BEST NYC DIVORCE ATTORNEY WITH 15+ YEARS OF LEGAL EXPERTISE

Going through a divorce can be an emotionally and financially challenging situation, especially without reliable legal representation. If you are considering ending your marriage or have been served with a divorce petition by your spouse, it is essential to seek the assistance of a New York City divorce attorney. They can provide invaluable guidance and help you navigate the complexities of the divorce process to achieve a favorable outcome.

At Dalbir Singh & Associates, P.C., we fully understand the difficulties associated with divorce. Our mission is to offer comprehensive representation to all our clients. When you choose to work with us, you can approach your divorce with confidence. As your NYC divorce lawyer, Attorney Dalbir Singh and our team bring years of practical experience and personalized representation to every case we handle.

WHY DO YOU NEED DALBIR SINGH & ASSOCIATES, P.C.?

You may believe that you can handle your divorce proceedings without legal counsel, especially if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are on relatively amicable terms. While it is possible to negotiate the terms of your divorce privately, hiring an attorney provides peace of mind and an additional layer of protection for your interests throughout the process. Your NYC divorce attorney can offer valuable legal guidance, manage administrative responsibilities on your behalf, and explore alternative dispute resolution options, if appropriate. Ultimately, retaining an attorney ensures that you have an experienced advocate who can ensure your proceedings move in a positive direction.

Divorce is rarely an easy experience, and some cases may go beyond negotiation and escalate to litigation. If your divorce requires litigation in NYC family court, it is wise to assume that your spouse will also hire legal counsel. You should do the same. Your attorney will help you prepare for the upcoming proceedings and meet all the procedural requirements of the court, ensuring a smooth progression of your divorce.

TYPES OF DIVROCE IN NEW YORK CITY

In New York, there are various types of divorce actions that can be filed. The most common types include:

Uncontested Divorce: This type of divorce occurs when both parties agree on all terms, including the division of property, child custody, and alimony. Uncontested divorces are typically faster and less expensive than other types.

Contested Divorce: This arises when the parties do not agree on one or more aspects of the divorce. Contested divorces can be more complex and may involve court hearings and mediation.

No-Fault Divorce: This type of divorce is based on the grounds that the marriage has irretrievably broken down without a chance of reconciliation. No-fault divorce is the most common in New York City and can be either uncontested or contested.

Fault-Based Divorce: This occurs when a party files for divorce based on one of the seven statutory grounds of fault, such as adultery, abandonment, cruelty, or imprisonment. Fault-based divorce is less common than no-fault divorce and can be either contested or uncontested.

Summary Divorce:This type of divorce is available to couples married for less than 10 years, with no children and minimal assets and debts. Summary divorce is less formal and can be finalized relatively quickly.

Consulting with a premier and experienced divorce attorney regarding your specific circumstances can help you determine the most suitable type of divorce for your situation. This will enable you to pursue exceptional outcomes during the divorce process.

THE 7 STATUTORY GROUNDS OF FAULT IN A FAULT BASED DIVORCE

In a fault-based divorce in New York City, the seven statutory grounds for divorce are as follows:

• Adultery: One spouse engages in extramarital sexual relationships.

• Cruel and Inhuman Treatment: One spouse treats the other in a manner that makes it unsafe or improper to continue the marriage.

• Abandonment: One spouse deserts the other for a period of one or more years.

• Imprisonment: A spouse is sentenced to imprisonment for a duration of three or more years.

• Living Apart: The couple has lived separately for at least one year, and one party desires a divorce while the other party does not contest it.

• Incurable Insanity: One spouse has been incurably insane for a continuous period of at least five years.

• Judicially Separated: The parties have obtained a court judgment of separation from a competent jurisdiction.

• It is important to note that these fault-based grounds are not the only basis for divorce in New York City. Most divorces are filed as no-fault divorces on the grounds of an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

DIVORCE TIMELINE IN NEW YORK CITY

The divorce process commences when one spouse files a divorce petition with the NYC family court. The court then arranges for the delivery of the petition to the other spouse through a process server, giving them the opportunity to respond. If the other spouse fails to respond, refuses to respond, or cannot be located, it may impact the process. In such cases, the NYC family court judge may grant a summary judgment in favor of the petitioner, allowing the divorce to proceed without the unresponsive spouse's input.

The duration of the divorce process in New York depends on whether the divorce is contested. There is no state-mandated waiting period before finalizing a divorce. In an uncontested divorce where both parties agree to the termination of the marriage, have minimal assets, and no children together, the process can be completed in as little as six weeks. However, in highly litigated divorces with complex issues, the proceedings can take several months or even years.

Your New York City divorce lawyer can provide you with an estimated timeline based on the specifics of your case. Collaborative negotiation and mediation can significantly expedite the divorce process if both spouses are willing to work together civilly.

DIVORCE MEDIATION IN NEW YORK 

If you and your spouse are open to negotiation, there is no need for a contentious courtroom battle to end your marriage. Mediation is a popular alternative dispute resolution method for divorces in NYC. It involves the assistance of a neutral third-party mediator, typically an experienced family law attorney without any conflicts of interest favoring either spouse. The mediator oversees the couple's private negotiations, ensuring focus and addressing any legal questions that arise.

During mediation, each spouse can have their respective attorneys present at some or all of the sessions. Having an experienced NYC divorce lawyer during mediation can facilitate smoother communication. The goal of mediation is for the spouses to privately negotiate their divorce. Once they reach mutually agreeable terms, the mediator verifies the proposed agreement's legal soundness. The spouses' attorneys can also review the drafted proposal to ensure fairness and protect their clients' interests.

The mediated divorce agreement is then presented to an NYC family court judge for final approval. Mediation involves only as many sessions as necessary for the couple to negotiate all aspects of their divorce, including property division, debt allocation, and a parenting and support plan if applicable. Opting for mediation and collaborative divorce can lead to a faster resolution compared to costly and time-consuming litigation.

DETERMINING CHILD SUPPORT AFTER A DIVORCE

When it comes to determining child support in New York, the court takes into consideration the best interests of the child. The Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) guidelines are utilized to calculate the basic child support amount, factoring in the income of both parents and the number of children involved.

Furthermore, the court considers various additional factors in determining child support, including:

• The needs of the child: This encompasses expenses related to the child's education, healthcare, and other necessary costs.

• The standard of living of the child: The court takes into account the lifestyle the child would have enjoyed had the divorce not occurred.

• The income and earning capacity of both parents: Wages, salaries, tips, bonuses, and other sources of income for both parents are taken into consideration.

• The custodial arrangement: The court evaluates the child custody arrangement, including the amount of time each parent spends with the child.

• To navigate the complexities of child support determination and to understand your rights and obligations, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a New York City divorce attorney specializing in family law.

• Requesting Child Support Modifications After an NYC Divorce

• In New York City, a parent can request a modification of child support by filing a petition with the Family Court. The parent seeking the modification must demonstrate that there has been a significant change in circumstances since the issuance of the original child support order.

• The process for requesting a child support modification involves the following steps:

• File a petition for modification: The parent seeking the modification files a petition with the Family Court in the county where the child resides. The petition must outline the details of the changed circumstances and propose a new child support amount.

• Provide financial information: The parent seeking the modification must provide updated financial information, including income and expenses, to the court.

• Attend a hearing: The court schedules a hearing to review the petition and allows both parents to present their testimony.

• Await a decision: Following the hearing, the court will make a decision regarding the modification request. If approved, a new child support order will be issued.

• It is important to note that the court will grant a modification only if there is a significant change in circumstances that justifies revising the child support order. Not all modification requests will be granted.

PROPERTY RIGHTS DURING A DIVORCE

During a divorce, both spouses have the right to an equitable distribution of marital property. Thirteen factors are considered by the court in New York City when determining property distribution:

• The income and property of each party at the time of the marriage and at the time of the divorce.

• The duration of the marriage.

• The age and health of each party.

• The current and future earning capacity of each party.

• Any interruption of the earning capacity of either party due to homemaking, childrearing, or education.

• The current and future needs of the parties and any children of the marriage.

• The tax consequences to each party of the distribution of property.

• Any transfer or encumbrance made in contemplation of the marriage or in contemplation of the divorce.

• The wasting of marital property by either party.

• The loss of health insurance benefits upon dissolution of the marriage because of its termination.

• The loss of inheritance or pension rights upon dissolution of the marriage because of its termination.

• Any other factor that the court expressly finds to be just and proper.

• It is worth noting that certain assets are not considered marital property, including those acquired before the marriage, gifts or inheritance received during the marriage, and assets kept separately throughout the marriage.

NYC DIVORCE FAQS