Manhattan Contested Divorce Attorney
Divorce impacts an entire family. Going to court is stressful, and every decision you have to make seems complicated. Finding an honest and trustworthy contested divorce attorney whose advice you value is paramount to moving past this point in your life and towards your future.
The Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. wants to listen to your story and help you weigh your legal options. Our Manhattan contested divorce lawyers want you to understand the divorce process and how to achieve your legal goals within the court system.
Our Manhattan contested divorce attorneys are:
- Tough courtroom advocates;
- Client-driven and focused; and
- Understanding and compassionate.
Contact the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. today and schedule a consultation. Regardless of your circumstances, our family law attorneys will protect your legal interests at present and in the future.
How Lawyers Help in Contested Divorce Cases
Divorces are especially painful for several reasons. It is often hard to separate legal issues from emotional ones in a heated divorce, and a lengthy divorce can take a hefty financial toll on you and your family.
The contested divorce attorneys at the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. act aggressively at every turn to advise and to protect your best interests. We do the following on your behalf:
- Explain any legal rules and procedures for filing a contested divorce;
- Mediate any negotiations between you and your spouse;
- Settle any issues possible before trial;
- Refer you to any needed professionals such as actuaries, accountants, and appraisers; and
- Save you valuable time, money, and potential frustration.
At the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C., our clients benefit from our decades of divorce law experience. We pride ourselves on our vast knowledge of family law and explain legal processes to our clients.
Call the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. to learn more about contested divorces in Manhattan or any of the five boroughs.
What Is a Contested Divorce in Manhattan?
A contested divorce in Manhattan, or anywhere in New York, is any divorce that requires court intervention for the resolution of differences between the spouses. Contested divorces are generally longer and costlier than uncontested divorces.
The contested divorce process in New York is as follows:
- One spouse, the Plaintiff, files a Complaint for Divorce;
- The Plaintiff serves the Defendant spouse with the Complaint and a court Summons;
- The Defendant must file an Answer to the Complaint within twenty to thirty days;
- The Discovery or investigation process begins;
- The spouses settle some or all of their issues with the help of their attorneys or an outside method of alternative dispute resolution; or
- Some or all of the issues go before the judge at trial for a ruling.
Discovery in a contested divorce case is tedious and time-consuming. It involves interrogatories or lists of questions answered under oath. These are questions about finances, assets, pensions, and other financial issues.
Interrogatories also include requests for the production of documents such as:
- Bank statements;
- Credit card bills;
- Receipts;
- Tax returns;
- Paycheck stubs; and
- More.
The New York State Court System’s guidelines on standards and goals call for a standard case resolution within twelve months from the filing of the Request for Judicial Intervention. The court may grant more time to contested divorce cases to settle before setting a trial date.
Why Settle a Contested Divorce?
Divorcing couples, even in hotly contested divorces, should try to settle all or as many of their issues as possible outside of the courtroom. The cost of a trial is a factor in the push towards a settlement; however, it is not the most crucial reason to resolve issues without the judge’s intervention.
Settling a contested divorce permits a couple to make their own decisions and design an agreement that gives to and takes from each spouse in a manner in which they can live. Making one’s arrangements is especially helpful when deciding child-rearing schedules.
Otherwise, the court will settle all matters left undecided, and the court does not know the couple or their families. This could leave both spouses discontented in the end.
Contact a Manhattan Contested Divorce Lawyer Today
If you would like to speak with an experienced New York divorce attorney about your contested divorce or any other family law matter, contact the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. Our tough, successful attorneys are ready to tackle your most challenging divorce issues and tailor a plan that meets your legal needs for now and in the future.