Divorce is rarely easy, particularly for husbands and fathers who are worried about protecting their relationship with their children, preserving their financial stability, and ensuring they are treated fairly throughout the legal process. That being said, with the right legal team in your corner, you can have peace of mind. If you’re a father or husband and are facing a divorce, please don’t hesitate to contact a skilled Great Kills family lawyer from Dow Divorce Law for an initial consultation today. We’re here to represent you and your interests, every step of the way.
Divorce Lawyer Serving Clients in Great Kills, New York
Here at Dow Divorce Law, we handle a wide range of family law issues on behalf of our clients, including the following:
- Divorce for Men
- Child Support
- Child Custody for Fathers
- Spousal Support & Alimony
- Property Distribution
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Legal Separation
- Domestic Violence
- LGBTQ Family Law
- Family Law Appeals
What Issues Must Be Resolved During Divorce?
Before a divorce may officially be finalized in New York State, there are several issues that generally must first be addressed. Depending on the circumstances of your marriage, some of these issues can become highly contested, particularly when children, substantial assets, retirement accounts, or business interests are involved.
Common Divorce Issues in New York
Some of the most common issues resolved during divorce include:
- Child custody
- Parenting time schedules
- Legal custody rights
- Child support obligations
- Spousal maintenance/alimony
- Division of marital assets
- Division of marital debts
- Retirement accounts and pensions
- Ownership interests in businesses
- Health insurance issues
- College contribution disputes
- Relocation disputes involving children
How Does Equitable Distribution Work?
One issue many men are especially concerned about is equitable distribution. Under New York law, marital property is generally subject to equitable distribution during divorce proceedings. However, equitable distribution does not necessarily mean equal distribution.
Instead, courts will attempt to divide marital assets in a manner they believe is fair after considering several different factors. Unfortunately, this can sometimes place financially successful husbands at significant risk, particularly in high net worth divorces involving multiple assets, retirement accounts, investments, businesses, or valuable real estate holdings.
How Does Child Custody Work in New York?
Child custody is also frequently one of the most emotionally difficult aspects of any divorce. Many fathers are deeply concerned about losing valuable time with their children or becoming relegated to limited parenting schedules.
Courts in New York are supposed to determine custody arrangements based on the child’s best interests, and they may examine several factors when making this determination, including:
- Each parent’s involvement in the child’s upbringing
- The stability of each parent’s home
- Each parent’s ability to care for the child
- The child’s educational and emotional needs
- The willingness of each parent to foster a relationship with the other parent
- In certain situations, the child’s preferences
How Are Child Support & Alimony Calculated?
Additionally, many men are concerned about how child support and alimony are calculated during divorce proceedings. New York courts generally rely on statutory formulas and financial disclosures when determining support obligations, though courts may also consider several additional factors depending on the circumstances of the marriage.
In longer marriages, or marriages where one spouse earned substantially more income than the other, spousal maintenance can become a particularly significant issue.
Speak With a Great Kills Divorce Lawyer Today
At Dow Divorce Law, we understand that many husbands and fathers feel overwhelmed when facing divorce proceedings. The truth is, there is often a great deal at stake, especially when children, finances, and your future relationship with your family are involved. Contact a knowledgeable and experienced Great Kills divorce lawyer from Dow Divorce Law for an initial consultation today.