Divorce is one of those things that happens to many people, but we never expect it to happen to us. That said, if you’re a husband or father facing a divorce, you need an attorney you can depend on to effectively advocate for your interests at every turn. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you’re in the right place. Continue reading and contact a skilled Tottenville divorce lawyer from Dow Divorce Law for an initial consultation today so we can begin working on your case.
Divorce Lawyer Serving Clients in Tottenville, New York
Dow Divorce Law handles all types of family law cases 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
Contested Vs. Uncontested Divorce in New York
There are two primary types of divorce in New York: contested divorce and uncontested divorce. Simply put, if you are in an uncontested divorce, it means that both you and your spouse are able to agree on all major terms of your divorce. This can include issues such as child custody, parenting schedules, child support, alimony, and the division of marital property.
Generally speaking, uncontested divorces are less time-consuming and less expensive than contested divorces. In many cases, couples are able to negotiate terms outside of the courtroom and finalize their divorce without lengthy litigation.
That being said, contested divorces are extremely common, particularly when significant assets or children are involved. If you are in a contested divorce, it means that you and your spouse cannot agree on one or more major issues, and the matter may ultimately have to proceed through litigation. For men, contested divorces often involve concerns regarding:
- Parenting time with their children
- False allegations designed to gain leverage
- Excessive support demands
- Hidden marital assets
- Ownership of the marital residence
- Division of retirement accounts
- Business valuation disputes
It is also worth noting that some divorces begin uncontested and later become contested once financial disclosures are exchanged or custody disagreements arise. In many situations, tensions increase significantly once both spouses begin discussing finances and parenting arrangements in detail.
Divorce Mediation & Collaborative Divorce Vs. Litigation
Many people assume that every divorce automatically results in an aggressive courtroom battle. Fortunately, that is not always the case. Depending on the circumstances involved, some couples are able to resolve their divorce through mediation or collaborative divorce instead of litigation.
Divorce mediation involves a neutral third party whose job is to help both spouses negotiate and resolve issues outside of the courtroom. Rather than having a judge make decisions regarding your finances, property, or children, mediation allows both parties to attempt to reach mutually acceptable agreements on their own terms.
Collaborative divorce is somewhat similar, though each spouse retains his or her own attorney throughout the process. The parties then participate in meetings designed to resolve disputes privately and avoid litigation whenever possible. In many situations, mediation or collaborative divorce may help:
- Reduce conflict involving children
- Preserve co-parenting relationships
- Lower legal expenses
- Avoid public courtroom proceedings
- Resolve disputes more efficiently
- Allow for more flexible solutions
Of course, mediation is not always appropriate. If your spouse is refusing to negotiate reasonably, hiding assets, making false accusations, or attempting to interfere with your relationship with your children, litigation may ultimately become necessary.
During litigation, the court has the authority to issue enforceable orders involving child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, and property division. Though litigation can certainly become stressful, there are many situations where it is the only realistic way to fully protect a father’s parental and financial interests.
Contact a Divorce Lawyer in Tottenville, New York
At Dow Divorce Law, we understand just how important these cases are for the men we represent. Divorce and family law matters can affect your finances, your relationship with your children, and virtually every aspect of your future. If you are currently facing divorce or another family law issue in Tottenville, our firm is prepared to fight to help protect your rights every step of the way. Contact a skilled Tottenville divorce lawyer from Dow Divorce Law for an initial consultation today.
