Long Island Divorce Attorney

Handling Divorce-Related Matters Across New York

Making the decision to file for divorce is difficult. Following through can be even more complex and emotionally exhausting, particularly if you have children. That is why you need a Long Island divorce lawyer who can handle your case with compassion as well as efficiency.

As a mother of two with over 35 years of legal experience and a legal practice devoted exclusively to matrimonial and family law, Attorney Sari Friedman has exceptional knowledge and familiarity with New York divorces and all of the issues a divorce involves. This includes matters such as:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Alimony / maintenance
• Property division
• Visitation
• Other family law matters

Attorney Friedman and her team of divorce lawyers help clients in Long Island and New York City. No matter where you are in the process of dissolving your marriage, get a caring and capable advocate on your side.

Filing for Divorce in New York

As of 2010, you no longer need grounds for divorce in New York. Rather, New York is what is referred to as a “no fault” divorce state, meaning that you can file for divorce simply based upon “irreconcilable differences.” Many people still file for divorce based on matters that used to be required grounds for divorce, however.

In New York, "irreconcilable differences" can mean:

• Adultery
• Abandonment
• Cruel and inhuman treatment (abuse)
• Abandonment
• Legal separation
• Imprisonment

Once you have decided that divorce is best for you, the next step is to fill out the appropriate forms. It is vital to have the guidance of a divorce lawyer when completing these forms, since these documents will directly affect any decisions for property division, child support, alimony, custody, etc. You will then file these forms with the clerk at the Westchester County Court.

Regardless of why you are seeking a divorce, you need the professional knowledge and advocacy of a divorce attorney. Attorney Sari Friedman has more than 35 years of experience in New York matrimonial and family law and is highly recognized in the legal community for her skill and commitment to excellence. Turn to Friedman & Friedman if you are in need of legal counsel through every step of the divorce process.

Uncontested Divorce – Court May Not Be Necessary

Most people think of heated courtroom battles when they think of divorce, but the truth is that most divorces are settled outside of court. Mediation and collaborative law are two means of getting a divorce decree when the matter is uncontested.

Mediation is when both parties in divorce are guided by a neutral, third-party mediator as they work out the terms of their divorce agreement together. Collaborative divorce is when each party retains their own attorney for counsel, but still meet outside of court to negotiate each aspect of their divorce agreement.

Usually, the only time the parties must step into a courtroom during an uncontested divorce is when they present their divorce agreement to a family law Judge to be entered and finalized.

Understanding Legal Separation vs. Divorce

When two people agree to divorce, they can immediately execute a legal separation agreement and then apply for divorce one year after the date the agreement is executed. However, issues such as custody, spousal and child support, visitation and property division must be determined in the separation agreement. This does not preclude the parties from obtaining a divorce sooner if other existing grounds for divorce exist.

Nassau, Suffolk & Westchester Divorce Attorney

The attorneys at Friedman & Friedman, Attorneys at Law are dedicated to providing families with experienced, professional and personalized legal representation through every step of the New York divorce process. Our team treats each client with the utmost importance and strives to obtain results through skilled legal counsel, all at an affordable cost.