White Plaines NY Divorce Process Attorney

Divorce Timelines Westchester County Lawyer

Getting a divorce can seem like an emotionally, physically and financially overwhelming prospect. If you are considering a divorce, seek help from a caring and compassionate attorney who has a clear understanding of the many issues involved in the divorce process. It is also important to have an attorney who can help you stay focused on your long-term goals, and help to fight the temptation to let your present emotions rule your decisions.

Located in White Plains, New York, the Law Offices of Joy Y. Frank provides a hands-on and client-focused approach to guide clients through the divorce process from initial filing to the final divorce decree. We take the time to carefully listen to our clients' unique situation, learning about their concerns and determining whether mediation, collaborative divorce or litigation is the best way to reach a resolution.

For more than 13 years, our law firm's founding attorney, Joy Y. Frank, has represented clients in both simple and complex divorce proceedings. She strongly advocates for her clients to ensure that any resolution reached, specifically a divorce decree or separation agreement, reflects their needs and concerns. Contact her law office today to schedule a consultation.

Timeline of a New York Divorce

A divorce timeline can be useful for estimating the time it may take for your divorce to be finalized, however, it is important to recognize that every divorce is unique. The divorce timeline is not the same for every couple and the process varies depending on the method sought to dissolve the marriage.

Mediation or collaborative divorce processes are much more likely to allow you to resolve disputed issues in a more timely manner than going to court. We take the time, before you even file for divorce, to understand your concerns and determine whether mediation, collaborative divorce or litigation is the best way to reach a resolution of any disputed divorce issues.

The following are the steps usually taken by New York individuals when filing for divorce. The legal system is complicated and requires a case-by-case analysis to determine the likely process for your situation.

1. Mediation or litigation: Evaluate whether your situation would be best suited to an alternative process, such as negotiation or mediation, or whether the courtroom is the best place to resolve issues such as property division, child custody and spousal support.

1. Divorce litigation: If you decide to go to court, we start by opening a divorce action.
2. Mediation or collaborative divorce: If you opted out of the court system to accomplish your divorce, we begin with the process by introducing all involved parties, including your spouse's attorney.
3. Disputed divorce issues: Most of the time spent in the divorce process involves the work of deciphering and resolving issues between you and your spouse. If you chose to go to court, this stage is called discovery. If you are using mediation, the process of uncovering disputed issues is not as formal but operates similar to the courtroom discovery process.
4. Settlement of disputed issues: Once we have a clear understanding of issues, we need a determination, either by judge in court or through mutual settlement. If you and your spouse were able to settle on disputed issues, then we draft and sign a written agreement or separation agreement.
5. Stipulation of settlement agreement: If you are able to resolve issues during the court process, the agreement is referred to as a Stipulation of Settlement Agreement.
6. Trial: If no agreement can be made during the preliminary hearings with the court, you will have to go to trial and allow a judge to decide contested issues.
7. Divorce papers: The divorce papers officially dissolve the marriage. Any settlement agreements will be included in the divorce papers to act as the legal order regarding the disposition of assets, child custody and child support.
8. Judgment of divorce: The court grants parties a divorce.

Not every stage in this timeline applies to every case. Some divorce clients are able to skip certain stages of the process depending on their issues and concerns. The cost to obtain a divorce is entirely dependent on the time we need to spend at each stage of the divorce timeline.

Ready to Help You - Contact Us Today

Contact us today to schedule a flexible appointment to learn more about the divorce process that will be best for you. In the meantime, visit our family law center to learn more about your legal rights.