Divorce

New York Divorce and Mediation Lawyers

Offering a wide variety of services related to divorce and its accompanying issues, The Law Offices of Barbera & McElhone, P.C. advises Long Island residents on the best approach to protect family interests. Contact the firm to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

The frustration of dealing with divorce disputes can be overwhelming, emotionally and financially. Financially-speaking, New York is an equitable distribution state for marital property. Contrary to popular belief, this does not mean that property is actually divided fifty-fifty, but instead that the court will approve a marital property settlement that is fair and "equitable" to both parties. For example, one party may be assigned two vehicles, but the other party gets stock accounts with the same monetary value. Equitable distribution actually allows parties to come up with more creative and workable solutions for dividing their marital property and can be beneficial.

To assist clients in obtaining the information they need to make important decisions about their family's future, our attorneys at provide accommodating service and exceptional legal counsel for:

• Separation and divorce
• Divorce mediation
• Annulment
• Child support
• Child custody and visitation
• Spousal maintenance/alimony
• Orders of protection
• Property and debt division

New York is what is known as a "fault state" when it comes to dissolution of marriage; therefore, grounds must be named for divorce. Though often cited as a requirement for divorce, legal separation is not mandatory prior to divorce, and other grounds can be named. These grounds include cruel and inhuman treatment, constructive or physical abandonment for a period of one or more years, imprisonment for a period of greater than three years, adultery, living apart for more than one year pursuant to a judgment or decree of separation or pursuant to a written agreement signed by both parties.

Divorce Does Not Have to be Expensive

Most divorces in America are costly in terms of the damage done to familial relationships and to finances. At Barbera & McElhone, there is a cost-effective method to amicably ending marital relationships and determining settlement agreements: mediation.

At Barbera & McElhone, the divorce mediation advisor and attorney, Janine A. Barbera, works closely with clients to meet their needs. With nearly 25 years of experience, Ms. Barbera has earned a well-regarded reputation as a compassionate counselor and effective litigator.

Complimentary Consultation

Call the Long Island law firm of Barbera & McElhone to discuss your case with an attorney during a free initial consultation. Contact the firm by calling us at 631-473-5100.

For more information on whether to divorce and/or mediate, please visit:

Decision to Divorce

Decision to Mediate