Simonetti and Associates Named Best Divorce Lawyer on Long Island

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amanda Carnesi
Tel: 631-392-4255
Cell: 631-974-1824
Email: amanda@prescriptionpr.com

SECOND YEAR IN A ROW SIMONETTI AND ASSOCIATES NAMED BEST DIVORCE LAWYER ON LONG ISLAND
In 2015 Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s Annual Best of Long Island Business Award Reins Simonetti and Associates the Best Yet Again
 
Bethpage Federal Credit Union celebrates their 10th annual Best of Long Island Business Awards. The results of this competition is important to Long Islanders in order to effectively choose the best services and businesses across the Island. Over 50,000 businesses were nominated this year with only 443 local businesses being named a winner. This year there will be only a first place winner instead of naming a second and third place like they have been doing the past years.
 
Named Best Divorce Lawyer of Long Island in 2014 and nominated again for the year of 2015, Simonetti and Associates claims the title of the best again. The founder of Simonetti and Associates, Lou Simonetti, is a Long Island native and founded the company over 20 years ago. One of their concerns is keeping legal costs at a minimum during an already stressful time.
 
Simonetti and Associates specializes in guiding their clients through divorces and other family law disputes. They provide flexible office hours so you are always in touch with a Simonetti attorney.The Simonetti and Associates team has over 70 years of combined experience.

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Celebrity Divorces

In 2014 alone there have been over 165 celebrity divorces and breakups. On the outside it may seem that the lives of the rich and famous and exceptional. Many tend to forget that they are people who live emotional filled lives as well.

Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian was married to basketball player Lamar Odom. They recently divorced after four years together because Odom was suffering from a drug problem and refused Kardashian’s help. Many people struggle with drug abuse which leads to separation, especially of spouses.

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay band member Chris Martin announced earlier this year that they were divorcing after ten years of marriage.  However the two have recently stated that their divorce plans are cooling down. Many people realize the gravity of divorce when they make it known to the people around them.

Singer Robin Thicke and wife Paula Patton are divorcing after eight years of marriage. The divorce announcement came after the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards when Thicke performed “Blurred Lines” with Miley Cyrus. The couple met when Thicke was just 14 years old and Patton was 15. Thicke is trying to win Patton back by dedicating a brand new album and dedicating every performance to her. Celebrity or not, no woman appreciates any man being “flirty” with other women.

Divorce is a part of life just like marriage is. Each of these divorces are common scenarios that many of us go through.  We’re all the same and we all experience similar marital struggles. We are all going to need divorce lawyers and counseling and of course someone to decide who gets to keep the ring.

Voted Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer with over 30 years of experience in Divorce, Child Custody, Adoption, Same-sex divorce, Pre- and postnuptial agreements, Father’s rights, Separation agreements, Protection orders and Meditation. To help keep your legal costs at a minimum, call (877) 385-2560. We serve all those in need of divorce in Suffolk County and Nassau County.

Same-Sex Divorce

New York is the 7th state to legalize same-sex marriage. It officially became legal on June 24, 2011 under the Marriage Equality Act. Along with same-sex marriage came same-sex divorce. Long Island’s best divorce lawyers, Simonetti & Associates, processes same-sex divorces like any other traditional couple. They were also the first to do a same-sex divorce case on Long Island.  Helping same-sex couples in not only Nassau County, but all over Long Island as well, Simonetti & Associates has been providing successful outcomes for both parties.

Even before same-sex marriage became legal in 2011, New York court systems had already recognized and processed same-sex divorce since they were lawfully performed in other states. Nassau County has been relying on Simonetti & Associates to provide them with the same reliable and affordable divorce services to same-sex marriages and traditional couples.

Same-sex couples have the same options for divorce as anyone else. These options include at-fault, no-fault, uncontested, contested and collaborative. They also must divide everything equally such as debt and marital property. If children are involved, an agreement to determine the fate of the child(ren) must be established.

Simonetti & Associates provides free consultations so you have nothing to lose by contacting them. You will not be disappointed with Long Island’s best attorneys because their high quality service will do all the talking. They provide flexible hours so you will be in constant contact with your divorce lawyer. Simonetti & Associates walks you through the agonizing divorce process step by step, making sure that you understand exactly what is going on.

Long Island’s best divorce attorneys Simonetti & Associates has been serving Nassau and Suffolk County for over 25 years. If you are currently in a same-sex marriage and wanting a divorce, or are currently unhappy with your lawyer at the moment, the transition over to Simonetti & Associates will be a breeze. You are already under a huge amount of stress so leave the rest to Lou Simonetti and his associates, the best in the island.

Divorce Attorney Serving Suffolk County

Divorce is a terrible situation that affects more than just the two people involved. It is stressful, painful, and extremely intimidating. To add on top of that the hassle of finding a divorce lawyer, it can be even more of a pain. You want to find the best of the best that can help make the process as smooth as possible. Living on Long Island you have tons of possibilities for this position but what you want to do is find the best divorce lawyer that fits your specific needs.
 
If you are looking for a lawyer that can truly take the pressure off, look no further than Simonetti and Associates. Lou Simonetti is one of the best divorce attorney serving both Nassau and Suffolk County and he truly works for you.  Check it out, the public voted them Best Divorce Lawyer on Long Island two years and running. Starting with a free consultation, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by calling Simonetti and Associates. This practice understands how difficult this process can be and follows a three step system to ensure that you are getting exactly what you want. Long Island’s very own, Simonetti and Associates, take the time to listen and understand your concerns, they make sure that you understand the legal process so that you can understand everything that is going on in the process and they also thoroughly explain the different options that you have for dissolving your marriage. If you are looking for the best divorce lawyer serving Suffolk County, Lou Simonetti is there for you.

They also know that the monetary pressure that can be weighing down on you. Mr. Simonetti provides extremely affordable and high quality service for those looking for the best divorce attorney in Suffolk county. They will show you exactly how they operate and help with issues such as division of assets and debts, child custody support, and spousal maintenance.
 
What if I already have a divorce lawyer that I’m not satisfied with? If you are not satisfied with the attorney who is handling such a serious life situation, it does not have to be a permanent situation. Upgrade to the best divorce attorney serving Suffolk County without even making a phone call. Just let Simonetti and Associates know that you are feeling this way and they will take care of the situation for you. If you feel your needs would be better served with Lou Simonetti, just let him know and the process will be quick and easy. You have enough on your plate, leave the legal hassle to the best divorce lawyer serving Suffolk County, Simonetti and Associates.
Check us out on Facebook and call us today!

Finding the Best Divorce Lawyer in Nassau County

Finding a divorce lawyer in Nassau County can be pretty tough. There are many steps one must go through in order to find the perfect one. You want to find a divorce lawyer whom you are comfortable with and know that they have your best interests in mind. Simonetti & Associates was voted Best Divorce Attorney on Long Island in 2014 and 2015. If you are currently living in Nassau County, or around the area, Simonetti & Associates is your best answer for a divorce lawyer. Check here, they were voted Best of Long Island 2 years in a row!

Simonetti & Associates has been in practice for over 25 years, not only in just Nassau County, but all over the island. With your wallet and time in their hands, they are extremely considerate with what you are giving them. This law firm team in Nassau County makes themselves available virtually any time of the day and night for you. They know how important it is to be in constant contact with your lawyer so flexible hours are a necessity to them. You can expect phone calls being made after hours, as well.

It is extremely important to feel at ease with your divorce lawyer. If you feel that you are not experiencing such feelings, the transition over to Simonetti & Associates is a lot easier than it sounds. Whether you are living in Nassau County or not, Lou Simonetti and his law team will be more than happy to serve you. Even if the phone call to your current law attorney is discomforting to you, Simonetti & Associates will be more than willing to do it for you.

The Best Divorce Attorneys in Nassau County, Simonetti & Associates, offers cost efficient services. Such services include divorce, adoption, child custody, mediation, alimony and much more. Once you join the team over at Simonetti & Associates, you will see why they were voted two years in a row the best divorce lawyers on Long Island.

Check us out on Facebook and call us for any need you may have. We serve all those in need of divorce in Suffolk County and Nassau County.

Engagement Ring and Contemplation of Marriage

Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer said the issue in this case was whether a diamond ring was “given in contemplation of marriage, or was [it] given as a complete gift?” The Plaintiff contends he paid for the diamond ring with his own money and gave it to the Defendant as an engagement ring. The relationship between the parties ended following an incident of domestic violence and the Plaintiff sought the return of the ring.
 
A Nassau County Divorce Attorney said the Court discussed Civil Rights Law Section 80-b and its application by New York Courts. Section 80-b allows for the recovery of a gift if the gift is made in contemplation of marriage. The tradition of this principle is that the ring is the property of the male donor when an engagement is terminated. The Court stated that “even prior to the enactment of the anti-heart balm legislation, cases held that ‘the donee of the ring receives, at the time of the gift, only the right of possession. Firm ownership passes only upon the performance of marriage.’” However, where there is a “genuine dispute as to the circumstances under which the ring was given, a trial to determine fact is necessary.”
 
Following a fact finding hearing, the Court ultimately held that the Plaintiff “failed to sustain his burden by preponderance of the evidence that the ring was solely given to the Defendant in contemplation of marriage.” The only two witnesses to testify were the parties, and all that was entered into evidence was the business card of the jeweler and an invoice. The Court looked at the totality of the circumstances and determined the ring was given as a gift, not in contemplation of marriage. It looked at the following facts:

• The Court credited the Defendant’s testimony that the ring was “for giving the Plaintiff a son and being a good mother;”
• the invoice made no mention of the ring as an engagement ring;
• the Plaintiff and Defendant referred to each other as husband and wife prior to the ring being given as a gift;
• a domestic partnership existed prior to the date the ring was given as a gift;
• the parties had a prior history of exchanging gifts with each other;
• the Defendant contributed $1,000 down and $4,500 from her tax return for the purchase of the ring; and
• there was no engagement announcement nor a wedding venue booked.

 We serve all those in need of divorce in Suffolk County and Nassau County.

Long Island Divorce

Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer said this was the appeal of an order of the Family Court which awarded physical custody of the parties’ child to the Petitioner (hereafter the Father). The parties were the unmarried parents of a son. The parties separated and the Father commenced a custody proceeding. The Respondent Mother (hereafter the Mother) cross-petitioned shortly thereafter. Following a hearing of the Family Court, the Court granted joint legal custody to the parties and primary physical custody to the Father.
 
At the underlying hearing, the parties were the only witnesses to testify. A Nassau County Child Custody Attorney said the considerations the Family Court make when deciding a custody determination are “the parents’ past performance and relative fitness, their willingness to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent, as well as their ability to maintain a stable home environment and provide for the child’s overall well-being.” Looking at these considerations, the Appellate Division affirmed the decision of the Family Court.
 
Following the parties’ separation, the Mother moved five times and finally settled in Albany County which was 67 miles from the original residence in Fulton County. The Mother’s work schedule as a home health aide required shifts of considerable hours and the shifts were subject to change depending on the health of her patient. The Father resided in the same home for over 9 years and adjusted his work schedule “to be more regular and predictable, and to allow more time with his family.” His mother lived “next door” and other family members would provide day-care services for the child. The Family Court noted that the Father very much encouraged visitation and the development of the child’s relationship with the Mother. While the Mother testified that the Father “could see the child ‘if he wants to come and get him.” Looking at the totality of the circumstances, the Appellate Division affirmed the determination of the Family Court.
 
The attorneys at Simonetti & Associates have extensive experience conducting child custody hearings and work hard to present a strong case for their clients. Serving all your needs related to divorce in Suffolk County and Nassau County.

Child Support and Nonpayment

Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer said this was the appeal of an order of the Family Court. The Family Court had determined the Father willfully violated a prior order of child support and as such, the Father was directed to pay a money judgment in favor of the Mother.

A Nassau County Divorce Attorney said that in support proceedings where there is evidence of a father’s failure to pay child support pursuant to an order, this typically constitutes as prima facie evidence that the violation was willful. In such an instance the burden shifts to the father to provide the court with “competent, credible evidence of his inability to make the required payments.” However, in this case, the Appellate Division found the father had not sustained this burden. The Father asserted that he was unemployed and therefore unable to pay the child support. Despite this assertion the Father could not overcome the Mother’s prima facie showing because he lacked any credible evidence that he was actively seeking employment.

The experienced family law attorneys at Simonetti & Associates can assist you with issues you may have concerning child support. We serve all those in need of divorce in Suffolk County and Nassau County. We are pleased to be voted Best Divorce Attorney on Long Island.  Call us today!

Paternity Proceeding

Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer said this was an appeal of an order of the Family Court granting Respondent’s application to dismiss the paternity proceeding. The subject child was born to the Respondent Mother (hereafter the mother) while she was married to the Petitioner. The Respondent 2 (hereafter Suitt) commenced the underlying paternity proceeding alleging that he was the father.

A Nassau County Child Custody Attorney the Petitioner had a full and fair opportunity to present evidence at the paternity hearing. However, the Petitioner failed to appear at the hearing and also failed to submit to a genetic marker test. The Family Court found the Petitioner in default, found the presumption of legitimacy rebutted, and declared Suit to be the subject child’s father. The appeal followed.

The Appellate Division affirmed the decision of the Family Court to dismiss the paternity proceeding. The Petitioner did not make any allegations of extraordinary circumstances which might have allowed him to obtain custody. The Appellate Division also found that the “prior determination as to paternity preclude[d] [the Petitioner] from claiming that he is a parent.”

If the above facts apply to your situation then seek out the advice of the experience Family Law Attorneys at Simonetti & Associates. We serve all those in need of divorce in Suffolk County and Nassau County.

Education Costs and Child Support

Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer said this was the appeal of an order of the Family Court following a child support proceeding. The Family Court granted Respondent Mother’s (hereafter the Mother) petition for modification of the child support agreement. The underlying facts are as follows.

The Mother and Appellant Father (hereafter the Father) entered into an opting out agreement which obligated the Father to pay child support to the Mother in the amount of $485 per week. However, the agreement did not address each of the parties’ share of the cost of the children’s education. The parties’ child was experiencing difficulties in the public schools and the Mother wished to enroll the child in a private Catholic school. The Father consented, “on the condition that the mother takes full responsibility for payment of the child’s tuition,” which was memorialized in a written, notarized statement. At the end of the school year, the Mother filed the underlying modification petition seeking an order which would “require the Father to pay his pro rata share of the child’s educational expenses.”

A Nassau County Child Support Attorney said that following a hearing, the Family Court found the Father to be obligated to pay 71% of the child’s private school tuition beginning the following school year. The appeal followed. The Appellate Division affirmed the lower court’s decision despite the written agreement of the parties. As stated, the “Family Court ha[d] no jurisdiction to enforce…[the] independent contract.” Because the divorce judgment was silent as to educational expenses, “a court may direct a party to pay such expenses where appropriate and as justice requires, ‘having regard for the circumstances of the case of the case and of the respective parties and in the best interest of the child.”

In making its decision to affirm the Appellate Division noted “that the child’s emotional state significantly improved once he began attending the private school.” The child suffered from several health issues, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and auditory processing disorder. The Appellate Division also noted a journal entry written by the child which read, “I was a kid who was bullied, depressed, and underestimated. But I found a light in the darkness,…I met awesome friends and the nicest teachers I ever encountered. Thank God I found [my new school].” These finds, along with a decrease in the dosage of the child’s anxiety medication following his enrollment at the private school led to the decision that it was in the best interest of the child for the Family Court’s decision to be affirmed.

During a divorce it can be difficult to identify what the circumstances may be like years down the road. The experienced Divorce Attorneys at Simonetti & Associates take pride in assisting their clients anticipate these circumstances and ensuring they are addressed.