When a couple decides to end a marriage, a judge must issue a divorce decree. This requires one spouse filing for a divorce on the basis of grounds including cruel and inhuman treatment, adultery, imprisonment, abandonment, or constructive abandonment. Irreconcilable differences is no longer a ground for divorce in New York. However, if a spouse does not contest the grounds, the matter can be moved to an uncontested calendar, preventing the need to litigate the ground(s) of the divorce. The second means for obtaining a divorce is through the conversion of a separation agreement that has been in effect for at least a year.
Divorce decrees and separation agreements may include child custody, visitation, distribution of assets, maintenance (alimony) and other matters such as a child’s education and care.
Keegan & Keegan, Ross & Rosner handles these matters, as well as the creation of prenuptial agreements, which are made prior to marriage to address the issues of equitable distribution, maintenance and other issues should the couple divorce.
The office also handles family court matters, including paternity, child support, child custody, and criminal matters. Family Court involves unmarried couples and also handles prosecutions of minors being tried as juveniles.
