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Divorce

Manhattan Divorce Lawyer

Assisting Clients With The Divorce Process in New York

If you’re considering divorce, you may have a number of concerns. How will the court divide your property? Will your debt be split evenly between the two of you? Will you have a say in matters that affect your children, like custody or visitation?

Because of these concerns as well as the emotional upheaval, divorce can be an incredibly stressful experience for everyone involved. As such, you’ll need a New York family law attorney whose goal is to give you the peace of mind you deserve. At the Law Office of Patricia M. Machado, P.C., our Manhattan divorce attorney is here to support you from beginning to end. With 20+ years of legal experience, she is fully prepared—and personally determined—to achieve the best possible result on your behalf.

To learn more about what our Manhattan divorce attorney can do for you, call (646) 355-1560 or reach out to us online. We offer services in English and Spanish.

Requirements For Divorce in New York

In New York, only the Supreme Court judge can grant a divorce, which is defined as the legal end of a marriage. As such, you will not be able to officially end your marriage through Family Court (although you may go through Family Court to resolve issues like custody and child support).

To qualify for divorce, you must meet two requirements:

  • Residency—you and/or your spouse have lived in New York for one year or longer; and
  • Grounds—one or more legal reasons for divorce. These reasons include cruel and inhumane treatment, abandonment, adultery, confinement in prison for 3 or more years, irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months, and living separate and apart after obtaining a separation judgment, decree, or agreement.

Contested Vs. Uncontested Divorce

The most critical factor that determines how long this process will take and how much it will cost is whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. Your divorce is uncontested if both you and your spouse want to get a divorce AND you agree on all terms (e.g. finances, child custody, property division, etc.).

Your divorce is contested if:

  • One of you does not want to get a divorce
  • You disagree on the grounds for divorce
  • You disagree on terms of the divorce

Contested divorces can be time-consuming, and each of you will need to go to the Supreme Court several times. This is why some couples may choose to undergo some form of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or collaborative family law in Manhattan.

Do not feel pressured, however, to use alternative dispute resolution if you don’t feel safe around your spouse. Our NY law firm assists clients who have experienced domestic violence, and we are here to help protect you and your children.

Is New York a Fault or No-Fault Divorce State?

One of the first considerations when embarking on the divorce journey in New York is whether the grounds for divorce are fault-based or no-fault. New York is unique in that it offers both options, allowing individuals to choose the path that aligns with their specific circumstances.

In a fault-based divorce, one spouse must establish that the other is responsible for the marriage breakdown. Common grounds for fault-based divorce in New York include adultery, cruel treatment, abandonment, and imprisonment. Successfully establishing fault can influence divorce proceedings, like property division, spousal support, and child custody.

In a no-fault divorce, the grounds for dissolution are based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for a specified period, typically six months. Opting for a no-fault divorce often expedites the legal process, minimizing conflict and allowing couples to focus on rebuilding their lives. Our Manhattan divorce lawyers have extensive experience facilitating no-fault divorces, guiding our clients through the paperwork and negotiations to achieve an amicable resolution whenever possible.

Contact Our Divorce Attorney in Manhattan Today

With so much at stake, why settle for less than the best? At the Law Office of Patricia M. Machado, P.C., we have spent over two decades developing our legal knowledge and skills. We are hardworking, attentive, and personally committed to achieving the results you need. You can trust us to treat you and your loved ones with respect, listen

The sooner you get in touch with our dedicated legal team, the higher your likelihood of achieving the results you need. Founded in 1996, our firm has decades of experience helping clients navigate the complex, emotional terrain of family law. We are ready to give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your case is in the best possible hands.

Let our Manhattan divorce lawyer advance your best interests and safeguard your future. Give our law firm a call at (646) 355-1560 or contact us online—we offer flexible scheduling and payment plans.

 

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Clients Recount Their Success Stories

Our Testimonials
    "Really went above & beyond to help my family."
    So amazing. They really went above and beyond to help my family. They are professional and get things done! Patty was with us every step of the way.
    - Alicia Lutes
    "Me siento muy agradecida y satisfecha con su trabajo."
    Muy profesional, resolvió mi caso de inmigración en breve tiempo , ya que es una abogada de renombre con mucha experiencia, me siento muy agradecida y satisfecha con su trabajo
    - Francisca E.
    "Thanks to lawyer Patricia Machado & lawyer Ernest for their work & professionalism."
    Thanks to lawyer Patricia Machado and lawyer Ernest for their work, professionalism, and excellent work. Thanks to them they won my husband's immigration case now he is with me and my son. God bless you always and I recommend you do an excellent job.
    - Halely B.
    "Son personas muy honestas y muy profesionales en su trabajo."
    Muchas gracias a los abogados Patrícia Machado y Ernest Atalay que ganaron mi caso de inmigración hoy puedo estar con mi familia, definitivamente se los recomiendo ellos son muy profesionales en su trabajo y te hablan con la verdad, si es que ellos te pueden ayudar son personas muy honestas y muy profesionales en su trabajo,así que definitivamente,se los Recomiendo.
    - Ismael D.
    "After 10 years in the USA I was able to see my family again!"
    Thanks to the hard work of all the associates and staff of Mrs. Machado's office I was able to successfully completed my immigration case. The timeline for my case Usually takes Five years thanks God they made it happen in 2 years. The price for their services is very reasonable and they guide you through the process in detail. I will be forever grateful for their commitment and dedication. After 10 years in the USA, I was able to see my family again. Thanks a million again.
    - Cassio C.
    "Gracias Patricia Machado eres lo máximo como abogado en caso de Inmigración."
    Llegar a su oficina fue lo mejor que me ha pasado para resolver un problema de inmigración para mi sobrino Wilmer. Tiene un personal muy amable y eficiente, conocerla es lo mejor que me ha pasado. La recomiendo de todo corazón es la mejor. Dios le de mucha salud y bendiciones para que pueda seguir ayudando nuestra comunidad.
    - Maria Lopez Y Wilmer Acosta
    "Lo mejor en abogados son muy preparados honestos y te defienden de casos muy dificiles 100% garantizados."
    Lo mejor en abogados son muy preparados honestos y te defienden de casos muy dificiles 100% garantizados.
    - Delmy F
    "Preparados y honestos!"
    Lo mejor en abogados son muy preparados honestos y te defienden de casos muy dificiles 100% garantizados.
    - Delmy F.