Contact us today via email or telephone to set up a consultation with one of Utica’s top attorneys for matrimonial and family law.
FAMILY & DIVORCE LAW
In our experience, issues of support payments, visitation rights, and even restraining orders bring emotional tensions to a head.
We can help you smooth the process even if you plan on filing an uncontested or no-fault divorce. It’s our job to guide you and your family to find the best solution.
We've helped countless families in the greater Utica and Central New York area get through these difficult times and get on with their lives. Call us today to Get Started.
Julie's goal is to avoid court and let you and your spouse negotiate a settlement. Negotiations can get very personal and thus difficult, we’ve found that the pain of a pre-court settlement is so lesser than a trial or decree by a judge. Many find it a much more agreeable process when both parties and their attorneys commit themselves to a resolution without the threat of litigation.
DIVORCE
There was a time in New York State when one party was required to find fault with another to prove divorce as a remedy. In 2010 the legislature changed the law to allow no-fault divorce in New York. So, depending on your case, it may be better to pursue an At-Fault Divorce, a No-Fault Divorce, or a Separation.
All of these have legal implications that must be decided in court. So we suggest you call us first. There are financial issues to reconcile and property must be allocated. Also, child custody and support should be fairly assigned to the benefit of the children.
We‘ll advise you as to a strategy that will best get you what you want out of the divorce. We will file motions on your behalf and compel your spouse to turn over financial information. If the situation calls for it, we’ll hire and interview experts to value property and prove your case for custody.
We’ll negotiate on your behalf and handle all the necessary paperwork. This saves you time and assures you that your rights will be protected.
FAULT DIVORCE
Cruel and Inhuman Treatment: This is physical and/or mental cruelty that has made it unsafe for the married couple to live together in the same residence.
Abandonment: A spouse refuses to provide necessary support and leaves the residence with no intention to return.
Imprisonment: If a spouse goes to jail for three or more years, that is grounds for a divorce.
Adultery: A spouse commits adultery.
NO FAULT DIVORCE.
Today, a no-fault divorce can be granted on grounds of incompatibility, irreconcilable differences, or an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship. If both parties agree we submit uncontested divorce papers to the court. In the case of a contested divorce, a judge and/or jury may be called.