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The outcome of a divorce can determine which assets you maintain and how often you have access to your children. If you are dissolving a marriage, it is crucial to have support from a Long Island divorce lawyer who understands your rights and options. Even if you are not quite ready to file for divorce, consulting a skilled legal separation attorney long island can help you understand all of your available options. Legal representation can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case, which is why it is crucial to secure representation from a firm that is devoted to protecting your parental and property rights.
Going through a divorce in Long Island without strong legal representation could be a costly mistake. The Levoritz Law Firm takes a proactive approach to family law litigation by learning about the priorities of high-earning clients and filing strategically to protect your custody and property rights. We understand the stress and uncertainty that can come with a divorce, which is why we act—rather than react—when representing clients.
Clients with large estates turn to us for proven results and compassionate legal services. Our law firm is proud to have earned the highest rating for ethical standards by Martindale-Hubbell. Since 2005, our award-winning firm has earned a reputation for providing high-earning clients with the exceptional legal services they need to protect what matters most to them. Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results.
New York has a divorce rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents, and Long Island sees a similar rate of couples seeking to dissolve their marriages. Higher-income areas such as Garden City, Huntington, and Smithtown often see complex cases due to substantial assets and family responsibilities.
With an average home value of $600,000 and a median household income of $131,000 in Long Island as of 2023, divorces frequently involve property division, child-related issues, and long-term financial planning.
Divorce cases in Nassau and Suffolk Counties begin by filing a verified complaint in the Supreme Court of your county, which is the only court in New York that handles divorces. Long Island residents typically file at the Nassau County Supreme Court in Mineola or the Suffolk County Supreme Court in Central Islip.
After filing, spouses must exchange financial disclosures, negotiate custody and support terms if children are involved, and work toward a settlement or prepare for litigation or a trial if no agreement is reached.
“Long Island” strictly refers to the suburban counties of Nassau and Suffolk. The table shows the divorce statistics for Long Island by combining the most recent five years of data (2019–2023) for both Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
| Year | Total Dissolutions | Divorces | Annulments & Other Decrees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3,512 | 3,508 | 4 |
| 2022 | 2,878 | 2,876 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2,586 | 2,584 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2,106 | 2,102 | 4 |
| 2019 | 2,229 | 2,227 | 2 |
*Data sourced from the New York State Department of Health Vital Statistics (Suffolk County).
When determining property division in Long Island, the courts evaluate factors such as each spouse’s income, financial contributions, separate property, and future earning potential. Judges also consider the duration of the marriage and any economic advantages one spouse may have. The final division aims to create a fair outcome based on each couple’s unique circumstances.
High-asset estates require special considerations. Additional planning and decisive steps can protect the property rights of high earners in Long Island while complying with the state’s equitable distribution laws. Whether your business is in Patchogue, Bay Shore, North Fork, or another community in Long Island, one of the most important steps during a divorce is obtaining an accurate business valuation.
Family law attorneys know accountants who can determine the fair market value of a closely held business. If you have concerns about your spouse hiding assets, your attorney can work to identify undisclosed income sources. Some spouses have concerns about being asked to forfeit more than they are lawfully required to in court, which is why a careful examination of the company’s value and both marital and personal property is critical.
Retirement assets also require careful attention. Marital portions of 401(k)s, pensions, and certain other retirement accounts may be divided through a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) or another court-approved order that allows benefits to be distributed without triggering early withdrawal penalties when used correctly. Since retirement often represents a significant portion of a couple’s wealth, these steps are crucial.
Courts also distinguish between marital property and separate property. Assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, gifts made specifically to one spouse, and certain personal injury awards are generally considered separate property. Marital property is generally considered to be anything that was acquired during marriage or gained value during that time.
However, those assets may become subject to division if they are commingled with marital assets or if their value increases due to the contributions of either spouse during the marriage. Maintaining clear financial records can help establish the separate nature of an asset if its ownership is later disputed.
One of the most difficult aspects of divorce occurs when children are involved. While the parents navigate ending a marriage and dividing a life built together, children are often left wondering what will happen and what changes will occur. However, understanding the process and its impacts on children can help you discuss with your children what is happening and why.
When a marriage involves one or more children, Long Island’s courts calculate basic child support using the New York Child Support Standards Act. This law applies a percentage to the parents’ combined income.
As of 2026, these figures apply to the first $193,000 of the parents’ combined income. When income exceeds that amount, judges have discretion to apply the same amount but are not required to do so by law. Factors that inform the decision include the child’s prior quality of life, available financial resources, and other relevant factors.
For high-earning families, child support may address needs that go beyond necessities. For example, a judge may consider private school tuition, tutoring costs, summer camp expenses, extracurricular activities, competitive athletics, college savings, health insurance, and other expenses.
Children who grow up in communities such as Old Westbury, Brookville, Sands Point, or other neighborhoods may have longstanding ties and memberships with the Garden City Country Club and other private clubs. While these factors are not guaranteed to be considered by the courts, an experienced family law attorney can calculate the cost of the child’s current lifestyle so that it is considered by a judge during a divorce.
In New York, spousal maintenance may be awarded to help a lower-earning spouse maintain financial stability during and after a divorce. Temporary maintenance is paid while the divorce is pending and generally ends once the final judgment is entered.
Post-divorce maintenance begins after the divorce is finalized and may continue for a period determined by the court. New York uses statutory formulas to calculate guidelines for maintenance, although a judge can deviate from those guidelines when the facts warrant.
The following guidelines are based on 2026 court documents.
These are advisory guidelines rather than mandatory rules, and judges may consider additional factors such as each spouse’s age, health, earning capacity, future financial needs, and the marital standard of living when determining an appropriate award.
Not every divorce has to lead to litigation. When a judge is left to decide on property division and custody rights, their final ruling could be unfavorable to your goals. Divorce mediation and collaborative divorce provide an alternative approach that can reduce conflict, save time, and lower litigation costs. During mediation, a neutral third party works to build consensus between the spouses as they navigate complex issues regarding property division, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and other issues.
A collaborative divorce is characterized by both parties working together to decide the final terms of a divorce. Both parties still maintain legal representation, but their attorneys’ primary goal is to work together and avoid conflict when possible. Either approach can be beneficial in a high-asset divorce involving business interests, complex investment portfolios, retirement accounts, or valuable real estate properties.
Mediation and collaborative divorce can be highly effective, but they are not appropriate in every case. If one spouse is concealing assets, refusing to cooperate with financial disclosures, or engaging in intimidation or domestic abuse, litigation may be necessary. An experienced family law attorney can help you explore your options.
The violent crime rate in Long Island is 4.013 per 1,000 residents in a normal year, and domestic violence contributes to those figures. A spouse may seek an Order of Protection when they believe their life or safety is in danger. These orders prohibit contact from the respondent, and violations could land the respondent in jail. In certain cases, the courts may award one spouse the temporary exclusive use and occupancy of the marital home for that spouse and their children.
An Order of Protection could also be misused by a spouse seeking an advantage in court. If you have been wrongfully accused of abuse when there is no credible evidence to support those accusations, you can rely on an experienced family law attorney to provide you with the focused support you need to prevent those allegations from harming you in court.
The decision to hire a divorce lawyer in Long Island, NYC can make a crucial difference in the outcome of your divorce. New York’s divorce laws afford protections for spouses going through family court, but enforcing those rights often requires the support and strategic guidance of a Long Island divorce attorney with years of experience managing complex divorce cases.
Whether you are ready to formally end your marriage or you simply need the guidance of a knowledgeable long island legal separation lawyer, having the right advocate by your side is essential. An attorney can gather evidence to support your goals and take decisive action in court by filing motions and representing you during hearings. During a challenging time in your life, an attorney can provide you with the guidance you need to protect what matters most.
At Levoritz Law Firm, we understand that navigating family law matters can feel overwhelming. To help you feel informed and confident, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about high-net-worth divorce, custody, and other family law concerns. Explore below to learn more about your options.
The cost of a divorce in Long Island can vary widely. An uncontested divorce would still require court and filing fees, along with the cost of hiring an attorney to represent you throughout the process. A contested divorce could cost considerably more, since there would likely be more hearings, court filings, and attorneys’ fees. Ultimately, the cost of hiring an attorney can save you money and provide you with peace of mind.
The first thing you should do if you want a divorce in Long Island is to hire a divorce lawyer with years of experience managing complex family court cases. Legal representation should always be your top priority because your spouse may take steps to infringe on your rights and interests. Once you begin meeting with your lawyer, you can work with them to develop the right strategy for protecting your priorities.
There are no predetermined outcomes in a divorce. State laws give no preference to either gender. The outcome of any family court case is largely determined by the quality of either party’s legal counsel. Family law attorneys play an active and often decisive role in shaping the outcome of family court cases by filing motions, representing clients at hearings, and managing negotiations.
New York does not impose a mandatory waiting period for divorce once the required paperwork is filed. Cases can move forward as soon as the filing spouse submits the complaint and the other party is properly served. The overall timeline depends on factors such as contested issues, financial disclosures, and court availability, but there is no built-in waiting period required by state law before a divorce can be finalized.
When you secure representation from The Levoritz Law Firm, you can remove the uncertainty that comes with the divorce process. Our team of skilled litigators takes an active role in shaping the outcome of cases by being proactive and filing first when needed. Every case we take is driven by our core values of integrity, responsiveness, and a commitment to achieving a successful outcome for our clients.
Once we understand your priorities and goals, we can develop a results-driven strategy that works to achieve your priorities. Trust our decades of collective legal experience to see you through to a favorable outcome in your case. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you protect what matters most. Let our knowledge and experience provide you with the confidence you need to navigate the difficulties and complexities of divorce.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Yonatan Levoritz who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a divorce & family attorney.
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