Dutchess County Contested Divorce Lawyer

Experienced Contested Divorce Attorney Serving Beacon, NY and the Surrounding Areas

Not all divorces go smoothly. In fact, contested divorces are quite common, requiring separating spouses to pursue litigation in order to determine the terms of their divorce agreement. These types of divorces can be lengthy, emotional ordeals, requiring the assistance of a highly-trained Dutchess County contested divorce lawyer in order to help spouses improve their chances of securing the results they need. If you are approaching a contested divorce in Dutchess County, our contested divorce attorneys at the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC can protect your interests in court and advocate for a positive outcome on your behalf.

What Is a Contested Divorce?

A contested divorce occurs when divorcing spouses are unable to reach a mutually acceptable agreement regarding all aspects of their divorce. In order to solve their case, each spouse must retain separate representation and present their case before a judge.

As opposed to an uncontested divorce that can be completed relatively quickly, a contested separation can take months or even years from start to finish, between filing for divorce, responding to the divorce summons, negotiations, and finally the resolution.

Common Issues in a Contested Divorce

Oftentimes, divorces become contested over matters such as:

• Property and debt division: One of the most significant disputes in a contested divorce is property division. New York follows an equitable distribution model, meaning that property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. Factors such as the length of the marriage, the income and assets of each spouse, and the financial and emotional contributions of both parties are considered.
• Child custody: When children are involved, custody and visitation can become the most contentious issues. New York courts make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child, considering factors like the child’s emotional and developmental needs, the relationship each parent has with the child, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable home environment. A Dutchess County contested divorce lawyer can help present evidence and advocate for the custody arrangement that best serves your child’s needs.
• Spousal support payments: In some cases, one spouse may be entitled to alimony, or spousal support, if they are unable to support themselves financially after the divorce. The court will determine whether alimony is appropriate based on factors like the length of the marriage, the financial situation of both parties, and the standard of living during the marriage.
• Child support arrangements: In addition to custody, child support can also be a major point of contention in a contested divorce. Child support in New York is determined based on guidelines that take into account the income of both parents and the needs of the children.
• Distribution of high net-worth assets.

The Contested Divorce Process in New York

During this process, each spouse must disclose relevant financial documents, submit a Statement of Net Worth, attend various conferences with a judge, and participate in the trial process. Like any other trial, a contested divorce involves opening statements, the questioning of witnesses, cross-examination, submission of evidence, and final statements. Once both sides have had a chance to present their case, the presiding judge will issue a decision that carries the enforceability of law.

What Are the Stages of a Contested Divorce?

There are several steps involved in a contested divorce. First, divorce papers need to be completed, filed, and served. This involves the delivery of paperwork asking for a divorce and the grounds for dissolution of marriage. In New York, grounds can be either no-fault or in relation to some form of marital misconduct, such as infidelity or abusive behavior.

Following the official submission of paperwork, both divorcing spouses need to hire their own legal representation to advocate on their behalf in court. From here, the “divorce discovery” process begins. In this stage, information is gathered about the circumstances of your divorce from both spouses and a third party. Written questions, subpoenas, and depositions are often part of the discovery period.

The divorce case would proceed to court at this point. A last attempt is made at reaching a settlement, with negotiations between attorneys taking place on behalf of the divorcing spouses. If reaching a settlement proves to be impossible, preparations for a trial begin. During a trial, witnesses are presented by both spouses with cross-examinations, and closing arguments are made. Once both sides have had a chance to present their case, the judge will make a final decision that is enforceable by law.

This court-mandated ruling can decide:

• Child custody
• Property division
• Asset distribution
• Spousal support

These rulings can sometimes be appealed, though they are oftentimes final. For this reason, it is highly advisable that you first negotiate for an out-of-court settlement before moving toward litigation. If an agreement cannot be made, it is imperative that you retain the services of a powerful family lawyer from our firm to represent your interests and improve your chances of reaching a desirable outcome.

Are you in the beginning stages of a divorce? A Dutchess County divorce attorney from the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC can advocate on your behalf and help you get through your difficult time.

Protecting Your Rights in a Contested Divorce

When going through a contested divorce, it's crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced legal team on your side to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests. At the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC, our team understands the complexities of contested divorces and is dedicated to providing strong representation for our clients in Beacon, NY and the surrounding areas.

Our firm can assist with:

• Legal strategy and advocacy
• Negotiations and settlement discussions
• Discovery and evidence-gathering
• Court appearances and litigation
• Post-divorce modifications

With 170+ collective years of experience, you can trust our team to guide you through the stages of a contested divorce and work tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome for you and your family. Contact our Dutchess County contested divorce attorneys today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with our experienced attorneys.

How Our Experienced Dutchess County Contested Divorce Lawyers Can Help

At the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC, we believe that every client deserves to be heard. Our client-centered approach ensures that your concerns and preferences are at the forefront of our legal strategy. We take the time to understand your unique situation, allowing us to tailor our services to meet your specific needs during this challenging time.

Here’s how we prioritize your voice throughout the legal process:

• Personalized Consultation: We begin with an in-depth consultation to discuss your goals and expectations, ensuring that you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.
• Transparent Communication: We maintain open lines of communication, providing you with regular updates and encouraging your questions and feedback.
• Empowered Decision-Making: Our team will present you with all available options, empowering you to make informed decisions about your case.
• Supportive Environment: We recognize that divorce can be emotionally taxing, and we strive to create a supportive environment where you feel safe and respected.

With our commitment to your needs, you can trust that we will advocate fiercely on your behalf while ensuring that your voice is always heard. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you during this critical time.

Trust in a Firm with 170+ Collective Years of Experience

At the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC, we understand how difficult it can be to cope with a divorce. We are here to help prepare for your case, no matter how complex. Having earned a 2015 Avvo Clients’ Choice Award for our outstanding family law advocacy, our firm can provide the compassionate and results-driven representation you need to guide you step-by-step through this emotional time. From start to finish, our legal professionals are fully invested in the outcome of your case and are willing to make every effort to maximize your chances of reaching a desirable result.