Top Suffolk County Divorce Attorneys Proudly Representing Clients in Uncontested Divorces

Divorce doesn’t have to be a complex, lengthy, or emotionally draining process. Our team of top Suffolk County divorce attorneys is dedicated to representing clients in uncontested divorces, providing them with efficient and cost-effective solutions. With our expertise in New York state laws, we strive to make the divorce process smoother and less stressful for our clients. Trust us to guide you through this difficult time and help you reach a favorable resolution for your uncontested divorce case.

Why Choose Us as Your Suffolk County Uncontested Divorce Lawyer?

The Law Office of Louis L. Sternberg offers the services of top Suffolk County divorce lawyers. We proudly offer:

  • Expertise: Our experienced New York uncontested divorce lawyers have a deep understanding of the legal intricacies involved in uncontested divorce cases. We’re here to guide you through every step.
  • Efficiency: We streamline the divorce process, saving you time and money. Our goal is to help you reach an amicable resolution quickly and peacefully.
  • Empathy: We understand the emotional challenges you may be facing. Our compassionate team provides the support and guidance you need during this sensitive time.
  • Affordability: Uncontested divorces are often more cost-effective than traditional litigation. We offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options to fit your budget.
  • Legal Know-How: Our Suffolk County uncontested divorce attorneys are well-versed in New York divorce laws and court procedures. We handle all the paperwork and legal formalities so you can focus on moving forward.

Litigants are entitled to represent themselves in a divorce in NY but it is not advisable. Hiring the right divorce attorney in Suffolk County is the wisest way to start your case.

The New York Uncontested Divorce Advantage

Uncontested divorce offers numerous benefits, including reduced stress, lower costs, and quicker resolution. It allows you and your spouse to maintain control over decisions related to property division, child custody, and support arrangements. With our expertise as a top Long Island divorce attorney, you can navigate this process with confidence.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Louis L. Sternberg P.C.

Ready to take the first step toward a peaceful divorce in NY? Contact us today for a free consultation. Our team is here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you embark on your journey toward a fresh start, beginning with your New York divorce.

Don’t let divorce overwhelm you. Choose the Law Office of Louis L. Sternberg, Esq. for an uncomplicated, uncontested divorce in New York. We’re here to make your transition smoother, your future brighter, and your peace of mind paramount.

What Is Uncontested Divorce in New York?

Uncontested divorce (sometimes called a “no-fault” divorce) is a divorce in which the parties resolve all issues by an agreement instead of having a trial in court. Such an agreement may be negotiated by the parties before either party calls an attorney or the agreement may require extensive negotiations between lawyers.

An uncontested divorce is generally far less stressful than a contested divorce because the power to resolve the issues is in the hands of the parties themselves instead of in the hands of a judge. Uncontested divorce is also more affordable and the quickest as there is no need for a trial or even any court appearances at all. As a divorce lawyer in Suffolk County, Louis L. Sternberg, is here to walk you through the process.

An uncontested divorce is available for those couples who reach agreements on issues such as:

Who Should Consider Suffolk County Uncontested Divorce?

Pursuing an uncontested divorce is not ideal for everyone.  An uncontested divorce may not be fitting for parties with issues such as such as complex finances, hidden income, an unreasonable spouse or a history of domestic violence.  In order to qualify for an uncontested divorce, the parties must be able to agree on all the terms of the divorce.

How Much Does a Suffolk County Uncontested Divorce Cost?

Uncontested divorce is generally considered to be significantly cheaper than traditional contested divorce.  In a contested divorce, each spouse hires a separate attorney and pays separate (and usually much larger) retainer fees.  From there, the matter is litigated through the courts with mandatory court appearances and extensive discovery.  All of this means that your bills will increase quickly.  Uncontested divorce is different.  The parties can move at their own pace without any court appearances whatsoever thereby reducing the cost.

The total fee will depend on the complexity of your case.  The most important factor in the cost is simply the attorney’s time involved in getting your case from start to finish with the best outcome for you.  If you and your spouse have agreed on the terms of the divorce or minimal negotiations are needed than the process can be quick and inexpensive.  Issues such as disagreement on custody / visitation, support payments or retirement accounts can mean more negotiation and bargaining which will increase the total fee.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce take in Suffolk County, New York?

Negotiating, drafting and executing the paperwork for an uncontested divorce can be done in just a few days, depending on the nature of the case.

Once all of the documents have been signed by the parties, the case is submitted to the court for a judge to sign the “Judgment of Divorce.”  This process of having the courts review the paperwork and awaiting a judge’s signature can take about 6 months in Suffolk County or Nassau County.  This period is not a waiting period established by law – it is simply a result of the backlog of uncontested divorces on Long Island.

Can You Get a Divorce Without the Other Person Signing in Suffolk County?

In New York, you can get a divorce without the other person signing, but it may be more challenging and may take longer. New York allows for both contested and uncontested divorces.  Ordinarily, if both parties agree to the divorce and its terms (division of property, child custody, support, etc.), you can file for an uncontested divorce. In this case, you and your spouse will sign a written agreement called a “Separation Agreement” or “Stipulation of Settlement.” This document outlines the terms of the divorce, and it must be signed voluntarily by both parties.

If your spouse does not agree to the divorce or the terms, you can still proceed with a contested divorce. In a contested divorce, the process typically involves negotiations, hearings, and possibly a trial where a judge will make decisions on the unresolved issues.

If your spouse refuses to respond or participate in the divorce proceedings, you can pursue what is known as a “default divorce.” In this case, you will need to follow specific legal procedures to notify your spouse about the divorce, and if they fail to respond within a certain time frame, you can proceed with the divorce without their consent.

Do You Have to be Separate for a Year to Get a Divorce in New York?

Under New York’s No-Fault divorce statute, the Plaintiff is entitled to a divorce simply by swearing that the marriage has been irretrievably broken for a period of six months or longer. The statute does not require either party to prove or even claim that the parties have lived separate or apart for any period of time.

Do You Have to Go to Court for a Suffolk County Uncontested Divorce?

Although procedures change from time to time, Suffolk County does not require court appearances on an uncontested divorce.  Instead, the paperwork is filed with the courts through the state’s NYSCEF e-filing system and then reviewed by the Clerk’s Office.  A Judge will ultimately sign the proposed Judgment of Divorce, granting the dissolution of the marriage without the necessity of any court appearances.  Nassau County uncontested divorce are processed in the same fashion without the need for any court appearance.

How to Get a Copy of a Divorce Decree in Suffolk County?

A divorce decree (referred to in New York as a Judgment of divorce) may be obtained through the Clerk’s Office in the county in which the divorce was granted. A Suffolk County divorce decree can be obtained from the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office either by mail or in person from the County Clerk’s Office, located at 300 Center Drive, Riverhead, New York 11901. Further information from the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office can be found on their Suffolk County Divorce and Separation page.

Considering Representing Yourself in an Uncontested Divorce?

Everyone has the right to represent themselves in court proceedings but it is not always wise to do so. A person who represents themselves is called a pro se litigant and they are treated in the courtroom as though they have the same knowledge as an attorney. There are certain circumstances where self-representation is “safe” but you should never do it without first consulting with an attorney. A Suffolk County uncontested divorce lawyer can look at the very emotional and difficult issue of divorce with the advantage of being objective. Investing a relatively small sum of money in a matrimonial attorney is the best way to protect yourself in a divorce. An experienced Suffolk County uncontested divorce attorney will be able to advise you as to all options in the divorce, expedite the divorce process and ensure all requirements are met.

Contact the Law Office of Louis L. Sternberg today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your New York uncontested divorce and to speak to a top Suffolk County uncontested divorce lawyer. Our office is located in Suffolk County and easily accessible from local highways.

For clients unavailable for in-office meetings, we offer “online divorce” or “electronic divorce” representation. Same-day consultations can be accomplished by telephone, e-mail or video-chat. Paperwork and forms can be sent to the client traditional mail, e-mail or fax.  Contact us now at (631) 600-3295 to speak to your Suffolk County uncontested divorce lawyer or submit your information through our divorce intake form.