contact Us Immediately for Divorce Assistance

As the recipient of Avvo® Client's Choice Award in 2012, we have garnered the respect and admiration of both our peers and our clients. If you or a loved is considering hiring a New York City divorce attorney, please contact our firm to schedule a case evaluation as soon as possible.