New York City Divorce Firm 

Our Divorce Attorneys in New York Can Help You Through the Process

New York’s divorce laws determine the legal path available and the issues that must be resolved. One of several grounds for divorce must be met, such as irretrievable breakdown or cruel treatment.

New York also requires the equitable distribution of marital property, meaning assets are divided fairly but not always equally. Detailed appraisals and negotiations may be necessary, making guidance from seasoned professionals like Eiges & Orgel at Ballon Stoll P.C. valuable when navigating these issues.

A spouse must also satisfy one of New York’s statutory residency pathways. Before a no-fault divorce judgment can be entered, the spouses must resolve equitable distribution, maintenance, child support, counsel and expert fees, and any parenting or visitation issues through an agreement or court determination.

Call us today at (347) 848-1850or use our contact form to schedule your legal consultation with a New York City divorce attorney.

More Than 3,000 Divorce Cases Handled

The decision to end a marriage is never easy. If you have made this difficult decision, you need skillful, experienced legal counsel.

Eiges & Orgel at Ballon Stoll P.C. has assisted clients with the legal termination of their marriages for more than 60 years. We have done so successfully in more than 3,000 cases.

We practice divorce and matrimonial law, tailoring our representation to each client’s circumstances and goals. Kenneth Eiges holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and our firm has a 5/5 overall Lawyers.com rating for Communication Ability, Responsiveness, Quality of Service, and Value for Money.

Why Eiges & Orgel at Ballon Stoll P.C. is the #1 Choice For New York Divorce

Divorce may be commonplace, but the decision to end a marriage remains deeply personal. You need an attorney who can address both the legal demands of the process and its emotional stages.

Many legal professionals don’t meet the standards of professionalism expected when handling matters of this nature. Many also fail to consider the emotional stages involved in the process.

Make sure you receive the compassionate and capable divorce representation you need for your matrimonial law case. Turn to Eiges & Orgel at Ballon Stoll P.C..

How Our Experienced Divorce Attorneys Can Assist You

At Eiges & Orgel at Ballon Stoll P.C., our lawyers handle all matters of divorce. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, our attorneys can guide you through each stage of the process.

We can assist you with:

Our representation addresses the legal, emotional, and strategic concerns that arise during a divorce. We explain your options clearly so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

We represent clients pursuing negotiated resolutions and those whose matters require court representation. Depending on the case, our work can include direct negotiation, mediation, or litigation before a judge. In-office, phone, and virtual appointments are available.

Learn about your divorce options. Use our contact form or call us at (347) 848-1850!

Reasons You Need a Lawyer for Divorce in New York

If you’re considering a divorce, you may be wondering whether to hire an attorney or handle the process yourself. Whether you’re dealing with an uncontestedor contested divorce, legal guidance provides a structured way to evaluate your rights, obligations, and options. 

A divorce attorney can assist with several important parts of the process:

• Legal Guidance: An attorney can explain how New York law applies to property division, child custody, spousal support, child support, and settlement terms.
• Accurate Filings: Divorce counsel can prepare required documents, track filing requirements, and correct errors before they create avoidable complications.
• Negotiation: An attorney can negotiate disputed terms and present unresolved issues to the court when an agreement isn’t possible.
• Objective Advice: Legal advice can help you assess proposed terms based on the law and your long-term priorities rather than the pressure of an immediate dispute.
• Direct Support: We provide direct attorney access, clear communication, and one-on-one guidance tailored to your needs and goals.

Attempting to manage a divorce without understanding its legal and financial consequences can put your rights and future at risk. Avoid this risk with the help of an experienced lawyer. Former clients describe our firm as caring, thoughtful, and passionate about its work.

Grounds for Divorce in New York

New York allows both no-fault and fault-based divorces. A no-fault divorce is based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months. New York Domestic Relations Law §170 recognizes seven statutory grounds in total.

The seven New York divorce grounds are:

• Irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months
• Cruel and inhuman treatment
• Abandonment for one or more years
• Imprisonment for three or more consecutive years after the marriage
• Adultery
• Living apart for six months or more under a judgment or decree of separation
• Living apart for six months or more under a written separation agreement

New York Residency Requirements for Divorce

New York Domestic Relations Law §230 establishes five residency pathways for maintaining a divorce action. The applicable pathway depends on where the spouses lived, where they married, and where the grounds arose.

A divorce action can satisfy the residency requirement when:

• One spouse has maintained continuous residence in New York for at least two years before the action begins.
• A spouse has lived continuously in the state for at least one year, and the couple married in New York.
• One spouse has been a continuous New York resident for at least one year, and the couple lived in New York as spouses.
• A spouse has maintained continuous residence in New York for at least one year, and the grounds arose in the state.
• Both spouses reside in New York when the action begins, and the grounds arose in New York.

How the New York Divorce Filing Process Works

A New York divorce action begins by filing a Summons with Notice or a Summons and Verified Complaint in Supreme Court in the county where either spouse resides. The filing establishes the case, after which the initiating spouse must complete the required service and filing steps.

The spouses must then address unresolved financial and parenting issues. Depending on the case, this can involve financial disclosure, appraisals, negotiations, motion practice, settlement discussions, or trial. The time needed to complete a divorce depends on the disputed issues, the parties’ agreements, and court requirements.

Flat-Fee & Hourly Divorce Billing

We offer flat-fee and hourly billing for divorce representation. A client may choose hourly billing when it costs less than the quoted flat fee.

Flat-fee pricing depends on factors such as assets, children, client age, and whether a professional license or business requires appraisal. Court fees and case expenses are separate from attorney billing. A flat fee covers a reasonable amount of attorney-client communication, while trial representation requires a separate retainer or hourly billing.

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Divorce

These answers address common questions about starting a divorce, resolving financial issues, and preparing for a consultation.

What Is the First Step in Filing for Divorce in New York?

The first formal step is filing a Summons with Notice or a Summons and Verified Complaint in the appropriate Supreme Court. The initiating spouse must then arrange proper service and complete the required filing steps. Before filing, legal counsel can help identify the applicable grounds, residency pathway, and issues likely to require resolution.

How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Divorce in New York?

The time required varies with the complexity of the case. An uncontested divorce in which both spouses agree on all terms can generally be completed sooner, while disputes involving asset division, parenting arrangements, or other issues can extend the process. Clarifying your goals and working with Eiges & Orgel at Ballon Stoll P.C. can help streamline negotiations and minimize delays.

What Are Considered Marital Assets in New York?

Marital assets generally include property acquired by either spouse during the marriage, regardless of how the property is titled. Examples include real estate, retirement accounts, investments, vehicles, and business interests. Separate property and assets with both separate and marital components require closer review.

Can We Modify a Divorce Agreement in New York?

Some terms may be modified after a divorce, but the applicable standard depends on the provision and how the agreement was incorporated into the judgment. Parenting and support terms are treated differently from final property distribution provisions. An attorney can review the agreement, the judgment, and the circumstances behind the requested change.

What Information Is Useful for an Initial Divorce Consultation?

Gather the date of your marriage, current living arrangements, information about your children, and an overview of each spouse’s income and assets. Bring any prenuptial or separation agreements, existing court orders, filed papers, and recent financial records related to the issues you expect to discuss.

A short list of your immediate concerns and long-term priorities can also make the consultation more productive. Include any upcoming court dates or deadlines so the attorney can identify time-sensitive steps.

Discuss Your Divorce Options with Our Firm

We can help you identify the legal, financial, and parenting issues that need attention and discuss an approach suited to your circumstances. You can speak with us by phone or use our contact form.

Reach out to us at (347) 848-1850or use our contact form to discuss your options with a New York City divorce attorney.