The end of a marriage can signal the start of a grueling journey: a contested divorce. In New York, where matrimonial laws are as complex as the city's subway map, understanding the labyrinthine process is crucial. A contested divorce is not just a legal end to a marriage, it's a battleground where emotions run high and stakes are even higher, necessitating strong legal guidance for those in Brooklyn, New York navigating these murky waters.
At the Alatsas Law Firm, located in the heart of Sheepshead Bay, we specialize in providing empathetic and expert legal support to residents across neighborhoods like Sheepshead Bay, Gerritsen Beach, Marine Park, Mill Basin, Gravesend, Canarsie and Bay Ridge. The aricle is an illuminating guide through the intricacies of a contested divorce in the Empire State. From the dense brush of legal grounds to the rocky paths of asset distribution, the journey is fraught with potential pitfalls. As your relationship reaches a legal full stop, knowing the difference between fault and no-fault divorces, and the various documents involved, can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Embark on this comprehensive exploration to grasp the essentials of initiating a contested divorce in Brooklyn, New York. Discover strategies on how to effectively manage the initial filing, serve papers, and respond to petitions. Gain insights into the pivotal stages of the process including the preliminary conference, discovery, and negotiating child custody and support. This guide aims to arm you with knowledge, turning confusion into clarity, as you step into the legal arena of divorce.
Understanding Contested Divorce in New York
A contested divorce in New York is a challenging journey for spouses who cannot come to an agreement on significant aspects of their divorce. This type of divorce goes beyond the simpler uncontested divorces, where both parties are in agreement about issues such as asset division and child custody. Instead, it can involve spirited disputes over various concerns including child support, spousal maintenance, and equitable distribution of marital property.
The journey begins when one spouse, the Plaintiff, serves divorce papers to the other spouse, the Defendant. Service can be made by any adult who isn't part of the divorce, such as a professional process server, or through alternative methods if necessary, like publication in a local newspaper. The defendant is then required to respond to the summons within a legally specified timeframe.
In the realm of the New York divorce process, a contested divorce case can be a lengthy ordeal, often taking anywhere from 1 to 3 years to reach a conclusion. This varies depending on the complexity of the case and the issues that need to be resolved. Many of these cases find their way to trial, where evidence is presented, and arguments made before a judge. It is at trial that a judge will determine the final decisions regarding the division of assets, the specifics of spousal maintenance, and the sensitive decisions surrounding child custody.
Explaining the concept of contested divorce
A contested divorce arises when spouses cannot find common ground on pivotal issues such as debt allocation, alimony, child rearing, and distribution of the property accumulated during the marriage. This impasse often propels them into a protracted legal process, accompanied by heightened emotional and financial strain.
Resolution in such cases typically necessitates the court's intervention. A judge is tasked with the duty of carefully reviewing the case and making decisions based on New York’s divorce laws and what the judge perceives as equitable and in the children's best interests. This process usually entails a series of preliminary conferences, compliance conferences, and, if necessary, a trial where a judge renders a judgment of divorce.
Given the complexities involved, it is generally recommended for individuals to seek legal guidance when facing a contested divorce. This ensures that their rights are safeguarded, and they have the necessary advocacy to represent their interests effectively throughout the divorce proceedings.
Highlighting the importance of legal representation
In the maze of emotional and procedural complexities that define contested divorces in New York, securing competent legal representation is not just recommended—it is imperative. A Brooklyn divorce lawyer, like the attorneys at the Alatsas Law Firm, brings expertise and objectivity to a process often clouded by the intense emotions of both parties. They offer strategic guidance and ensure that crucial deadlines for filing divorce papers like the Summons With Notice or the Request for Judicial Intervention are met.
Divorce attorneys provide comprehensive support from filing the initial complaint to preparing their clients for appearances at the Supreme Court. From gathering substantive evidence, interviewing witnesses, to crafting compelling arguments at trial, a lawyer's skill can greatly influence the outcome of a divorce. Equally important is their role in negotiating and drafting the final divorce agreement, ensuring it meets legal standards and serves the client's best interests.
The stakes are particularly high when dealing with equitable distribution—a division of property which must be fair but is not necessarily equal. Lawyers adept in this area can argue fervently for a marital property division that recognizes their client's contributions to the marriage.
Legal representation serves as a critical shield and sword in contested divorces, protecting clients’ rights while fighting for their rightful share of assets, fair child custody arrangements, and appropriate levels of alimony and child support.
Grounds for Divorce in New York
Navigating the grounds for divorce in the Empire State can be complex, as New York recognizes a variety of reasons—one can file on either fault or no-fault grounds. No-fault grounds have simplified the process by allowing couples to dissolve their marriage without pointing fingers. Specifically, the no-fault ground available in New York is the assertion that the marriage has been irretrievably broken for at least six months, reflecting an irreconcilable breakdown. On the other hand, there are instances where one spouse's misconduct is at the heart of the split. Fault grounds for divorce include, but are not limited to, cruelty, abandonment, imprisonment, and adultery.
For couples seeking an uncontested divorce in New York, agreement on the grounds is essential. If they can do so amicably and decide on all the other details regarding their separation, they can avoid a contested divorce. However, in situations where there is disagreement either on the grounds themselves or related issues, the pathway to divorce becomes contested and significantly more complex, requiring court intervention to reach resolution.
Overview of fault and no-fault grounds
New York State offers the option of filing for divorce based on either fault or no-fault grounds. Fault grounds require one to prove wrongdoing by the other spouse, such as cruelty, adultery, abandonment, or imprisonment. These accusations must be verified in court, adding a layer of complexity and emotional challenges to the divorce proceedings. Conversely, no-fault divorce does not require proof of fault and is based merely on the statement that the marriage is irretrievably broken for a period of at least six months.
The introduction of no-fault divorces aimed to lessen the adversarial nature of dissolving a marriage, though it is still necessary to address and resolve all associated legal matters such as division of property and child custody. A no-fault divorce can become contested if the couple disagrees on these ancillary issues. On the other hand, a well-structured separation agreement, crafted when spouses have been living apart and have settled their differences, may provide smoother navigation through the process regardless of whether the grounds for the divorce are fault or no-fault.
Examining the requirements for filing a contested divorce
A contested divorce in New York begins with the filing of a summons and complaint. This legal paperwork informs the court of the petitioner’s intention to divorce and outlines the specific grounds and terms sought. Serving the summons and complaint on the other spouse, who then becomes the defendant, is a critical first step.
The contested nature of the divorce signifies that the spouses have not reached an agreement on the terms of the divorce settlement, necessitating court intervention. Central areas of contention usually focus on matters such as the division of marital debts and assets, spousal maintenance (alimony), child support, and custody arrangements. The pathway to a contested divorce is paved with legal proceedings including, but not limited to, preliminary conferences, discovery phases, and potentially a trial, all of which can be an exhaustive journey—financially, emotionally, and time-wise. It is a process that demands patience, resilience, and most importantly, thorough legal representation to navigate the complexities and assert one’s interests.
Discussing common grounds for contested divorce
In many divorce cases in New York, spouses may attempt to submit a no-fault petition to simplify the process. However, if terms cannot be agreed upon, the divorce becomes contested, and specific fault grounds may be cited. Outlined below are the most common grounds for contested divorce:
- No-Fault Grounds: A marriage that is irretrievably broken for at least six months, with the assertion made under oath, constitutes the no-fault reason available in New York. If other divorce issues cannot be settled, this becomes the premise for a contested divorce.
- Cruel and Inhumane Treatment: This ground implies severe misconduct by one spouse towards the other, such as physical or psychological abuse, that endangers the physical or mental well-being of the complaining spouse, making it unsafe or improper for the couple to cohabit.
- Abandonment: A contested divorce on the ground of abandonment can be filed if one spouse abandons the other for a continuous period of one year or more; this includes a physical exit from the marital home or the refusal of sexual relations without justification or consent.
- Imprisonment: If a spouse is imprisoned for three or more consecutive years subsequent to the marriage, the other spouse is entitled to file for a divorce based on this ground.
- Adultery: Engaging in sexual relations with someone other than one's spouse can be grounds for a contested divorce, provided that it can be proven in court through evidence or admission.
It is important to note that allegations such as cruelty, abandonment, and adultery require more than mere accusations; they must be substantiated with convincing evidence to be accepted as valid grounds in a New York court. This underscores the importance of each spouse having competent legal counsel to validate or refute such claims during the divorce proceedings.
Initiating the Contested Divorce Process
In the state of New York, setting into motion a contested divorce requires meticulous attention to legal procedure. The process begins when one party, known as the Plaintiff, decides to formally file a complaint with the Supreme Court. The complaint will outline the particulars of the case, including the contested issues and the grounds upon which the divorce is sought. This formal complaint launches the divorce action and sets the stage for the impending legal battle over marital matters.
Following the filing of the initial complaint, the Plaintiff is obligated to serve the summons and complaint to the other spouse, now designated as the Defendant. This step must be completed within 120 days of the issuance of the summons to adhere to the state's procedural requirements. The Defendant, once served, is provided with a prescribed timeframe to respond—this generally involves filing an answer to the complaint, contesting the terms or grounds of the divorce.
The complexity of a contested divorce mandates judicial oversight, prompting the Plaintiff to submit a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI). This filing ensures that a judge is assigned to the case, who will then preside over the divorce proceedings. In most scenarios, the next step is a preliminary conference with the judge or a Court Attorney Referee, aimed at reviewing the case and establishing a framework for the litigation process, including deadlines for the exchange of information (discovery) and other procedural matters.
Filing the divorce papers
At the heart of the contested divorce process in New York is the intricate paperwork, beginning with the submission of the divorce packet to the court. Key documents within this package include the summons, which serves as the official notification to the Defendant of the divorce action, as well as the detailed complaint enumerating the precise reasons and grounds for the divorce. Additionally, the packet will contain an affidavit from the Defendant, indicating acknowledgment of receipt of the legal notices.
Each form must be completed with accuracy, as it constitutes the building blocks of the legal foundation for the divorce. The Plaintiff, as the initiating party, and the Defendant, whose timely response to the legal notice is crucial in order to contest the terms and have a voice in the proceedings, are bound by New York's legal statutes governing their roles. The Defendant is typically allotted 20 days to respond, and failure to do so can significantly impact the process and their ability to influence the eventual settlement.
Serving the divorceer papers to the spouse
The dispatching of divorce papers in New York is a task that demands adherence to a strict code of conduct. The Plaintiff cannot serve the papers personally but must enlist the help of an impartial adult, a resident of the state, who has no stake in the outcome of the divorce. This person acts as the process server, thereby ensuring the neutrality of this pivotal step.
When personal service is impeded—perhaps due to the Defendant being out-of-state or otherwise unlocatable—alternative methods, such as publication of the summons in a local newspaper, are permitted under New York law. Regulations such as N.Y. C.P.L.R. §§ 306-B, 308, 315 dictate the precise means and acceptable timelines for serving divorce papers. Guidance from the court clerk or legal counsel can offer clarity on these requirements, fortifying the Plaintiff's position in adhering to the legal procedure.
Exploring the role of the Summons With Notice
The summons with notice plays a dual role in the contested divorce process. It acts both as a preliminary notice to the Defendant of the pending divorce, and as a document demanding a response. Upon receipt, the Defendant must file and serve a notice of appearance and demand for a complaint or, if a verified complaint was served, file a verified answer and possibly a counter-claim. These responsive documents acknowledge the proceedings and lay the groundwork for the Defendant's legal arguments.
Thorough understanding of the proper service of these documents, alongside filing an affidavit of service, is paramount. These initial steps are more than mere legal formality; they indicate the Defendant's intentions to engage in the contested divorce process. However, the resultant status of the divorce as 'contested' is not solidified until a Request for Judicial Intervention is lodged, triggering the intervention of the court system. Legal advice during this phase is invaluable, ensuring that all responses actively protect the receiving spouse's interests.
Responding to the Divorce Petition
When faced with a summons with notice in a New York contested divorce, a defendant has specific procedures to follow to properly respond. The action begins by filing a Notice of Appearance and a demand for the complaint, asserting the intent to contest the divorce. If served with a summons and a verified complaint, the next step entails filing a verified answer, and potentially a counter-claim, within the 20-day response window. Failure to respond in a timely manner may have adverse results, as it can lead to a default judgment, essentially granting the petitioner all requested relief.
The efficiency of the response process is further underscored by New York State's statutory allowances for various service methods. Should personal service prove challenging, alternative methods are authorized by law. It’s especially crucial to supply accurate and complete financial disclosure statements when responding to the divorce papers, as these details directly impact the resolution of financial issues in contested cases.
Understanding the Notice of Appearance
In the realm of contested divorces, the Notice of Appearance holds significant weight. Filing this document within the specified 20-day time frame is not a mere formality; it is a declaration of a party's intention to engage in the divorce process actively and contest the terms laid out by the petitioning spouse.
This action is pivotal in the larger framework of the divorce proceedings, representing the defendant's prerogative to influence major determinations such as asset division and child custody arrangements. Moreover, the Notice of Appearance is instrumental in officially placing the divorce case on the court's schedule, setting the gears in motion for future hearings and potentially a trial.
Filing a Counter-claim or Response
Contrary to some misconceptions, simply filing a counter-claim or response to a complaint does not, in and of itself, create a contested divorce situation. While such action denotes a willingness to address the points of contention, a contested status is cemented once a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) materializes in the court system. This filing denotes a clear request for a judge's oversight and adjudication, differentiating the case from those resolved outside of court or through settlement discussions.
Upon receipt of a summons and complaint, the responding party should usually enlist the assistance of an attorney to formally acknowledge and contest what has been served. The attorney will ensure that the response — inclusive of any defenses or counter-claims — is timely, germane, and procedurally sound, thereby securing the respondent's interests in the ensuing legal tussle.
Seeking Legal Advice for a Strategic Response
Navigating the turbulent waters of a contested divorce in New York underscores the importance of obtaining proficient legal advice. Issues such as property division, spousal maintenance, and child custody, often the heart of the dispute, mandate knowledgeable guidance. A seasoned divorce attorney can provide a strategic advantage, representing a spouse's rights and interests throughout the complex legal landscape.
Furthermore, the gravity of contested divorces, often marked by charged emotions and substantial financial stakes, can be overwhelming. Skilled legal counsel brings not only a strategic courtroom approach but also foresight and emotional support. In particularly contentious cases involving allegations of domestic violence, the lawyer's role becomes all the more critical, potentially influencing outcomes decisively.
An attorney adept in handling contested divorces will aid in evidence gathering, negotiation, and, when necessary, litigating for an equitable resolution, ensuring that a spouse's voice is heard on every matter at stake. Engaging effective legal representation from the onset can significantly affect the direction and outcome of the contested divorce proceedings.
Preliminary Conference and Discovery
A contested divorce in New York enters a critical phase when parties convene for the preliminary conference. At this juncture, presiding judges actively direct the course of the ensuing legal battle by setting forth procedures for the disclosure and examination of financial and other pivotal information. The conference lays the groundwork for the discovery process and is often an opportunity for settlement discussions. Here, judges might incorporate recommendations designed to bridge the disparities between spouses. The culmination of the preliminary conference sees the issuing of a Preliminary Conference Order (PC Order), which chronicles the matters still at odds and installs a clear roadmap for the exchange of the essential financial information.
Once the preliminary conference concludes, the divorce proceedings shuffle towards the compliance conference. This subsequent hearing examines the fidelity of both parties to the mandates of the PC Order. The compliance conference serves dual purposes: ensuring adherence to set deadlines for the disclosure and potentially steering the contending spouses towards a settlement agreement. Should the PC Order requirements be met, the process transitions into discovery, where divorce attorneys intensify their efforts to procure evidence, falling back upon tools such as subpoenas to secure financial details from third parties when necessary.
Overview of the Preliminary Conference
The preliminary conference, often seen as throwing open the doors to the complex theater of contested divorce litigation, is purposeful in crafting the trajectory of discovery. During this phase, parties receive directives from the judge on the scope and schedule for divulging financial and other pertinent data. Though the conference might not immediately iron out the differences between clashing spouses, it offers a springboard for settlement dialogues that could deflate potential courtroom drama.
The judge's issuance of a PC Order following the preliminary conference delineates the contested divorce battleground, framing the subsequent legal skirmishes within a structured timeline for information exchange. This calculated approach stems from the aim to streamline the divorce process despite the existing friction and to head off protracted legal wrangling before escalating to a full-blown trial.
Importance of Compliance Conferences
The compliance conferences ring in as methodical checkpoints throughout the contested divorce process, designed to scrutinize and ensure that litigants are adhering to the court's demands as specified in the PC Order. Such conferences are not merely procedural formality; they bear significant weight in driving spouses towards conciliation. Here, judges often revisit settlement talks, nudging attorneys to navigate their clients towards a harmonious resolution without pursuing a trial.
These conferences are also pivotal in the procedural timeline, reinforcing the importance of completing discovery and other pretrial preparations, like filing the Note of Issue, within the judicial system's stringent schedule. It is during these conferences that the judge can hold parties accountable and apply pressure to keep the divorce machinery churning forward efficiently.
Examining the Discovery Process and Its Significance
The discovery phase in a contested divorce is akin to an exhaustive excavation for evidence that forms the foundation of a spouse's claims or defenses. Spanning from detailed interrogatories to thorough document requests, discovery is integral in unraveling the marital fiscal weave. The New York legal sphere permits divorce litigators to invoke subpoenas to compel third parties to disclose financial records that could tilt the scale in a client's favor.
Depositions—formal questioning sessions under oath—become essential during this stage, allowing attorneys to pierce veils and elicit germane information. Every financial facet, be it assets, debts, or pensions, comes under scrutiny in a process that ensures each spouse's assertions can stand on solid factual ground. The diligent and methodical completion of discovery sets the veritable stage for trials, should negotiations crumble and the need for judicial determination arise.
Disclosing Relevant Financial and Other Documents
In the crucible of a contested divorce, the accurate and complete representation of a spouse's financial landscape is imperative. Interrogatories, penned with meticulous forethought by family attorneys, require truthful and comprehensive responses, underpinned by the looming threat of sanctions for misleading disclosures. Thus, transparency is not only morally incumbent; it is legally enforceable, underscored by stringent consequences for evasion.
Nevertheless, New York's legal structure harbors a preference for negotiated settlements, wielding mediation, and alternative dispute solutions as preferred routes, even amid the heat of contest. Ultimately, should spouses remain entrenched in discord, yielding no substantive agreement, the shadow of trial looms, invoking the judge's gavel to cast the final verdict on unresolved issues.
Child Custody and Visitation
Child custody and visitation issues often lie at the heart of a contested divorce, with each parent typically seeking the most favorable arrangement for themselves and their children. It's important to recognize that in New York, the courts' paramount concern is the well-being and best interests of the child. Temporary custody might be awarded to the primary caregiver, the parent who has been most involved in the child's day-to-day life, so as to minimize disruption to the child's routine. Nonetheless, this temporary status does not automatically determine the final custody agreement. Legal guidance becomes essential as attorneys consider numerous factors such as the emotional bond between parent and child, financial stability, and any history of abuse or substance use, to craft a compelling argument that supports the interests of their client, and more importantly, the child's welfare.
Discussing the impact of contested divorce on child custody
Contested divorces often cast a shadow of stress and uncertainty, particularly when child custody is at stake. The emotional toll on both parents and children can be significant, as the process requires not only presenting each parent's case before a judge but also exposing the children to legal disputes. Extensive evidence related to each parent's relationship with the child, financial capabilities, and home environment needs to be gathered and meticulously organized. Legal representation is not a mere option but a necessity in managing these intricacies, especially when navigating a process that may be fraught with conflict and may require a strategic approach to problem-solving and negotiation.
Legal custody vs. physical custody
Delving deeper into custody matters, it's crucial to understand the distinction between legal and physical custody. Legal custody endows a parent with the authority to make significant decisions for the child, encompassing health care, education, religion, and overall welfare. Conversely, physical custody sets the child’s day-to-day living arrangements and determines which parent the child will live with. The parent with physical custody naturally becomes pivotal in the child's daily life and is often referred to as the custodial parent or primary caregiver. The court contemplates a multitude of factors, including each parent's lifestyle, stability, and mental and physical well-being, to determine which type of custody arrangement serves the child's interests best.
Establishing visitation schedules and parenting plans
In the throes of a contested divorce with child custody battles, defining clear visitation schedules and parenting plans is paramount. These agreements are structured to champion the child's best interests while also respecting the rights of both parents. When creating these plans, it’s not uncommon for the court to appoint an attorney for the children, advocating solely for their needs and preferences. Interim custody terms are often set with an eye to maintain the child's routine and to reduce upheaval. Furthermore, New York courts may ordain a proposed parenting plan order to assist in structuring provisional custody and access arrangements. Should disagreements over child custody and visitation grow contentious, emergency court hearings may take place to bring about temporary resolutions until the court arrives at a final decision. Overall, establishing these parameters during a contested divorce is complex, necessitating legal expertise to ensure that the process unfolds with the child's emotional and developmental needs at the forefront.
Equitable Distribution of Assets
Equitable distribution of assets is one of the most critical and challenging aspects of a contested divorce in New York. Unlike community property states where a 50-50 split of marital property is standard, the equitable distribution framework seeks to divide assets and liabilities fairly, although not always equally. New York's approach to equitable distribution does not guarantee a half-and-half division but aims to achieve a division that is just and reasonable based on each partner's circumstances.
The process involves a thorough assessment of each spouse's financial situation, including income, property, and expected future earnings. Legal representation becomes invaluable during equitable distribution to ensure that both parties' interests are safeguarded and that the division of assets is conducted transparently and conscientiously. Attorneys are crucial in ensuring that the subtleties of the law are observed and that the client's rights are robustly defended during the dissemination of the marital estate.
Explaining the concept of equitable distribution
In New York, equitable distribution contemplates a judge's deliberation over numerous factors presented during divorce proceedings to establish a balanced allocation of marital property. This judicial discretion gives the courts substantial leeway to determine what is "equitable," which could mean different things for different cases. Assets subject to division include, but are not limited to, equity in real estate, retirement accounts, bank accounts, vehicles, and even household contents.
The assessment of this fair distribution depends on many aspects, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse's contributions (including non-financial ones), future financial prospects, and the healthy continuation of any children's lifestyles. The court's broad discretion can lead to substantial negotiations or disputes, as spouses grapple with not having a simple, straightforward split. As such, the outcome of equitable distribution often hinges on the nuances of each case and the adept handling by divorce attorneys.
Identifying marital property and separate property
Understanding the distinction between marital and separate property is critical when entering the crucible of equitable distribution. Marital property, which comprises all assets accrued during the marriage, is subject to division. In contrast, separate property, which includes assets owned before marriage, inheritances received by one spouse, and personal injury awards, normally remains unaffected by equitable distribution.
However, the situation becomes considerably more complex when separate property is intermingled with marital assets. For instance, placing an inheritance into a joint savings account may transmute it into marital property, thus making it subject to division. In contested divorces, where emotions and stakes run high, pinpointing this line between marital and separate property often necessitates a meticulous and skilled legal examination to protect the assets of both parties fairly.
Addressing the division of assets in a contentious divorce
In the throes of a contentious divorce, dividing assets equitably requires full disclosure of all assets and debts by both parties. These disclosures allow the court to consider multiple facets, such as the length of the marriage and each spouse's earning capacity and contributions, to arrive at a fair division. As each case varies, so does the court's approach to asset distribution, and spousal maintenance is often calculated using a similar fact-driven approach.
When disputes over asset division arise, they can lead to protracted litigation where proficiency in negotiations and legal know-how become instrumental. Divorce lawyers step into the arena to provide advocacy and strategic advice, striving to achieve an outcome that aligns with their client's best interests. The complexity of these proceedings in New York's Supreme Court means that every effort is exerted to achieve an equitable resolution, though the exact outcome is contingent upon the judge's determination of what constitutes a fair division in the context of each unique divorce action.
Spousal Maintenance and Support
In a contested divorce in New York, spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, emerges as a critical point of contention. This form of financial support is awarded to a spouse post-divorce to help maintain a similar lifestyle to that which was experienced during the marriage. New York State provides guidelines for calculating spousal maintenance, but the intricacy of each case often necessitates deviation from these standards.
The disagreements surrounding spousal maintenance can significantly protract the divorce process. When one spouse requests what the other deems excessive support, negotiations can reach a deadlock, requiring extensive legal intervention to resolve. Such disputes underscore the vital role of experienced divorce attorneys in navigating the complexities of contested divorces in New York.
The negotiation for spousal support is often exhaustive, involving thorough analysis of factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's income, future earning capacity, and more. The aim is to reach an equitable outcome for both parties, ensuring the maintenance reflects the marital lifestyle and is fair under the given circumstances.
All told, spousal maintenance is a multifaceted aspect of contested divorces in New York, capable of adding layers of complexity and prolongation to the already challenging divorce proceedings.
Our Knowledge and Experience Matters Most
With nearly 30 years of experience, the Alatsas Law Firm is a trusted name in Brooklyn's legal community, offering personalized attention and expert guidance through the complexities of a contested divorce. Looking for a contested divorce attorney in Brooklyn, N.Y.? Alatsas Law Firm offers expert legal support to clients in Bay Ridge, Park Slope, Sheepshead Bay, Marine Park and beyond. Schedule your free consultation today.