At the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC, our skilled lawyers understand
the road that lies ahead and can provide the strong support you need to ensure
your
best interests are protected during this time of transition. With more than
65 years
of collective legal experience and
high praise from past clients
for our unmatched professionalism, your case is sure to be in excellent hands. Our
focus is always on compassion, communication, and effective legal counsel.
Divorcing couples in every state are required to satisfy certain requirements in
order to have their marriage dissolved by the courts. Known as “grounds for divorce,”
these requirements can vary from state to state and can be based on either reasons
of marital misconduct or merely the breakdown of the marriage between a couple.
Prior to 2010, couples in New York could not pursue a
divorce
unless they had officially separated or there was proof that one spouse had engaged
in misconduct. Now, couples in the Empire State may pursue a divorce if one spouse
cites “irreconcilable differences,” or that the marriage has broken down irretrievably
for at least six months prior to their separation.
Regardless of the reasons, if you are pursuing a divorce, it is important you consult with a knowledgeable divorce attorney in Dutchess County, NY to determine your legal options and establish the most appropriate course of action to pursue.
Fault vs. No-Fault Divorce in NY
When couples file for divorce in New York, they must indicate on their divorce papers
the reason they are seeking a divorce. In a no-fault divorce, spouses do not wish
to be married anymore or have grown apart over time, causing a breakdown in their marriage.
Additionally, spouses may seek a no-fault divorce if they have lived separate and
apart for at least a year according to a court-ordered judgment of separation or
a formal written agreement of separation. No-fault divorces have a much higher
chance
of success out of court in an
uncontested
manner, saving couples from the time and stress of a drawn-out
contested divorce.
With that being said, not all divorces are the result of irreconcilable differences.
A spouse may seek a fault-based divorce in the event that the other spouse has
engaged
in some sort of wrongful misconduct. We do recommend consulting with a
lawyer before
proceeding to gain the full scope of your particular divorce.
In New York, grounds for a fault-based divorce include:
Adultery
Cruel and inhuman treatment
Abandonment for at least one year
Incarceration
for at least three years after the marriage
Spouses may choose to file for divorce based on fault in an attempt to gain an advantage
in court, such as by citing a spouse’s
domestic violence
to pursue a larger portion of the marital estate. This is not without its drawbacks,
however, as fault-based divorces typically turn into lengthy and heated legal battles.
As such, spouses who are considering pursuing a fault-based divorce must be sure
to weigh the associated emotional and financial costs when making their decision.
Discuss Your Case Today
At the
Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC, our attorneys can help you evaluate your situation and determine which grounds
would be more advantageous for your divorce. Having served countless clients throughout
Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster & Westchester Counties, we have
established
ourselves as trusted leaders within the
family law
community and can provide the premier-quality support you need. Nobody should have
to endure the physical and emotional burden of divorce alone. Let us handle the
legal
heavy lifting on your behalf so you can move forward with peace of mind.
"The benefits are outstanding which includes Management ensuring that the employees have what they need to perform well"
The benefits are outstanding which includes Management ensuring that the employees have what they need to perform well.
- DRV Staff
"Working as a remote attorney here has been an incredibly positive experience"
Working as a remote attorney here has been an incredibly positive experience.
- DRV Staff
"Leadership encourages innovation and creative thinking"
Leadership encourages innovation and creative thinking about improving processes and client service. Continuing legal education is prioritized, and there's a strong team of talented colleagues to collaborate with.
- DRV Staff
"There is a true, consistent focus on delivering excellent work and ensuring client satisfaction, and that commitment shows in every part of the firm."
There is a true, consistent focus on delivering excellent work and ensuring client satisfaction, and that commitment shows in every part of the firm.
- DRV Staff
"I am proud to work for this firm and grateful to be part of a team that values professionalism, flexibility, and high-quality representation"
I am proud to work for this firm and grateful to be part of a team that values professionalism, flexibility, and high-quality representation.
- DRV Staff
"I would have to say that DRV Law has been by far the most comfortable workplace environment"
Having worked in a few law firms these past 25 years, I would have to say that DRV Law has been by far the most comfortable workplace environment.
- DRV Staff
"Using the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano to handle my divorce was the best decision I could have made."
I would recommend the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano to anyone.
- David B.
"I highly recommend this firm!"
Choosing the best attorney can take away some of the fear and anxiety Dennis and his absolutely amazing team have held my hand and calmed my nerves on more than one occasion.
