Locust Valley, NY Divorce Attorneys

Divorce changes everything, but the right legal team can help you navigate it with clarity and confidence. The Sklavos Law Group, PC, combines over 60 years of experience with a no-nonsense approach that respects your time and your resources.

Key Takeaways:

  • New York requires residency requirements to be met before filing, typically one to two years, depending on your circumstances.
  • Spousal maintenance (alimony) in New York is calculated using specific statutory guidelines based on income and marriage length.
  • Our dedicated Locust Valley divorce attorneys provide direct access and hands-on guidance from start to finish.

Divorce already takes an emotional toll. The last thing you need is an attorney who makes things more complicated. At The Sklavos Law Group, PC, we keep it simple. You get direct access to the attorneys working on your case, clear answers to your questions, and a team that moves things forward without unnecessary delays or costs.

Our experienced Locust Valley divorce attorneys have spent decades building relationships in the local courts. We know how the system works and use that knowledge to fight smarter for you. When you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here.

Book a free consultation today and let our family take care of yours.

A couple in a chair together

Residency Requirements for Filing in New York

Before you can file for divorce in New York, you or your spouse must meet certain residency requirements. The specific rule depends on your situation:

If either spouse has lived in New York continuously for at least two years before filing, you qualify. If one spouse has lived in New York for at least one year and you were married in the state, lived here as a married couple, or the grounds for divorce occurred here, you also qualify.

Understanding where you stand helps avoid delays right out of the gate. Our experienced Locust Valley divorce attorneys review your situation and confirm you’re ready to move forward before filing anything.

Spousal Maintenance: What You Need to Know

Spousal maintenance, also called alimony, is often one of the most contested issues in a divorce. New York uses a formula to calculate temporary maintenance during the divorce and another set of guidelines for post-divorce support.

Factors that influence maintenance decisions include:

  • Income of both spouses
  • Length of the marriage
  • Age and health of both parties
  • Present and future earning capacity
  • Whether one spouse gave up career opportunities for the marriage
  • Childcare responsibilities

Maintenance isn’t guaranteed, and the amount and duration vary widely depending on your circumstances. Whether you’re seeking support or expecting a request from your spouse, our knowledgeable Locust Valley divorce attorneys help you understand what’s reasonable and advocate for a fair outcome.

Child Custody and Parenting Time

When children are involved, custody becomes the most important issue in your divorce. New York courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody decisions, considering factors like each parent’s living situation, relationship with the child, and ability to provide stability.

Legal custody determines who makes major decisions about education, healthcare, and religion. Physical custody determines where the child lives. In many cases, parents share some form of joint custody, though arrangements vary based on what works best for the family.

Parenting time schedules can be agreed upon by both parents or set by the court if you can’t reach an agreement. Our compassionate Locust Valley divorce attorneys help you pursue arrangements that protect your relationship with your children while keeping their needs front and center.

Why Work with Our Trusted Locust Valley Divorce Attorneys

You deserve attorneys who treat your case with the attention it deserves. When you work with The Sklavos Law Group, PC, you get:

  • Direct Access to Your Attorneys. You work with the same attorneys throughout your case. No getting shuffled between staff members who don’t know your story.
  • Honest, Clear Communication. We explain your options in plain language and give you realistic expectations. No legal jargon, no sugar-coating.
  • Cost-Conscious Approach. We respect your resources and focus on resolving your case efficiently without running up unnecessary bills.
  • Results-Focused Strategy. We take time to understand your goals and build a plan to achieve them, whether through negotiation or courtroom advocacy.

Whether your divorce calls for calm negotiation or aggressive representation, we’re ready to stand with you. 

The Sklavos Law Group, PC

Divorce forces you to make life-changing decisions during one of the most stressful times you’ll ever face. Having attorneys who genuinely care about your outcome makes all the difference.

At The Sklavos Law Group, PC, our dedicated Locust Valley divorce attorneys bring decades of experience and a commitment to treating every client like family. We know the local courts, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re ready to help you move forward with confidence.

Book a free consultation today, and let’s start building the foundation for your next chapter.

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