Serving All of Metro New York Since 1997
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Divorce A Boutique Law Firm with Innovative Strategies

Helping You Navigate the Divorce Process

Reliable Counsel Through Your Difficult Divorce

Coffinas & Lusthaus, P.C. understands the emotions that come with initiating or responding to divorce proceedings. For over 50 years, we've met with clients in states of anger, confusion, uncertainty and fear. With our personalized and highly professional approach to representation, we guide our clients through the challenges of a New York divorce, capably asserting their rights to a fair outcome. With hard work and tenacity, we get you to the place where you want to be.

Request a consultation with our Brooklyn divorce lawyers!

What Are Grounds for Divorce in New York?

New York recognizes both fault and no-fault divorces. A fault divorce means that you are attributing the end of your marriage to your spouse’s behavior. The grounds for a New York fault divorce are:

  • Abandonment
  • Adultery
  • Cruel and inhuman treatment
  • Imprisonment
  • Separation

In order to file on the grounds of separation, you and your spouse must have lived apart for a year and filed a separation agreement.

By contrast, a no-fault divorce means that you are not attributing the end of your marriage to your spouse’s behavior. With this kind of divorce, there is no need to prove that anyone is at fault. New York recognizes the following as grounds for a no-fault divorce:

  • Irretrievable Breakdown

In order to file on the grounds of irretrievable breakdown, your marriage needs to have been broken down for at least six months. In order to obtain a judgment of divorce on the grounds of irretrievable breakdown, all ancillary issues of the action must be resolved such as custody, support and division of assets.

Is NY a 50/50 Divorce State?

New York is not a community property or a “50/50” divorce state. Instead, NY is an equitable distribution state for property and debt. Therefore, under divorce statutes in NY for property distribution, the judge will determine how to divide property and marital debt using the state’s equitable distribution laws.

Favorable Outcomes for Almost 30 Years

Clients come to us from all over the five boroughs, Nassau, and Westchester for help filing for divorce in New York. Since 1997, our lawyers have established a solid track record of favorable outcomes for our clients. In negotiations, at trial, and on appeal, we augment our legal knowledge with creative strategies that deliver positive results.

Our law firm can assist with the following kids of divorce cases:

  • Uncontested divorce- In New York, an uncontested divorce is the quickest and least costly way to dissolve a marriage. To obtain an uncontested divorce, the couple must present the court with a signed divorce settlement agreement along with other pleadings and affidavits. Getting to a fair agreement is often a challenge; Coffinas & Lusthaus, P.C. consistently delivers.
  • Contested divorce- When a couple cannot deliver a complete divorce settlement agreement, they must litigate any unresolved issues. The contested issues are usually the most complex and emotionally charged, including child custody, spousal support, and property distribution. We combine legal knowledge and creative thinking to resolve even the thorniest custody and support issues. In addition, we have demonstrated time and again that we have the capacity, especially because we are a small firm that offers individualized attention, to protect our clients' interests in the division of high-asset or complicated marital estates.

Request a consultation with our Brooklyn divorce lawyers!

Meet Our Professionals

Over 50 Years of Collective Legal Experience
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  • New York Journal - Women Leaders
  • Forbes Women
  • Super Lawyers
  • Client Distinction Award
  • Top-Rated Lawyer 2021 - Meredith Lusthaus
  • America's Most Honored 2021 - Maria
  • America's Most Honored 2021 - Meredith
  • AV Preeminent 2021 Judicial Edition - Maria
  • AV Preeminent 2021 Judicial Edition - Meredith
  • AV Preeminent Highest Rating 2021 - Maria
  • AV Preeminent Highest Rating 2021 - Meredith
  • AV Preeminent Plaque 2021 - Maria
  • AV Preeminent Plaque 2021 - Meredith
  • Client Champion Platinum 2020 - Meredith
  • Client Champion Silver 2020 - Maria
  • Martindale-Hubbell 25th Anniversary - Meredith
  • Martindale-Hubbell 35th Anniversary - Maria
  • Top Attorneys in NY Metro 2020 - Maria
  • Top Attorneys in NY Metro 2020 - Meredith
  • Top Women 2021 - Maria
  • Top Women 2021 - Meredith
  • Top-Rated 2021 - Meredith
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Small Firm Feel. Large Firm Results.

  • Client Focused

    Attention & Courteous To Your Specific Needs

  • Proven Success

    Well-Respected & Recognized For Our Work

  • Personalized Attention

    Customized & Effective Counsel For Your Case

  • Experienced

    Nearly 50 Years' Combined Experience On Your Side