Voted Best Long Island Divorce Lawyer

Simonetti & Associates, Nassau County Divorce Lawyer

Our Nassau County Divorce Lawyer

Simonetti & Associates understands that regardless of your net worth, you don’t want to squander money on your divorce. We strive to provide the high-quality legal representation you expect from a prestigious firm while working to keep your legal costs at a minimum. Whether you live in Syosset, Westbury, Port Washington, Massapequa, Wantagh or any town in between, our top rated Divorce Lawyer in Nassau County, NY, Simonetti & Associates is here to help.

Simonetti & Associates has represented the residents of Long Island since 1990. Our founding member is a born-and-raised native of Long Island who has practiced law here his entire career. We understand the issues that most concern members of your community. Our main office, located in Water Mill, New York, has available parking. We also maintain an office in Nassau County for our client’s convenience.

Our attorneys have more than 70 years of combined experience managing complex cases, primarily focused on divorce and family law. We can put our experience to work for you. Because divorce trials can be expensive, we offer mediation services and assist clients who wish to participate in this alternative to protracted litigation. We use cost-effective discovery tools to seek information in support of your case. When a trial is inevitable, we discuss ways to present your matter fully to the judge while keeping it as short and efficient as possible. Our attorneys are acquainted with the judges, judicial staff, and other divorce lawyers in the Nassau County area, which helps us resolve many cases without the necessity of a trial.”

Meet Our Family Lawyers in Nassau County

Louis F. Simonetti, Jr. Founding Partner

Timothy J. Fallon Managing Partner

Megan Long
Senior Associate

Charlotte Betts
Of Counsel & Litigation Manager

Robert C. Shea
Associate

Call Our Nassau County, NY Family Law Attorneys Today For Your Free Consultation

With flexible office hours, free consultations, and a convenient location in Westbury, NY, Simonetti & Associates is the Nassau County 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.

How Social Media Impacts Marriages

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, allowing us to connect with others and access valuable information. However, its impact on romantic relationships can often be negative. In today’s digital age, many people rely heavily on their devices, and this constant connectivity can sometimes lead to issues between partners. If you are considering divorce and need a Nassau County divorce lawyer, Simonetti & Associates can provide guidance and support.

The Role of Social Media in Relationship Strain

One of the challenges couples face is the way social media can shift focus away from what is most important in life. Both partners may become overly engaged with their devices, resulting in communication breakdowns, growing emotional distance, and other relationship difficulties.

How Social Media Affects Relationships

Research has identified several ways social media use can contribute to marital issues, infidelity, and even divorce:

1. Excessive Time Spent Online Spending excessive time on social media can create tension in relationships. It’s not just about what individuals do online, but the amount of time spent away from their partner. Constant engagement with social media can detract from meaningful interactions, leading to frustration and feelings of neglect.

2. Jealousy, Snooping, and Suspicion Social media provides an easy platform for people to check up on their partners. Whether it’s out of suspicion, curiosity, or mistrust, the ease of access to personal information can increase jealousy and lead to monitoring behaviors. This can create a cycle of suspicion and secrecy that undermines trust and fosters an unhealthy dynamic.

3. Infidelity and Online Cheating Unfortunately, social media can facilitate infidelity. Many individuals admit to hiding messages or maintaining secret accounts to engage with others without their partner’s knowledge. Studies show that 1 in 10 adults hide messages from their spouse, and 8% of adults have secret online profiles. With apps like Tinder, it has become easier for dissatisfied partners to connect with others, sometimes leading to extramarital relationships. In fact, 30% of Tinder users are married.

The Positive Side of Social Media and Relationships

While social media can present challenges, it also has the potential to strengthen relationships. Many couples today meet through online dating platforms and social media, and studies show that these marriages can be long-lasting and fulfilling. More adults are becoming aware of the risks social media poses and are actively working to set boundaries and manage their online behavior to protect their relationships.

Navigating the Impact of Social Media in Your Marriage

As social media remains a powerful presence in modern life, it’s crucial to understand how to use it responsibly, particularly when it comes to relationships. Learning to balance time spent online and fostering open communication with your partner can help avoid the pitfalls that lead to tension and conflict.

If social media or other issues have led you to consider divorce, Simonetti & Associates is here to help. Whether you’re searching for the “best divorce lawyers on Long Island,” or need assistance with child support or family court matters, contact us today to get the legal support you need.

NY State Divorce – Pertinent Information

When going through a divorce, there are many precise laws and important facts to be aware of before you dive into the action. Divorce laws vary from state to state, and it is imperative that you’re fully aware of what a divorce in the state of New York entails. If you want to file for divorce, you must adhere to the legal grounds for divorce in NYS to finalize a legal separation. If you seek the aid of a Nassau County divorce law firm, Simonetti & Associates are here to assist.

Legal Grounds for Divorce in New York State

New York State law requires that those filing for divorce must present their reasons. Examples of this can include the following:

Marriage has been irretrievably broken for more than six months.

  • This falls under no-fault grounds because it does not show the spouses destructive behavior. Even under this no-fault claim, a court cannot finalize the divorce until all issues and matters have been settled.

Cruel and inhuman treatment

  • This alleges behavior is intolerable, such as emotional or physical abuse that may or not be linked to drug or alcohol abuse.

Abandonment

  • If your spouse is separated from you or has been moved out for over a year, you may have a claim for divorce on abandonment.

Imprisonment

  • If your spouse has been incarcerated for a term of three years or longer than you may have a claim for divorce on imprisonment.

Adultery

  • You have grounds for divorce if adultery is committed, except in the case that:
  • You encouraged your spouse to commit adultery.
  • Reconciled after discovering the adultery.
  • Committing adultery yourself.
  • You must be prepared to prove the adultery with evidence in addition to your testimony.

Living under a separation agreement

  • You may have grounds to a conversion divorce if you have lived apart from your spouse for over a year pursuant to legal separation.

The Best Nassau County Divorce Lawyer

Adhering to the legal grounds for divorce in New York are essential in assuring you can follow through with your divorce. The divorce process is never easy, nor fun, but understanding given information is essential. Our experienced Nassau County divorce lawyer will help ease you through your divorce, and provide clarity through the process as well. 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 Nassau 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, and have been searching on Google for “best divorce lawyers long island”, “child support lawyer long island NY” or “family court lawyer Nassau County NY”, 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.

The Importance of Having a Good Parenting Plan

As a parent, there is nothing more important to you than your child. Divorce is never easy, and upon separation from your partner, it’s critical to ensure your child’s well-being is a top priority. After a divorce, a great first step is creating a stable, supportive parenting plan for you and your ex. This will outline effective co-parenting styles in order to properly tend to your children during and after a divorce. Curating a plan and reaching consensus with your ex may be difficult. If you find that you need assistance and guidance, do not hesitate to contact Simonetti & Associates. If you have been searching for a Nassau County divorce lawyer, contact our team for high-quality legal counseling.

What is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a concise, detailed outline assigning responsibilities to each parent. The outline is a clear written document that provides both parties with the clarification of how they will co-parent. It can be compared to a roadmap that places both parties in the same lane, going in the same direction. Having a workable, effective plan is a necessity for success. Not to mention having a feasible plan can help keep the peace between you and your ex. If a parenting plan is something you’re having trouble putting together, there is a Nassau County divorce lawyer that can help you!

What makes a Parenting Plan?

There are a number of areas that a strong parenting plan must cover. Areas include:

  • Decision-making responsibilities- Which parent is in a position to make medical decisions on the child’s behalf? What is the procedure for making smaller decisions such as whether to allow a child to go on a school field trip or what phone to purchase? This is a critical section of the outline and should be written in black-and-white to avoid future disputes between parents and children.
  • Parenting TimeWhich children will spend however many nights, holidays, weekends, school breaks, or snow days with which parent? This may be a more sensitive topic and can be input in the calculation of child support. If you feel as if you and your partner need guidance from a Nassau County divorce lawyer for custody concerns, contact Simonetti & Associates.
  • ExceptionsThere will come a time where exceptions must be made to previously settled parenting agreements. Simonetti & Associates feel it is critical to identify the exceptions before they appear. What will happen if one parent must travel for work during their normal parenting time? Are you allowed to switch holidays and weekends? Are the children allowed to leave the country for extended periods of time? Although these may be rare occasions, it is best to be prepared.
Nassau County divorce lawyer

There is not a “correct” way to outline your parenting style and practices. It is very unique to every family and couple. This topic is not about rules and what one “should” do, but is rather about parenting, negotiation, and what is best for your children. If you find you and your partner are struggling when formulating a strong parenting plan, contact a Nassau County divorce lawyer at Simonetti & Associates. Schedule an appointment and settle your parenting style today.

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 Nassau County divorce lawyer, 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 the 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.

Local Nassau County Divorce Lawyer

Going through a divorce on Long Island is never easy and usually causes much emotional distress on both spouses. This is why hiring the right experienced divorce attorney is the best thing you can do for yourself in order to take the emotional burden off yourself. There are many things that an experienced attorney can do for you and they will help the whole process of the divorce go as quick and easy for you as possible. Here at Simonetti & Associates, pride ourselves on 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 uncovered 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 Long Island area then having the best divorce attorney nearby can make the process as efficient as possible. So rather than spending hours searching the web for “best divorce lawyers long island”, “child support lawyer long island NY” or “family court lawyer Nassau County NY”, contact Simonetti & Associates today!

Nassau County Divorce 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. Simonetti & Associates is a well-reputed firm, with a Nassau County divorce lawyer available, so if you think you can benefit from our services, do not hesitate to get in contact with one of our attorneys today!

Splitting Custody Without Affecting Your Child's Schooling

When you have children, you are used to making decisions for them. When you separate or get a divorce from your child’s other parent, many things can change. Divorced parents often have questions about which school their children will attend and which parent gets to choose. If you have a joint custody arrangement, certain decisions have to be made together with your co-parent. At Simonetti & Associates, our experienced Nassau County Divorce Lawyer can help you work through child custody agreements.

Custody and Your Child’s Schooling

There are two basic types of child custody that need to be accounted for in your agreement:

  • Legal Custody – Legal custody of your child means that you have the right to make decisions about your child’s upbringing. If you have legal custody, you can make decisions about your child’s schooling.
  • Residential Custody – Residential custody is also known as physical custody and indicates that you as a parent have the right to have your child live with you. In some states, joint physical custody is awarded when the child spends significant time with both parents. 

It can be a difficult decision to make changes to your child’s schooling during a divorce. If parents have joint physical custody, they must decide if the child has to change schools. The main reason that one parent would want to change a child’s school is that they want to move. When it comes to schooling, the court will generally aim to make a decision that will minimally disrupt your child’s typical schedule. Routine can be comforting for children of divorce. The most important thing to keep in mind is your child’s best interests. If the two parents cannot agree, it can be a lot harder to reach a decision. Working with a Nassau County Divorce Lawyer can help you come up with a mutually agreeable solution. 

Nassau County Divorce Lawyer

During your divorce, it is without question that you want to come to an amicable solution that benefits your children. This can be a troubling time for both you and your children, so aiming to create stability both at home and school can help them succeed. Our team at Simonetti & Associates can help you handle any child custody disputes. If you are interested in learning more about child custody, contact us today

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