Divorces have a reputation for being highly emotional and often contentious. By working with a Manhattan divorce lawyer, you can take an active role in shaping the outcome of your divorce. Legal representation provides you with the support of an advocate who can file motions, refute false accusations, and navigate a path to a favorable outcome to your divorce that protects your parental and property rights.
Going through a divorce can leave you feeling isolated and unsure of your options. By working with The Levoritz Law Firm, you gain the support of a team of seasoned litigators who are not afraid to take an aggressive, hands-on approach to managing your case and protecting your rights. After carefully reviewing your case and understanding your priorities, we can file first to position you for a favorable outcome to your divorce.
What sets our law firm apart is our collective decades of experience managing complex, high-stakes cases and our dedication to providing compassionate support to our clients. We understand the stress that can accompany divorce and are committed to removing much of the uncertainty that you may be experiencing. Our ethical approach has earned us the highest rating by Martindale-Hubbell, which is a nationally recognized legal rating organization.
Spouses going through a divorce in Manhattan often face some of the most complex challenges. The state of New York has a divorce rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents, and Manhattan mirrors these trends. With an average home value of approximately $1,193,571 and a median household income of $104,910, divorces in neighborhoods such as Tribeca, the Upper West Side, and Chelsea frequently involve high-value properties.
Manhattan divorce filings are handled in the New York County Supreme Court, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007. Many spouses must address complex tasks, such as dividing luxury property, considering support calculations, and determining parenting arrangements.
New York courts use two separate standards to decide property division and parental custody. Both parties have the right to come to an agreement on important matters. When they cannot, the courts can step in to play a more active role in those cases. Property is handled through equitable distribution, which focuses on what is fair rather than an automatic fifty-fifty split.
Judges identify marital assets, evaluate each spouse’s income, contributions, and future earning potential, and consider the length of the marriage before dividing property. Custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard. The judge may review each parent’s stability, caregiving history, daily involvement, and ability to meet the child’s physical and emotional needs when determining custody arrangements.
Given the high stakes of a divorce, your top priority should be to hire a divorce lawyer who understands New York’s divorce laws and how to manage complex divorce cases. When you secure representation from a Manhattan divorce attorney, you gain the unwavering support of an advocate who always puts your interests first.
A family law attorney can learn about your goals, anticipate potential challenges, and work proactively to secure terms for a final court order that protects your financial interests and parental rights. During a difficult ordeal, your lawyer can provide you with the support and encouragement you need to see your case through.
A: Both parties to a divorce are expected to pay for their own attorneys. However, if there is a significant difference in income or financial resources, the court may order the higher-earning spouse to contribute to the other party’s legal costs. Decisions on awarding attorney’s fees or spousal support during a divorce are entirely up to the judge overseeing the case.
A: New York does not have a waiting period for divorce, nor does it require that spouses be separated for any period of time before they can file to dissolve their marriage. Preparing for a divorce does have advantages, though. By working with an attorney early on, you can gather evidence to support your case and review the strategies that could influence the outcome of your divorce.
A: The first step in a divorce is to hire an attorney with years or decades of experience managing complex family law cases. You do not have to wait to hire an attorney, even if you have not filed yet. Seeking legal counsel yearly allows you to better know your rights and options. An attorney can help you by learning about your priorities and explaining potential outcomes to your case.
A: The willingness of both parties to agree on the terms of a divorce is the most significant factor that affects the timeline of a divorce. When couples can settle issues such as property division, support, and custody without extended disputes, the case typically moves much faster. Contested issues, especially those involving finances or parenting, can lead to additional court hearings, evaluations, and negotiations that significantly extend the timeline.
Divorces in Manhattan often involve significant assets, fast-moving court deadlines, and complex financial considerations. Having a legal team that can stay ahead of those and other challenges is essential for protecting your rights and interests. At The Levoritz Law Firm, we know how to formulate results-driven strategies that position our clients for favorable outcomes in court.
We take the time to learn about our clients’ unique backgrounds and priorities so we can better protect their rights and interests. Our legal team brings decades of collective experience handling high-stakes divorces across Manhattan’s courts, so we have the skill and focus necessary to work toward final court orders that support your long-term future. Contact our office today to learn how we can help safeguard what matters most.

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.