Divorce Attorney Serving Long Island

Long Island Divorce Lawyer: Practice Areas

A divorce is a legal process that must be completed in order to end a marriage in the eyes of the law. Although most people do not enter into a marriage with the intent or knowledge that it will someday need to end, there are circumstances that make a divorce the best or only option for you and your spouse. Properly handled, a divorce may actually make life easier for you and your children. It takes the right approach, however, and the assistance of a Long Island divorce attorney to have the opportunity of completing your divorce in the best way possible. The Kepanis Law Firm represents clients throughout Long Island, including in Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens and Brooklyn. Following are the practice areas we handle:

Contested Divorce
If a divorce settlement cannot be agreed upon outside of a courtroom, it is a contested divorce. When a divorce is taken to court, it may be due to disputes regarding child support, child custody, property division, or debt division. A skilled attorney from our team knows the issues that can arise in a contested divorce and knows how to deal with them. Read more on contested divorce.

Uncontested Divorce
If you and your spouse are able to come to an agreement regarding the different aspects of your divorce settlement, then you may be able to keep you divorce case out of the courts. You would be able to avoid the hassle and expense of a lengthy courtroom case while keeping your personal affairs out of the public eye. Read more on uncontested divorce.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
The main differences between contested and uncontested divorce cases are that of time, money, and emotional stress. In a contested divorce, you and your family will be dragged through the courts while an uncontested divorce could be settled with just the help of a divorce attorney. Read more on contested vs. uncontested divorce.

High Net Worth Divorce
High net worth divorces can be extremely complicated due to the large amounts of property and money involved. High net worth could refer to a family-owned business, assets, real property, stocks, bonds, inheritance, 401(k)'s, and pensions. In order to reach a solution amicable to everyone involved, you should seek counsel from an attorney at our firm. Read more on high net worth divorce.

No Fault Divorce
Recent legislation states that individuals may file for divorce if the marriage has been irretrievably broken. Before this law was passed in October of 2010, divorce would only be granted due to adultery, cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment, imprisonment, or living apart for one year. To find out if you qualify for a no fault divorce, contact a Long Island divorce attorney from our firm as soon as possible. Read more on no fault divorce.

Professional Athletes
If you are a professional athlete and are considering filing for a divorce, there are many issues you will have to deal with. Not only will you be involved in a high net worth divorce, but you will not want your separation to negatively affect your career. To ensure your case resolves smoothly, please contact an attorney from our firm for high-quality legal advice. Read more on professional athletes.

Qualifying for an Annulment
An annulment voids a marriage and legally states that the marriage never existed. There are many different reasons why an annulment may be possible, but as each situation is unique, it is strongly recommended that you seek the counsel of an attorney. Some of the factors that could constitute an annulment are: bigamy, incest, an improper marriage ceremony, underage, missing spouse, or marriage by force. To learn more read qualifying for an annulment.

Grounds for Divorce
If your marriage has been irretrievable broken for six months or longer, you have grounds for divorce according to New York state law. With the help of a skilled legal team, your divorce process does not have to be a traumatic experience. Contact a Long Island attorney from our firm to see how we could help you. Read more on grounds for divorce.

Legal Separation
If a couple wants to legally separate rather than divorce, a court ruling or separation agreement can offer the couple the opportunity to do so. Whether it is for religious, tax, or personal reasons, we can help you with the legal requirements and paperwork that go along with a separation. Read more on legal separation.

Separation Agreements
If you and your spouse are considering filing for separation, it is highly recommended that you file for a separation agreement. This can clarify different issues such as child support, child custody, and property division. If you end up filing for divorce, it should be a smoother process based on the agreement already formed. Read more on separation agreements.

Divorce Settlement
When filing for divorce, it is highly important that you understand the state of your finances and how you are going to divide your assets. There is also the matter of child support and spousal support to understand. As our firm has represented professional athletes and celebrities in court, we understand that maintaining the confidentiality of our clients is paramount. Read more on divorce settlement.

Equitable Distribution
One of the issues a couple will have to deal with is that of dividing and allocating property and assets. Marital property is all property that is owned by both spouses while separate properties are assets like inheritances, personal injury awards, and gifts. Read more on equitable distribution.

Child's Best Interest
The court will always consider what is in the best interest of the children involved in a divorce case. This will affect issues such as legal custody, physical custody, visitation rights, and child support. Speak to a member of our firm if you need advice in regards to your divorce case. We will fight for your rights and the rights of your children. Read more on child's best interest.

Child Custody
Child custody is probably the most difficult and heart-breaking aspect of a divorce case. Coming to an agreement that is amicable to all can be very complicated. If a decision cannot be reached outside the courtroom, it will be classified as a contested divorce and will have to face a judge. Read more on child custody.

Visitation
When one parent has sole custody of the children from the previous marriage, the other parent is entitled to visitation rights. In most cases, it is best for the children to have both parents involved in their lives. However, if there was any past domestic violence, the judge could determine that visitation rights are not in the best interests of the children. Read more on visitation.

Child Support
Child support must be supplied to the parent who has sole custody of the children. The other parent is still responsible for their financial well-being and must provide them with a set amount of money each month. If that parent falls behind on payments, it is treated very seriously and there could be harsh penalties. Read more on child support.

Spousal Support
Spousal support or alimony is the amount paid to a former spouse after a legal separation or divorce. The amount is set by how much the spouse will need to maintain the standard of living established during the marriage. Unlike child support, there is no set amount that must be paid. Read more on spousal support.

Orders of Protection
An order of protection is there for people who are being threatened by their former spouse or partner. If you are being harassed or stalked or threatened, you need the help of a qualified divorce attorney from our firm. We can help you petition the courts in order to keep this dangerous person away from you and your family. Read more on orders of protection.

Prenuptial Agreements
More and more couples are choosing to draft prenuptial agreements before they get married. The benefits of this agreement include protecting your resources, your home, and your property. It also will clarify what will happen to the children should the marriage end. Read more on prenuptial agreements.

Postnuptial Agreements
A postnuptial agreement is similar to a prenuptial agreement except that it is written after the marriage rather than before. The requirements for a postnuptial agreement includes: full disclosure of assets, it must be completely voluntary, and it must be done in writing. When done with the help of a divorce lawyer, a postnuptial agreement can help avoid conflict if the couple ever decides to end their marriage. Read more on postnuptial agreements.

Do's and Don'ts in Divorce
Unfortunately, divorce can be a very complicated and stressful time. By speaking to a legal professional, however, the process can run much more smoothly. You should also consider what is in the best interests of your children when deciding custody matters. Always remember not to speak badly of your spouse to your children and do not seek revenge. Read more on do's and don'ts in divorce.

Asset Division
Asset division refers to the process of diving money and property when going through a legal separation or divorce. If the former couple cannot agree on the terms of their divorce, they will have to take the matter before a judge. Under equitable distribution, your assets and property will be divided fairly, though not necessarily evenly. Read more on asset division.

Debt Division
If you are going through an uncontested divorce, it is the decision of the couple of how they are going to divide any debt they have accrued. A Long Island divorce attorney can help with the negotiation and help you keep your case out of court. Read more on debt division.

Support & Custody Modifications
As circumstances change, child support, spousal support, and child custody arrangements may have to change. Sometimes these changes are needed, but sometimes they are unwarranted and the matter must be taken to court. A judge can then decide what is in the best interests of the children. Read more on support and custody modifications.

Relocation
An issue that can arise after a divorce has been finalized is that of relocation. If the parent who has sole custody decides to move over forty miles from their previous residence, they have to notify the other parent and the court. Read more on relocation.

Paternity
Establishing paternity does not necessarily mean that they are the biological parent of the child. It means that legally, they are responsible for the child and have all the rights of a legal parent. If there is confusion or dispute about the paternity of a child, an attorney from our firm is qualified to help you. Read more on paternity.

Palimony
Similar to alimony, palimony is support paid to a domestic partner after the relationship has ended. Although unmarried couples do not have the same rights as married couples, they could still be entitled to support. Different factors that determine the amount are, children, length of relationship, any jointly-owned property, and prior agreements between the couple. Read more on palimony.

Fathers' Rights
Courts have always tended to favor mothers over fathers when dealing with custody issues. However, due to continuing social changes in the family structure, it is important that the father receive equal rights. The court determines custody based on what is best for the children, and a fathers' rights attorney from our firm could help fight for your rights in court. Read more on fathers' rights.

Mothers' Rights
When there is conflict regarding which parent should gain sole custody of their children, the courts will try to determine what would be best for the children. As each family is unique, there is no set formula. If you are going through a custody dispute, it is crucial that you have a divorce attorney fighting for your rights and helping secure the best outcome for you and your family. Read more on mothers' rights.

Grandparents' Rights
If you are a grandparents seeking custody or visitation rights, a Long Island divorce attorney from our firm could help stand up for your rights. Unfortunately, grandparents do not have automatic legal rights to see their grandchildren. However, it is possible to secure these rights by petitioning the court. Read more on grandparents' rights.

Why involve a Long Island divorce lawyer?

Making the decision to involve a lawyer to assist you with your divorce in the Long Island area may be difficult. You may be unsure of what to expect in this process and may be uncertain as to whether you need a lawyer in the first place. That is why the firm offers a case evaluation, wherein the particular circumstances surrounding your unique case can be discussed. At your initial consultation, we will listen to your needs and concerns and will take the time to talk to you about your particular options and what the firm can do to help. The goal will be to assist you in making whatever choice is right for you and your family.

Make sure you have the competent, honest guidance you need. Contact a Long Island divorce attorney from our legal team today.