Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C. is a leading law firm dedicated to serving the residents of Suffolk County with unparalleled expertise and compassion. Renowned for its comprehensive divorce services, our experienced firm offers a wide range of legal support, including divorce proceedings, spousal support, property division, and mediation.
Client care is at the forefront of our practice. 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 in handling complex divorce cases, our team is well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of divorce law, providing effective solutions even in the most challenging situations.
Committed to serving the Suffolk County community, Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C. stands as a trusted partner for those seeking expert legal guidance and support in divorce matters.
Understanding Divorce Law in Suffolk County
Overview of Divorce Proceedings in Suffolk County
An action for divorce in Suffolk County begins with one spouse filing a Summons with Notice or a Summons and Complaint for divorce in the Supreme Court of New York. The Summons outlines the grounds for divorce, which can be based on fault (such as adultery or cruelty) 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 an opportunity to respond. The process may involve several stages, including temporary orders, discovery, negotiation, and potentially a trial if an agreement cannot be reached. The final decision of the Matrimonial Part of the Suffolk County Supreme Court will address all aspects of the divorce, including asset division, child custody, and support.
Types of Divorce: Contested and Uncontested
Divorces can be either contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues, such as property division, child custody, and support arrangements. This type of divorce is typically faster, less expensive, and less adversarial.
Conversely, a contested divorce arises when the spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues. Contested divorces often require court intervention to resolve disputes, which can lead to a longer, more complex, and costly process. Aggressive representation is needed for these cases to protect your best interests.
Regardless of the type, having experienced legal representation is crucial to protect your interests and achieve a fair outcome.
Legal Rights and Obligations of Spouses
During a divorce, both spouses have specific legal rights and obligations that must be considered. These include the right to an equitable distribution of marital property, which means assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. Spouses also have the right to seek spousal support (alimony) if one party requires financial assistance post-divorce. Additionally, both parents have rights and responsibilities concerning their children, including custody, visitation, and child support.
Understanding these rights and obligations is essential to ensure a fair and just resolution, and effective representation from an experienced Suffolk County divorce lawyer can provide the guidance needed to navigate these complexities effectively.
Suffolk County Divorce Services
Divorce Representation and Advice
A divorce attorney from our law firm will offer skilled divorce representation and advice to help you navigate the complexities of ending your marriage. Our experienced attorneys provide comprehensive support from the initial consultation to the final Judgment, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and your rights are protected. We handle all aspects of divorce, including filing pleadings and motions, negotiating settlements, and representing you in court if necessary. Our goal is to achieve a fair and favorable outcome while minimizing the emotional and financial stress associated with the divorce process.
Child Custody and Support Arrangements
Child custody and support are among the most critical and sensitive issues in family law. Our firm is dedicated to helping parents establish custody arrangements that prioritize the best interests of the child. This is often joint custody, but not always. We handle both physical custody (who the child lives with) and legal custody (decision-making authority regarding the child’s life), as well as parenting access and supervised visitation if warranted, striving to create stable and nurturing environments.
Additionally, we manage child support matters, ensuring that financial responsibilities are fairly allocated to cover the child’s needs, including housing, education, and healthcare. Our attorneys work diligently to develop arrangements that support the well-being and development of the child while respecting the rights of both parents.
Maintenance and Spousal Support Negotiation
Determining spousal support, also called spousal maintenance or alimony, can be a complex process that requires a detailed understanding of financial circumstances and contributions made during the marriage. Our divorce and family law attorneys are skilled in negotiating fair and equitable spousal support arrangements. We consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage to ensure that our clients receive or provide appropriate support. Whether you are seeking support or opposing a maintenance request, we provide personalized legal strategies to protect your interests.
Property Division and Asset Protection
Property division during a divorce involves more than just splitting assets; it requires careful consideration of each party’s financial future. Our firm excels in handling the equitable distribution of marital property, including real estate, investments, retirement accounts, and other assets. For over three decades, we have worked to protect our clients’ interests by thoroughly evaluating all assets and liabilities, ensuring a fair division that aligns with New York state laws — proving we have the legal experience needed to fight for your best interests. Our attorneys are also adept at uncovering hidden assets and addressing complex financial situations to safeguard our clients’ financial well-being.
Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation offers a less adversarial and often more cost-effective way to resolve family law disputes. At Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C., we offer mediation to help clients reach amicable agreements that benefit all parties involved. Our skilled mediators facilitate open communication and negotiation, helping clients resolve issues such as property division, child custody, and support without the need for prolonged litigation. However, if mediation is not successful, our attorneys are fully prepared to advocate for your rights in court.
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, our dedicated team is here to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Navigating the Emotional Aspects of Divorce
Divorce is not only a legal process but also an emotional journey that can profoundly impact your mental and emotional well-being. We understand the emotional toll that divorce can take and are committed to providing compassionate support to our clients as they navigate these difficult transitions.
One of the key aspects of our approach is recognizing the importance of addressing both the legal and emotional dimensions of divorce. Our attorneys are not just legal advocates; they are also empathetic listeners who understand the stress and anxiety that often accompany the end of a marriage. We strive to create a supportive environment where clients feel heard and understood, offering reassurance and guidance every step of the way.
Navigating the emotional aspects of divorce is a critical component of the overall process. By addressing both the emotional and legal aspects of divorce, we aim to help our clients achieve not only favorable legal outcomes but also emotional resilience and well-being. At Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C., we are dedicated to providing holistic support that encompasses both legal expertise and emotional care, empowering our clients to move forward with confidence and strength.
Get a Free Consultation With a Suffolk County Divorce Lawyer
For divorce or any other family law cases, speak to a divorce lawyer in Suffolk County from Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, PC. We have over 100 years of combined experience, including in difficult legal situations like high net-worth divorces and matters involving domestic violence.
Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C. offers numerous advantages for individuals navigating the complexities of divorce. Our commitment to personalized attention ensures that each client receives tailored legal strategies designed to meet their unique needs and circumstances. With strong advocacy and exceptional negotiation skills, our attorneys work tirelessly to achieve favorable outcomes while protecting your rights and interests. Our experienced legal team boasts a proven track record of success in handling even the most challenging cases, providing you with the confidence and support needed during this critical time.
You can trust Petroske Riezenman & Meyers, P.C. to guide you through your family law matters with expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication.