Manhattan Same-Sex Divorce Attorneys

Manhattan Same-Sex Divorce Attorneys

Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in Manhattan and all of New York since 2011. Tens of thousands of same-sex marriages occur each year in New York, and many of those marriages, unfortunately, end in divorce. Same-sex marriage is no different than traditional marriage in the eyes of the law, which means same-sex divorce is also viewed as the same in the eyes of the law. However, same-sex marriage and divorce do present their challenges in court, particularly when children are involved in the divorce process.

In many traditional marriages, children belong equally to both parties. In same-sex marriages, this is impossible. Children may belong legally to one partner and not the other, there is much more adoption involved in same-sex marriage, and things can become a little more complicated in the divorce process as a result. If you are a same-sex couple considering an end to your marriage, you should know what it might entail in Manhattan.

What’s Involved in Same-Sex Divorce in Manhattan?

Much like any other divorce, couples who merely happen to be the same gender must go through the same process. Divorce begins with one or both parties making the decision to end their marriage. One party then files divorce paperwork on their own or with the help of an attorney. Once the paperwork is filed, the divorce papers are given to the other spouse by way of a process server.

Until the process server presents divorce papers to the other spouse, the filing spouse has the right to stop the proceedings without their partner ever knowing they filed for divorce. Once the paperwork is filed, however, the only way to stop a divorce is with the written permission of both parties. Once the paperwork is filed, your partner has a chance to respond. This response includes several different factors.

– Property and asset division
– Child Custody
– Child support and/or spousal support

If your partner agrees to the terms you provide in these categories, the response might be favorable. If your spouse decides he or she wants more or less than what you’re asking for in the divorce, the response might differ.

The Goal of A Divorce Attorney

The goal of a divorce attorney in New York is to prevent your case from going to court. It’s our job to help you find a way to amicably and peaceably end your marriage without a trial. With the help of an attorney, you and your spouse stand a better chance of coming to an agreement regarding your financial situation and your child custody situation.

If you cannot agree with the response, your attorney will recommend you go through mediation. This process involves a court-appointment person who has no vested interest in your marriage, your divorce, your assets, or your lives. This person works for you to come to an agreement regarding your lives, finances, debts, and assets.

If an agreement is not made during mediation, your attorney might recommend you go to trial and fight for what you want. This is not ideal, and it’s recommended you work together to come up with an agreement that works well for both parties involved in this situation.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

If you or your spouse cannot come to an agreement regarding the stipulations of your divorce or the division of your assets and debts, it’s called a contested divorce. This occurs when one party decides they want more than you’re offering. A contested divorce takes significantly longer in Manhattan than one in which you do not contest. An Uncontested Divorce is faster, more amicable, and it’s more peaceful.

Contested divorces are also costlier than an Uncontested Divorce. You’re paying for additional work on behalf of your attorney, court fees, and other fees that might arise as a result of your divorce going contested. It’s not always beneficial to disagree over minor aspects in the long-term when you realize what it costs.

Call an Attorney

If you are going through a divorce in Manhattan, you might find yourself confused and even intimidated by the legal terms, the process, and what you’re signing. Call an attorney for advice. An attorney knows your rights, what you can ask for, what the process looks like, and they are well-versed in the process of walking you through the divorce. You have rights, and you can hire an attorney to make this process easier for you. Divorce is stressful, but the process can be less so when you hire legal help.

What if he won’t provide the financial disclosure documentation?

An important part of any divorce is reviewing the financial disclosure papers from each spouse. Your NYC matrimonial lawyer’s responsibility includes getting these papers. The papers are necessary to make informed decisions about the divorce and any settlements. A problem can occur if a spouse decides not to send the paperwork. There are consequences for doing that. Here is what you can do and what might happen if your spouse will not provide the financial disclosure documentation.

Send a Written Request

The first step you should take if a spouse refuses to file financial disclosure papers is to send a formal written request. You will need to compose a letter asking your spouse to file the appropriate paperwork and provide it to you within 30 days of receiving the notice. Send the letter to your spouse and your spouse’s attorney through certified mail. This letter should always be your first course of action since the court will expect it. Give your spouse the full 30 days to comply with the letter before you move on to the next step.

Motion to Compel

If the written request does not work, then it is time to file a motion to compel through the courts. This type of motion can potentially force your spouse to give up the necessary financial disclosure paperwork. The court will directly request that your spouse provide the documents by a certain date. Your spouse will have no other real choice other than to comply or face punitive actions. Your spouse could provide a written response with the reasons why the forms have not yet been filed. That could delay the divorce by some amount although the papers will still eventually have to be presented.

Monetary Sanctions

If your spouse refuses to comply with the motion to compel, then the court is likely to start imposing monetary sanctions as punishment. These are basically fines that could be paid to you and the court. You can actually request them if you are represented by an experienced divorce attorney. The fines could be purely punitive and paid to the court. They could also be used to cover your attorney and other fees that were necessary to get the financial disclosure documents from your spouse during the divorce.

Terminating Sanctions Motion

If all else fails, then it is time to file a terminating sanctions motion with the court. If this motion is granted, then two things could potentially happen. The first is that a judge will impose evidentiary sanctions. This means your spouse will be barred from presenting certain information and evidence most likely related to finances during the divorce proceedings. A lawyer could also ask that the court enter in a default judgment for your spouse. This means that you could get a ruling in your favor without having to go through a trial because your spouse defaulted by not providing the necessary documentation.

Contempt and Jail Time

A final option that could occur if your spouse refuses to supply financial disclosure papers is being held in contempt of court. This will depend on the actions of your spouse and the disposition of the judge. Being held in contempt of court has many dire consequences. The harshest is being sentenced to jail time. A judge might put your spouse in a local jail until the paperwork is provided. Your spouse might also be ordered to spend a weekend in jail coupled with monetary fines. These actions are meant to be a last resort to compel your spouse to offer up the documents.

This guest blog post was written by PersonalInjuryLawyersNYC.com

Based on 362 reviews.

Charle Butler

2021-03-12

Verified

I was hesitant to hire the Spodek Law Group. I read reviews and knew they have a great reputation. However, I thought I would spend money and not see or speak to my attorney. From the beginning to end of my case Todd and the entire staff were available and willing to help. We worked towards and end result that was way above my expectation and Todd delivered. I am forever grateful for patience and long days and night spent working on my case. Thanks Todd and the entire team!

Mesonista parsons

2021-03-05

Verified

My attorney at Spodek was Abigail. She was very knowledgeable and helpful with all my questions and concerns, as well as responsive. Her fees are affordable and Abigail took the time to make sure I understood everything relating to my case. I highly recommend Abigail and will request her services in the future.

debabrata chakraborty

2021-03-03

Verified

Todd A Spodek is the experienced and best criminal lawyer at USA. He is very professional and always respond on time. Alex also very cooperative and always help me. They took care me and my problem like family member. I am 100% satisfied for their professional service. My result was unexpected and amazing. They dismissed my case. I am really grateful to them. I will recommend you to go there if you want to solve your problem. I wish all the best for them.

Asata Hendricks

2021-03-02

Verified

Truly appreciate the work the guys did!. Exceptional team & I know they care about each and everyone of their clients. I am super thankful to be referred to Spodek Law Group and I am grateful Todd & Alex were able to work diligently to achieve an outcome I am pleased with. Despite COVID they stayed on top of things and kept me informed every step of the way. Very thankful.

Mike Moroff

2021-02-26

Verified

I'm very satisfied with the services rendered by Todd, Alex and Mary Lou. I whole heartedly recommend Spodek Law Group . I've worked with and have retained other attorneys in the past with Todd's firm being the cream of the crop for many reasons. A very serious legal matter was resolved after a year's hard work and effort. Todd expertly guided me through the process and was able to navigate and make the good journey bearable as well as successful. Mary Lou initially provided excellent assistance before referring my case to Todd. Alex's support was effective and timely. The customer portal (MyCase) is an invaluable communication tool that also kept track of my case. Various aspects of my case were explained and there were several options provided but I made the final decision of how the case would be handled. The legal fee was reasonable considering the effort and amount of work plus it was a flat fee regardless of the length of time required to conclude my case. Todd made himself available to me and we had many scheduled meetings to go over the progress and to discuss the next steps. I felt more confident after many discussions with him. You will not go wrong choosing Spodek Law Group for legal matters.

Josh Katz

2021-02-24

Verified

Being that it was the first time that I was in need of an attorney, I was afraid and hesitant and knew I needed the absolute best. It is beyond understood why Spodek Law Group has a reputation of being the top, if not the best law firm in New York. Alex and Abigail were there every step of the way even at the most unconvenient hours. I could not have asked for more. They are extremely good at what they do and they delivered much much more than just winning my case. A big thank you to Alex and Abigail for all the guidance and counseling and their upmost loyal support that extended far more than just legally. If you need the absolute best than don't hesitate to hire Spodek Law Firm.

L.C.

2021-02-24

Verified

I cannot tell you how thankful I am to Todd and Alex for their hard work and dedication to my case. I had never been in any trouble before but I had an unfortunate event occur and in the midst of COVID-19 at that therefore I knew I needed a team that was dedicated to my success. Today- my case has been finalized and I’m walking away with no record and can continue life as a mother and a Grad student worry free. I cannot express enough gratitude for their assistance.

AnnMarie Soliman

2021-02-23

Verified

I received a summons and called Spodek law group for a free consultation. Alex took my call and was very quick and responsive. He was available anytime through multiple platforms and very reassuring when needed. They are extremely organized and thorough. They got my case dismissed! I’m very grateful. Thank you Alex and Todd!