Schedule a consultation718-942-4004
After years or decades of dutifully supporting their families, many men find themselves the target of false accusations and attempts to block them from seeing their children. Many fathers find that working with Suffolk County divorce lawyer for men plays a critical role in protecting their rights and establishing fair treatment in family court. An attorney can refute false accusations and negotiate a fair settlement to a divorce.
The Levoritz Law Firm understands the unique challenges that high-earning men go through during a divorce. Since 2005, we have stood by male executives and business owners as they fought and won important victories in court.
We take a hands-on approach to managing cases and never compromise on our clients’ top priorities. Our years of steadfast advocacy for our clients have earned us high ratings by Avvo and numerous awards and accolades by groups like Super Lawyers.* With our knowledge and experience, we can tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each client we serve.
When you work with our law firm, you gain the support of litigators who are willing to file first when it serves the interests of the men we represent. While other firms treat their cases the same, we understand the importance of taking a fresh look at each case and being open to new approaches to managing cases. We maintain close communications with all of our clients, who work directly with one of our lead attorneys.
*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results.
Divorces in Suffolk County are heard at the Suffolk County Supreme Court, which is located at 1 Court Street in Riverhead. One of the most important matters that must be resolved during a divorce is the division of the marital estate. Under New York’s equitable distribution law, marital property is divided fairly and equitably, not necessarily 50/50. With an average home value of $716,259, homes are a major asset that must be accounted for during a divorce.
Twenty percent of Suffolk County’s population is under 18. When a marriage has children, both parents can agree on the terms of legal and physical custody. Disputes over these matters are common. When a contested divorce prevents parents from making child custody agreements, the courts can play a more active role in making those decisions based on the best interests of the child.
Child and spousal support matters are considered during a divorce, with judges hearing arguments and reviewing evidence before deciding those matters.
With a divorce rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents across the state, many men from Huntington, Smithtown, and Patchogue find themselves going to court to defend their property and parental rights. Even when fathers are long-time providers who actively participate in child-rearing, they can face accusations that their schedules do not allow for shared parenting. It is not uncommon for men to face baseless accusations of abuse and neglect, often based on the hearsay of the parent.
Men may also find that they are treated like wallets in court by their soon-to-be ex. Demands for unsustainable spousal and child support orders can leave men facing the prospect of years of financial hardships. Whether you are fighting unfair property division or seeking fair custody arrangements, the strength of your legal representation can play a critical role in shaping the outcome of your divorce.
If you are filing for divorce in Suffolk County, it is important to understand that your case will be heard in the Suffolk County Supreme Court, located at 400 Carleton Avenue in Central Islip. Although the Suffolk County Supreme Court operates in two locations, including one in Riverhead, matrimonial matters are predominantly heard in Central Islip. All other civil matters are generally heard in Riverhead.
The Central Islip courthouse is located just south of the Long Island Expressway, Interstate 495, and Veterans Memorial Highway. This is also near the John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex. Most divorces begin when one spouse files a Summons with Notice or a Summons and Verified Complaint. If the parties pursue a no-fault divorce, the filing spouse typically states that the marriage suffered an irretrievable breakdown, rather than alleging misconduct.
After the divorce papers are served, the responding spouse has a limited period to file an answer or otherwise respond to the allegations. Divorces are either contested or uncontested. An uncontested case is generally resolved through direct talks between the spouses’ attorneys, while contested cases can require hearings to set temporary orders, attempts at mediation, and litigation.
The divorce process also requires detailed financial disclosures from both parties. That allows the courts to have a full picture of the size of the estate and which assets are separate versus marital. If the parties cannot agree on the terms of a final order, the courts will play a more active role in making those decisions on behalf of both spouses.
In some divorce cases, allegations of domestic violence may lead to simultaneous criminal and family law proceedings. When eligible cases are assigned to the Suffolk County Integrated Domestic Violence Court, the court’s primary goal is to improve communication between the courts, increase accountability, enhance victim safety, and promote consistent judicial oversight.
Unlike a traditional court, the IDV Court is designed to provide one presiding judge with a complete understanding of the history of the case while it is pending. This can matter in family court cases where full details of a criminal case may not be as readily accessible. The IDV Court also facilitates the process of monitoring compliance with orders of protection, custody directives, and other court orders.
The IDV Court also works with a resource coordinator to improve information sharing with the District Court, Family Court, law enforcement agencies, social service providers, and other partners. The IDV Court emphasizes prompt and consistent responses to domestic violence allegations. Depending on the circumstances, the court may order counseling, batterers’ intervention programs, substance abuse treatment, or other conditions while the case is pending.
Accusations of domestic violence, even before a conviction or acquittal is reached, can derail custody cases for fathers, making swift and decisive responses from the respondent and their attorney crucial. It is an unfortunate reality that some accusations of domestic violence are either completely fabricated or exaggerated as a means of helping the other parent gain an advantage in court.
New York follows the doctrine of equitable distribution during a divorce, meaning marital property is divided rather than automatically split evenly. For many men in Suffolk County, the most valuable assets in a divorce include the family home, retirement benefits, and closely held businesses. Understanding how these assets are treated can help you make informed decisions throughout the divorce process.
For many families, the marital home is their largest or one of their largest financial assets. Contrary to some beliefs, the law does not give preference to the wife when it comes to awarding the home to either party. In short, the wife does not automatically get to the house.
The courts consider numerous factors, including the needs of the children, whether each party can afford to maintain the home, and other factors. In some cases, the most feasible solution is to refinance the home and allow one spouse to buy out the other’s interests.
In some cases, one spouse keeps the home by offsetting its value with other marital assets. In others, the parties agree to sell the property and divide the proceeds according to their settlement or the court’s order.
Retirement benefits also require careful analysis. Suffolk County is home to many NYPD officers, FDNY firefighters, Suffolk County police officers, teachers, and union tradespeople whose pensions may represent decades of earned benefits. New York courts frequently use the Majauskas Formula to determine the marital portion of a defined-benefit pension earned during the marriage.
Business owners face additional challenges. Whether you own a construction company, medical practice, firm, or family business, the court may examine both spouses’ contributions when determining the value of the business.
Going to court unprepared could lead to unfavorable outcomes that could jeopardize your parental rights. New York judges decide these cases based on the best interests of the child. Fathers and mothers are held to the same standard, which makes it crucial to demonstrate your active involvement in your child’s life from the onset of the case.
Parents should maintain records showing their participation in school conferences, medical appointments, extracurricular activities, and other day-to-day parenting responsibilities. Copies of communications and other forms of documentation can show how you consistently met your child’s educational, emotional, and physical needs.
Parents should avoid conduct that could harm their credibility or give the other parent grounds for accusing them of being abusive or unsafe. Speaking negatively about the other parent in front of the child, interfering with parenting time, violating court orders, or posting details of the case on social media may undermine your position.
Judges expect both parents to place their children’s interests above personal conflicts when possible. If you are falsely accused in court, your lawyer can present witness testimony and other supporting evidence to refute those allegations.
Going through a divorce can feel like everything is on the line. When you hire a divorce lawyer in Suffolk County, you gain the support of an advocate who understands New York’s divorce laws and how to manage your divorce case with a focus on protecting your rights and interests. Divorce attorneys for men in Suffolk County can help you understand your rights and options.
Throughout the process, they can keep you updated on important developments in your case. When needed, your lawyer can take decisive action by requesting hearings to address important matters that could determine the outcome of your case.
A Suffolk County family law attorney can help you secure more parenting time or shared custody by gathering evidence that demonstrates your past child-rearing duties. By showing the courts your past years of devotion and support for your child, you can protect the time you have with them. Contesting false accusations can also be crucial for protecting what matters most.
Men should take the time to consider their priorities. Going to court expecting to win everything is often unrealistic. By focusing on the things that matter most, whether that’s protecting assets or parenting time, you can help your lawyer develop the right strategy moving forward. Another crucial first step is to hire an attorney with years of experience protecting the rights of fathers in court.
The length of a divorce largely depends on whether the case is contested or uncontested. In an uncontested case, when both spouses agree on property division, the process may be completed within a few months once the paperwork is properly filed. Contested cases can take much longer, from several months to well over a year. The court’s schedule and other factors can influence the timeline as well.
A Suffolk County divorce lawyer who focuses on representing men can benefit their clients in several ways. For one, they already understand the challenges men face in family court. Since they have worked with clients and secured favorable outcomes, they can explain the options and potential outcomes of a case to clients. Then, they can anticipate the actions of the other party, so they stay one step ahead throughout the court process.
Going through a divorce unprepared could be a costly mistake. When you work with The Levoritz Law Firm, you gain the support of skilled litigators who understand the unique challenges men face in family court. Integrity, personalized attention, and dedicated advocacy are at the heart of every case we handle.
We can review your case and carefully listen to your goals before explaining your options. Throughout the case, we can keep you well informed on important matters. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and gain the skilled representation you deserve.
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.
©
2026 Levoritz Law Firm – New York, NY. All Rights Reserved.
Terms and Conditions | Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy. 
*Images are obtained under license from Canva and other third-party stock image providers, with attribution included where required.
