The attorneys at Arnel Law Firm provide results-focused representation for your divorce & family law matters.
Brooklyn Divorce Attorney
Award-Winning NYC Divorce Lawyers Serving Brooklyn, Manhattan & Queens
At Arnel Law Firm, we understand the challenges that people face when filing for divorce and confronting other family law matters. Our Brooklyn divorce lawyers have been helping people through difficult times since 1983. We offer experienced guidance and the ability to vigorously defend our clients' rights and best interests when necessary. Our firm will always work to ensure your needs are met.
A successful case almost always requires knowledge of more than just the law. Brooklyn divorce attorney Curt Arnel is a certified public accountant with more than 35 years of experience in divorce and family law matters.
He brings a depth of knowledge and familiarity with financial matters and documentation that allows him to have a broader understanding of the situations his clients face. But skill and knowledge alone are not enough – an effective family lawyer should also be compassionate. Together, Brooklyn divorce lawyers Curt and Lauren Arnel deliver thoughtful and personalized representation with a client-focused approach. We serve clients throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, NY.
Call us today at (718) 550-3024 to discuss your case with our divorce lawyer in Brooklyn, NY.
Over 35 Years of Experience in Family Law
Practice Areas Tailored to Help You & Your Family
Clients Share
Their Stories
At Arnel Law Firm, we believe in empowering our clients by equipping them with the tools, resources, knowledge, and support needed to make informed and effective decisions. Above all, we want to see your case resolved successfully. Take a look at what others have to say about their experiences working with our Brooklyn divorce law firm.
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When I left the court room that day I was so happy my blood pressure went down.
“Mr. Arnel thank you very much for your help. When I received the court paper I wanted to call someone for help, you were the first Lawyer I call. You had help me before with some child support ...”
- J.M. -
They are honest from the start
“Excellent law firm. I am a father/service member that was awarded primary physical custody, final decision making of my son, and my child support payments was terminated thanks to Arnel law Firm. ...”
- M.D. -
I could not have asked for better!
“Mr. Arnel and his daughter Ms. Lauren Arnel litigated my divorce jurisdiction dispute with complete success. I felt very confident in their advocacy of my case. Mr. Arnel is a gifted attorney; I could ...”
- Rachel A. -
So Attentive and Knowledgeable.
“I was extremely devastated when I reached out to the law office due to concern over a potential custody battle. I left a message and was contacted the same day and time that I was given. Curt was so ...”
- Former Client -
Open and Honest.
“If you are looking for a attorney that's very knowledgeable in his practice definitely speak with Curt Ariel. He's open and honest. Mr. Ariel answered all of my questions and I feel better about ...”
- S.D.
The Divorce Process in Brooklyn, NY
New York State Residency and Grounds Requirements for Divorce
Our Brooklyn divorce law firm has been helping clients with their divorce proceedings for over 35 years. We recognize that it is not always easy to navigate a divorce, however, with the right divorce lawyer, it is manageable.
Here is how to file for a divorce in Brooklyn, NY:
First, we ask that our clients meet the New York state residency requirements to file for a divorce. There are a few ways to meet these requirements:
- Either you or your spouse must have been living in the state of New York continuously for at least two years before filing for the divorce.
- Either you or your spouse must have been living in the state continuously for at least one year before the start of the divorce case and
- You got married in New York, you lived in New York as a married couple, or the grounds for your divorce took place in New York.
Additionally, there must be grounds for the divorce. There are seven, legally acceptable grounds for a divorce:
- Abandonment
- Abuse
- Breakdown in the marriage for a period of at least six months
- Jail time
- Adultery
- Separation agreement of one year
- Judgment of separation
Divorce Timeline
The timeline for a divorce in New York depends on three factors: how soon you can file your paperwork, how quickly your spouse returns the paperwork, and how fast the judge can sign the final judgement of divorce (this depends on judge availability).
In the event that your divorce is contested, or you and your spouse are unable to come to a mutual agreement about your divorce, your divorce will take more time to finalize.
Timeline for a Contested Divorce
- File a summons: One spouse (the petitioner) will file a Summons and Complaint or Summons with Notice with the county clerk’s office to solidify his/her decision to end the marriage. The petitioner then has 120 days to serve this summons to the other spouse (the defendant).
- Serve the divorce papers: The petitioner has up to 120 days once the summons has been filed to serve the defendant. The defendant has around 20 to 30 days to respond to this summons and agree to the terms or contest them.
- File a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI): Once you have filed for a divorce and received a response from the defendant, then you will file a Request for Judicial Intervention. This document is an official agreement between both spouses and asks that the court set up a preliminary conference date within 45 days.
- File a statement of net worth: Each spouse must file a net worth statement no later than ten days before the preliminary conference date.
- Set a preliminary conference date: This must be set within 45 days of the RJI filing. On this day, the court will discuss the divorce, determine any potential issues, and decide on an official hearing date.
- Discovery period: The attorneys will gather evidence against each side to build a case for their clients. This period must be completed within six months of the preliminary conference date.
- Schedule a divorce trial: The judge will issue a ruling after this trial.
Is NY a 50 50 Divorce State?
No, New York is not a 50/50 divorce state. In New York, the court will divide marital property equitably, which does not mean equality. The court will consider various factors, including the length of the marriage, the contributions of each partner to the wedding, and the economic circumstances of each spouse.
Sometimes, the court may award a 50/50 split of marital property. However, this is only sometimes the case. Considering all relevant factors, the court will make a fair decision for both spouses.
If you are considering divorce in New York, speaking with a family law attorney who can help you understand your rights and options is essential.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our top-rated divorce law firm in Brooklyn.
