Get a Divorce in Queens

Filing for Divorce in New York

At our firm, Law Offices of Donald Mastrodomenico, P.C., we have over 100 years of combined experience in divorce and related family law matters. Our years of experience allow us to provide service to each person we represent. We are familiar with appearing in Queens Supreme Court, Civil Term, where divorce proceedings for Queens County are handled. We file over 400 divorce cases each year.

Representation for Contested and Uncontested Divorce

We work to prepare filings with required documentation. Our firm provides counsel for both uncontested and contested divorce, as well as a range of other family law matters. We handle divorce-related child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division issues.

New York Grounds for Divorce

Before 2010, New York did not offer a true no-fault divorce option. In 2010, they joined the rest of the states and included a no-fault divorce ground.

New York’s no-fault divorce option falls under the ground that states that a couple can get a divorce if there is an irretrievable breakdown in the marriage for a period of 6 or more months. Before the court grants a no-fault divorce, the parties must resolve economic and parenting issues or have those issues decided through the court process.

There are also fault-based divorce grounds still available in New York, which are:

• Cruel and inhuman treatment
• Abandonment
• Imprisonment for three or more consecutive years
• Proven adultery
• Separation agreement and separate living for one year
• “Judgment of Separation” and separate living for one year

A no-fault divorce does not automatically make a case faster or simpler. Timing depends on the issues that must be resolved and the court process. Contact our firm to discuss the best option for you.

New York Divorce Filing Requirements in Queens

New York residency requirements must be met before a divorce action can be filed. Depending on the circumstances, eligibility may be based on two years of continuous residence, one year of residence combined with specified New York connections, or residency of both spouses when the grounds occurred in New York.

Starting a Divorce Case in Queens

A divorce action begins with filing the required court papers. The other spouse generally must be personally served with the divorce papers. If a spouse cannot be located, alternative service may require court guidance. Queens Supreme Court, Civil Term issues divorce judgments, while Family Court may address related custody, visitation, or child support matters.

Flat-Fee Divorce Representation

We offer a flat fee structure for contested divorces and uncontested divorce matters. We do not use hourly rates for divorce representation, and clients are not billed for phone calls. When you retain our services, we can explain what to expect with regard to cost.

We are different from the rest.

Resolving Contested Divorce Issues

Any contested divorce will have several difficult and crucial matters to resolve. A divorce becomes contested when spouses disagree about a material issue, such as custody, support, property, debt, or the divorce itself. These matters may be resolved through negotiation or the court process. We work to help parties address negotiations that have fallen off the rails.

When a trial can be avoided, we work to pursue resolution without trial when the parties can reach an agreement. We are familiar with a large number of the attorneys in the area and know them personally. When the other party absolutely refuses to compromise, or continues to make unreasonable demands, a trial cannot be avoided.

In these cases, you need a qualified, experienced, and professional divorce litigator working with you. We negotiate with opposing counsel and can represent clients when disputes proceed toward trial. Clients work with a specific attorney throughout their case.

How to Find a Divorce Lawyer in New York

Hiring an experienced Queens divorce lawyer can provide clear guidance during the divorce process. When choosing counsel, consider whether the attorney regularly handles the type of divorce involved, explains legal and financial issues clearly, and provides a defined point of contact throughout the case.

• Legal Guidance: Our Queens divorce lawyers handle family law and divorce matters, including the New York divorce grounds and residency requirements that may apply to your case.
• Case Preparation: A lawyer can assist with pleadings, financial documentation, and required filings.
• Negotiation: Our lawyers can negotiate with the opposing party and their attorney regarding assets, child custody, support, and property division.
• Court Representation: If your divorce case goes to court, our attorneys can represent you in court proceedings and prepare for trial when necessary.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation or collaborative processes may be options in suitable cases, but they are not appropriate for every family situation.

Our firm is dedicated to family law and divorce matters. We provide one-on-one treatment and assign one family law attorney to represent each client throughout the case. Donald Mastrodomenico is vice chair of the Queens County Matrimonial and Family Law Committee, and we hold weekly office meetings to review noteworthy legal decisions and apply current legal strategies to our cases.