Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C. has established a longstanding presence in Suffolk County providing family law services with unparalleled expertise and compassion. Renowned for our comprehensive family law services, our experienced law firm offers a wide range of legal support, including divorce proceedings, child custody and support, spousal support, property division, and mediation.
Client care is at the forefront of our legal representation. We take a personalized approach to each case, ensuring that every client receives the attention and tailored legal strategies needed to achieve successful outcomes. With extensive experience handling complex divorce cases, our team of family law lawyers is well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of family law, providing effective solutions in the most challenging situations.
Committed to serving the Suffolk County community, Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C. is a trusted partner for those seeking expert legal guidance and support in family law matters.
Family Law Services
Divorce and Legal Separation
At Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C., we provide comprehensive legal support for both divorce and legal separation. Divorce legally ends a marriage, addressing issues such as property division, spousal support, and child custody. Legal separation, on the other hand, allows couples to live separately while remaining legally married, often serving as a precursor to divorce or a long-term arrangement for those who prefer not to divorce for personal or religious reasons. Our experienced attorneys guide clients through the complexities of both processes, ensuring that their rights and interests are protected at every stage.
Child Custody, Child Visitation, and Child Support
Child custody and support are critical components of family law that require a compassionate approach, careful consideration, and sensitivity from your chosen legal professional. Our firm is dedicated to helping parents establish custody arrangements that prioritize the best interests of the child. We handle both physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (decision-making authority), and parental access (visitation), striving to create stable and nurturing environments. Additionally, we manage child support matters, with our experienced counsel ensuring that financial responsibilities are fairly allocated to cover the child’s needs, including housing, education, and healthcare. Our goal is to achieve arrangements that support the well-being and development of the child while respecting the rights of both parents.
Spousal Support and Maintenance
Spousal support, or maintenance ( alimony), is designed to provide financial assistance to a spouse who may need support during or following a divorce. Determining spousal support or maintenance in New York state involves evaluating the parties’ incomes alongside various factors, such as the length of the marriage, the age of the parties, the standard of living during the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and child-rearing.
At Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C., our attorneys are skilled in negotiating and litigating spousal maintenance arrangements that are fair and equitable, ensuring that our clients receive or provide appropriate support to maintain financial stability post-divorce.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are essential tools for protecting individual assets and clarifying financial expectations in a marriage. A prenuptial agreement is established before marriage, outlining how assets and debts will be divided in a divorce. A postnuptial agreement serves a similar purpose but is created after the marriage has taken place. These agreements can address various issues, including property division, spousal support, and inheritance rights. Our attorneys at Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C. are adept at drafting and reviewing these agreements, ensuring that they are legally sound and tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of our clients.
By offering a full spectrum of family law services, Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C. is committed to providing the expert legal guidance and support you need to navigate the complexities of family law matters. Whether you are facing a divorce, seeking child custody, or looking to protect your assets with a prenuptial agreement, our dedicated team is here to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce and Other Family Law Issues
How long does the divorce process take?
The duration of the divorce process can vary significantly depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce can be finalized in a few months, while a contested divorce may take a year or more to resolve due to court schedules and the complexity of the issues involved.
What are the grounds for divorce in New York?
New York recognizes fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. No-fault grounds include an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months. Fault grounds can include adultery, abandonment, cruel and inhuman treatment, and imprisonment.
How is child custody determined?
Child custody decisions are made based on the best interests of the child. Factors considered include the child’s age, health, any ongoing issues in criminal court, emotional ties to each parent, the parents’ ability to provide for the child, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.
What is the difference between marital and separate property?
Marital property includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage and is subject to equitable distribution. Separate property includes assets acquired before the marriage, inheritances, and gifts specifically given to one spouse, and is generally not subject to division.
Can I receive spousal support (alimony)?
Spousal support, also sometimes called spousal maintenance, may be awarded based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and child-rearing.
Clarification of Legal Terminology and Processes
Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint for Divorce: The legal document filed by one spouse (the plaintiff) to initiate the divorce process. It outlines the grounds for divorce and the relief sought, such as property division and child custody.
Service of Process: The delivery of legal documents to the other spouse (the defendant), notifying them of the divorce action and providing an opportunity to respond.
Equitable Distribution: The fair, though not necessarily equal, division of marital property and debts between spouses during a divorce.
Temporary Orders: Court-issued orders that provide immediate relief and stability during the divorce process, addressing issues such as child custody, support, and living arrangements.
Discovery: The pre-trial phase in which both parties exchange information and documents relevant to the case. This can include financial records, property appraisals, and other evidence.
Mediation: A voluntary process in which a neutral third party (mediator) helps the divorcing spouses negotiate and reach an agreement on disputed issues.
Final Judgment of Divorce: The official order from Suffolk County Supreme Court that finalizes the divorce, outlining the terms of the divorce, including property division, custody arrangements, and support obligations.
Get a Free Consultation With a Family Law Attorney
For divorce in Suffolk County and other family law cases, speak to an experienced attorney from Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, PC. We understand that family law concerns such as divorce, legal custody, and support can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing. Our dedicated team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing attentive legal services tailored to your unique needs. We are here to guide you through every step of your legal journey, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected.
Whether you are facing a complex divorce or navigating custody arrangements, you can trust us to offer the effective representation and expert legal support you deserve. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter future.