Experienced New York Family Lawyer

Providing Effective Solutions for Complex Legal Problems

 
Our experienced family lawyers understand that complicated legal problems within families require sophisticated solutions. We know from years of practicing law in New York City that every situation is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all way to resolve what are sensitive and often contentious cases. When you are facing divorce or need help with another family law issue, we will take the time to get to know you, your concerns and your hopes and goals for the future. The Levoritz Law Firm is proud that our holistic and client-centered approach to resolving family legal problems has brought successful outcomes to many New Yorkers. We want to help you achieve the result you need and deserve, no matter your issue. GET IN TOUCH
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 Martindale-Hubble award winner
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Client Champion Attorney
Top 10% Lawyers
Best Child Support Lawyers in New York City
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Family Law Attorneys, NYC
Divorce Law

divorce

When you’re experiencing divorce and its related issues, you need strong legal support to get the most beneficial outcome. Our New York family lawyer will provide skillful and compassionate assistance through every step in the process.
Child Custody

child custody

Embroiled in a dispute over custody? We’ll put our in-depth knowledge of the law to work toward convincing the court to make custody decisions that are in your favor, while also in your child’s best interests.
Child Support

child support

An NYC family lawyer from our firm can protect your rights in child support matters, whether you are seeking it or feel that what you’re being asked to pay is not fair. Let us know how we can help you.
Property Division in Divorce

property division

Property division in New York is based on equitable distribution, or what judges consider “fair” to both parties. It isn’t divided 50/50 as it is in many other states. We’ll advocate for you in property and asset decisions.
Spousal Support

spousal support

Are you asking for spousal support? Or are you being asked to pay it or want it modified down? Whatever your alimony concern, you can rely on our family lawyers to stand up for you.
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WHY CHOOSE US?

Our team of family attorneys has decades of experience in a vast array of family law matters. This ensures that whatever your situation, we have the background, knowledge, and resources to make a positive difference in your case. When you choose us to handle your important matter, you can rely on us for effective and attentive representation.
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WE CARE ABOUT YOU

We care about our clients and their families, and that shows in our service. Our New York family lawyer will take the time needed to get to know you, your legal issues and what you wish for the future. You aren’t just another case number when you work with our law firm. You are an individual facing a difficult time in your life.
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WE’LL FIGHT FOR YOU

Whether your case requires strong negotiation skills or powerful litigation prowess, you can rely on our tenacious team of lawyers to go to the mat to fight for your interests with dedication and professionalism. And while we may sometimes be zealous in our approach to the opposition, we treat everyone—no matter what side they are on–ethically, honestly and with respect.
New York City Law Office
140 Broadway, 46th Floor New York, NY 10005 (718) 942-4004
ABOUT OUR FIRM

Holistic Approach to Family Law

Get Help from a Client-Focused New York Family Lawyer

 

SOPHISTICATED

Our well-informed family lawyers in NYC have successfully handled every legal issue in our practice area. From litigating complex high assetdivorce cases to preparing prenuptial agreements to protect assets should the marriage fail, we have the background and experience needed to strategically evaluate the issues and provide educated guidance and representation. You can rely on us when you need a well-thought-out solution for your sensitive family legal matter. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for a consultation by calling (718) 942-4004.

DEDICATED

At The Levoritz Law Firm in New York City, our clients always come first. Once we learn about your matter, we will discuss your legal options with you to discover the best path in relation to your wishes, goals, and future. When you have questions or concerns about your case, we will make ourselves available to address them. We know that family law issues can be anxiety provoking, but we will do our best to keep you informed to reduce your stress and alleviate confusion about the legal process. Contact us when you need the help of a committed New York family lawyer who cares about how you are feeling throughout the process and who will staunchly stand up for your interests.

RESULTS-DRIVEN

When clients hire us, it’s because they have a serious legal problem they need to have resolved in the most advantageous and (when it makes sense) timely manner possible.
The firm’s founder, Yoni Levoritz, chose his legal team because like him, they are results driven. Our family attorneys work hard to achieve settlements with opposing parties, which can reduce the expense, time, stress, and conflict of going to court. However, if a case goes to court because it cannot be settled in our client’s best interest, we will fight aggressively at trial and on appeal if necessary. To achieve the optimal outcome for our clients, we bring in psychologists, medical experts, accountants, financial advisors, legal colleagues, and other experienced professionals to advise on cases when needed. Our NYC family lawyers also put their extensive legal knowledge to work assisting other attorneys as co-counsel. You can rely on our results-driven firm to be your honest, compassionate and zealous legal advocate. Call us at (718) 942-4004.

THOROUGH

Clients rely on our law firm to resolve a full range of family law conflicts. Our attorneys skillfully take on breach of contract disputes and contract litigation cases when court-ordered child support, spousal support and custody, and visitation agreements are broken. We also handle complex fraudulent conveyance and constructive trust cases when problems arise related to property division during divorce. Additionally, a significant part of our founder’s practice is in appellate law, where Yoni both brings appeals to the higher court and defends trial court rulings on behalf of clients, depending upon the circumstances.

Our Family Lawyers Answer Your Questions

 
  • What are the basics of filing for divorce?
    To file for divorce, you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least a year. You must file on either no-fault or fault grounds. Fault grounds in New York include adultery, abandonment, cruel and inhuman treatment, or imprisonment for three years or more.
  • What are the costs associated with filing for divorce in New York City?
    Current New York filing fees and other court costs are at least $335. This includes the cost of an index number for your case and other court costs. The costs for notary services, mailing, photocopies, hiring a process server and other items incurred during the divorce process are not included in this figure. Also, the costs of hiring a New York family lawyer will be additional.
  • How long does it take to finalize a divorce?
    If the divorce is uncontested, meaning the parties agree on all the terms, finalizing it can take just weeks. Contested divorces that involve disputes over property division, child custody and other things can take months or longer. Every divorce is unique; our family attorneys can help you understand how long yours may take, based on your circumstances.
  • How is a high asset divorce different?
    High asset divorce involve the division of significantly more assets and properties. Dividing these assets involves more than just who gets what. There are often serious tax implications. When it comes to businesses and investments, there may be third parties involved who share ownership. Because of all the complexities, high asset Divorces involve more steps and can take far longer to complete.
  • What challenges could I expect with the divorce process?
    Challenges people may face include contentious disputes over divorce terms. There are also cases where the defendant spouse can’t be located for service of the divorce summons. If this happens, you’ll have to ask the court for another method of serving, such as by publication, where the divorce notice is placed in newspapers. Our NYC family lawyer will help you understand and meet the challenges often inherent in the divorce process.
  • What are alternatives to divorce?
    Legal separation may be a viable alternative to divorce for some couples. People may choose to legally separate rather than divorce, for financial reasons, because of religious beliefs, or for other reasons. Every case is different, so it’s wise to speak with a New York family law attorney to discover whether separation might be a good alternative for you.
  • Who can get alimony/spousal support in New York?
    Alimony, also called spousal support, can be awarded to either party. The lower-income spouse is awarded alimony from the higher-earning spouse. But alimony isn’t automatic and isn’t always granted. Whether it is awarded and who gets it is based on the financial circumstances of each spouse, the disparity in their incomes and a variety of other factors.
  • How long is spousal support paid?
    Spousal support can be paid on a temporary or permanent basis. Temporary support may be ordered to help the lower income spouse during the divorce process, and it ends when the divorce is finalized. Rehabilitative alimony may be paid for a specific time period after divorce while the recipient gains necessary job skills. Permanent alimony, typically awarded in long marriages, in marriages with very large income disparities, and/or when the recipient is unable to work because of age, health or other reasons, is paid for an indefinite period.
  • How is the amount of alimony determined?
    The courts begin by using a formula to calculate spousal support. The formula is based on each party’s income and whether child support will also be paid. From there, judges may also consider a variety of other factors to arrive at a final number. These factors include marriage length, the assets and income of each spouse, future earning capacity, whether one spouse wasted assets, and anything else the court thinks is important.
  • Can I get alimony payments modified if my situation changes?
    You can ask the court to modify alimony payments. This request may or may not be granted. There has to be a substantial change in financial or other relevant circumstances to modify or terminate an alimony agreement. Our New York family lawyer can assist you with your modification request.
  • Does alimony end upon remarriage?
    Spousal support typically ends on the date of the new marriage. There can be exceptions, but they had to have been previously stated in the divorce decree. Also, if a party who is getting alimony remarries and doesn’t tell their former spouse and the former spouse keeps making payments, he or she can demand repayment.
  • What are the tax implications of alimony payments?
    For divorces finalized before December 31, 2018, alimony is tax deductible for payers and taxed as income for recipients, at both the federal and state levels. Due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, if you signed your alimony agreement on January 1, 2019, or later, alimony is no longer tax deductible at the federal level, nor is it declared as taxable income. However, New York did not follow these rules — so for state taxes, alimony is still tax-deductible for payers and declared as income for recipients.
  • How is child custody determined by the courts?
    The courts consider the best interests of children. They look at a range of things, with a child’s health and safety being the most important concern. Factors courts will use to decide on custody arrangements include who has been the main caregiver, health of both parents, parenting skills, whether there has been domestic violence and other things.
  • What are the different kinds of custody?
    There are legal custody and physical custody. The parent with legal custody has the authority to make major decisions about childcare and upbringing. One parent may be given sole legal custody or it might be shared. Physical custody is who the child lives with. Joint physical custody may be awarded in which the child lives with each parent equally, or one parent may get sole physical custody and the other will be given visitation.
  • What is a parenting plan in New York?
    Parenting plans lay out visitation schedules in writing. They also include other details of how children will be cared for following divorce. They are required in New York when parents settle their divorce case together and must be approved by the court. A parenting plan isn’t required if your case goes to trial, but it can be beneficial to you to prepare one that shows your wishes, even if your spouse doesn’t agree to it.
  • How will a New York family law attorney help with my custody dispute?
    Child custody disputes are often the most contentious issues in divorce. As your New York family law attorney, we will seek to negotiate an agreement in keeping with your interests and those of your child. If we are unsuccessful, we’ll strongly stand up for your rights at trial. Or if you decide to ask for mediation, we can guide you through that process.
  • Can my children decide who they want to live with?
    Judges may consider the preferences of children in deciding custody. Older children’s wishes will typically get more consideration than those of younger children. But while children’s preferences are considered, courts make custody decisions based on the full range of best-interest factors.
  • Can grandparents get visitation rights?
    We know divorce can be a worrisome time for grandparents. They may worry they’ll never see their grandchildren. If you’re a grandparent having trouble maintaining a relationship with your grandchildren, reach out to our empathetic family attorneys. Depending on the situation, you may be able to get court-ordered visitation.
  • Who has to pay child support?
    Child support is typically paid by the parent who has visitation to the parent with physical custody. If you have questions about child support or need help getting it, contact our family lawyers in NYC for assistance.
  • What does child support pay for?
    Child support helps pay for children’s basic living expenses, including food, housing, clothes, educational costs, healthcare and reasonable extracurricular activities. It’s only to be used for children’s needs. The receiving parent should never use it for their own needs; if this is happening, it should be reported to the court.
  • How is the amount of money to be paid determined?
    Courts calculate basic child support amounts using a formula that takes into account parents’ combined income and the number of children. Other considerations are taken into account to arrive at a final figure. Parents can also work out their own child-support agreements to be approved by the court.
  • How long do parents have to pay child support?
    Generally, child support in New York must be paid until a child is 21 years old. The exception is when they are not yet 21 but are considered emancipated because they have married, are in the military or are financially independent.
  • What are my options if the other parent isn’t paying their court-ordered child support?
    You may be able to get help with your child support order through the New York Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE). The DCSE uses administrative means, including garnishing wages and other income, to collect support. In some cases, this may not be enough and you may need to take your case to court. If you need to go to court to get the order enforced, our experienced NYC family lawyer can help you.
  • How can I get a child support order modified?
    Either parent can ask the family court for a modification. If you are paying support and your financial circumstances have changed for the worst, you can file for a downward modification of the order. If you’re a custodial parent, you can file for an upward modification if you need more money to care for your children. In either case, you will have to prove that you need a modification because of changed circumstances.
Family Law Attorney Yoni Levoritz

our founder

 
Our firm’s founder, Yonatan ‘Yoni’ Levoritz, deeply understands the difficulties people with family law issues face. He puts this insight to work as a passionate champion looking out for his clients’ rights and interests. During his more than 15 years of practicing law in the state, he has built an enviable record of winning challenging and complex cases as he focuses on achieving the best possible outcomes for clients. He is also a successful appellate court litigator, where he brings and defends appeals on behalf of his family law clients. Yoni founded The Levoritz Law Firm soon after being admitted to the New York Bar in 2005. His reputation for success in and out of the courtroom quickly grew, and just three years later, in 2008, he was named by Strathmore’s Who’s Who as Professional of the Year in Matrimonial Law. At the time, he was the youngest attorney to ever be awarded this honor. Since that time as his reputation has grown even more, he has been honored to receive a host of other prestigious professional accolades within the legal community. In addition to helping clients with their difficult matters, Yoni writes extensively on family law and matrimonial topics. He is a member of the New York County Lawyers Association — Matrimonial and Family Law Sections. To learn more about how we can help you with your family legal problem, call us or fill out our online form today.
“I can’t thank Levoritz Law Firm enough for their help with my complicated child custody case. Mr. Levoritz worked diligently to help fix the situation, always available to help guide me through the difficult times. I highly recommend Levoritz Law Firm for any divorce related family matter. He will fight for you like a shark, and get you the best results possible.” – ARTUR LANDA
“My ex tried to appeal an order from the Supreme Court to give me temporary maintenance based on my premarital standard of living. If you have an ex who is trying to hide money and is trying to say he’s broke to deny you your share of the marital assets and standard of living, I recommend you hire Yoni Levoritz to help fight your case. Yoni helped me win an appeal from the appellate court after 4 months as my attorney. He will fight hard for what you deserve.” – LINDA WARSHAW
“I hired Yoni in 2019 to handle my divorce, and let me say, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. I am so thankful to Yoni and his crew for working hard to get me the results that I wanted and deserved. Yoni is both professional and personable and genuinely cares about his clients. An attorney who will definitely go to bat for you!!” – LANA VAIN
“After hiring another lawyer and wasting time and money I hired Mr. Levoritz and within a few weeks Mr. Levoritz finished my case and did so in record time. It was truly fantastic work, and he gave all of his heart and soul and time to my case to help me through the process. I could not be more pleased with the work performed by Mr. Levoritz and his staff.” – LYUDMILA ZEYGERIL
“Mr. Yonatan Levoritz is the great lawyer who took on my case after I spend 7 month with another lawyer who didn’t do anything to get my case moving. After the first court hearing where he was my lawyer, my ex-wife lawyer came out from the court room and offered to settle the case on my terms. I wish I hired him seven month ago.” – ROMAN SHTEYN
“I have been working for The Levoritz Law Firm for almost a year and can say that it’s an excellent place. Mr. Levoritz is the most hardworking attorney I have ever seen. He truly cares about his clients and dedicates his heart to what he does. He is very professional and always available for advice and returns calls promptly. The firm has a great and friendly working environment as well.” – KATE DEMIDOVA
“Very professional and they actually are about their clients. Would definitely recommend to anyone going through a divorce!! Thank you again Yoni.” – SEMONA REEVES
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