Divorce & Family Law

Divorce is never easy—it’s an emotional and complex journey that affects not just you, but your entire family. The stress, uncertainty, and legal intricacies can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We are here to help you regain control and move forward with confidence.

With years of experience handling high-net-worth divorces and a background as a court attorney in a matrimonial courtroom, our team brings both strategic expertise and deep compassion to your case. We prioritize amicable resolutions whenever possible, but if a fair settlement isn’t on the table, we are fully prepared to fight for your rights—whether in court, through trial, or on appeal.

Throughout the process, we will be your steadfast advocate, ensuring that every detail of your case is handled with diligence and care.

Most divorces in New York are granted on an uncontested basis.  Many families have insufficient income and assets to even justify court intervention.  Many other families can resolve all issues related to a divorce amicably in a written settlement agreement. In these cases, a divorce decree can be obtained on an uncontested basis and without the need to ever go to court.

The paperwork necessary to obtain an uncontested divorce is complex and cumbersome.  Parties seeking an uncontested divorce must prepare, among other things: a summons; a verified complaint; affidavits from both parties (or an affidavit of service if the defendant refuses to participate); an affirmation of regularity; a certification that Part 130 of the Court rules has been complied with; a certificate of dissolution; a child support worksheet; a statement concerning the continuation of health insurance (DRL 255); proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law; and a proposed Judgment of Divorce. 

Having prepared the paperwork for uncontested divorces on numerous occasions, we are equipped to draft and file uncontested divorce documents on an expedited basis.

Few issues in a separation are as emotionally charged as custody and parental access—whether or not the parents were ever married. Navigating these complexities can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. We are here to guide you through the challenging process of resolving or litigating child custody disputes with clarity and determination.

Custody battles often boil down to two key issues: legal custody, which determines decision-making authority for the child, and physical custody/parenting time, which dictates where the child will live and how time is shared. These decisions directly impact child support obligations, making them even more critical. With our experience and strategic approach, you can ensure that your parental rights—and your child’s best interests—are fiercely protected.

Family law conflicts don’t end with divorce—sometimes, they’re just beginning. Disputes can arise long after a judgment of divorce is finalized, often bringing new challenges between ex-spouses. And for those who were never married, legal battles over custody, support, or even protection from an abusive partner can be just as intense.

No matter the situation, you deserve a strong advocate in your corner. Whether you’re facing post-divorce conflicts or need protection through a restraining order against an intimate partner, we are ready to fight for your rights. Our firm is equipped to handle a wide range of non-matrimonial family law disputes, including: Post Judgment Proceedings, Relocation Proceedings, Orders of Protection, and Grandparent Custody and Visitation.

In 2011, the New York legislature passed the Marriage Equality Act, which afforded same-sex couples the right to marry in New York.  Then, in 2015, in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015), the United States Supreme Court held that same sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, as marriage is a recognized “fundamental right” the denial of which is a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantees of Due Process and Equal Protection under the law. 

Having secured the right to marry at both the state and federal level, same sex couples now enjoy the privileges of marriage, as well as its protections, obligations, and pitfalls. Notably, the marriage equality act amended the Domestic Relations law to be gender neutral wherever statutory language was previously gender specific. Accordingly, all provisions applicable to heterosexual married couples are now equally applicable to same-sex married couples, including all sections applicable to divorce, equitable distribution, maintenance, child support, and counsel fees and expert fees.

Same-sex married couples, however, encounter unique challenges not faced by their heterosexual counterparts. In particular, the question of when the parties’ economic partnership commenced often arises in same-sex divorces. The date of marriage is often a vital date in divorces, as it governs the valuation of marital property and it may affect the amount and duration of spousal maintenance.  But due to historic discrimination, same-sex couples often formed economic partnerships for years without the ability to legally formalize their union through marriage. 

Having previously represented parties in same-sex divorces, we are prepared to address the challenges faced by parties in LGBTQ+ divorces. 

Protecting your financial future starts with the right legal strategy. In New York, divorce laws dictate how marital assets are divided, who pays spousal maintenance, and even how legal fees are handled. But you don’t have to leave these critical decisions to default state rules.

Under Domestic Relations Law 236(b)(3), you and your partner can take control by crafting a legally binding agreement—whether it’s a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement to safeguard your interests before or during marriage, or a settlement or separation agreement if your relationship is coming to an end.

At our firm, we don’t just draft agreements—we provide strategic guidance to ensure your rights and assets are fully protected. Whether you’re planning for the future or navigating a separation, we’ll help you create a tailored agreement that meets your unique needs.

New York law recognizes grandparents’ right to seek custody or visitation of grandchildren in some limited situations. Grandparents may seek an order of legal or physical custody for grandchildren only in extenuating circumstances. 

However, a grandparent may also seek an order of visitation with a grandchild.   

We have handled dozens of grandparent visitation and custody cases, and we are prepared to represent you whether you are a grandparent seeking custody or visitation or a parent defending against a grandparent’s claims.

If you are facing violent or abusive behavior from a family member, you may be entitled to a protective order—commonly referred to as an Order of Protection.  New York courts can issue an Order of Protection to limit the behavior of an “intimate partner” who harms or threatens to harm a family member.  A court may direct, among other things, that the other party: stay away from you and others; have no contact; move out of your home; follow custody orders; pay child support; give up guns; and refrain from injuring, threatening or harassing you or your family.  Once an Order of Protection has been issued, the violation of that order can result in immediate arrest and imprisonment.  Orders of Protection generally last for one year, but courts can extend them up to five years depending on the circumstances of the case.

We have experience navigating the complex and sensitive area of reproductive law. We offer the negotiation and drafting of gestational surrogacy agreements, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and protecting the rights of all parties involved. We also handle egg, sperm, and embryo donation agreements, providing clear guidance on consent, ownership, and parentage rights. Additionally, we assist clients in parentage proceedings to establish legal parental rights efficiently and effectively. Whether addressing innovative assisted reproduction methods or ensuring legal clarity for families, we are committed to delivering exceptional counsel in this evolving practice area.