Providing the aggressive advocacy you need for your family law case
The attorneys at Simonetti & Associates are completely dedicated to guiding our Nassau and Suffolk County clients through divorce and other family law disputes. We possess extensive settlement negotiation and litigation skills and experience, which we employ to fight for your rights in court. Whatever the complexity of your case, our highly motivated attorneys are prepared to manage your case in Long Island, Westbury, or elsewhere in the Nassau or Suffolk County areas.
Our team brings a diverse pool of knowledge and experience to the table. Our combined backgrounds create a powerful tool to be wielded in the battle for your family law rights. Our wealth of experience in divorce and family law matters have helped us guide our clients to favorable outcomes in the courtroom. We invite you to learn more about our professional staff:
Meet Our Long Island Family Attorneys
Simonetti & Associates Law Firm voted Best Divorce Lawyer on Long Island 10 years in a row, serves all Nassau and Suffolk County residents. Our team 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 at a minimum. Regardless of your family law case our team is equipped to provide the best legal representation available.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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The Impact of Social Media on Divorce Rates
Social media has emerged as a valuable tool, facilitating connections and providing access to valuable information. However, its influence on romantic relationships can often be detrimental. In today’s digital age, where our reliance on smartphones and computers is pervasive, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters in life, leading to significant problems within relationships. If you need a Long Island Family law attorney, Simonetti & Associates can provide you with the necessary guidance.
How Social Media Affects Relationships
Extensive research has highlighted the link between increased social media usage and various marriage problems, including infidelity, ultimately leading to divorce. Several specific reasons explain how social media usage can contribute to marital issues:
- Excessive Time Spent Online: The problem is not solely the content individuals engage with on their social media accounts but also the amount of time they dedicate to these platforms, often at the expense of quality time with their spouse. Spending an excessive amount of time on social media has been proven to hurt relationships.
- Jealousy, Snooping, and Suspicious Behavior: Social media platforms provide easy access for individuals to monitor their partners. Whether it stems from suspicions of infidelity, uncovering secrets from the past, or a general lack of trust, the online atmosphere can fuel jealousy and lead to unhealthy levels of surveillance within the marriage.
- Social Media and Infidelity: Unfortunately, many individuals discover evidence of their partner’s unfaithfulness online. Shockingly, 1 in 10 adults admit to hiding messages from their partner, and 8% of adults have secret online accounts. With the technological advancements of today, dissatisfied adults can readily seek new partners or reconnect with exes online. Apps like Tinder have made meeting new people effortless, with approximately 30% of users being married.
Long Island Family Lawyer – Simonetti & Associates
Despite the negative aspects, it is important to acknowledge that some individuals find their life partners through online dating sites and social media, leading to happy and enduring marriages. Today, adults are becoming increasingly aware of the threats posed by social media to their relationships and are making efforts to combat online pressures and temptations.
Nevertheless, social media will continue to be a significant force in our society, requiring us to learn how to utilize this tool positively, particularly when it comes to our relationships. If you require the services of a Long Island Family Law office, contact Simonetti & Associates today for the assistance you need.
NY State Divorce - Essential Information to Know
Before embarking on the journey of divorce, it is crucial to be well-informed about the specific laws and important details that pertain to your state. Divorce laws can vary from one state to another, so it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of what divorce cases in New York State entail. If you are considering filing for divorce, it is important to adhere to the legal grounds for divorce in NYS to finalize a legal separation. If you require the assistance of a Family Lawyer on Long Island, Simonetti & Associates are available to provide guidance.
Legal Grounds for Divorce in New York State
When filing for divorce in New York State, it is necessary to present the reasons for seeking a divorce. Some examples of these legal grounds for divorce include:
Irretrievable Breakdown of the Marriage:
If the marriage has been irretrievably broken for a period exceeding six months, this falls under the category of no-fault grounds. It does not attribute blame to either spouse. However, a court cannot finalize the divorce until all related issues and matters have been resolved.
Cruel and Inhuman Treatment:
This ground alleges intolerable behavior, such as emotional or physical abuse, which may or may not be connected to drug or alcohol abuse.
Abandonment:
If your spouse has been separated from you or has moved out for one year or longer, you may have grounds for divorce based on abandonment.
Imprisonment:
If your spouse has been incarcerated for three years or more, you may have grounds for divorce based on imprisonment.
Adultery:
You can file for divorce on grounds of adultery, except under the following circumstances:
- You encouraged your spouse to commit adultery.
- You reconciled with your spouse after discovering the adultery.
- You have committed adultery yourself. In such cases, you must be prepared to provide evidence of the adultery in addition to your testimony.
Living Under a Separation Agreement:
If you have lived apart from your spouse for more than one year under a legal separation agreement, you may have grounds for a conversion divorce.
The Importance of a Long Island Family Lawyer
Adhering to the legal grounds for divorce in New York is crucial to ensure a smooth divorce process. While divorce is never easy or pleasant, having a clear understanding of the information provided is essential. Our experienced Long Island family law firm can guide you through the divorce process, offering support and clarity along the way. Contact us today if you are considering filing for divorce in the state of New York.
Practical Strategies to Reduce Divorce Costs
Divorce can be a financially burdensome and emotionally challenging process. However, there are proven methods to minimize costs and keep more money in your pocket during this difficult time. If you are seeking a reliable Long Island divorce lawyer who can provide quality service, Simonetti & Associates is here to help. With over three decades of experience serving the Long Island community, we ensure that all your requests are attended to during the divorce process. We also offer advice and techniques to make financially sound decisions. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about efficient ways to reduce divorce costs.
Negotiate with your ex-spouse:
By engaging in open negotiations with your ex-spouse and their lawyer, you can avoid the expenses associated with involving a judge. While the initial environment may be contentious, take time to step away and approach the situation practically. If you and your ex-spouse can reach agreements on your own, you can minimize the additional costs of hiring lawyers or going to court to divide assets.
Prioritize your needs:
Understand what is important to you and determine if you both need separate lawyers or if a collaborative lawyer can work with both parties, reducing costs.
Familiarize yourself with divorce laws:
Educate yourself about the divorce laws in your state so that you can come prepared with the necessary documents and knowledge of the process when consulting with your lawyer. This reduces costs because the lawyer’s involvement can focus on reviewing and signing papers rather than conducting extensive research and gathering documents. You can find much of this information online or by contacting public services such as Social Security.
Indigency options:
If you meet specific criteria that demonstrate your income is below the poverty line in your area, you may be exempted from paying legal fees and related costs. Criteria for indigency vary by state and even county, so it is crucial to maintain documentation of your income level and research the eligibility requirements.
Ensure accurate paperwork filing:
Repeatedly submitting paperwork may incur additional administrative fees. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all documents are correctly filed from the beginning, including all required signatures and proper documentation. Having an attorney review the paperwork in advance can help avoid unforeseen issues and additional expenses.
Long Island Family Attorney – Simonetti & Associates
Navigating a divorce in Centereach is never easy and often brings significant emotional distress to both spouses. Hiring an experienced divorce attorney is crucial to alleviate the emotional burden and make the process as smooth as possible. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable assistance and support throughout the divorce proceedings. At Simonetti & Associates, we pride ourselves on delivering expert client care and esteemed professional assistance.
Assistance & Professional Help
One of the most important things that your attorney will be able to do for you is uncover all assets that your spouse may be hiding from you. A lot of times in a divorce one spouse may feel slighted and think that they are entitled to more of the assets and will attempt to hide them. Your attorney can use the legal power of discovery to uncover such assets so that you can then both decide what is rightfully yours.
Your attorney will also handle all of the negotiations with your spouse’s attorney so that you don’t have to worry about getting into an argument with your soon-to-be ex-spouse. This will take most of the emotion out of it allowing you to take this time to heal.
Your attorney will also be able to evaluate all of the settlements that your spouse will try and propose to you and they will be able to tell you if they think the offer is the right one for you or if they think that you should be asking for more. When you retain your attorney they will also be able to help with any child custody issues that may arise as well as any other legal issue you may encounter throughout the process.
Who To Contact?
Hiring an attorney during a divorce is one of the smartest decisions that you can make. They will make everything go quickly and make sure it impacts your life as less as possible. If you are in the Centereach area then having the best divorce attorney nearby can make the process as efficient as possible. For further assistance, contact Simonetti & Associates today!
Top Long Island Family Lawyer
At Simonetti & Associates, we want to make sure you have plenty of benefits during this difficult situation. By taking the steps outlined above, you can help save your money and financial assets. We are a well-reputed Long Island Family Lawyer, so if you think you can benefit from our services, do not hesitate to get in contact with one of our attorneys today! Our team can also assist with family court and child support issues as well!
