Long Island Contested Divorce Attorneys Fighting For Fair Divorce Resolutions
Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C., is exclusively focused on divorce and family law. Our experience and knowledge make a big difference to our clients, especially when conflicts between parties make it impossible to reach a marital settlement out of court. When disputes over child custody intensify, a divorce can easily drag on until both parties are bitter and exhausted.
But our Long Island divorce law firm takes an aggressive approach to litigation. We spend a significant part of our time in court, using our knowledge of law and procedure to move your case forward to a successful conclusion. Anyone who anticipates a contested divorce process can come to our firm to find:
- Aggressive representation – We act with urgency to deliver your best outcome in a timely manner.
- Personal attention – Our dedicated team ensures emotional support and frequent communication.
- Skilled litigation – Our seasoned attorneys enjoy success at trial and on appeal.
- Authoritative advice – Our experience has made us a trusted voice on New York family law.
- Free consultations – We want you to have every opportunity to choose the right lawyer.
- Very reasonable rates – Our commitment to service means you don’t have to pay more to get the best.
We have successfully represented thousands of clients in tough divorces. More experience means more practical knowledge, especially in arcane areas of the law that other divorce attorneys rarely see, but we’ve encountered numerous times and have developed specific strategies to address. When you need specific, practical advice, you can rely on us.
What Are The Grounds For Divorce In New York?
In New York, couples can cite seven different legal reasons for their divorce. These include:
- A marriage that the couple believes is irretrievably broken and has been for at least six months (also known as a no-fault divorce)
- One spouse’s adultery
- Cruel and inhuman behavior by one spouse that makes the marriage unsafe or abusive for the other
- One spouse abandoning the other for one year or more
- One spouse’s imprisonment for at least three consecutive years during the marriage
- A separation ordered by the court that lasts at least one year
- A separation agreed upon by the couple that lasts at least one year
For the separation grounds, the spouse seeking divorce must prove that he or she satisfied the terms and conditions of the separation judgment or agreement.
While most divorces are brought on the grounds of irretrievable breakdown, there may be reasons to assert fault grounds. A court can consider a spouse’s misconduct as it relates to awards of child custody, alimony or property division. In a contested divorce, the choice of grounds can thus be a part of the litigation strategy.
Whether you are filing for divorce or your spouse is suing you, we are ready to represent you aggressively to protect your rights.
What Is The Residency Requirement And Waiting Period For A Contested Divorce In New York?
Besides having grounds for divorce in New York, you must meet other legal requirements. You or your spouse must have lived in New York for a certain period of time before you may file. That period is generally two years. However, you might be able to lessen this waiting period to one year if:
- Your marriage occurred in New York
- You lived together as a married couple in New York
- The grounds for divorce arose in New York
In contested divorces where the spouses have multiple homes in different states, residence may be strategically situated in the state most advantageous to the person bringing the case. We can determine if you satisfy the legal requirements for divorce in New York or whether another state is a more suitable venue.
What Are The Primary Issues In A Contested Divorce?
Even in a no-fault divorce, a number of issues may be contested. Our dedicated attorneys can fight for your child custody or visitation rights and for a reasonable arrangement for child support. We can also work to achieve a just resolution if you or your spouse needs alimony. We understand New York’s equitable distribution laws and can advocate vigorously for your rights concerning asset division. This includes dealing with such questions as who gets the house, how to divide a 401(k) or pension plan, how to protect a business and what happens to assets you owned before marriage or to an inheritance you received while married. For all of these issues, we can devise a strategy best suited to your situation.
Contact A Long Island Divorce Law Firm With The Skill And Resources To Win Complex Cases
At Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C., we are adept at handling complex contested divorces. Contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with a dedicated divorce and family law attorney. If your case is urgent, do not email. Call us immediately at 631-388-6009.