File for Divorce in Syracuse

Compassionate & Skilled Law Firm

The ending of a marriage can create a whirlwind of distress, anger, and worry. The resulting chaos of emotions can cloud judgment and often prevent sound decision making. At Haddad Law Office, P.C., I have been assisting my clients tackle difficult life issues for more than 15 years. My firm is dedicated to offering the straightforward advice, skilled legal representation, and supportive advocacy needed as they travel through some of the toughest times in their lives.

When you are considering dissolution of marriage, I can provide insightful legal counsel you require for all aspects of the process, including:

• Child custody and visitation
• Child support
• Property division
• Spousal support
• Paternity matters
• Contested divorce
• Uncontested divorce
• Same-sex divorce
• Divorce compliance issues

What Are Grounds for Divorce in New York?

New York has now joined the ranks of no-fault divorce states. While this is an option that many couples now employ, it is not the only grounds legally accepted. There are many reasons or "faults" that the courts may recognize as grounds for a divorce. These options include:

• Irretrievable breakdown of the relationship: This is the no-fault provision. Both parties must swear that the marriage has been beyond repair for at least six months and agree to all issues such as alimony and child custody.
• Cruel and inhumane treatment: While physical abuse is covered in this option, cruel and inhumane treatment can involve any conduct that creates an emotional disturbance. Examples include unreasonable financial constraints or lack of communication.
• Adultery: To be considered as a grounds for divorce, adultery must be proven. Many clients opt for the cruel and inhumane treatment grounds rather than going through the sometimes more difficult route of proving adultery.
• Divorce based on separation: The couple has been living apart for at least one year.

Additional grounds for dissolution of marriage include alienation of affection, abandonment, and insanity. Experienced in divorce law, I can help you assess which grounds for divorce would best apply to your situation.

Can You Get a Divorce Without the Other Person Signing in New York?

Yes, you can get a divorce in New York without the other person's signature if you meet certain conditions. This rule is known as a "no-fault divorce" or a "unilateral divorce." To qualify for a no-fault divorce, you must have been a resident of New York State for at least one year before filing for divorce.

Learn More About No-Fault Divorce in New York

Although the requirements for no-fault divorces are less than for a fault-based divorce, there are still some restrictions as to who will qualify. In New York, your marriage must have been broken down irretrievably for at least six months prior to filing for divorce. This does not mean you have to be legally separated first, nor do you have to be living apart.

How Do I File a High-Asset Divorce in New York?

It goes without saying that the financial stakes are elevated in a high-asset divorce, especially during the property division process. If you are contemplating a divorce involving a sizeable amount of financial resources, it is vital that you retain skilled and adept legal counsel as soon as possible. As an accomplished divorce attorney practicing in Syracuse and the surrounding areas, I am experienced in the complexities involved in high-asset divorces. I can provide the assertive advocacy you need to protect your rights and interests.

Proper identification and valuation of all marital assets is a key component in high net-worth divorces. These can include both visible and hidden assets such as multiple bank accounts, real estate holdings, businesses, and other personal property. I often consult with business and real estate professionals to assist in analyzing and assessing the complete financial picture. My goal is to achieve fair and equitable agreements for child support, child custody, and alimony that will allow my clients to move forward in positive financial positions.

Helping Children with Divorce

• Be open and honest with your children - Children are more perceptive than many parents think, and they almost always know that something is amiss. It’s critical to explain the situation to your children in terms they can understand. One helpful tip is to read an age-appropriate book about divorce with your child.
• Don’t use your kids as spies - While it can be tempting to try to get information about your (ex) spouse from your kids, this can lead to serious trust issues and can cause them to become withdrawn and antisocial. It’s important to allow them to enjoy spending time with either parent without feeling guilty or uncomfortable.
• Seek professional counseling - You shouldn’t use your kids as spies, and you also shouldn’t use them as therapists. Children have a hard enough time grasping the concept of divorce; they are simply not equipped to handle your emotional burden as well. For anyone getting divorced, talking to a therapist or counselor is a great way to help you deal with the emotions which run high in this process.
• Encourage them to share their feelings - Children are going to have a lot of emotions during this process, including many that they might not understand or be able to put into words. Helping your child to cope with divorce is important. Again, reading an age-appropriate divorce book with your child can help them find words for questions they have, and gives you the opportunity to help them deal with their feelings.
• Try to keep things as normal as possible - While this is easier said than done, it’s critical to keep things as normal as possible during the divorce. Children thrive on consistent structure, so even little things like eating dinner at a consistent time can help them feel that everything is going to be okay.

Supportive & Skilled Law Firm

I am committed to protecting the rights and interests of my clients throughout their divorce proceedings. Regardless if you are able to achieve an amicable uncontested divorce or are confronting a contentious and heated courtroom battle, I am here to help.