A divorce is one of life’s most stressful and emotional experiences. Our Albany team of Divorce lawyers at Tully Rinckey PLLC are empathetic people who can help you to navigate the process. We thoroughly understand New York divorce laws, and we’ll advocate effectively on your behalf.
Compassionate & Experienced Albany, New York Divorce Lawyers
Our team has over 100 years of combined experience practicing law to secure positive legal outcomes for our family clients. Whether you’re seeking an uncontested or contested divorce, we’re ready to help. Our team serves families throughout the Capital Region, including Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Rensselaer, Columbia, Warren, Schoharie, and Greene counties. We’ve represented clients in these courts for over 25 years and are highly regarded in each county’s courts.
Understanding Albany, NY Divorce Laws
To obtain a divorce in New York, at least one party must have maintained continuous residence in the state for one year, and the parties must either have been married in New York or lived in the state as a married couple. If not, at least one party must be living in New York for two years.
Uncontested Divorce
An “uncontested” divorce is when both parties want a divorce, and they agree about what will happen to their finances and property after the divorce.
Your marriage has been over for at least six months, and your relationship cannot be saved, AND
All marital property issues, including debt, have been settled.
Even if you cannot meet these criteria, a “no-fault” divorce is possible if the parties have been living apart for one year under a separation agreement that was filed in the County Clerk’s office.
Grounds for a Contested “At-Fault” Divorce
A contested divorce occurs when the spouses do not agree to divorce or the terms for a divorce, including property, debt, child custody, or support.
If the parties cannot agree to divorce, either spouse can seek an “at fault” divorce. This requires proving in court that the other spouse has committed certain misconduct or failed to engage in other conduct consistent with an ongoing marriage. Among the main grounds for an “at fault” divorce are the following:
Cruel and Inhuman Treatment
This requires a high showing of physical or mental cruelty during the last five years making it unsafe for the parties to live together
Abandonment
If a spouse has for a year physically moved out with no intent to return or “constructively” abandoned their spouse such as by refusing to have sex.
Imprisonment
If a spouse is imprisoned after the marriage for three or more years.
Adultery
If third party testimony supports a claim of adultery during the marriage.
If the parties cannot agree, a court will also decide property allocation and support issues.
Property Division in Albany, New York
New York is an equitable distribution state. If the parties cannot agree to property division, the court will divide marital property equitably. This does not mean a 50-50 split. Instead, the judge will strive for a fair outcome, considering 15 statutory criteria. These include:
Each spouse’s income and property when they married and filed for divorce
Probable future financial circumstances of each party
Each spouse’s age and health
Duration of the marriage
Whether either spouse has an equitable claim to marital property based on that spouse’s contribution of labor, money, or efforts as a spouse, parent, or homemaker
Whether the court has awarded alimony (maintenance or spousal support)
Any other factor the court expressly finds to be a just and proper consideration
New York courts only divide marital property. Spouses get to keep their separate property. Marital property is property (including wages and income) obtained during the marriage. Separate property includes assets each spouse brought into the marriage, property they inherit, or other items as stated in a valid prenuptial agreement.
How Long Does a Divorce Take and How Much Does It Cost?
The average time to complete a divorce is several months to over a year. A contested divorce will take longer and cost more than an uncontested divorce. Contested issues such as alimony, custody, child support and visitation rights, marital property, and debt division, can increase costs. Mediation can help reduce those costs.
Filing for a no-fault divorce with an existing separation agreement that you’ve filed and lived apart under for one year will shorten the process and save on costs. Contested divorces alleging fault are the longest in time and most expensive.
Our Albany Divorce Lawyers Can Help You
Our experienced and insightful Albany divorce lawyers at Tully Rinckey PLLC handle every situation with the utmost diligence and care. Our practice leader, Barbara King, has over 30 years of experience managing family law issues, and partner Michael Belsky has extensive experience in court proceedings involving divorce and equitable distribution of property. Our team is here for you to protect your rights and achieve your goals. Contact us today. To schedule an initial local divorce consultation with a member of our experienced team, contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 8885294543 or info@tullylegal.com.
Are you struggling with child custody issues? We have dedicated experts that will help you in the fight. Learn more about our child custody and child support services.
The Capital Region Divorce Attorneys at Tully Rinckey are readily available to handle your matter and fight to help you realize the legal outcome you desire. To schedule an initial consultation with a member from our experienced team, contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 8885294543 or info@tullylegal.com
You can also use our secure Live Chat feature to connect with us regarding your matter. Your message will be delivered to a secured firm account with a member from our team ready to assist you.
What Our Clients Are Saying:
Let me begin with my continued respect and heartfelt thanks for all you did for me when a simple divorce spiraled out of control. As wounded as I was, I was painfully aware of the emotional toll the litigation was taking on you too. It was that empathy, accompanied by your phenomenal legal skills that kept me together during what was perhaps the most traumatic chapter of my life. I hope I am able to convey an impression of the depth of gratitude I have for you.
G.H.
I retained Tully Rinckey PLLC for a child support modification, which became necessary following domestic violence incidents, my own disability as a result, and my children's increased needs. Tully Rinckey PLLC is professional, proactive and, most importantly, does not suffer fools. They focused on the legal arguments of the case and applied appellate decisions which were directly related. Most importantly to me, they took my case personally. As one who has seen many people promised the sun, moon and stars by attorneys who then treat them as a number, Tully Rinckey PLLC was invested in my case from the beginning. They were able to go directly to the heart of the matter without needing to destroy the other party. They kept the focus on my children's needs and, when the other party refused to settle and hired an attorney, Tully Rinckey PLLC went into overdrive making sure my children would get a fair hearing of the facts in court. They kept the main thing the main thing and her arguments on point. They also ensured that my disability accommodations were honored and was sensitive to the needs my disability created, which was incredibly important for my testimony. I have already recommended Tully Rinckey PLLC several times and will continue to do so.
G.H.
I was represented by Ryan McCall in both custody and support matters. Ryan did an excellent job in both, and we were successful in both. I would highly recommend to anyone in need of great representation to contact Tully Rinckey and speak to Ryan McCall.
T.C.
Thank you it was a pleasure doing business with you. Honestly, you made this experience painless. Much appreciated happy customer.
J. A.
I would like to thank you for the wonderful job Tully Rinckey PLLC did on my behalf. In an unusual circumstance where the custody of my daughter changed for a period of 6 months because of Hurricane Irene, they managed to get the entire case dismissed.
When you choose Tully Rinckey PLLC, you aren’t just assigned an attorney. Your legal matter will be cared for by our entire legal team and support staff. With offices throughout the United States, we make sure you receive legal counsel and representation you can trust.
Commitment to Quality
At Tully Rinckey PLLC, our commitment to quality never ends. We listen to your legal concerns, counsel you on your legal issues and represent you in legal proceedings. Our already knowledgeable attorneys are continually learning more, developing their resources and honing their skills. We make ourselves accessible to you at every turn, committing to be your long-term legal partner.
Full Service Legal Firm
Tully Rinckey is a full-service law firm. We handle legal issues relating to appellate law, litigation, bankruptcy, international and U.S.-based business law, family and matrimonial law, military and federal employment law, intellectual property law, and much more. We also offer a variety of services, including estate planning, security clearance representation, and congressional investigations. Regardless of your legal needs, we have the experienced counsel you need.
Our Process
Our client-centered process is all about communication. During consultations, we teach clients about legal challenges they face and explain options available from their current position. Our attorneys explain how we resolve legal issues for the best possible outcome. We define what the expectations are, create manageable deadlines, and discover evidence to support claims.
Our Personal Process
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