Divorce is never easy, but some married couples might find that it’s their only option. New York is a state that recognizes both fault and no-fault divorce grounds. Unfortunately, some spouses may even choose to drag out the divorce process for a variety of reasons, such as to gain leverage in negotiations, inflict emotional pain, or exhaust the other spouse’s financial resources.
In any case, an experienced divorce lawyer can provide support and legal advice, helping you navigate any roadblocks or delays that may arise during the divorce proceedings. At The Law Office of Ryan Besinque, our team of experienced New York uncontested divorce lawyer can also assist you and your spouse in reaching a mutual agreement regarding the terms of your divorce, such as child custody, visitation rights, and spousal support. Call us at (929) 251-4477 to schedule a consultation.
Divorce Laws in New York
In Manhattan, New York City and the state as a whole, there are laws that recognize fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. It’s also possible to get a contested or uncontested divorce. Although all of these options exist for those who are looking to end their marriage, the divorce process can still be complex. As a result, it’s always wise to consult with an uncontested divorce lawyer to get a better idea of what might happen and how much it might cost.
What is the Difference Between Contested and Uncontested Divorce?
If a divorce between two people in New York is contested, it means that one spouse wanted to get a divorce while the other did not want it. This can complicate matters and require the assistance of a family law attorney.
An uncontested divorce takes place between spouses who agree that their marriage is no longer worth salvaging after they’ve exhausted all options to fix things. However, even though the spouses agree, it’s still a good idea to retain an uncontested divorce lawyer to represent you in your case.
How Long Does a Divorce Take?
When you and your spouse have decided that you will get an uncontested divorce in Manhattan, it could take anywhere from four to 12 months. The exact length of time before your divorce is final depends on a variety of factors. Some of those include typical concerns such as alimony, child support, and division of property.
How Much Will Your Uncontested Divorce Cost?
Because it’s possible to seek a fault or no-fault divorce in New York City, you can get a better idea of how much your uncontested divorce might cost based on the divorce grounds. If you have filed a no-fault, uncontested divorce, it’s the cheapest option and can make the process much easier and faster.
If you file a fault uncontested divorce, your spouse might challenge the grounds for divorce even if they agree to the divorce itself. Adultery is the most common divorce ground, but it’s not unusual for a spouse to challenge that or cruel and inhumane treatment if they have a history of abusing you.
Is it Worth Contesting a Divorce?
During a divorce, both parties often seek a fair division of their shared assets. However, some departing partners may attempt to hide their financial assets. This concealment can impact the determination of spousal maintenance or child support since the judge cannot consider the value of the hidden assets. Nevertheless, in a contested divorce, both spouses have access to the discovery process, which helps identify all assets and puts them on a level playing field.
Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, is often a contentious issue during a divorce. In contested divorces, the spouse seeking financial support must demonstrate to the court that they have given up significant opportunities during the marriage, such as leaving school to work or serving as a caregiver for a disabled child. If the judge determines that there are valid reasons for the request, they may grant alimony.
Sometimes, an ex-spouse may be unwilling to compromise on the terms of the divorce. In such cases, pursuing a contested divorce may be the best option to avoid an unfair settlement. While it may take longer, a contested divorce can result in more equitable terms.
When parents disagree on the terms of a divorce, they may also disagree on co-parenting arrangements such as child custody, support, and visitation. The family court judge considers the children’s emotional and physical needs, each parent’s ability to provide for them, each parent’s relationship with them, and the children’s own wishes to determine what is in their best interests.
How Much Does a Contested Divorce in New York Cost?
If no-fault divorce is not an option for you and your dispute cannot be resolved without a trial, your case may cost around $50K. Consider that the official costs for a day in court cost $120 and an hour with a lawyer around $350. The result is that you will have to pay more if your divorce drags on. You should also consider other expenses such as serving and filing your spouse, paying a financial advisor, and so forth.
A mediator is a great option for those who are unable to end their marriages amicably. You can reach a settlement under the mediation’s guidance for between $100 and $250 per session. This is a far more cost-effective option than fighting for every point in court.
What is the Average Cost of a New York Divorce Lawyer?
General consultation with a divorce attorney is required in most cases. Divorce attorney costs are a strong determinant of marital termination expenses. The average hourly rate for a divorce lawyer in New York is $350. If you have not already dealt with any other issues, expect to spend at least 1,000 dollars for your divorce procedure.
Divorce is generally a major financial challenge for your family. Try to find cheaper alternatives if you can. If you are hopeful of fixing things, you can start family counseling. You can also choose to separate when you require time and space from your partner. If nothing else seems to work, consider divorce. However, regardless of how inexpensive you are willing to make your divorce, it is worth hiring professionals at minimum for primary assistance.
Whenever There Is A Fault-Based Divorce, It Will Be More Expensive.
On average, divorce in New York can cost around $17,000. However, an uncontested divorce can be as cheap as $5,500. That’s in vast contrast to a contested divorce, which can be as high as $50,000 on average.
There are fees to consider in addition to those you pay to your attorney. You have to take into account the court fees and other costs related to filing the divorce papers.
If you’re considering divorce in New York and want to learn more about how much it might cost, contact an uncontested divorce lawyer at your earliest convenience.
