Nassau County Family Lawyer
Louis F. Simonetti, Jr. is the driving force and founder of Simonetti & Associates. With over 30 years of legal experience, he draws from his corporate and business background to continue to develop the family law practice he started in 1990. He has considerable experience analyzing various types of business ventures and financial situations, which allows him to maximize property divisions and settlements on behalf of his clients in divorce proceedings.
In addition to being an avid sports fan, Mr. Simonetti dedicates himself to giving back to the community. He has served as general counsel to various youth organizations and religious organizations, providing legal services for their members. He is a lifelong resident of Long Island and the father of four children and has been married for over 30 years.
Education
- – J.D., St. John’s University School of Law, 1987
- – Member, St. John’s University Law Review, 1986 –1987
- – Recipient of St. Thomas More Guild Scholarship
- – B.S.E., magna cum laude, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 1984
- – Established the Wharton Investment Banking Society
Bar admissions
- – New York, 1988
- – U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, 1989
- – U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, 1989
Nassau Family Lawyer
Simonetti & Associates is considered a top Nassau Family Lawyer. The firm has been voted the best divorce firm on Long Island for 7 straight years.
Achieving your objectives and controlling costs in your divorce
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 Massapequa, Huntington, Smithtown, Hicksville, Great Neck, Riverhead, or any town in between, voted Best Divorce Lawyer on Long Island, Simonetti & Associates is here to help.
Serving Long Island for more than 30 years
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 Syosset, New York, has available parking and is near major highways. We also maintain an office in downtown New York for our clients’ convenience.
Our attorneys have more than 30 years of experience managing complex cases, primarily focused on the areas of divorce, divorce mediation and other family law matters. We can put our experience to work for you.
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 Nassau Family Lawyer, 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.
Top Nassau Family Lawyer
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 Nassau Family Lawyer contact Simonetti & Associates today to get the help 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 Family Lawyer 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.
Local Nassau Family 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 Family 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 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 Nassau Family 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 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.
Nassau Family Lawyer – Simonetti & Associates
Going through a divorce in East Meadow 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 East Meadow area then having the best divorce attorney nearby can make the process as efficient as possible. For further assistance, contact Simonetti & Associates today!
Nassau 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 Nassau 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!
Same Sex Divorce
On July 24th, 2011, Governor Andrew Cuomo legalized same-sex marriage in the state of New York. Several years later on June 26, 2015, the supreme court ruled Obergefell v. Hodges in favor of that same fundamental right to apply across all states. In the years between this historic event and former President Bill Clinton’s original banning of federally recognized gay marriages, entitled the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), laws and protections became frustrating to navigate from state to state. Although same-sex marriage is now considered no different legally from any other marriage, it’s prior legal implications and commitments can cause issues for divorcing couples. At Simonetti and Associates, we offer the best Nassau Family Lawyer to help you navigate this confusing legal landscape so you can proceed with your divorce with ease.
The largest complication stemming from this legalization process is based entirely on the state’s individual concepts on when a partnership became legally viable. The time at which a marriage is officially started becomes a major sticking point in divorce cases where asset division and the possibility of alimony comes into play. The shortened period of marriage may result in incorrect division of assets for alimony. Some states rarely offer the blanket protection of ‘Palimony’, a system similar to alimony for non married couples, but this distinction is complex within court and is rarely awarded. For same-sex couples who were living together prior to marriage, it comes out to semantics. If a couple has been together for 15 years, but only married for 2 at the time of their divorce, it is sometimes not legally clear as to if the proceedings should rely on the eyes of current law or the eyes of realistic divisions of opportunity vs commitment.
In situations where one party purchased a home or expensive asset prior to your marriage, the judge could consider that asset to be a separate property immune from division. This can become further complicated by the issue of parenthood in same-sex partnerships. Many courts will award custody to the biological parent of a child. If the non-biological parent had not formally adopted the child prior to divorce proceedings, it is possible that the court may not award parental rights entirely. Contact the best Nassau Family Lawyer to make sure that you are properly awarded your assets during a divorce.
The law becomes further complicated when domestic partnership arrangements are brought into the mix. Prior to a state’s legalization of same-sex marriage, many couples took to domestic partnerships in effort to maintain some sort of lawfully recognized union. These partnerships offer similar benefits of financial asset combinations and legally recognized companionship, but now offer more complications. Some states dissolved same-sex domestic partnerships into marriage immediately following their respective rulings, but a large portion of states allowed the pre-legalization rulings to remain. Should a couple have entered a domestic partnership prior to a marriage, and now wish to divorce, several states treat both unions as separate entities that must be settled in separate court appointments.
For further information regarding the history and current status of gay-marriage laws, please contact your local Nassau Family Lawyer at Simonetti & Associates. We will work to protect your rights in a same-sex divorce regardless of your relationship position or legal marriage landscape
How to File for Divorce in New York
This may seem surprising, but approximately 50 percent of all marriages in the United States end in divorce or separation. The number one cause of divorce is considered to be related to financial troubles. If you and your partner are looking to file for divorce, we can help you here at Simonetti & Associates. We have been voted as the Best Nassau Family Lawyer for eight years in a row. Once you and your partner conclude that divorce is the appropriate step to take, reach out to us. We have been helping people achieve their objectives and control costs in divorce for many years.
Many steps are required to fully complete the Divorce process. You must:
- Meet the Residency Requirements
- Know the Grounds for Divorce in New York
- Gather all the Information You Need to Complete the Divorce Forms (Uncontested Divorce)
- Prepare and FIle the Necessary Forms
- Serve the Forms and Get Responses From Your Partner
- Determine Your Case on the Court Calendar
For courts in New York to take your Divorce case, you must show that you and your partner have lived together in New York for over a year before filing for divorce.
In addition to these residency requirements, you must provide reasons for getting divorced and then fill out the forms to be considered as an uncontested divorcee. This means that you and your partner have agreed to the terms of divorce, such as financial issues. This may also include child support and custody if you have children. Once all the forms are filled out within the deadlines and approved by the judge, they will issue a divorce judgment.
How Can Simonetti & Associates Help You?
As previously stated, we have been voted the Best Long Island Divorce Lawyer for eight years in a row (2014-2021). We offer free consultations and affordable counsel as well as highly-rated extensive experience. We also help you achieve all of your objectives and control costs in your divorce.
Overall, we strive to provide high-quality spousal support and representation that you would expect from a prestigious firm during the entirety of the divorce process.
Contact Us – Nassau Family Lawyer
Here at Simonetti & Associates, Nassau family lawyer is the best you can find. To request our free consultation, visit our website or call us at (877) 385- 2560.
What is Uncontested Divorce in New York?
Going through a divorce can be challenging, and stressful. Our team at Simonetti & Associates wants to help you get the legal help you need. Our professional lawyers will guide you seamlessly through the process of finalizing your divorce. Contact Nassau family lawyer for any legal questions.
What is an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce has two different meanings in the state of New York. They are both implemented to protect each individual involved. First, it is a term used when the two spouses have already settled any issues that would need to be settled in court. Second, it is uncontested when your spouse fails to appear in court. Both spouses must not have any financial disputes and must agree on the divorce.
The Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce
The benefits of uncontested divorce will make the process shorter, cheaper, and private. It is more cooperative and efficient for both parties involved.
- Privacy- The process is more private. It also keeps your private assets safe and out of the hands of people involved in the proceeding.
- Cost- An uncontested divorce is almost the cheapest way of getting a divorce. It is cheaper than getting a regular divorce.
- Faster Process- In an uncontested divorce, there are far fewer proceedings and allow both parties to get back to their lives. The length will depend on the cooperation of both parties and the size of the marital estate.
It is not suggested to get an uncontested divorce if the couple has a history of domestic violence and physical or emotional abuse. Contact Nassau family lawyer for advice and options.
Why Should You Get a Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce?
An attorney is necessary for an uncontested divorce in New York. Our lawyers will give you legal advice and the correct route to go about the divorce process. It is crucial to get a lawyer if you have large assets or children involved. If you are interested in a divorce support group, click here.
Contact Simonetti and Associates – Nassau Family Lawyer
If you require legal help, Simonetti & Associates, Nassau Family Lawyer, is here to help. We are dedicated to representing you fairly in court and getting your life back. Visit our website for more information and legal advice.
