Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C. has established itself as a leading divorce law firm in Nassau County, renowned for its dedication to providing exceptional legal services with compassion and expertise. Our firm’s history is rooted in a commitment to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of divorce law with confidence and clarity. Over the years, Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C. has built a reputation for reliability, thoroughness, and a client-centered approach, making it a trusted partner for those facing challenging family law issues.
Founded to deliver high-quality legal representation, our firm has become a cornerstone of the Nassau County legal community. The attorneys at Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C. bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to each case, ensuring that clients receive the best possible outcomes. Our firm’s reputation is built on successful case resolutions, personalized attention, and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction.
Our Professional Legal Team in Nassau County, NY
The legal team at Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C. is composed of highly skilled and dedicated professionals who specialize in various aspects of family law. Each team member plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive legal support to clients, ensuring that every case is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Our team consists of seven attorneys, collectively bringing over a century of experience in divorce and family law. Our lawyers regularly appear before the judges and magistrates of the Nassau County and Suffolk County Supreme and Family Courts, fostering strong, productive relationships with our colleagues on the bench and within the legal community.
Our paralegals and legal assistants have been with the firm for many years. They have established routines to ensure your case proceeds smoothly every step of the way — starting with your initial call to our office for a free consultation — and they are equipped to answer many of your questions about the various forms, documents, and procedures you will encounter in a divorce, child support, or child custody case.
Together, the professional legal team at Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C. is committed to providing exceptional legal support and achieving successful outcomes for their clients. Their combined expertise, dedication, and client-centered approach make the firm a trusted and respected name in family law in Nassau County. Whether you are facing a divorce, child custody dispute, or any other family law issue, you can rely on Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C. to provide the expert legal guidance and support you need.
Understanding the Divorce Process in Nassau County
Overview of Divorce Processes and Requirements
Navigating the divorce process in Nassau County requires an understanding of the legal steps and requirements involved. The process begins with one spouse filing a Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint for divorce in the Supreme Court of New York. This pleading outlines the grounds for divorce, which can be either fault-based (such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment) or no-fault (irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months).
Once the Summons is filed, it must be served to the other spouse, who then has a specified period to respond. This response can agree with the terms set forth in the Summons or oppose them, and may include a counterclaim for divorce and related demands.
A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on key issues such as property division, child custody, and support, requiring court intervention to resolve the disputes. In contrast, an uncontested divorce is when both spouses agree on all major terms, allowing for a smoother, faster, and less adversarial process.
Key Stages of the Divorce Process
Filing and Serving the Summons: Initiating the legal process by filing the Summons and serving it to the other spouse by process server
Temporary Orders: Requesting temporary orders from the court to address immediate concerns such as child custody, support, and living arrangements during the divorce proceedings
Discovery: Exchanging information and documentation relevant to the case, including financial records, property appraisals, and other evidence
Negotiation and Settlement: Attempting to reach an agreement on key issues such as property division, child custody, and support through negotiation or mediation
Trial: If an agreement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge makes the final decisions on contested issues
Finalizing the Divorce: Once all issues are resolved, a final Judgment of Divorce is issued, legally ending the marriage and outlining the terms of the divorce
Common Legal Challenges
Divorce can present numerous legal challenges, each requiring careful navigation and strategic planning. Some of the most common challenges include:
Property Division: Equitably dividing marital assets and debts can be complex, especially when dealing with high-value assets, businesses, or hidden assets. It is essential to conduct thorough discovery and obtain accurate valuations of all assets. Legal representation is crucial to ensure a fair division that aligns with New York laws.
Child Custody and Support: Determining child custody and support arrangements can be emotionally charged and contentious. Courts prioritize the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the child’s age, health, emotional ties to each parent, and each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment. Effective negotiation and, if necessary, strong advocacy in court are vital to achieving arrangements that support the child’s well-being.
Spousal Support (Maintenance): Calculating spousal support involves evaluating various factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage. Legal representation can help ensure that spousal support arrangements are fair and equitable, providing financial stability for both parties.
Emotional and Psychological Impact: Divorce can take a significant emotional toll on all parties involved. It is important to seek support from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, to help manage stress and navigate the emotional challenges of divorce. Legal representatives can also provide compassionate support and guidance throughout the process.
Legal Costs and Time: Divorce proceedings can be lengthy and costly, particularly in contested cases. Exploring alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, can help reduce costs and expedite the process. An experienced divorce attorney can also provide strategic advice to streamline proceedings and minimize expenses.
Understanding these common legal challenges and how to address them is crucial for navigating the divorce process in Nassau County. At Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C., our attorneys are experienced in all family law matters and dedicated to providing expert legal guidance and support, helping clients overcome these challenges and achieve favorable outcomes.
Child Custody and Child Support
Child custody arrangements are one of the most critical and sensitive issues in divorce court, requiring careful consideration of the best interests of the child. In Nassau County, as in the rest of New York, custody decisions are made with the primary goal of ensuring the child’s well-being and stability. Custody encompasses two main components: physical custody and legal custody.
Physical Custody: This refers to where the child will live on a day-to-day basis. Physical custody can be awarded to one parent (sole physical custody) or shared between both parents (joint or shared physical custody). The court evaluates factors such as each parent’s living situation, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable and nurturing environment.
Legal Custody: This involves the authority to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious instruction. Legal custody can also be sole or joint. Joint legal custody allows both parents to participate in decision-making, while sole legal custody grants this authority to one parent.
When determining custody arrangements, the court considers various factors, including:
- The child’s age, health, and emotional needs.
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs.
- The child’s relationship with each parent and siblings.
- Each parent’s willingness to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent.
- Any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect.
Calculating and Negotiating Child Support
Child support is essential for ensuring that the child’s financial needs are met, covering expenses such as housing, education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. In New York, child support calculations follow specific guidelines based on the parents’ combined income and the number of children.
The basic child support obligation is determined by applying a percentage to the combined parental income:
- 17% for one child
- 25% for two children
- 29% for three children
- 31% for four children
- At least 35% for five or more children
The non-custodial parent typically pays their proportionate share of the basic child support obligation. Additional expenses, such as childcare, medical costs, and educational expenses, may be added to the basic support amount. Negotiating child support involves several steps:
Financial Disclosure: Both parents must provide full financial disclosure, including income, assets, and expenses. This transparency ensures that the child support calculation is accurate and fair.
Guideline Calculations: Using the state’s guidelines, the basic child support obligation is calculated. This serves as a starting point for negotiations.
Consideration of Additional Expenses: Additional costs, such as healthcare, education, and extracurricular activities, are factored into the support amount. Both parents’ contributions to these expenses are negotiated.
Adjustments and Deviations: In some cases, deviations from the guideline amount may be appropriate to account for unique circumstances, such as high medical expenses or significant income disparities. Negotiations aim to reach an agreement that reflects the child’s needs and the parents’ financial capabilities.
Formalizing the Agreement: Once an agreement is reached, it is formalized in a written child support order, which is submitted to the court for approval. The court ensures that the agreement complies with legal requirements and serves the child’s best interests.
At Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C., our experienced attorneys provide expert guidance and advocacy to help clients navigate the complexities of divorce, ensuring that agreements are fair, comprehensive, and in the best interests of our clients and their children.
Contact a divorce lawyer in Nassau County from our firm to learn more in a free consultation.