A New York divorce may involve decisions about children, parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, a home, retirement assets, other property, and debt. The firm handles both contested and uncontested divorce matters, beginning with a practical review of the issues that need attention.
The Law Offices of Heidi T. Cochrane has a primary local focus on divorce matters in Columbia County, Greene County, and Ulster County, and may consider appropriate matters elsewhere in New York State. Every matter is different. Some spouses can resolve all issues in an agreement; others need strategic guidance in gathering information, identifying disputed issues, negotiating, or participating in a formal court process.
Where a New York divorce is handled
In New York, Supreme Court handles divorce. Family Court may address certain related matters, such as custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal support, in circumstances allowed by law. When a divorce is pending, related issues may need to be addressed in Supreme Court. The court, venue, procedural posture, and any existing orders can affect the appropriate next step.
Contested and uncontested divorce
An uncontested divorce may be possible when spouses have resolved every issue that must be addressed. This can include property, debt, support, and parenting arrangements when children are involved. An agreement may make the process more straightforward, but complete terms and accurate papers still matter. Uncontested divorce is an important service within the firm’s broader divorce practice.
A divorce may be contested when spouses disagree about one or more important issues. That does not mean a case will necessarily go to trial. Many matters are resolved through negotiation or settlement discussions, but the process may involve financial disclosure, motion practice, discovery, court conferences, or other formal steps before an agreement is reached. The firm can evaluate the available path, pursue resolution where appropriate, and prepare for litigation or trial when necessary.
Learn about New York divorce settlement agreements · Learn about uncontested divorce · Explore mediation and collaborative law
Parenting, support, and financial issues
When a family has children, a divorce may require agreements or court decisions about custody, residential arrangements, parenting schedules, child support, health insurance, child-care expenses, and other child-related costs. Financial issues may include a marital residence, accounts, retirement assets, business interests, debt, separate-property claims, and spousal maintenance.
New York uses equitable distribution for marital property, which does not necessarily mean an equal division in every matter. Classification, value, records, agreements, and the facts of the marriage can all matter.
- Child custody and parenting time
- Child support and spousal maintenance
- Property division and equitable distribution
Preparing for a consultation
It can be helpful to gather basic information before contacting a law firm: the county connected to the matter; the status of any court case; the names and ages of children; any existing agreement or order; general information about income, property, debt, and insurance; and upcoming deadlines or court dates. Do not send confidential documents or time-sensitive information through an initial website inquiry.
Email the firm about your New York legal matter or request a free initial consultation. A consultation request does not create an attorney-client relationship or mean the firm has agreed to take the matter.