Protect Your Assets & Financial Future in a Divorce
You may have spent years building a career, supporting your family, and accumulating assets.
In a divorce, decisions about property can affect what you have built. New York law distinguishes between marital property and separate property, but the classification of specific assets can depend on how they were acquired, maintained, or commingled over time.
Equitable distribution means marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, and valuation questions can arise for closely held businesses, professional practices, retirement accounts, real estate, and other significant assets. That complexity requires a plan, not optimism.
Our Matrimonial Law Services
Matrimonial disputes can affect family relationships, assets, and professional reputations. We tailor our legal strategy to the financial structure, family circumstances, and goals involved in each case.
We offer representation for matters that include:
- High-net-worth divorce: Our Rochester divorce lawyers handle divorces that involve extensive assets, debts, businesses, medical and dental practices, and valuable property.
- Gray divorce: Divorces later in life often involve long-term marriage assets, retirement planning, spousal maintenance, and health insurance considerations.
- Equitable distribution: New York is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided in a “fair” manner, not necessarily a 50/50 split. The outcome depends on the facts, financial documentation, and applicable law.
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements: We draft prenuptial and postnuptial agreements designed to address your specific financial circumstances and goals under New York law.
- Business valuation: If you are a business owner, we draw on our business law and litigation background to address how your ownership interests may be evaluated in a New York divorce.
Our divorce attorney in Rochester can explain how New York divorce law may apply to your situation and what steps may be available to address your concerns. The right approach depends on the facts of your case, the issues involved, and your goals.
Resolution Options: From Negotiation to Litigation
We focus on resolving disputes strategically before formal courtroom battles when that approach serves your interests. When the parties can participate constructively, options such as negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law may address property, spousal maintenance, child custody, parenting time, and other issues through a structured agreement rather than a trial.
When litigation is necessary, our litigators are prepared to advocate for your position in court if disputed issues can’t be resolved through other means or if court orders are required to protect your interests. Our divorce lawyer in Rochester develops your strategy around your specific goals and circumstances, not a one-size-fits-all process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Factors Can Affect a Custody Arrangement in New York?
New York courts focus on the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. Relevant factors can include each parent’s relationship with the child, stability of each home environment, the child’s own preferences depending on age, and the ability of each parent to support the child’s needs. The Glennon Law Firm, P.C. places the well-being and best interests of children at the forefront when addressing custody matters and works to craft arrangements that reflect the child’s circumstances.
Can Mediation or Collaborative Law Be Used When Spouses Disagree About Divorce Issues?
Yes. Mediation and collaborative law are structured processes that can help parties work toward a resolution outside of court, even when they disagree. Whether either approach is suitable depends on the parties’ willingness to exchange information, negotiate in good faith, and participate voluntarily. The Glennon Law Firm, P.C. explores dispute resolution options with each client and proceeds to litigation when an alternative process is not appropriate or breaks down.
What Is the Difference Between Marital Property & Separate Property in New York?
In New York, marital property generally includes assets acquired during the marriage, while separate property includes assets owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance. The classification can become complicated when assets have been commingled, transferred, or used in ways that blur the distinction. How property is classified can significantly affect how it is treated under equitable distribution, which is why these questions benefit from careful legal analysis.