New York Divorce Attorney
When facing a divorce, you need an experienced New York divorce attorney who understands the complexities of New York State divorce law. At Simonetti & Associates, our legal team is dedicated to guiding clients through every aspect of divorce and family law, from initial consultations to final court judgments. With decades of experience in matrimonial and family law, we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome in your divorce proceedings.
Why Choose Simonetti & Associates for Your Divorce Case?
Simonetti & Associates is a highly respected law firm specializing in divorce and family law matters across New York City and Long Island. We know that each divorce case is unique, and we provide individualized attention to every client, ensuring a legal strategy tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with a contested or uncontested divorce, our New York divorce attorneys have the knowledge and skills to help you navigate the divorce process effectively.
As a full-service divorce law firm, we handle complex divorce cases, division of assets, child custody, spousal support, and more. We also specialize in mediation and collaborative divorce, allowing couples to reach amicable agreements without prolonged litigation. This approach can be especially beneficial in securing a smooth, efficient divorce process and reducing emotional and financial stress.
Meet Our Divorce Lawyers
Louis F. Simonetti, Jr.
Founder & Managing Partner
Timothy J. Fallon
Partner
Megan Long
Senior Associate
Charlotte M. Betts
Family Lawyer
Robert C. Shea
Associate
Meet a Member of Our Team
Megan Long – Sr. Associate
A Long Island Native, Megan grew up in the Huntington area and now lives in Long Beach with her husband. While in school, she developed a passion for family and matrimonial law. She graduated from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, with honors in the following areas: Family Court Review, AFCC, and Alumni Coordinator, Vol. 54, the Vice President of External Affairs in the Family Law Society, and a social coordinator for the Hofstra Law of Women. She has been dedicated to the field of Matrimonial private practice as well as other family law matters from the time of her admission. She is also a member of the Nassau County Bar Association: Matrimonial Committee and Rising Stars in Matrimonial Law Committee. In her free time, she is an avid runner and also can speak and write conversationally in Spanish.
Understanding Divorce Law in New York State
New York State divorce law allows couples to seek contested and uncontested divorces. Uncontested divorce cases involve spouses who agree on all terms, while contested divorces may require court intervention to resolve issues related to child custody, asset division, or spousal support. To file for divorce in New York, one party must meet specific residency requirements, and grounds for divorce must be established. Grounds for divorce in New York can include irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, cruel treatment, abandonment, and adultery. Our experienced divorce attorneys can guide you through understanding these grounds and filing the necessary paperwork.
Simonetti & Associates is well-versed in all aspects of divorce law, including the legal requirements and processes within New York City and New York State. We handle cases involving property division in New York, complex financial matters, and high-stakes divorce litigation, ensuring that each client’s rights are protected.
Child Custody and Family Law Matters
Child custody is one of the most sensitive aspects of divorce and family law. At Simonetti & Associates, our New York family law attorneys prioritize the child’s best interest when handling child custody disputes. We work closely with our clients to establish fair custody and visitation agreements that serve the child’s needs and uphold our client’s parental rights. We handle joint and sole custody cases and advocate for our clients in family court to achieve favorable outcomes.
Our law office also addresses other family law issues, including visitation rights, child support, and modification of custody orders. Simonetti & Associates is your trusted partner for family law cases that demand compassionate, detail-oriented legal representation.
What types of child custody are available to divorcing parents in New York?
Child custody defines a caregiver’s allocation of rights and responsibilities toward a child. The primary facets are:
- Residential custody is known as physical custody and constitutes all the duties related to providing shelter
- Legal custody is the authority to make significant decisions regarding the child’s health and welfare.
In the proposed theory, the law permits the Nassau County court to formally divide the impending facets between spouses, arranged in various custody arrangements:
- Sole custody: This proposition awards the custodial parent exclusive physical and legal custody rights concerning the child. The noncustodial parent is usually entitled to visitation.
- Joint custody: Joint custody allows both spouses to share legal and custody responsibilities and physical care of their child. This agreement is harder to gain in legal proceedings in New York, as the state prefers something other than joint custody arrangements. Parents must show high cooperation, presenting the court with a signed divorce settlement agreement outlining a joint custody arrangement.
- Split custody: A split custody agreement divides custody of multiple children between spouses, although it is uncommon.
- Third-party custody: In extreme cases, a third-party agreement clause is reached when a judge awards custody to a non-parent. Such circumstances are allocated for deceased parents or extreme cases of a non-parental guardian such as a grandparent.
Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Divorce
Divorce mediation offers an alternative to traditional divorce litigation, allowing couples to negotiate and reach agreements with the assistance of a neutral mediator. Our New York divorce attorneys are skilled in mediation, helping couples explore collaborative divorce options to save time and minimize conflict. Simonetti & Associates also works with the Center for Mediation in Law to provide mediation services for clients seeking a more amicable resolution.
Our team includes experienced divorce attorneys who understand the nuances of collaborative divorce and strive to create peaceful solutions that benefit both parties. Collaborative divorce can be particularly effective in reducing legal fees and emotional strain, providing a healthier environment for spouses and their children.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in New York
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 decree. A proficient family law attorney can assist you with obtaining the modification.
How is custody determined?
Judges consider several 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
Secure a Divorce with Simonetti & Associates
For anyone going through a divorce, securing experienced legal support is essential. Simonetti & Associates is here to help you every step of the way, whether you are filing for divorce, facing complex financial issues, or dealing with child custody matters. We are committed to providing compassionate guidance and strategic representation tailored to each client’s needs. With a reputation for excellence and an extensive understanding of family and matrimonial law, our attorneys are among the top divorce lawyers in New York.
Contact Simonetti & Associates Today
If you are ready to take the first step toward resolving your divorce and family law matters, contact Simonetti & Associates today. Our law attorneys are here to answer your questions, explain your legal options, and support you through divorce. With Simonetti & Associates, you’ll have a New York divorce lawyer dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your future.