New York and New Jersey Divorce Lawyer
We fight to protect your rights, assets, and parenting time
We understand divorce is one of life’s hardest transitions. We will handle the legal burden, protect what matters most, and guide you to a stable next chapter.
Your Rights After a Divorce Filing
Divorce sets the rules for children, property, debts, and future finances. You have the right to clear orders, full financial disclosure, and a fair process. We keep the case moving, protect your interests, and negotiate from strength. When negotiation fails, we try the case.
Automatic Orders (New York): once the case starts and the papers are served, both spouses must not:
Transfer or hide assets
Change insurance or beneficiaries
Take on unusual debt
Relocate children without consent or court approval
Temporary Restraints (New Jersey)
NJ has no statewide automatic orders. When needed, we move quickly for court restraints to:
Freeze assets and preserve accounts
Maintain insurance and beneficiaries
Protect parenting time and the status quo
Preserve business records and key documents
Parenting: Custody and Parenting Time
We design plans that reduce conflict and hold up in court. Schedules address school weeks, holidays, travel, decision-making, and communication rules. If safety is a concern, we will seek supervised time or protective conditions.
Property and Asset Division
New York and New Jersey use equitable distribution. We identify the marital estate, separate property, and debts, then build a practical division. For businesses, we coordinate valuation, cash flow analysis, and buyout terms that the court can approve.
Residency Requirements
New York
You can file in New York if any one of these is true:
You or your spouse lived in New York continuously for at least 2 years right before filing; or
You or your spouse lived in New York continuously for at least 1 year right before filing and: you married in New York, or you lived together in New York as a married couple, or the reason for the divorce happened in New York.
New Jersey
In most cases, either spouse must have been a New Jersey resident for at least 1 year right before filing.
Exception: if filing on adultery grounds, there is no 1-year minimum. One spouse must be a New Jersey resident when filing.
Service Area
Serving all five boroughs of New York City and nearby counties in New York and New Jersey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can we start contested and settle later?
Yes. Most cases settle after targeted discovery.
What if my spouse will not provide documents?
We use subpoenas and court orders. Non-compliance has consequences.
Can I keep my premarital assets separate?
Yes, if traced. Documentation matters.
Do I have to appear for court in person?
Only for key conferences or testimony. We cover routine appearances.
How long do contested divorces take?
Expect roughly 6 to 18 months, possibly more, driven by the issues, discovery, and court scheduling.