New York Divorce Lawyers: Find the Support You Need Near You

Divorce in New York can feel overwhelming — a mix of emotional stress, financial uncertainty, and complicated legal decisions. Whether you're dealing with disagreements over custody, dividing significant assets, or seeking a smoother uncontested process, the right legal guidance can make all the difference.

New York is an equitable-distribution state with unique divorce laws, including strict financial disclosure requirements and specific rules for child support and maintenance. An experienced New York divorce lawyer can help you safeguard your rights, understand your options, and navigate the court system with clarity and confidence.

Below is a straightforward guide to New York divorce laws, when you may need an attorney, and a vetted directory of trusted family-law attorneys serving NYC and major upstate regions.

Understanding Divorce in New York

New York offers both no-fault and fault-based divorce grounds. Most couples file under “irretrievable breakdown for at least six months,” but misconduct can sometimes influence financial outcomes.

Residency Requirements

You may file for divorce in New York if any one of the following applies:

• You or your spouse has lived in NY for two consecutive years, OR

• You or your spouse has lived in NY for one year AND the marriage took place in NY, OR

• Both spouses currently live in NY and the grounds occurred here

Financial Disclosure

New York requires mandatory financial disclosure, including:

• Income

• Assets and debts

• Property

• Retirement accounts

Property Division

New York follows equitable distribution, meaning marital assets are divided fairly — not necessarily equally.

Child Custody & Parenting Time

Courts evaluate:

• Stability and caregiving history

• Safety and well-being

• Parental communication

• School and community connections

Maintenance (Alimony)

NY uses a statutory formula for temporary and sometimes post-divorce maintenance, but judges may adjust based on:

• Income differences

• Length of marriage

• Age and health

• Future earning potential

When You May Need a New York Divorce Lawyer

A lawyer is especially helpful if:

• You and your spouse disagree on custody or financial arrangements

• Real estate, business ownership, or significant assets are involved

• You suspect hidden assets or income

• Domestic violence or safety concerns exist

• You want strong negotiation support

• You're facing litigation in Supreme Court

Even amicable cases benefit from an attorney’s help reviewing agreements and ensuring long-term protection.

Uncontested Divorce Options in New York

If you and your spouse agree on all major issues — including property, custody, and support — you may qualify for an uncontested divorce.

Divorce.com helps New York couples:

• Prepare accurate, NY-specific divorce forms

• Minimize court involvement

• Avoid unnecessary attorney fees

• Access support when questions arise

For low-conflict couples, this is the fastest and most affordable path forward.

⭐ New York Divorce Lawyers by Metro Area

A curated list of reputable New York divorce attorneys serving:

New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens)

• Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein

• Kluger Healey

• The Law Firm of Poppe & Associates

• The Mandel Law Firm

Long Island

• Wisselman Harounian Family Law

Buffalo

• Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino

Rochester

• The Law Offices of Kristine M. Demo-Vazquez

Syracuse

• The Stanley Law Offices

• Bousquet Holstein PLLC