Divorce Lawyer in Suffolk County
Long Island Divorce Attorney
Matrimonial Law for Long Islanders
For nearly 30 years, Long Island divorce attorney J. Douglas Barics has helped clients in Nassau and Suffolk navigate the divorce process from beginning to end.
When you are facing marital problems, finding solutions becomes your focus, and having the right divorce lawyer on your side is crucial. Our role is to give you the tools to protect your interests, and help guide you into making the most intelligent decisions that will benefit you long term.
While we strive to be sympathetic and compassionate, giving you objective advice and guidance is paramount. Our goal is to educate you about the divorce process so that you can make informed choices based upon our recommendations.
The vast majority of our divorce cases end by a settlement. It is our firm belief that reaching an agreement is the best way to win a divorce, as it lets people stay in control of their own lives. While reaching an agreement is the goal whenever possible, we also believe that negotiating from a position of strength results in the best agreements.
Our experience and insight can help you formulate an effective strategy. For simple divorces, it may take only a brief time for you formulate a plan. But when your personal situation is complex, having the advantage of advance planning to protect your interests can make all the difference in the world.
If you are reading this website, you it means you are already seeking these answers. If you reach a point were you need assistance either to learn about what to expect if things take a turn for the worst, or if a divorce action has been commenced, please call or use our contact page to schedule a meeting.
Do you need representation in a divorce?
Contact us online or at (631) 864-2600.
What You Need to Know About Matrimonial Law in New York
What is a matrimonial action?
A matrimonial action is one of the listed cases in Domestic Relations Law Part B, section 2(a). They are as follows:
- An action for an Annulment
- An action for a Divorce
- An action for a Separation
- An action for a declaration of the nullity of a void marriage
- An action for for a declaration of the validity or nullity of a foreign judgment of divorce
- An action for a declaration of the validity or nullity of a marriage
- A special proceeding to obtain maintenance or a distribution of marital property following a foreign judgment of divorce.
What is an annulment?
An annulment is a matrimonial action which seeks to declare an otherwise valid marriage void. It will establish the grounds for the annulment, which are all fault based. All ancillary issues are decided as well even though the marriage is being annulled.
What is a divorce?
A divorce is a matrimonial action which seeks to dissolve the marriage. The divorce will be based on one of the seven grounds for divorce under DLR 170. All ancillary issues are decided as part of the divorce.
What is a judicial separation?
A judicial separation is a matrimonial action which seeks to determine all financial obligations between the parties, but does not dissolve the marriage. A judicial separation will be based on one of the fault based grounds of DRL 200. Ancillary relief will also be decided except for equitable distribution as that is not available unless the marriage is dissolved.
What is an action to declare the nullity of a void marriage?
An action to declare the nullity of a void marriage is a matrimonial action which seeks a judgment declaring the marriage void. It is not needed but it does act as proof that the void marriage is void. All ancillary relief is available when the marriage is void, despite the marriage never being valid.
What is an action to declare the nullity or validity of a foreign divorce?
An action to declare the nullity or validity of a foreign divorce is a matrimonial action seeking a judgment declaring a divorce issued outside of New York to be valid or a nullity. It is filed in Supreme Court and is used when the parties have a legitimate reason to think their divorce might be challenged in the future or if they need to have it recognized in New York now.
What is an action to declare the nullity or validity of a marriage?
An action to declare the nullity or validity of a marriage is a matrimonial action that seeks to have a court determine if a marriage is valid or not. It is filed in Supreme Court and is considered a request for a declaratory judgment. It is used when the parties have a legitimate reason to think the validity of the marriage might be challenged in the future.
What is a special proceeding for equitable distribution following a foreign divorce?
A special proceeding for equitable distribution following a foreign divorce is a type of case which seeks equitable distribution separate from a divorce. It applies to divorces granted outside of New York which expressly declined to resolve the issue of equitable distribution.
What is a Marital Agreement?
A marital agreement is the broad term for all agreements between spouses which resolves some or all of their marital issues. Marital agreements include stipulation of settlements, separation agreements, prenuptial, and post nuptial agreements. All marital agreements must comply with DRL B(3).
What is a Matrimonial Appeal?
A matrimonial appeal is an appeal from your divorce judgment on any or all issues that was decided by the judge. Its not a second trial. It is where you ask an appeals court to review the trial judge’s decision and request that it be changed or reversed due to a mistake by the trial judge.
Contact Our Divorce Attorney Today
At the Law Office of J. Douglas Barics, we have the skills and knowledge to handle any matrimonial action, no matter how challenging or complex. With over 25 years of experience, we can bring to you the services of a large firm at a fraction of the cost. When you need a skilled matrimonial lawyer located in Suffolk County, call The Law Office of J. Douglas Barics.
For a free phone case consultation or to schedule an office meeting, call 631-864-2600.