Divorce
New York State Divorce Practice
My divorce practice is limited to New York State proceedings and handles all types of divorces and legal matters. This page is devoted to contested divorces. Clients involved in an uncontested divorce may want to explore mediation options.
A contested divorce is a divorce where the parties are not in agreement on the grounds of the divorce, the division of property, or children’s issues, including custody and visitation. These types of divorces are litigated in a courtroom and rely on the Court to make the final determination unless the parties can reach agreement.
I offer full-service counsel for clients with contested divorce cases.
Separation Agreements
Separation agreements can be a vital component in filing for your New York State divorce. Adhered to for greater than one year, these agreements fulfill one of the grounds for divorce.
I help negotiate and draft a separation agreement that protects your best interests and outlines expectations for the following divorce proceedings:
- Maintenance (formerly called “alimony”) payments
- Child custody and visitation
- Property distribution
- Insurance policies
- Debt allocation
Preliminary and proactive action is a true asset to divorce litigation. We can work together to ensure your case is presented promptly, thoroughly, and completely.
Action for Divorce and Court Preparation
The legal proceedings of a divorce begins when the action for divorce is filed. The other party is allotted 20 days to respond once they are served with a copy of the divorce pleadings.
It is not uncommon for divorcing spouses to disagree on grounds for divorce or proposed settlements. This is the point in the process when an experienced attorney becomes a valuable asset.
I work with my clients to help them understand the legal parameters of their divorce. I add value to their claim by preparing their case to be heard in court:
- Collating vital financial documentation
- Gathering key evidence
- Preparing testimony
- Filing legal proceedings
Divorce proceedings can be tedious and highly emotional processes. I try to use my experience and sense of humor to help my client through the process. We work together and decide which issues need maximum attention, which issues need to be fought for, and which issues we should try to resolve as quickly as possible—either because in the scheme of things they aren’t as important or because the cost of pursuing them exceeds their value.
I try to take a practical approach to divorce proceedings; I advise my clients based upon my experience, but they make all the ultimate decisions. My client’s make the big decisions in their cases and feel empowered by knowing they control their own case.
