
Nassau County Divorce Lawyer
Call (631) 496-1484 for Legal Help Across Nassau and Suffolk Counties
If you’re looking for a trusted Nassau County divorce lawyer, The Meyers Law Group, P.C. has built a strong reputation for success both in and out of the courtroom. Our attorneys are known for providing creative and effective solutions to complex divorce and family law issues. Comfortable in both negotiation and litigation settings, we have a proven track record of achieving favorable settlements through mediation and collaborative divorce.
Our dedicated legal team is prepared to assist you with a variety of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, and spousal support in Nassau County and nearby communities. Whether you are facing an uncontested divorce, a contested divorce, or a high-asset divorce, we are here to guide you through the process.
Reach out to our Nassau County divorce lawyer for a free legal consultation—Call at (631) 496-1484 or contact us online.
Grounds for Divorce in New York
In New York, grounds for divorce can be classified into two main categories: no-fault and fault-based. Understanding these grounds is essential for anyone considering divorce in the state. Here’s an overview:
No-Fault Grounds
- Irretrievable Breakdown: This is the most common ground for a no-fault divorce. It means that the marriage has been irretrievably broken for at least six months. No specific wrongdoing by either spouse needs to be proven.
Fault-Based Grounds
- Adultery: If one spouse engages in a sexual relationship outside the marriage, this can be cited as grounds for divorce.
- Cruel and Inhuman Treatment: This involves behavior that endangers the physical or mental well-being of a spouse, such as emotional abuse or physical violence.
- Abandonment: If one spouse leaves the other for a continuous period of one year or more without consent or justification, it can be grounds for divorce.
- Confinement in Prison: If a spouse has been incarcerated for three or more consecutive years, the other spouse can file for divorce on this basis.
- Alcohol or Drug Addiction: If one spouse is addicted to alcohol or drugs and it negatively affects the marriage, this can be grounds for divorce.
Common Types of Divorce
In New York, there are two primary types of divorce: contested and uncontested. An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on all major issues, including division of property, child custody, and support. This type of divorce is generally quicker and less costly. Conversely, a contested divorce arises when there are disagreements, requiring court intervention to resolve the disputes.
Divorce Process in New York
Here are ten steps that each divorce might require, which can vary based on the specific circumstances and type of divorce:
- Consultation with an Attorney: Begin by meeting with a Nassau County divorce attorney to discuss your situation, options, and the best approach for your case.
- Gathering Financial Documents: Collect all necessary financial documents, including bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and property deeds to prepare for negotiations and court filings.
- Filing the Divorce Petition: The divorce process starts with one spouse filing a divorce petition with the court, stating the grounds for divorce and any requests for custody, support, and property division.
- Serving the Divorce Papers: After filing, the petitioner must serve the divorce papers to the other spouse, formally notifying them of the proceedings.
- Response from the Other Spouse: The receiving spouse has a specified period to respond to the petition. They may agree or contest the terms laid out.
- Negotiation of Terms: Both parties may negotiate terms such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and division of assets. This can occur through direct negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law.
- Discovery Process: Engage in the discovery process, where both parties exchange relevant information and documents related to finances, assets, and any other pertinent issues.
- Court Hearings: Attend court hearings as required, especially in contested divorces, to present evidence and arguments regarding any disputed issues.
- Finalizing the Divorce Agreement: Once an agreement is reached, it must be formalized in a divorce settlement agreement, which outlines all terms of the divorce.
- Obtaining the Final Judgment: The court will review the settlement agreement, and once approved, will issue a final divorce decree, legally ending the marriage and implementing the terms agreed upon.
