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Long Island Divorce Attorney
“I attribute my overall success to the fact that I truly care.”
Divorce in New York requires no one’s permission and no proof of wrongdoing. Either spouse can file once the marriage has been broken for at least six months, and from there the case follows one of two paths: an uncontested divorce built on agreement, or a contested case resolved through negotiation and, when necessary, trial. The law office of Chris Palermo handles both as part of a practice devoted entirely to Long Island family law, and either Chris Palermo or Riley Perry personally manages your divorce from the first conversation to the signed judgment.
Every Long Island divorce is filed in Supreme Court, in Mineola for Nassau County and Riverhead for Suffolk. To file here, you generally need two continuous years of New York residency, or one year if you married in the state, lived here as a couple, or the grounds arose here. We confirm residency and venue at the first meeting so your case starts in the right courthouse without delay.
Most divorces settle, and settlement is usually the outcome that best protects your money and your children. We negotiate hard, draft agreements that hold up, and try cases when the other side leaves no choice. Your consultation is free. Call (631) 780-0085 or use the form below; calls are typically returned within 24 hours.
Uncontested Divorce and Mediation
An uncontested divorce means both spouses resolve everything up front: property division, support, and a parenting plan if there are children. The terms go into a settlement agreement, the paperwork is submitted to the court, and in most uncontested cases neither spouse ever appears before a judge. It is the fastest and least expensive way through.
We prepare the agreement and every required form so nothing bounces back from the clerk. For couples who agree on the big picture but not the details, divorce mediation puts a neutral professional in the room to help close the gaps before they harden into litigation.
Uncontested DivorceA contested divorce is a dispute over one or more of four things: property, custody, child support, or maintenance. New York divides marital property by equitable distribution, which means fairly in light of the whole marriage, not automatically 50/50, while property owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance generally stays separate.
Custody and child support follow the same standards that apply in Family Court, and maintenance is calculated by formula on the paying spouse’s income up to $241,000 as of March 1, 2026. We build the financial record early, push for resolution at every conference, and prepare each case as if it will be tried, because that preparation is what produces good settlements.
Discuss Your Case
Supreme Court, Mineola
Nassau County Divorce
Nassau divorces are heard at the Supreme Court complex in Mineola, and the uncontested calendar moves as fast as the paperwork is clean. We file, appear, and settle cases there routinely for clients from Hempstead, Garden City, and across the county.
Divorce in Nassau County
Supreme Court, Riverhead
Suffolk County Divorce
Suffolk divorces are filed in Riverhead, a drive many of our clients never have to make, since most uncontested cases are decided on the papers. With our primary office centrally located on the Island, we handle the courthouse trips for clients from Huntington, Smithtown, Babylon, Islip, and Brookhaven.
Divorce in Suffolk CountyThe right first move is a conversation, not a filing.
How a Long Island Divorce Proceeds
Every divorce follows the same procedural spine, whether it settles in a month or fights for a year. Knowing the sequence ahead of time removes most of the fear, and it shows you where a case can be shortened.
Filing and the Automatic Orders
The case begins when one spouse files a Summons with Notice or a Summons and Verified Complaint with the County Clerk and pays the $210 index number fee. Filing immediately triggers New York’s automatic orders, which bar both spouses from transferring assets, borrowing against retirement accounts, running up unreasonable debt, or dropping the other spouse or the children from insurance while the case is pending.
The orders bind the filing spouse the moment the papers go in and the other spouse once served. They exist to freeze the financial picture so nothing disappears before the court can divide it.
Serving Your Spouse
The papers must be served within 120 days of filing, and never by you personally; a third party handles service. If your spouse cannot be located, the court can authorize alternate service, so a missing spouse does not stop a divorce.
The Response
A spouse personally served in New York has 20 days to appear or answer. Agreement at this stage keeps the case uncontested, a contesting answer moves it onto the litigation track, and no response at all can lead to a default judgment.
Financial Disclosure
Both spouses complete a sworn Statement of Net Worth listing income, expenses, assets, and debts, supported by tax returns, pay stubs, and account statements. In contested cases, discovery goes deeper: appraisals of homes and businesses, valuation of retirement accounts, and subpoenas where records are incomplete.
Honest, complete disclosure early is the single biggest time-saver in a divorce. Hiding the ball gets discovered, and it costs credibility with the judge along with months of extra litigation.
Conferences and Temporary Orders
The court holds a preliminary conference to set the case schedule, and either spouse can request temporary orders for support, custody, or attorney fees while the case is pending, so no one is left stranded mid-case.
Negotiation and Settlement
Most Long Island divorces settle before trial. Agreements reached at any stage are placed on the record or written into a stipulation that becomes part of the final judgment, and settling even one issue narrows everything that follows.
Trial and the Judgment of Divorce
Issues that will not settle are tried before a Supreme Court justice, who decides property, support, and custody based on the evidence. Trials are the exception, but preparing as if one is coming is what keeps the other side reasonable.
The case ends when the judge signs the Judgment of Divorce. Only then is the marriage legally over, and either spouse may resume a former surname as part of the judgment.
Meet Your Attorneys
Chris Palermo
Chris Palermo, Esq. has been practicing law for over 20 years and his brings extensive experience to Long Island families. With a law degree from Touro College (2001) and undergraduate studies at Villanova, Chris combines strong academic credentials with a genuine commitment to his clients.
He’s known for his caring yet forceful approach, effectively guiding hundreds through complex family law matters. Admitted to practice in all New York State courts, Chris is recognized by peers and clients alike, holding a 10/10 Avvo rating and accolades like National Top 100 Trial Lawyer.
Beyond his legal expertise, Chris is deeply involved in the Suffolk County community, supporting local causes like the Marcie Mazzola 5K Run/Walk and St. Jude Foundation. This dedication to both legal excellence and community service underscores his commitment to serving those in need.
Riley Perry
When you need a trusted divorce and family law attorney in Suffolk County, Riley T. Perry, Esq., brings a unique blend of expertise, dedication, and personalized care to every case. As a partner at Palermo Law, Riley has built a reputation as a tireless advocate for clients navigating the complexities of divorce, child custody, and family law matters across Long Island.
With deep roots in the local community and a proven track record, she’s here to guide you through life’s toughest legal challenges with compassion and skill.
- New York State Bar Association
- Suffolk County Bar Association
- Suffolk County Matrimonial and Family Law Committee
- American Institute of Family Law Attorneys’ 10 Best Female Attorneys
Counsel That Protects You From Day One
Divorce is personal, and the representation should be too. Either Chris Palermo or Riley Perry handles your case personally from start to finish, and because we deliberately keep our caseload small, the attorney who knows your file is the one who answers your call. More than 60 Long Island clients have left the firm five-star Google reviews, and most of them started exactly where you are now.
We bring more than two decades of combined family law experience, recognition from the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers and as Super Lawyers Rising Stars, and six office locations across the Island. Consultations are free, and calls are returned promptly, usually within 24 hours.
New York’s Automatic Orders
The moment a divorce is filed, New York’s automatic orders take effect: neither spouse may transfer or hide assets, borrow against retirement accounts, run up unreasonable debt, or drop the other spouse or the children from health or life insurance. The orders bind the filing spouse immediately and the other spouse once served, and violating them has consequences a judge will remember.
The law also balances financial power. In a contested case, New York presumes the less-monied spouse should receive an award of counsel fees, so a spouse who controls the accounts cannot simply outspend the other into a bad settlement.
Before you file, we help you prepare the right way: gathering financial records, documenting what exists today, and avoiding the moves that look bad in front of a judge later.
Answers for Long Island families
What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?
The difference is agreement, not conflict level. An uncontested divorce means every issue, property, support, and parenting, is resolved by agreement before the paperwork goes in, while a contested divorce means at least one issue is unresolved and the court process exists to resolve it. Many cases start contested and finish uncontested once the financial picture is clear.
How long does a divorce take on Long Island?
An uncontested divorce is usually completed within a few months of filing, driven mostly by how quickly the court processes the papers. Contested cases commonly take a year or more, and the number of disputed issues matters more than anything else. Settling even one issue early shortens the whole case.
How much does a divorce cost on Long Island?
Court fees total $335: $210 to purchase an index number, $95 for the Request for Judicial Intervention, and $30 for the Note of Issue. Attorney fees depend on how contested the case becomes, which is why an uncontested divorce costs a fraction of a contested one. We quote the retainer and explain what drives costs at your free consultation.
What documents do I need to start a divorce?
Start with your marriage certificate and a financial paper trail: recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank and retirement statements, mortgage or lease documents, and insurance policies. These feed the sworn Statement of Net Worth both spouses must complete. The earlier the documents are gathered, the faster the case moves.
Do I have to appear in court?
In most uncontested divorces, neither spouse appears; the judge decides on the papers. Contested cases involve conferences and possibly hearings, though your attorney handles many appearances without you, and the large majority of cases settle before trial.
What if my spouse will not sign or cannot be found?
You do not need your spouse's signature or consent to get divorced in New York. If your spouse ignores properly served papers, the case can proceed to a default judgment. If your spouse cannot be located, the court can authorize alternate service so the case moves forward.
How long do I need to live in New York to file?
Two continuous years of residency is the general rule. One year is enough if you were married in New York, lived here as a couple, or the grounds arose here, and no waiting period applies when both spouses are residents and the grounds arose in the state.
Do I need a legal separation before divorcing?
No. New York has not required separation before divorce since no-fault arrived in 2010. Some couples still choose a separation agreement for insurance or religious reasons, and a properly executed agreement can later support a divorce after one year of living apart under its terms.
Legal Memberships & Awards
