New York City Divorce Lawyer

Compassionate and Effective Divorce Representation in New York City

Divorce is difficult, financially and emotionally. But with competent legal representation, you can reduce your stress and trust that your rights and interests will be protected. A divorce lawyer in NYC from The Levoritz Law Firm works toward getting you the best possible outcome for your situation. Our team will stand beside you, giving you effective guidance every step of the way.

Types of Divorces We Handle in New York City

New York City offers various types of divorces, each tailored to different situations and needs, and understanding these options can help you navigate the legal process more effectively.

Uncontested Divorce

This occurs when both parties agree on all matters, including property division, child custody, and support. It’s the fastest, least expensive, and least stressful type of divorce.

Contested Divorce

High-Asset Divorce

This type of divorce caters to couples with significant assets, requiring experienced legal handling to ensure fair distribution of complex portfolios, business interests, and properties.

Legal Separation

While not a divorce, this legal agreement allows couples to live apart and settle issues like support and custody. It can be a precursor to divorce or an alternative for those who do not wish to divorce for personal, financial, or religious reasons.

Domestic Partnership Termination

Appeals

If one party disagrees with a divorce decree, they can appeal to a higher court. This process requires a detailed understanding of appellate law and is crucial for challenging decisions that may seem unjust or improperly adjudicated.

Levoritz Law Firm provides proficient legal guidance across all types of divorces, ensuring your rights and interests are protected throughout the process.

What is the #1 Cause of Divorce in NY?

Communication breakdowns and financial disputes are often stated as the most common causes of divorce in New York. This may vary per marriage; these issues frequently create lasting conflicts that lead couples to seek a divorce:

• Communication Issues: Poor communication leads to unresolved conflicts, mistrust, and emotional disconnection. Most of the time, misunderstandings or one being unable to express feelings effectively result in emotional distancing, drawing a rift that keeps growing and splitting. A couple who fail to work through communication problems end up entangled with patterns of blame or resentment that deepen further the divide.
• Financial Disputes: Arguments over spending, income, and mounting debt can have an unbearable impact on the marriage. Financial stress is particularly common when couples face unexpected expenses or struggle with differing priorities about saving and spending. Most of these issues are further aggravated by lack of openness on financial matters, which can erode trust and create additional tension.
• Infidelity: Infidelity, which is less frequent than financial or communication problems, usually demolishes trust and relationships. The emotional impact of this makes reconciliation difficult, with lingering hurt and suspicion complicating progress. Though some couples rebuild their trust through counseling, others find it impossible, and that is why early intervention is so crucial for healing and healthier dynamics.

The Divorce Process in New York City

You should also keep in mind that either party can appeal the court’s decision. This can extend the timeline further, often for months or even years.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in New York?

The time it takes to finalize a divorce in New York depends on whether the case is contested or uncontested:

• Uncontested Divorce: If the parties are in complete agreement on all terms, it usually can be finalized in 6 to 12 weeks from filing.
• Contested Divorce: If there is controversy over major issues, such as custody or division of assets, it will take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case.

Factors Affecting Timeline

• Court Schedules: Contested cases may be postponed because of court schedules. Busy court dockets in New York City can add weeks or even months to the timeline.
• Document Preparation: Ensuring all paperwork is complete and accurate helps avoid setbacks. Most of the delays, in fact, happen because of incomplete or missing forms.
• Legal Representation: An experienced New York City divorce lawyer will be able to expedite the process by ensuring your case proceeds efficiently. A good attorney will minimize delays by efficiently handling filings and disputes and will help move the case toward its resolution.

Whether your divorce is simple or complex, knowing the process and finding professional advice can make

Issues that Arise During Divorce

Divorce can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to the myriad legal issues that arise during the process. Sometimes, couples can agree on all the terms of their divorce, making the process much easier. But when conflicts arise, the court must often decide on certain issues.

Several issues that can come up during divorce include:

Child Custody and Support

Child custody and support are often the most emotionally charged aspects of a divorce. These decisions significantly impact living arrangements, schooling, and parental involvement. Our attorneys are skilled in negotiating agreements that protect your children’s welfare while respecting your rights as a parent.

Spousal Support

Spousal support (alimony) is another critical issue, especially in cases where there is a significant disparity in earning capacity between spouses. We strive to make sure any spousal support awarded is fair and reflective of various factors, including the duration of the marriage and the future earning potential of each partner.

Division of Property and Assets

The equitable distribution of marital property and assets can be complex. Our team excels in identifying, valuing, and negotiating the equitable division of all relevant assets, ensuring your financial security and stability.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can significantly influence divorce proceedings, particularly regarding asset division and spousal support. Our attorneys are adept at interpreting and enforcing these agreements, making sure they are considered fairly in the divorce process.

Modifications and Enforcement

Circumstances may change post-divorce, necessitating modifications to certain aspects like child support or custody. Even when no modifications are necessary, enforcing existing orders can sometimes be challenging. Our firm is committed to assisting clients with these post-judgment issues, advocating for their rights and interests.

You must have grounds for filing for divorce in New York. However, you can file on no-fault or fault grounds. If you file on no-fault grounds, you do not have to show that your spouse did anything wrong, but you must state that your marriage has been irretrievably broken for at least six months. Furthermore, all terms of the divorce will have to be settled between the parties or in court get a no-fault divorce.

For a fault divorce, you will have to prove to the court that your spouse:

• Committed adultery: You will need to have evidence to prove this, not just your suspicions.
• Abandoned you for at least a year or more: Abandonment includes leaving the home for at least a year or refusing to have sex for at least that long (constructive abandonment).
• Treated you cruelly and inhumanly: You must be physically or mentally in danger to the point that you can no longer live with your spouse.
• Was in prison for at least three consecutive years: Your spouse must have gone to prison after you were married.
• Was legally separated for at least a year: Requiring a legal precursor to a formal divorce.

Once we learn the details of your case, we can help you determine the most appropriate grounds for your situation. If you are divorcing on fault-based grounds, we will advise you regarding the type of evidence you’ll need to show the court.

Can I Get a Divorce Without Any Trial?

Yes, a large number of divorces in New York are settled without trial. If the parties can reach an agreement on all significant issues in the divorce, they can proceed with an uncontested divorce, which is often faster, less expensive, and less stressful.

• Settlement Agreement: Both spouses negotiate and agree on key issues such as property division, custody, and support. In this approach, the couples are still in control of the outcomes rather than leaving the decisions to a judge.
• Mediation: A neutral mediator helps the couple reach mutual agreements on disputed matters. Mediators encourage open communication and help identify creative solutions that meet the needs of both parties.
• Collaborative Law: Each party’s attorney collaborates to resolve the divorce outside of court. This method emphasizes problem-solving and negotiation, aiming to preserve relationships and reduce the adversarial nature of traditional litigation.
• Attorney-Led Negotiation: Divorce lawyers facilitate discussions and draft agreements that meet both parties’ needs.

If significant disagreements arise—such as disputes over high-value assets or child custody—a trial may be necessary. In these cases, working with an experienced New York City divorce lawyer can help protect your interests and streamline the legal process.

Why Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in NYC?

There’s a lot to do in a divorce, which adds to the stress and the complexity of the entire process. However, a reputable divorce lawyer can relieve most of your burdens. For example, we’ll handle the paperwork and filing process, including having your spouse served.

In contested divorces, we will act assertively in your interests when it comes to the terms of the divorce. But even if your divorce is uncontested, the process can still be confusing and stressful. Thankfully, our New York divorce attorneys have a deep understanding of all the steps involved to help swiftly resolve any issues.

To learn more about how we can help you in your divorce, contact The Levoritz Law Firm today.

Why Choose Our New York City Divorce Attorney for Your Case?

Choosing the right attorney is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your divorce. At Levoritz Law Firm, we offer a unique blend of skill, dedication, and personalized care that sets us apart from other attorneys.

• Seasoned professionals: With over 40 years of combined experience in family law, our attorneys bring a depth of knowledge and a wealth of insights to every case.
• Personalized approach: Each divorce is as unique as the individuals involved — that’s why we take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and tailor our strategy to suit your specific needs.
• Strong negotiation skills: Whether negotiating a fair division of assets, crafting a child custody agreement, or determining spousal support, we aim to reach amicable resolutions that safeguard your interests.
• Proven success: Our firm boasts a distinguished track record of success, and our attorneys are recognized for their dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Choosing Levoritz Law Firm means partnering with a team of attorneys committed to protecting your most valued interests, and our compassionate approach ensures that you feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout the legal process. Our unparalleled skill, personalized care, and unwavering dedication make us the ideal choice for your New York City divorce case.