How to Prepare for Divorce in New York
Understand what to expect when facing a divorce in New York. Contact our Divorce Attorneys in Manhattan & Brooklyn.
What to Consider and How to Prepare for Divorce in the State of New York
Deciding to get a divorce is never an easy decision. It’s important to understand how to prepare for divorce in the State of New York due to the intensive legalities behind it. The first thing and perhaps the hardest to come to terms with is that divorce has no set timeline. How long your divorce will take depends on how complicated your separation is and if there are children or a large amount of assets involved. If you’re struggling to get your divorce started or resolved, call our New York City divorce attorneys at Brian D. Perskin and Associates in Brooklyn or Manhattan.
Here are a few considerations you’ll want to make when determining if a divorce is right for you:
- Assets involved
- How amicable your relationship with your ex is
- Spousal support
- Equitable distribution
- Finances
- Filing Paperwork
If you have kids:
- Child Custody Agreement
- Child Support
- Preparing your children for divorce

These are just a few things to think about when considering a divorce. Whether you are simply contemplating divorce or are ready to go through with it, our experienced New York divorce attorneys can help answer any questions you may have.
Understanding the Divorce Process in New York
It is important to know the steps you face as you approach a New York divorce. The best way to learn is to contact Brian D. Perskin & Associates P.C. to find out exactly how your divorce strategy will work.
However, there are some general steps that most divorcing couples in New York go through:
- Paperwork
- Filing for Divorce and Serving the Papers
- What To Do After Being Served
- Temporary Orders
- Discovery
- Should You Settle or Go To Trial?
- Meetings Before Trial
- Making Legal Modifications

Together, our lawyers have more than 40 years of experience representing clients in divorces of all kinds. We are confident that we can successfully resolve your New York divorce as quickly as possible.
Divorce Laws in New York
When filing for divorce in New York you will need to meet both the residency requirement and have a “ground” for divorce.
New York’s residency requirement:
- If you didn’t get married in New York, you or your spouse will need to live in New York for at least 2 years prior to filing for divorce.
- If you got married in New York, lived in New York as a married couple, or grounds for your divorce happened in New York, and you or your spouse have been living in New York State continuously for at least one year.
- Both you and your spouse are residents of New York and grounds for your divorce happened in New York.
In New York there are 7 grounds for divorce that are legally acceptable:
- Irretrievable breakdown in relationship for a period of at least 6 months
- Cruel and inhumane treatment
- Abandonment
- Imprisonment
- Adultery
- Divorce after a legal separation agreement
- Divorce after a judgment of separation
How to Prepare for Divorce FAQs
You don’t need to get a divorce attorney, but it is highly recommended. Learn More
In New York there are four grounds for divorce: cruel and inhuman treatment, adultery, abandonment for one or more years, or imprisonment for three or more years. Learn More
How long your divorce will take depends on a variety of different factors like the nature of the divorce, the parties to the divorce, the county that the divorce papers are filed in, the judge, the state, etc. Learn More
For more information about how our office can help with your divorce case, please contact a New York Divorce Attorney from our firm to receive our comprehensive legal support. Call 718.752.7426 to learn more information about our services.