Divorce Attorney in New York
Supportive Representation for Divorce in New York City
Ending a marriage in New York City can affect every part of your life at once, from where you live to how often you see your children. You may be worried about making a wrong move, signing something you later regret, or walking into a New York courtroom without a clear plan. At Law Offices of Andreas Vasilatos, we help clients bring structure and clarity to this moment so they can move forward with greater confidence.
Many people contact us when they are thinking about separation, have just been served divorce papers, or feel that conflict about children or finances is starting to grow. We listen first, then explain what divorce here typically involves, including how it may affect your children, your home, and your long-term financial stability. Our attorneys focus on divorce and family law across New York City and nearby counties, so we understand how local courts approach these issues and what that can mean for you.
Worried about property division or custody? Our experienced New York divorce attorneys protect your rights. Call (855) 773-1166 or contact Law Offices of Andreas Vasilatos today!
Why Families Choose Law Offices of Andreas Vasilatos for Their Divorce in New York
Choosing the right divorce lawyer is an important decision, especially when the outcome will affect your family, finances, and future. Experience matters, but so does approach. Our firm combines focused family law experience with thoughtful, client-centered representation designed to guide you through the divorce process with clarity and confidence.
Our clients choose our firm for divorce representation for:
- Focused Experience in Family Law: Founded in 2006, our firm is dedicated exclusively to divorce and family law. This focus gives our attorneys deep familiarity with how New York courts handle custody, equitable distribution, and support issues.
- Strategy Built Around Your Priorities: We take time to understand what matters most to you, whether that means protecting your relationship with your children, preserving a family home, planning for retirement, or addressing business interests. Your strategy is tailored to your family’s dynamics, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Clear and Ongoing Communication: Transparency is central to how we practice. We explain the process, timelines, and potential outcomes, and provide regular updates so you aren't left wondering about your case. When new developments arise, we discuss options and next steps with you.
- Flexible Approach to Resolution: Our spousal attorneys are experienced in negotiation, mediation, and litigation, allowing us to adjust our approach as your situation evolves. We focus on resolving matters efficiently and amicably when possible, while remaining fully prepared to advocate for you in court when needed.
How Divorce Works in New York
Child Custody, Parenting Time, and Support in New York City
For many parents, the most important concern in divorce is how it will affect their children. In New York, custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, with courts considering factors such as each parent’s involvement, the child’s needs, and the parents’ ability to cooperate.
Legal custody involves decision-making about education, medical care, and other major issues, while physical custody and parenting time determine where the child lives and how time is shared. In a city setting, practical concerns like school districts, commute times, and coordinating schedules across boroughs or states often play a role.
Child support is generally calculated using state guidelines based on parental income and the number of children, with possible adjustments for expenses such as childcare, health care, or education. Parenting time arrangements can affect support, making it important to evaluate both together.
Our divorce attorneys in New York City help parents create custody and parenting plans that reflect their child’s needs, including cases involving relocation or cross-border family dynamics.
Dividing Property and Addressing Spousal Support in New York City
Equitable Distribution of Marital Property
Divorce affects not only where you live but also how your financial life will look in the years ahead. New York follows an equitable distribution framework, which generally means that marital property is divided in a way that the court considers fair, though not necessarily equal. Separate property, such as certain assets owned before the marriage or some inheritances, may be treated differently.
Marital property can include a wide range of assets and obligations. These may involve apartments or co-ops, retirement accounts, investment portfolios, business interests, and different forms of debt. In New York City, questions about how to handle a shared residence or lease can be especially pressing, and it is important to think about both legal rights and practical realities, such as affordability and school zones.
Spousal Support and Financial Planning
Spousal support, sometimes called maintenance, can arise during and after a divorce. Courts often look at statutory guidelines for temporary maintenance while a case is pending, and may consider various factors when deciding whether to award support in the longer term. These factors can include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, and contributions that are not purely financial, such as childcare or support of a spouse’s career.
We work with clients to understand their financial picture in detail, so we can help them evaluate settlement options and prepare for negotiations or court. Our experience in family law matters allows us to recognize patterns, such as how certain types of assets are commonly treated, and to anticipate issues that might affect your long-term stability. Throughout, our divorce lawyer in New York aims to explain your choices in clear terms so you can make decisions that align with your goals.
Mediation, Negotiation, and Litigation in New York Divorce
Your goals and the dynamics between you and your spouse can strongly influence the right approach to resolving your case. Many families are interested in minimizing conflict and cost, particularly when children are involved. In these situations, tools like mediation and structured negotiations can help spouses reach agreements that feel more collaborative and durable.
In mediation, a neutral professional helps both spouses discuss issues such as property division, custody, and support. When mediation is appropriate, it can give you more control over the outcome and may reduce time in court. Our attorneys help clients prepare for mediation, understand proposed terms, and consider what provisions should be included to make an agreement clear and workable.
Not every case is suitable for mediation. Situations involving significant power imbalances, lack of information about assets, or serious safety concerns may require a different approach. In those matters, we focus on thorough preparation, strategic negotiation, and, when needed, presenting your case to the court. Our attorneys represent clients in conferences and hearings, and we work to make sure your concerns are clearly communicated.
The Winning Team Meet Our Trusted Advocates
Championing Your Case, Empowering Your Future Why Choose Law Offices of Andreas Vasilatos?
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Compassionate AdvocacyWe provide empathetic support throughout your family law journey, ensuring you feel understood and supported.
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Tailored Legal StrategiesWe craft personalized legal approaches that align with your unique needs and goals, maximizing outcomes through negotiation or litigation.
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Extensive Experience and ExpertiseSpecializing solely in family law, our attorneys offer deep expertise and up-to-date knowledge, delivering meticulous preparation and dedicated advocacy.
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Client-Centered ApproachWe prioritize personalized service and accessibility, ensuring you're informed and confident in our strategic representation.
Understand Your Options With Our New York Divorce Lawyer
You do not need to have every document gathered or every decision made before you speak with a New York divorce attorney. If you are thinking about ending your marriage, responding to papers you have received, or trying to protect your time with your children, a conversation with our team can help you understand your options. We will listen to your story, explain how divorce generally works here in the city, and discuss ways to align the legal process with your goals.
Your future matters. Work with a trusted New York divorce lawyer who understands your priorities. Contact us online or call (855) 773-1166 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my divorce take, and what affects the timeline?
The length of a divorce case can vary significantly, and there is no single timeline that applies to everyone. Cases where spouses reach an agreement on most issues, sometimes through mediation or direct negotiation, may be concluded more quickly once documents are prepared and submitted. Contested matters that involve significant disagreements about custody, property, or support often take longer and may require multiple court appearances.
Will I have to go to court in Manhattan or Queens?
Most divorce cases in this region are heard in the New York Supreme Court, and your specific courthouse often depends on where you or your spouse lives. If you are in the city, that may mean appearances in a Matrimonial Part in Manhattan or Queens, or in another borough’s Supreme Court. Many cases involve at least some in-person or virtual court conferences, particularly if there are contested issues.
Can you help if my spouse and I want to keep things amicable?
Yes, many of the clients who come to us are interested in keeping their divorce as respectful and low-conflict as possible. When both spouses are committed to that approach, and there is a reasonably balanced flow of information, tools like mediation and structured negotiation can be very effective. In those situations, our role often includes helping you clarify your priorities, preparing you for discussions, and reviewing proposed agreements to help ensure they are clear and complete.
What information should I bring to my first meeting with your team?
For an initial meeting, it is helpful, but not required, to bring basic information about your family and finances. This can include a list of your children and their ages, recent pay stubs or income information, and a general overview of assets such as bank accounts, retirement plans, and real estate. If you have already been served with court papers or have existing orders, bringing copies of those documents is important.
We understand that you may not have every detail at your fingertips when you first reach out. The initial consultation is an opportunity to understand your situation and to begin mapping out next steps, not a test of organization. We will let you know what additional documents will be helpful as your case progresses, and we can provide guidance on how to gather that information over time.