Grounds for divorce in Suffolk County, New York
To initiate divorce, either you or your spouse must claim grounds for dissolution. This requirement can generate conflicting emotions during an already difficult time. For 32 years, the Law Office of Gary P. Field has guided individuals through the complicated process of filing for divorce. Gary does not just file the required paperwork; he helps you understand the law and strategy involved from the first stage to the finalization of your divorce.
What are legal grounds for filing for NY divorce?
The legal grounds for dissolving a marriage under New York statutes are:
- Adultery
- Cruel and inhuman treatment
- Continuous abandonment for one year or longer
- Imprisonment for three or more consecutive years
- Living separate and apart under a separation judgment for one year or longer
- Living separate and apart under a separation agreement for one year or longer
- The marriage being irretrievably broken for at least 6 months
No-fault divorce
Until recently, New York law required one spouse to establish unpleasant grounds against the other to obtain a divorce. This requisite often caused an unnecessary financial and emotional burden on a couple who no longer wanted to remain together and forced partners to air information that they would prefer to keep private. In October 2010, the no-fault divorce bill was signed into law, granting couples the right to divorce if they both agree, without accusing one of humiliating and brutal behavior. Claiming that your marriage is irretrievably broken is in essence a no-fault divorce.
Contested divorce
No-fault does not mean no-contest. You may disagree on many issues in a no-fault divorce that you need to negotiate or ask a judge to decide. Mr. Field helps you obtain the most beneficial divorce terms regarding child support, child custody and visitation, spousal support and property division when these issues are in dispute. He also can represent you in an uncontested divorce to ensure your rights are protected and drafts the necessary documents to finalize the dissolution.
Learn more about legal grounds for divorce in New York from an experienced Huntington lawyer
For more information about establishing legal grounds for your divorce in Suffolk or Nassau County, call the Huntington, NY Law Office of Gary P. Field at 877.919.0485 or contact our law firm online to schedule an appointment.
