Suffolk, NY Divorce Attorneys

Navigating divorce means facing difficult questions about your financial future, family, and well-being. The Sklavos Law Group, PC offers compassionate divorce representation, guiding clients through both no-fault and fault-based divorces to help you move forward with confidence.

couple sitting and talking with third party

Key Takeaways:

New York is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly (not necessarily equally) based on certain factors, such as marriage length, income, and future financial circumstances.
The divorce process follows clear steps from filing to finalization, and having experienced legal guidance helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Our trusted Suffolk divorce attorneys provide comprehensive support for all divorce-related matters, including child custody, property division, and modifications as your circumstances change.

Divorce is one of the most difficult transitions you will ever experience. Uncertainty about your finances, your family’s future, and your own well-being creates constant anxiety. When you layer on the intimidating legal process with confusing procedures and unfamiliar terminology, it’s easy to feel paralyzed by the whole situation.

At The Sklavos Law Group, PC, our compassionate Suffolk divorce attorneys understand the kind of pressure you’re under, and we’re committed to standing by your side every step of the way. We’ve built a reputation for ourselves that’s characterized by the dedication we offer to clients and the results we’re able to secure for them. We’re also cost-conscious, so you can have peace of mind knowing that we’re respectful of your resources during a time when financial strain is common.

We’re ready to earn your trust and help you start the next chapter on a strong foundation. Contact us today to book your free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence!

Understanding Divorce in New York

Fault vs. No-Fault Divorce

New York allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. No-fault divorce is the most straightforward option, because neither spouse has to prove the other did something wrong – just state the marriage has been irretrievably broken. Fault-based divorce requires gathering evidence and submitting it to the courts to determine if there is enough proof to grant the divorce, which can be time-consuming. We’ll help you determine the best path forward based on your specific situation and goals!

Property Division

As an equitable distribution state, New York divides marital property fairly, not necessarily equally. The most important part of this process is determining what is marital property (shared) and what is separate property (owned by only one spouse).

The courts consider a variety of factors to determine what would be a fair division, including the length of the marriage, income and property of each spouse, contributions made to the marriage, and future financial circumstances of each party. Our skilled Suffolk divorce attorneys will advocate for your interests and help craft a plan that gives you the financial support you need to build your new life.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

There are two types of divorce: contested and uncontested. Uncontested, when you and your spouse agree on all terms, is typically more simple, less expensive, and able to be resolved faster. However, if you’re not able to reach a full agreement, your case moves forward as contested and a judge must step in to make the final decisions.

Mediation, a popular method of alternative dispute resolution, can be a beneficial tool for reaching agreements and avoiding court. It involves working with a neutral third party who is trained in conflict resolution and can help you and your spouse identify areas of disconnect and find mutually-advantageous solutions.

At The Sklavos Law Group, PC, we prioritize jumping right into negotiations because we know your time and money matter. We don’t waste weeks filing motions that don’t move your case forward. We don’t play games or create conflict where none needs to exist. We assess your situation, develop a strategic approach, and work toward the best possible outcome as efficiently as possible!

The Divorce Process

No matter what type of divorce you choose, the process is generally the same:

Establish Residency & Grounds: You or your spouse must meet the requirements for New York residency and establish the legal reason for divorce.
Prepare & File Papers: Create and file the necessary paperwork and pay the associated fees.
Serve Your Spouse: Officially deliver the documents to your spouse.
Response: Your spouse has the opportunity to respond.
Discovery: Financial documents are disclosed by both parties for transparency so that a comprehensive evaluation can be made.
Settlement or Trial: You work to come to an agreement on all terms, whether through a straightforward agreement, mediation, negotiation, or litigation. If there cannot be an agreement, the matter proceeds to trial.
Divorce is Finalized: When a settlement is reached, the paperwork is submitted, and the court issues the Judgement of Divorce, your marriage is formally ended.

With our seasoned team of Suffolk divorce attorneys on your side, you can feel secure knowing that the process will proceed smoothly. We’ll empower you with the necessary knowledge and insights you need to avoid making mistakes that could cost you valuable time and money.

How Our Trusted Suffolk Divorce Attorneys Can Help

Getting divorced means addressing the important topics that come along with it:

Child Custody – Your relationship with your children is incredibly important, and our job is to help you maintain that relationship even after you and your spouse are no longer together.
Child Support – We review your situation and help ensure your children’s needs are met after the divorce by negotiating fair child support agreements that align with New York guidelines.
Spousal Support (Alimony) – A judge considers multiple factors when determining if alimony (known as maintenance in New York) should be awarded (and if so, how much), including length of marriage, earning capacity, and standard of living. We work with you to defend against unreasonable requests or fight for what is rightly yours.
Property Division – Deciding who gets what in the divorce can get messy. We help determine what is marital property and what is separate property and solely yours, to set you up for the best possible financial future.
Modifications – When your life changes, your arrangements should, too. We’ll help you modify the existing arrangements to better serve your family’s needs over time if and when they’re necessary.

Our knowledgeable Suffolk divorce attorneys are here to help your family navigate this difficult time with clarity, from creating the initial agreements in the divorce process to making changes as needed.

The Sklavos Law Group, PC

If you are considering a divorce, you have a lot on your mind. Your family, your future, your goals – everything is at stake. With the right legal help, you can get through this and come out the other side stronger and prepared for your new beginning.

At The Sklavos Law Group, PC, our compassionate Suffolk divorce attorneys understand the process and the emotional toll it can take. We use our knowledge of divorce and the courts to advise you of your options, understand your goals, and put you in the best possible position to achieve them.

Our no-nonsense approach to your case means we fiercely advocate for your interests, whether through peaceful negotiation or aggressive courtroom litigation to move the process along efficiently, without sacrificing results!