When an individual in Suffolk County or throughout the state of New York makes the decision to get divorced, they are typically aware of the complex legal and emotional turmoil that is going to ensue. However, as difficult as a divorce can be, it can often lead to a happier life in the future. One of the first steps to a divorce in New York State is to fulfill the residency requirement and then determine whether they wish to cite grounds for divorce.
New York has two categories of grounds for divorce. If an individual wishes to cite fault, they will be able to do so if they can prove one of the following has occurred in the marriage:
- Adultery
- Abandonment for a minimum of one year
- Extreme cruelty
- Imprisonment
- Institutionalization
However, many people choose not to cite grounds for divorce because of the no-fault option. This option was adopted in October 2010, effectively allowing an individual who wishes to get divorced to cite that the marriage has been irretrievably broken for a minimum of six months prior to filing for divorce. This does not require the individual who is filing for divorce to prove fault, which can avoid other legal issues before the divorce even begins.
If you have questions about divorce, contact our firm today.
If you need strong legal representation regarding matters of divorce, family law, and estate law, contact the Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C. to schedule a consultation today. Our firm is proud to serve clients throughout Long Island when they face difficult legal matters.
