Same Sex Divorce

2015 was the year for change and a major leap toward new tradition was the legalization of same-sex marriage. The classic bride and groom on the top of a wedding cake was to be altered in society as same-sex genders were now allowed to legally wed one another. The decision by the Supreme Court was a dream come true as many Americans had been living with their partners for years but were unable to do anything “officially” as they’re relationship was not recognized by society. Although many rushed to the alters not too long after, plenty of couples headed to divorce lawyers to make their pleas, sign papers, and split!

Why have divorce rates spiked so much since the legalization of gay marriages? Statistics show that in 2011, of the 640,000 gay couples, almost 50,000 of them were married. One reason behind this phenomenon is that these couples are now finally eligible for divorce as their marriages were not truly recognized prior to 2015.

Adding to these studies, another statistic shows that there has been a drastic increase Americans’ thoughts and feelings toward same sex marriage as the percentage jumped from 37% in 2009 to 57% in 2015. This may be another result of high divorce rates as many wives or husbands married in hopes to have a family and fight their true sexuality or may have felt pressured by family, friends and even society. Since same-sex marriage became legal, perhaps they do not see the need to fight against their true feelings as their dreams of being with an individual of the same gender can now become reality due to the legalization of same sex marriage.

The legalization of same-sex marriage (and therefore divorce) allows couples who have grown tired of playing house for so long to pursue a divorce and find what/who truly makes them happy in a marriage. Simonetti & Associates has made themselves available for over twenty years to clients wishing to leave their partner and transition into a divorce. With experienced employees, the firm is here to help those going through a divorce and transition into new, adaptable lifestyle changes as society undergoes a few changes of its own.

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.

January Is National Divorce Month

Did you know January is National Divorce Month? The divorce rates have peaked so high in the past few years that it actually has it’s own month. It seems that as the cold weather rolls in during the month of early January, so does the cold shoulder exchange between spouses.

As the holidays come to an end, evidently so does the good food, parties, and music that fills the air and lifts the spirits of those in the holiday mood. Many people seem to be looking for a fresh new start with the advent of a new calendar year and see January as the perfect month to begin this process. Simonetti & Associates have over 28 years of experience to get you through this process and help guide you into a smooth transition.

The divorce process usually brings along anxiety as it is a change in lifestyle as both parties will be going from surviving on a two-person income to just one income. Of course, there are emotional changes that clients undergo as well as financially as they will often battle between one another for assets. Simonetti & Associates will sit down with their client for a cost-free and no obligation consultation and listen to concerns while discussing all possible options before following through with the process.

Simonetti & Associates value communication as they want the client to transition into this process as smooth as possible. The office provides flexible hours to ensure an attorney is available to their clients at all times. Located in Woodbury, Long Island, Simonetti & Associates understands that the cost to afford a divorce representative can be expensive as well the loss of assets in a divorce if your spouse claims a large majority of shares and investments.

Simonetti & Associates will work with clients to keep costs down and go into trial with the best amount of information available in order to result in the least amount of loss in equity. They are available to their clients as they are compassionate and understanding during this tough time in not only the year but in their clients’ lives.

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.

New Year, New You. Is It Time to Pull the Plug?

Each year you make plenty of new year’s resolutions that you may (or may not) keep, which usually include something along the lines of exercising more, eating better, and saving money. Why do we set these types of goals? The greatest wish we have for ourselves during the new year is to improve our lifestyles and live life to the fullest. You’ve heard it before: “a new year and a new you”. To become that “new you”, however, requires moving on from bad choices and planning to make better decisions in your life. Maybe that new and improved you can only be achieved by moving on from a bad relationship. How do you know when to pull the plug on your marriage?

You are not alone in thinking the new year might be better off spent alone. January is unofficially known as “divorce month” by many legal professionals. Certain things, such as infidelity, constant fighting, or abusive behavior, are signs that a relationship is over, but there may also be some not so obvious signs that your marriage isn’t working. Here are are some signs you should recognize that might tell you your marriage is over.

Are you noticing that you and your partner have already separated yourselves? Are you not communicating with each other? A relationship coming to an end often creates a disconnect between partners. If you are not spending any time together, and actually find relief having many hours apart, this may be the first sign that the relationship is nearing the end.

Mutual respect is one of the most important aspects of a relationship, and if it is not there, there is no relationships. If you feel like your partner dismisses you, condescends to you, or rejects all your ideas or wishes, these are signs of an unhealthy relationship. Your relationship is likely to become toxic if your marriage is void of respect. If you feel your marriage and relationship with your spouse has gotten to this point, it either has to be fixed immediately or needs to come to an end.

Your marriage should consist of teamwork and problems can arise if there is no compromise. Your spouse should try to meet your needs as well as their own and it may put an end to things if your needs or wishes are not being met because your partner cannot share in these responsibilities. Not being willing to compromise is especially concerning when trying to repair the damage of a broken relationship. If only one partner is doing all the work trying to mend the problems you share, it may be time to ditch the efforts and pull the plug on your marriage.

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.

Visitation Rights

When a married couple with children decide to get a divorce, the question of physical custody and visitation comes into play. Visitation is one of the most important factors of a divorce, and if a noncustodial parent has been denied visitation by the ex-spouse, or the noncustodial parent can be harmful to the children, Simonetti & Associates can help.

Visitation is determined by the courts in various ways. The focus of the court is for the child or children to have the most normal interaction with the noncustodial parent as possible, but if the custodial parent feels otherwise, they need to present evidence explaining their reasoning to the court. Only under extremely harsh circumstances will the court prevent a parent from receiving any visitation, although restrictions can be set in place.

There are different types of visitation for noncustodial parents in New York State, including unsupervised, supervised, therapeutic supervised, neutral place of exchange, and monitored exchange. Depending on the circumstances, the court will decide which method of visitation will be best for the child and parents in the long run.

If either parent is concerned about the visitation rights, they can try to change a visitation order by petitioning the court to either add or remove certain restrictions. Whether it be a parent with a troubled history that has taken a serious turn in trying to rehabilitate their behavior, or if both parents have agreed to new terms, then they would be able to ask the court for an adjustment of visitation terms.

If you are in the New York area and are looking for help with your custody and visitation questions, Simonetti & Associates will be able to provide a complimentary case evaluation. We have more than 25 years of experience and are more than happy to help solve your problems as quickly and inexpensively as possible.

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.

Grandparents Rights

Grandparents rights are not given as much attention as parental rights yet it is still an important issue in regards to childcare. You have a right to be a part of your grandchild’s life in some shape or form if your son or daughter is divorced or if the relationship between the parents of your grandchildren is problematic.

You have legal rights if you aren’t given a reasonable amount of time of in-person or virtual communication with your grandchild. The best interest of the child is of utmost priority throughout the United States and rights should be rewarded if you can prove to the courts that your relationship will enhance the child’s life.

In-person communication may not be in the best interest of the child if you perhaps live several hours away, especially if he or she must travel to you, but communication via telephone or over the internet is very reasonable with today’s technology.

Communication with your grandchild can become difficult in cases where your son or daughter is deceased. Grandparent visitation rights are often granted in these cases as the importance of maintaining familial connections can be argued in a court of law.

The outcome may not be so clear in cases where there is some “bad blood” between family members. Parental rights often supercede grandparent rights in many courts, and without careful litigation, a judge may rule in favor of a fit parent’s decision to not allow grandparent visitation. It is extremely important that you have a good lawyer on your side if you plan to ask for grandparent visitation rights,

The delicate nature of family cases can make the process more arduous or put you at a disadvantage if you attempt to go through it alone. As a grandparent, you have a duty to fulfill in the child’s life and it would be in your best interest to seek a lawyer who is both trustworthy and affordable.

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.