Divorce FAQ Serving Families Throughout Staten Island

Frequently Asked Questions

Insights from a Trusted Staten Island Divorce Attorney

I have more than 2 decades of experience handling family law and divorce cases throughout Staten Island. This gives my firm a unique perspective in even the most complicated cases, such as couples with high net worth or multiple assets. In addition, my Staten Island divorce law firm is dedicated to keeping abreast of the laws so I can find solutions that are not only binding, but always keep your best interests in mind.

I offer free initial divorce consultations for all divorce cases. Read answers to frequently asked family law questions below, or call The Law Office of Keith M. Casella, P.C. at (718) 557-9137.

What Are the Requirements to File for Divorce in New York?

Before you can get divorced in New York, you and your spouse need to fulfill certain residency requirements. These include being a resident of the state of New York for at least a year and residing in the state as a married couple. Recent New York legislation has made it so the state is now considered a “no fault state,” meaning you do not have to prove this ground in order to get divorced.

Am I Eligible for Spousal Maintenance in Staten Island?

While each case is unique, spousal maintenance may be awarded to a spouse if they were financially dependent on the other spouse during the marriage or “less monied”. The court will also look at how long you were married, if there are minor children, the earning capacity, education, and training of each spouse, the ability to earn a living wage in the future, and other financial obligations.

How is Child Custody Determined in Staten Island?

In child custody matters, it is always best to come to an informed decision based on the best interests of your child or children. Legal custody, or the ability to make decisions regarding healthcare, schooling, or other issues, is separate from physical custody. However, it still is determined based on the best interests of your children and a judge will look at relevant parenting factors before making any lasting decisions.

What is child support?

Child support is meant to help custodial parents financially support their children after a divorce. The amount you may be entitled to depends on a number of factors, including the healthcare, schooling, and the everyday or special needs of your child or children. Your income and financial resources and the standard of living that your children are accustomed to will also be taken into account.

New York also has statutory requirements based on a combined parental income of up to $143,000. For one child, this is 17% of the supporting parent’s total income, 25% for two children 29% for three children, 31% for four children, and no less than 35% of the total income for five or more children.

What is uncontested vs contested divorce?

In cases when couples decide to that they want to divorce and can agree on all issues, such as division of property, spousal maintenance, child support, and visitation, then the matter can be placed on the court's uncontested calendar. This means that everything is handled outside of court and the parties simply reduce their agreement to writing and wait for the judgment of divorce. In other cases where the parties do not have assets to divide, there are no children, and both spouses are employed, these cases can also proceed on an uncontested basis.

When the parties cannot agree on one or more issues, then the divorce must go before a judge. These contested matters require the parties to appear at all court proceedings and typically take a long time to resolve. Although 99% of contested divorces settle before trial, occasionally one or more issues must be tried and the judge renders a decision culminating with the judgment of divorce.

What happens to our property and assets?

Property acquired during the marriage is considered marital property. During divorce proceedings marital property is evaluated and equitably distributed to each spouse. Property includes personal property as well as real property. Assets are considered to be retirement plans, bank accounts, securities, and trading accounts, to name a few. If one party does not agree that certain property is marital or the amount to be awarded is equitable, then that party has the right to have a trial. There are many nuances to ascertaining and dividing marital property and you should speak with a knowledgeable Staten Island divorce attorney.

Continue Reading Read Less

Reviews From Our Valued Clients

"Keith Casella was very knowledgeable and continually kept me well informed on how the case was proceeding."
I retained the services of Casella & Casella to handle the estate of my husband and to deal with a complicated family matter. Keith Casella was very knowledgeable and continually kept me well informed on how the case was proceeding. He was and continues to always be available for my endless questions. I felt like he always put my best interest above all. Mr. Casella is the type of lawyer we should all want in our corner and the type of lawyer other lawyers should strive to be like! Casella & Casella is definitely a name and number that I will keep handy for the next time I am in need of legal services.

- Christine McKendry
"I am pleased to say that the Casella's really did well by me. They fought for me and got me a fair result."
I retained Casella and Casella for a divorce matter where i was the defendant. Divorce is never a good thing and I was expecting to be run through the mill, as they say. I mean both from my x-wife and from the attorneys. I am pleased to say that the Casella's really did well by me. They fought for me and got me a fair result.

- Mike
"Mr Casella was excellent. He kept me informed about my case and was always accessible. He achieved a great resolution of my matter. I would highly recommend Keith Casella."
I used Keith Casella for my personal injury lawsuit. I was involved in a terrible auto accident. Mr Casella was excellent. He kept me informed about my case and was always accessible. He achieved a great resolution of my matter. I would highly recommend Keith Casella.

- Former Client
"I am on the road to recovery and Mr Casella got me a very nice settlement. Along the way he answered all of my questions. He even checked in on me to see how I was doing. He is a great attorney and a very nice person."
I retained this firm after I was in a car accident. I suffered a shoulder injury and I was very nervous. Mr. Casella was able to have all my medical bills paid for by the insurance company and got most of my salary reimbursed. After a few months, I am on the road to recovery and Mr Casella got me a very nice settlement. Along the way he answered all of my questions. He even checked in on me to see how I was doing. He is a great attorney and a very nice person.

- Former Client

View All Reviews

What Sets Us Apart?

Personal
I don't believe in blanket solutions; rather, I focus on your individual needs
Experienced
I bring more than 20 years of experience in various areas of practice
Service-Minded
I never lose focus of the fact that you need help - not more problems
Responsive

All questions answered and all phone calls promptly returned

Contact The Law Office of Keith M. Casella, P.C. Today!

Get started with a free divorce consultation

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy