A divorce is one of life’s most stressful and emotional experiences. Our Albany team of Divorce lawyers at Tully Rinckey PLLC are empathetic people who can help you to navigate the process. We thoroughly understand New York divorce laws, and we’ll advocate effectively on your behalf.
Our team has over 100 years of combined experience practicing law to secure positive legal outcomes for our family clients. Whether you’re seeking an uncontested or contested divorce, we’re ready to help. Our team serves families throughout the Capital Region, including Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Rensselaer, Columbia, Warren, Schoharie, and Greene counties. We’ve represented clients in these courts for over 25 years and are highly regarded in each county’s courts.
To obtain a divorce in New York, at least one party must have maintained continuous residence in the state for one year, and the parties must either have been married in New York or lived in the state as a married couple. If not, at least one party must be living in New York for two years.
An “uncontested” divorce is when both parties want a divorce, and they agree about what will happen to their finances and property after the divorce.
You can use this program if:
Even if you cannot meet these criteria, a “no-fault” divorce is possible if the parties have been living apart for one year under a separation agreement that was filed in the County Clerk’s office.
A contested divorce occurs when the spouses do not agree to divorce or the terms for a divorce, including property, debt, child custody, or support.
If the parties cannot agree to divorce, either spouse can seek an “at fault” divorce. This requires proving in court that the other spouse has committed certain misconduct or failed to engage in other conduct consistent with an ongoing marriage. Among the main grounds for an “at fault” divorce are the following:
This requires a high showing of physical or mental cruelty during the last five years making it unsafe for the parties to live together
If a spouse has for a year physically moved out with no intent to return or “constructively” abandoned their spouse such as by refusing to have sex.
If a spouse is imprisoned after the marriage for three or more years.
If third party testimony supports a claim of adultery during the marriage.
If the parties cannot agree, a court will also decide property allocation and support issues.
New York is an equitable distribution state. If the parties cannot agree to property division, the court will divide marital property equitably. This does not mean a 50-50 split. Instead, the judge will strive for a fair outcome, considering 15 statutory criteria. These include:
New York courts only divide marital property. Spouses get to keep their separate property. Marital property is property (including wages and income) obtained during the marriage. Separate property includes assets each spouse brought into the marriage, property they inherit, or other items as stated in a valid prenuptial agreement.
The average time to complete a divorce is several months to over a year. A contested divorce will take longer and cost more than an uncontested divorce. Contested issues such as alimony, custody, child support and visitation rights, marital property, and debt division, can increase costs. Mediation can help reduce those costs.
Filing for a no-fault divorce with an existing separation agreement that you’ve filed and lived apart under for one year will shorten the process and save on costs. Contested divorces alleging fault are the longest in time and most expensive.
Our experienced and insightful Albany divorce lawyers at Tully Rinckey PLLC handle every situation with the utmost diligence and care. Our practice leader, Barbara King, has over 30 years of experience managing family law issues, and partner Michael Belsky has extensive experience in court proceedings involving divorce and equitable distribution of property. Our team is here for you to protect your rights and achieve your goals. Contact us today. To schedule an initial local divorce consultation with a member of our experienced team, contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 8885294543 or info@tullylegal.com.
Are you struggling with child custody issues? We have dedicated experts that will help you in the fight. Learn more about our child custody and child support services.
The Capital Region Divorce Attorneys at Tully Rinckey are readily available to handle your matter and fight to help you realize the legal outcome you desire. To schedule an initial consultation with a member from our experienced team, contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 8885294543 or info@tullylegal.com
You can also use our secure Live Chat feature to connect with us regarding your matter. Your message will be delivered to a secured firm account with a member from our team ready to assist you.
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When you choose Tully Rinckey PLLC, you aren’t just assigned an attorney. Your legal matter will be cared for by our entire legal team and support staff. With offices throughout the United States, we make sure you receive legal counsel and representation you can trust.
Our team-oriented philosophy encourages open and ongoing communication with every attorney, paralegal, and other support staff working with each client ensures we understand their goals. Our commitment to you means meeting your objectives, working attentively and persistently toward your success, and efficiently adjusting to your changing needs.
At Tully Rinckey PLLC, our commitment to quality never ends. We listen to your legal concerns, counsel you on your legal issues and represent you in legal proceedings. Our already knowledgeable attorneys are continually learning more, developing their resources and honing their skills. We make ourselves accessible to you at every turn, committing to be your long-term legal partner.
At Tully Rinckey, we work relentlessly to ensure our ethical standards and level of professionalism surpass what is expected of us by our clients and the court. Our high ethical principles call us to treat clients with respect, offer affordability to members of the communities we serve, and provide composed and dignified representation.
