Divorce lawyer In East Marion

Simonetti & Associates Law Firm, voted Best Divorce Lawyer on Long Island 10+ years in a row, serves all Nassau and Suffolk County residents, understands that regardless of your net worth, you don’t want to squander money on your divorce. We strive to provide the high-quality spousal support and representation you expect from a prestigious firm during the dissolution of marriage while working to keep your legal costs minimal.

With flexible office hours, free consultations, and convenient locations in Westbury and Water Mill, Simonetti & Associates is the Long Island divorce law firm that gives you value for your money. Choose a professional law office that returns calls after business hours, answers all of your questions, and takes a personal interest in the outcome of your case. Contact us online or at 877-385-2560 today, and let us begin building your case.

Meet Our East Marion Divorce Attorneys

Breaking Down The Divorce Process

Divorce is a significant and often challenging life event, requiring careful navigation of legal, emotional, and financial complexities. At Simonetti & Associates, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the divorce process, ensuring your rights and interests are protected. This article provides an overview of what you can expect as you divorce.

Initial Consultation

The divorce process begins with an initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. During this meeting, we will discuss your specific situation, including your goals, concerns, and immediate issues such as child custody or financial support. This consultation also allows us to explain the legal process, answer your questions, and outline the potential costs involved.

Filing the Divorce Petition

Once you decide to proceed, the first formal step is filing a divorce petition, also known as a complaint for divorce. This document is submitted to the court and serves as a formal request to dissolve the marriage. The petition includes essential information such as the grounds for divorce, details about any children from the marriage, and a request to divide assets and debts.

New York, where Simonetti & Associates is based, allows for both “no-fault” and “fault” divorces. A no-fault divorce is based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, while a fault divorce requires proving specific grounds, such as adultery or cruel treatment.

Serving the Divorce Papers

After filing the petition, the next step is to serve divorce papers to your spouse. This process involves delivering the petition to your spouse and giving them legal notice of the divorce proceedings. In New York, this must be done within 120 days of filing the petition. Your spouse will then be able to respond, agreeing to or contest the terms outlined in the petition.

Response from the Other Party

Your spouse’s response to the divorce petition will determine how the process proceeds. If your spouse agrees to the terms, the divorce can move forward without much dispute, often leading to an uncontested divorce. However, if your spouse disagrees with any aspect, such as child custody, property division, or support, the divorce becomes contested, requiring further negotiation or court intervention.

Discovery and Negotiation

In contested divorces, the discovery phase begins after the response is filed. During discovery, both parties exchange information and documents related to finances, assets, debts, and other relevant matters. This phase is crucial for ensuring transparency and fairness in the division of marital property and determining support obligations.

Negotiation is often the next step, where both parties, with the assistance of their attorneys, attempt to reach a settlement on critical issues. Mediation may be used as an alternative dispute resolution method to avoid a lengthy court battle. A successful negotiation can lead to a settlement agreement, which is then submitted to the court for approval.

Court Proceedings

If negotiation fails to resolve all issues, the case may proceed to court. During a trial, both parties will present their arguments, and a judge will make decisions on unresolved matters such as child custody, alimony, and property division. It is important to note that court proceedings can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing, making it advisable to seek a resolution through negotiation whenever possible.

Finalizing the Divorce

Once all issues are resolved, either through negotiation or court order, a final judgment of divorce will be issued. This document officially ends the marriage and outlines the divorce terms, including custody arrangements, support obligations, and the division of assets and debts. After the judgment is entered, both parties are legally free to remarry if they choose.

Post-Divorce Considerations

Even after the divorce is finalized, post-divorce matters may require attention. This can include enforcing the terms of the divorce judgment, modifying child custody or support orders due to changes in circumstances, or addressing any issues that arise as both parties adjust to their new lives.

Divorce Lawyer in East Marion

At Simonetti & Associates, we understand that divorce is a deeply personal and often difficult process. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with compassionate and skilled legal representation, ensuring your divorce is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. If you are considering a divorce or have questions, please contact us to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you navigate this challenging time confidently and clearly.