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Hudson Valley Divorce Lawyers

Beacon Divorce Attorneys - Fighting for Clients’ Best Interests Hudson Valley couple getting a divorce

Divorce is a time of stress and uncertainty about the future. Legal matters related to divorce are complex, so it is important to seek an attorney who has in-depth knowledge of New York divorce law. The Hudson Valley divorce lawyers at Letterio & Haug, LLP take the time to understand the unique aspects of your case and provide tailored representation for every client.

We're ready to help you navigate the divorce process in New York. Call now to get started with a consultation with a Hudson Valley divorce attorney!

If you are contemplating divorce in Dutchess County, contact our Beacon divorce lawyers for the legal advice you need.

Requirements to File for Divorce in New York

In order to file for divorce in New York, you must meet the state’s residency requirement and have grounds for the divorce. New York State requires at least two years of residency prior to filing for divorce, or at least one year if you were married in New York, or the grounds for the divorce occurred in this state. The state has no-fault and fault grounds for divorce.

The grounds for divorce in New York include:

  • Adultery
  • Imprisonment
  • Abandonment
  • Cruel and inhumane treatment
  • Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months
  • Divorce after a legal separation agreement and living apart for one year
  • Divorce after a judgment of separation

Our Hudson Valley divorce attorneys handle all types of divorce, including uncontested, contested, and same-sex divorces. We have nearly two decades of combined legal experience and have handled everything from amicable, simple divorces to complex situations involving businesses, high net worth individuals, and other complicated situations. Our divorce lawyers in Beacon, NY, can guide you through the process so you can move forward with your life.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

Divorcing spouses can have either a contested divorce or an uncontested divorce. A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on the terms of their divorce. For example, if you and your spouse cannot agree on a child custody arrangement, you would have a contested divorce, even if you agree on every other key issue. An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on the terms of their divorce. Even if you and your spouse are in agreement, however, you should still consult with a divorce attorney to ensure the terms of your agreement are in your best interests.

A contested divorce is typically a lengthier process compared to an uncontested divorce, especially if you go through litigation. However, for couples who are unable to negotiate using alternative methods of divorce, litigation is necessary to reach a resolution. In a contested divorce, a judge will make decisions regarding:

  • Spousal support
  • Child support
  • Child custody
  • Property and asset division
  • Debt division

Many of these issues are sensitive topics, so contested divorces are not uncommon in the world of family law.

Uncontested divorces, on the other hand, are much more efficient and less costly. For spouses who do not have children or complicated finances, uncontested divorces are more common. With fewer things to dispute over, it is easier to agree to the terms of a divorce. That said, mistakes can be made in the process of filing for a divorce and you might unknowingly make an error that delays the finalization of your divorce, so it is crucial to hire an experienced attorney even in an uncontested divorce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Divorce Take in New York?

Every case will have its own unique set of circumstances that can impact the outcome of a divorce. If you have an uncontested divorce, a scenario where you and your spouse have few assets or don't share any children, the divorce could be settled in only a few months. On average, an uncontested divorce case could be resolved in just a few months. A contested divorce, on the other hand, could last between nine months and up to a year, possibly more for very complex cases. Again, it will depend on factors such as custody, property division, or alimony to be settled.

Is There a Waiting Period for Getting a Divorce in New York?

No. In other states, the parties must wait for a certain period of time before getting a divorce. Also known as “cooling-off” periods, mandatory waiting periods are meant to give the parties time to think about whether they really want a divorce and to preserve the possibility of reconciling before spouses permanently end their marriage. However, New York law does not impose a mandatory waiting period for divorces.

How Is Property Divided in a Divorce in New York?

In New York, marital property is equitably distributed between the couple. An “equitable” division of marital property doesn’t necessarily mean that property is “equally” divided. Instead, the court will consider certain factors to determine how exactly to divide marital assets upon divorce. All property that the couple acquired during their marriage qualifies as a marital property upon divorce. An asset that a party a party obtained before getting married or after separating from their spouse to get a divorce qualifies as the acquiring party’s separate property and is not subject to equitable distribution.

Can I Date While Separated Before Divorce?

A couple remains legally married until the court finalizes a divorce. Furthermore, adultery is considered a fault-based ground for divorce. Therefore, you risk committing adultery by dating someone before the court finalizes your divorce. As a result, the court can consider this against you during divorce proceedings, such as when determining the equitable distribution of marital assets, alimony, and other issues.

Our Beacon Divorce Attorneys Understand the Unique Needs of Same-Sex Divorce

While same-sex couples and heterosexual couples face similar challenges in the divorce process, same-sex divorce and custody cases can be more complicated. Our divorce lawyers in Beacon, NY, are able to navigate complex family law issues, and we understand the nuances that are unique to same-sex divorce cases. We provide outstanding legal representation to our clients regardless of sexual or gender orientation.

Contact a Dutchess County divorce lawyer for a consultation. Our office is located in Beacon. Proudly serving Hudson Valley, Orange County, Ulster County, and Putnam County.

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