Long Island Divorce Attorney

A Mother-Daughter Team Guided By Experience & Compassion

Going through a divorce or a complex family law matter is one of the most stressful, life-changing events a person can face. At Friedman & Friedman, we know that the right legal representation is not just about filing paperwork; it is about having an unwavering advocate by your side throughout the entire process.

As a mother-daughter legal team serving Nassau County and all of Long Island, Sari and Andrea Friedman bring a highly unique dynamic to divorce cases. Our firm is built on an approach that balances deep emotional intelligence with fierce legal advocacy.

Contact us to schedule an initial consultation and to speak to us about your divorce on Long Island. Call (516) 688-0088 today!

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in New York?

As of August 15, 2010, New York Divorce Law has changed. A person is now entitled to allege that the marriage has been irretrievably broken for at least six months and that person can then obtain a divorce. For more information about how the change in the law might affect you, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm in Nassau County today.

The other six grounds for divorce in New York include:

• Cruel and Inhuman Treatment: Cruel and inhuman treatment is a clear reason for divorce in the state of New York. This category can involve a wide variety of verbal and physical assaults. This reason for divorce can cause a petition to be granted quickly and often results in the victim receiving much of what they want in a divorce settlement.
• Abandonment: One married partner cannot simply abandon their partner for long stretches of time in the state of New York. Such abandonment can easily be grounds for divorce in the state. An individual would have to bring convincing proof to a judge that their partner had been away for a significant period of time in order to win a divorce on these grounds. The question of locking out another spouse can also lead to a divorce on the grounds of abandonment. One partner must think carefully and act cautiously if they are ever considering locking their partner out of a jointly owned house.
• Imprisonment: If a spouse has been in jail for three or more years in a row beginning after marriage, there is a ground for divorce. Once your spouse has spent three consecutive years in jail, you can file for divorce while they are still in jail or up to five years after they are released from jail.
• Adultery: Adultery is no longer considered a crime in New York. But it can still be a grounds for divorce. The act of adultery involves a betrayal of trust that strikes at the core of most marriages. This scenario, if proven, can be incredibly influential for a judge who is making decisions surrounding a divorce. Proving adultery can be difficult, however. It only holds up if there is significant evidence for the affair and proof that both parties did not accept the affair in advance.
• Divorce After a Legal Separation Agreement: A separation agreement involves both parties signing on to a statement declaring that they have been separated for a significant period of time.
• Divorce After a Judgment of Separation: A judgment of separation is a determination by a judge that two people have been separated for an extended period of time. This judgment often emerges when one member of the divorce fails to respond to a motion from the court or the other party in the divorce. Such a decision leads to the judge agreeing with the filing party and making a judgment stating that he or she believes that both parties have been separated for a significant period of time.

A Family Helping Families on Long Island

There is a distinct advantage to working with a family-run law firm. By forming a partnership, Sari and Andrea Friedman have combined generational legal wisdom with innovative, dedicated service. We treat our clients as an extension of our own family, ensuring you receive the highest level of service during this critical time.

The Friedman Method: Aggressive Yet Compassionate

Many law firms force you to choose between a sympathetic ear and a tough litigator. We believe you need both.

• Compassionate counsel: We know firsthand the emotional toll a divorce takes on you and your family. We do not just treat you as a case number; we listen, we validate your struggles, and we stand by your side every step of the way to guide you through this difficult transition.
• Aggressive representation: While our approach to you is compassionate, our approach to protecting your rights is assertive. Sari Friedman has been successfully practicing law since 1980, bringing decades of hard-hitting legal strategy to the table. When it comes to securing your future, we fight tirelessly to pursue the resolution you deserve.

The team at Friedman & Friedman PLLC, Attorneys at Law is dedicated to guiding individuals and families through the divorce process in such a way as to cause the least amount of turmoil and emotional trauma—all while protecting the interests and future of their clients. 

As a mother of two with over 40 years of legal experience and a legal practice devoted exclusively to matrimonial and family law, Attorney Sari Friedman has an exceptional understanding of New York divorces and all of the issues a divorce involves. 

This includes matters such as:

• High-Net-Worth Divorce
• Collaborative Divorce
• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Alimony / Maintenance
• Visitation
• Other Family Law Matters

Understanding the complexities of divorce law in New York is critical. At Friedman & Friedman, we bring a deep understanding of the intricate legal landscape to ensure you are informed every step of the way. Our goal is to tailor our approach to each unique case, taking into account the specific circumstances you are facing.

Is a Lawyer Required for Divorce in Long Island, NY?

While no law specifically states that a divorce in New York requires legal representation, there are many advantages to retaining a divorce attorney in Long Island.

We provide you with the following benefits when our services are retained:

• Thorough understanding of family law—we have decades of trial experience and understand the intricacies involved with complex divorce matters.
• Reduced risk of human error: because a divorce can be exhausting, we provide a sense of “level-headedness” if emotions impede your judgment. We also tend to the documents and court papers you are responsible for completing. These can add up and cause confusion. Along the way, we will help educate you and answer any questions you may have regarding these legal documents.
• Alternatives: More often than not, there are multiple ways to conclude your divorce. These can be achieved amicably and through proper negotiation. While our Long Island divorce lawyers have no issue taking your case to litigation, it is always in your best interests to settle outside of court. We have the experience necessary to provide you with a variety of pathways, which we include when preparing your case.
• Realistic expectations: We help keep your focus on what issues are worth pursuing. In the heat of a divorce, it is not uncommon for spouses to “go for it all.” However, this can backfire badly, which is why we tailor a plan specific to you and prioritize what is reasonable and attainable.

Addressing High-Net-Worth Divorces

High-net-worth divorces require careful handling due to the complexity of asset holdings, investments, and business interests. In Long Island, where real estate and business interests can be significant, these cases demand special attention to ensure accurate asset valuation and equitable distribution. Our team at Friedman & Friedman is adept at managing such cases, offering strategic solutions that protect both your financial interests and privacy.

We collaborate with financial professionals to assess the value of properties, investments, and business assets, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of your financial picture. This collaboration aids in negotiating settlements that reflect your long-term financial goals. Furthermore, our discretion and commitment to confidentiality ensure that your personal and business affairs remain private throughout the process.