Meet Our Oyster Bay Legal Team
Louis F. Simonetti, Jr.
Founder & Managing Partner
Timothy J. Fallon
Partner
Megan Long
Senior Associate
Charlotte M. Betts
Family Lawyer
Robert C. Shea
Associate
Social Media and Divorce
Social media can act as a very useful tool for many, allowing us to connect with others and receive valuable information. However, the effect that social media use has on romantic relationships can be negative. We live in a digital age where we rely on our cell phones and computers for nearly everything.
We can sometimes lose priority in what is really most important in life. Both partners can get so caught up in their devices to the point where it is causing extreme problems within the relationship. If you seek a divorce lawyer in Oyster Bay, contact Simonetti & Associates for more information.
Social Media: How is it Affecting Your Relationships?
Research has shown how increased social media use has lead to various marriage issues, infidelity, and eventually divorce. There are some specific reasons how social media use can result in marital issues, they include:
“Get off of Facebook, you are on all day”
- It is not always just what the person is doing on their social media accounts, but how much time they are spending online, and away from their spouse. Too much time spent on social media has been shown to negatively affect relationships.
Jealousy, Snooping, and Suspicious Behavior
- Social media provides easy access for people to sneak on their spouse. Whether they have suspicions of cheating, discovering secrets of their past, or just blatant mistrust of their partner, the online atmosphere no doubt causes issues. This will lead to increased jealousy and monitoring within the marriage, which is a recipe for an unhealthy relationship.
Social Media and Cheating
- There are unfortunately often times when a person will seek out suspicions of their partner online and find that they are being untrustworthy. 1 in 10 adults admit to hiding messages from their partner, and 8% of adults have admitted to having secret online accounts.
- With today’s technology, it has become easy and accessible for adults who are dissatisfied with their relationship to seek out new partners, or an ex online. Apps such as Tinder make it easy to meet new people, and it has been shown that 30% of users are married.
Divorce Lawyer in Oyster Bay
On a brighter note, many people are finding their loved ones through online dating sites and social media and research show that those people have happy and long-lasting marriages. Adults today are recognizing the threat of social media within their relationships, and are doing their best to combat online pressures and temptations.
Nonetheless, social media will forever be a prevalent force in our society, and we must learn how to use this tool in a positive manner, especially in regards to our relationships. If you seek a divorce lawyer in Oyster Bay, contact Simonetti & Associates today to get the help you need.
NY State Divorce – Pertinent Information
Navigating a divorce requires thoroughly understanding the laws and essential facts pertinent to your state. Divorce laws differ across states, making it crucial to understand what a divorce in New York State entails fully. Before filing for divorce, it is essential to adhere to the legal grounds for divorce in New York State to ensure a legal separation. For residents of Oyster Bay, Simonetti & Associates offers expert assistance to guide you through this process.
Legal Grounds for Divorce in New York State
New York State law mandates that individuals filing for divorce must specify their reasons. The legal grounds for divorce in New York include:
1. Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage
- This no-fault ground applies when the marriage has been irretrievably broken for at least six months. However, the court will not finalize the divorce until all related issues, such as property division and custody, are resolved.
2. Cruel and Inhuman Treatment
- This ground involves intolerable behavior, such as emotional or physical abuse, potentially linked to substance abuse. The behavior must make it unsafe or improper for the parties to continue living together.
3. Abandonment
- If your spouse has been absent or has moved out for over a year, you can file for divorce on the grounds of abandonment. This can include both physical and constructive abandonment.
4. Imprisonment
- You may file for divorce if your spouse has been incarcerated for three or more consecutive years. The imprisonment must have begun after the marriage.
5. Adultery
- Adultery is a valid ground for divorce unless:
- You encouraged your spouse to commit adultery.
- You reconciled with your spouse after discovering the adultery.
- You also committed adultery.
- Evidence beyond personal testimony is required to prove adultery.
6. Living Under a Separation Agreement
- If you and your spouse have lived apart for over a year following a legal separation agreement, you may file for a conversion divorce.
Divorce Lawyer in Oyster Bay
Understanding and adhering to the legal grounds for divorce in New York ensures a smooth process. While the divorce process is inherently challenging, having comprehensive knowledge can alleviate some of the stress. Our experienced divorce lawyers in Oyster Bay at Simonetti & Associates are committed to guiding you through your divorce, providing clarity and support throughout the process. Contact us today if you are looking to file for divorce in the state of New York.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in New York
Answers from experienced attorneys in Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island
If you are wondering how to get divorced in New York or about any other aspect of New York divorces, Simonetti & Associates can help. Our goal is to educate and inform you, so you can make the best decisions for your family. With more than 25 years of experience, our knowledgeable divorce attorneys provide answers to questions regarding divorce in New York:
- Who can file for divorce in New York?
- What are the residency requirements for divorce in New York?
- Do I have to prove fault to get a divorce?
- Do I need a lawyer?
- What happens if I cannot pay my bills during my divorce because my spouse was the primary breadwinner?
- How is custody determined?
- Since filing for divorce, my spouse does not let me see our children. What can I do?
- What can I ask for in my divorce?
- Can a divorce agreement be changed?
Contact the Long Island, NY divorce law firm that gives you value for your money
If you are looking for quality legal representation at an affordable price, contact Simonetti & Associates. Our main office is in Woodbury, and we have a second office in downtown New York. With more than 29 years of experience, we work diligently to solve your family law disputes as quickly and efficiently as possible. We offer flexible scheduling and return calls after hours to accommodate your busy life. To arrange a free initial consultation, call 877-385-2560 or contact us online.
Who can file for divorce in New York?
To file for divorce in New York, you must meet the state residency requirements. New York allows same-sex couples to separate or divorce in the same ways and under the same rules as heterosexual couples.
What are the residency requirements for divorce in New York?
A plaintiff may file for divorce in New York if any of the following statements apply:
- The couple was married in New York and at least one spouse has been a resident for a continuous period of one year prior to filing.
- The couple has lived in New York as husband and wife and either party has resided in the state for a continuous period of one year prior to filing.
- Either party has been a resident of New York for a continuous period of at least two years prior to filing.
Do I have to prove fault to get a divorce?
New York is a no-fault state, which means you can get divorced without proving your spouse did anything specific to undermine your marriage. In a no-fault case, the grounds for divorce are an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months, meaning that the marriage relationship is past any hope of repair.
Do I need a lawyer?
While you have no obligation to hire an attorney, a good divorce lawyer can save you time and money and reduce frustration in the long run. If you are not satisfied with your current representation, call us to discuss how we can help you transition seamlessly to our firm.
What happens if I cannot pay my bills during the divorce because my spouse was the primary breadwinner?
During divorce proceedings, the court can order temporary child support or temporary spousal maintenance. This provides financial support until the court issues a final judgment in your divorce. The final judgment may continue spousal support after the divorce, although there are no guarantees. However, the final judgment consummates the division of assets so you can begin rebuilding your financial stability.
How is custody determined?
Judges consider a number of factors when deciding who gets custody of the children. These include:
- The strength of each parent’s relationship and bond with the children
- Which parent is the primary caregiver for the children
- Which parent is most likely to encourage visitation with the other parent
- Whether each parent is physically and mentally capable of caring for the child
Previous domestic violence, neglect, abuse and other negative actions can weigh heavily against a parent seeking custody.
Since filing for divorce, my spouse refuses to let me see our children. What can I do?
Sadly, in many divorce cases where custody is an issue, one parent will attempt to withhold the children from the other parent. At the same time, that parent may seek to improperly influence the children with negative comments and disparaging remarks about the other parent in an attempt to damage the relationship between them. This is known as parental alienation. To enforce your parental rights, we can seek an order of temporary custody or visitation until your divorce is finalized. If you do nothing, you risk letting your relationship with your children deteriorate.
What can I ask for in my divorce?
You have the right to ask the court to grant several different forms of relief in your divorce, including child custody, child support, alimony, equitable distribution of property and orders of protection.
Can a divorce agreement be changed?
Yes. If your life circumstances change substantially, you may request a modification of your divorce settlement agreement or divorce decree. A proficient family law attorney can assist you in obtaining the modification.
Best Ways to Reduce Divorce Cost
While divorce may be a costly and stressful endeavor, there have been proven ways to keep costs down and to keep more money in your wallet during this process. If you are looking for a divorce lawyer in Oyster Bay, who will deliver quality service, contact us at Simonetti & Associates. We have over three decades of experience helping the community in the Long Island area, and we can ensure that all, not just some, of your requests are attended to during this difficult time. We also offer advice and techniques to help you make financially savvy decisions during this whole process. If you are interested in practical ways to reduce divorce cost, contact us today for your free consultation and read more about efficient ways here.
- Negotiate: By opening up a setting to negotiate with your ex-spouse and your ex-spouse’s lawyer, you can avoid the unnecessary fees of hiring a judge and taking things to the next level. While the environment may initially be contentious and intimidating, try to make some time to step away from the situation and look at things practically. If you and your ex-spouse can come to negotiations on your own, you can limit the extra cost of having lawyers or judges involved in dividing up assets.
- Prioritize: By understanding what is important to you and what is worth your time, you can figure out if you and your ex-spouse will need two lawyers or possibly a collaborative lawyer who can work with the both of you and help reduce costs.
- Learn everything you possibly can about your state’s divorce laws: By understanding your state’s divorce laws, you can come prepared with the documents and knowledge of the process you need before seeing the lawyer. This will help reduce costs because you will need the lawyer to review and sign papers rather than research and bring documents to you. Much of this information is public, found on the internet, and you can talk to public services such as social security to find out more.
- Indigency: If you meet specific criteria that verify you make below the poverty line in your area, you will not be obliged to pay for legal fees and services associated with hiring an attorney. This criterion is different in every state and even county at times, so it is important to keep documentation of your income level and research what this amount entails.
- Make sure all paperwork is filed correctly: By submitting paperwork again, you may have to pay additional administrative fees. For this reason, it is critical to ensure that all paperwork has been filed appropriately from the beginning with completion of all required signatures and proper documentation. It is vital to have an attorney review the paperwork before so that you can guarantee you won’t have any unforeseen hiccups down the road.
Divorce Lawyer in Oyster Bay, NY
Experiencing a divorce in Oyster Bay can be emotionally taxing for both spouses. Hiring an experienced divorce attorney is crucial to alleviate this burden and streamline the process. At Simonetti & Associates, we pride ourselves on providing expert client care and professional assistance, ensuring your divorce proceedings are handled efficiently and effectively.
Expert Assistance & Professional Help
Asset Discovery: One of the primary benefits of hiring an experienced divorce attorney is their ability to uncover hidden assets. It is not uncommon for one spouse to attempt to conceal assets during a divorce to claim a larger share. Your attorney can employ the legal power of discovery to uncover such assets, ensuring a fair property division.
Negotiations: Your attorney will manage all negotiations with your spouse’s legal representation, sparing you from potential conflicts and emotional distress. This professional mediation allows you to focus on healing during this challenging time.
Settlement Evaluation: An experienced attorney will assess all settlement proposals from your spouse, advising you on their fairness and whether you should seek a better offer. This guidance ensures that your interests are protected throughout the negotiation process.
Child Custody and Legal Issues: Your attorney will also address child custody issues and other legal matters arising during the divorce process, providing comprehensive support to safeguard your rights and well-being.
Contact Simonetti & Associates
Hiring a divorce attorney is one of the most prudent decisions you can make during a divorce. An experienced attorney will expedite the process and minimize its impact on your life. If you are in the Oyster Bay area, having a reputable divorce attorney nearby can make the proceedings as smooth and efficient as possible.
At Simonetti & Associates, we are dedicated to ensuring you receive the full benefits and protections you deserve during this difficult time. By taking the steps outlined above, we can help you preserve your financial assets and achieve a fair resolution. Contact Simonetti & Associates today and consult with one of our experienced attorneys for further assistance.
Oyster Bay Divorce Lawyer
Simonetti & Associates is renowned as a leading divorce law firm in Oyster Bay. If you believe our services can benefit you, do not hesitate to contact one of our attorneys. We are here to provide the support and expertise you need during this challenging period. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you.
Obtaining a divorce can be an emotionally challenging process, and one of the most difficult aspects can be determining the appropriate venue for filing. If you are not well-versed in divorce procedures, it is advisable to hire an experienced divorce attorney. Simonetti & Associates specializes in guiding couples through the complexities of divorce. Recognized as the best divorce lawyer on Long Island, Simonetti & Associates has been representing local residents for over 29 years, with our attorneys bringing a combined 70 years of experience to the table. If you and your spouse reside in Oyster Bay and are considering divorce, Simonetti & Associates is equipped with the right team of divorce lawyers for your needs.
In New York, the divorce filing process is intricate and can involve numerous court forms and associated fees. This complexity can lead to significant stress and confusion. Therefore, enlisting the help of our experienced divorce attorneys can be invaluable. Our attorneys at Simonetti & Associates demonstrate compassion and care, helping to alleviate the emotional burden associated with divorce proceedings.
Our team will assist you in navigating all necessary forms and ensuring that they are accurately completed. It is crucial to understand which forms are required and the specific information needed, as the success of your case often hinges on the accuracy and completeness of your documentation.
Ultimately, our goal at Simonetti & Associates is to make the divorce process as smooth and stress-free as possible for both you and your spouse, all while offering services at an affordable rate. For more information about our Oyster Bay practice or to consult with one of our attorneys, please contact us today.