Contested Divorce Attorney in the Bronx

Affordable, Transparent Representation When Your Divorce Gets Complicated

At The Franklin Law Firm, we represent clients facing contested divorces throughout the Bronx. With nearly a decade of experience in Bronx family law courts, our team handles high-conflict custody battles, property division disputes, and spousal maintenance disagreements at rates designed to keep serious legal representation within reach. Every client works directly with our attorneys, not junior staff, and our billing is transparent from the start: no hidden fees, no surprises.

A divorce becomes contested when spouses can't agree on one or more critical issues, whether that's who keeps the family home, how custody will work, or whether spousal maintenance is appropriate. These cases are filed with and decided by the New York State Supreme Court, which is the only court that can grant a divorce. The stakes are real, and you deserve a legal team that treats your case that way.

Schedule your free initial consultation to talk through your options in a contested divorce. Call (347) 378-1170 today.

What Makes a Divorce Contested in New York

Not every divorce starts as a fight. A case becomes contested when one spouse disagrees with the divorce itself, disputes the grounds, or can't reach agreement on child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, or the division of assets and debts. Even a case that begins cooperatively can shift to contested status the moment one party files a formal Answer with the court.

Once a spouse is served with divorce papers in New York, they have 20 days to respond if served in-state or 30 days if served outside New York. Failing to respond allows the case to proceed by default. New York recognizes no-fault grounds (irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months) along with fault-based grounds including:

• Cruel and Inhuman Treatment
• Abandonment For One Year or More
• Adultery
• Imprisonment For Three or More Consecutive Years

If your spouse has filed and you aren't sure how to respond, or if you need to file first to protect your interests, our team can walk you through your options during a free consultation.

Contested Divorce Issues We Handle

Every contested case revolves around specific disputes that a judge must resolve. We prepare and present each of these strategically, building an organized case tailored to your circumstances.

Equitable Distribution of Marital Property

New York is an equitable distribution state, which means marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Courts weigh factors like each spouse's income, the length of the marriage, earning capacity, and each party's contributions to marital assets.

Property acquired during the marriage generally counts as marital property regardless of whose name is on the title, while assets brought into the marriage or received as gifts or inheritance are typically treated as separate property. Sorting marital from separate property is often one of the most contentious parts of a contested case. We work to present your financial picture accurately and to make sure assets aren't hidden or undervalued.

Child Custody & Support

New York courts decide custody based on the best-interests-of-the-child standard, evaluating parental fitness, each home's stability, and the child's existing relationships. We build custody arguments grounded in documentation and facts, not emotions alone.

Child support calculations follow statutory guidelines, but contested cases often involve disputes over income, expenses, and whether there's a reason to deviate from the formula.

Spousal Maintenance

Whether you're seeking maintenance or anticipating a claim against you, we present the financial evidence courts need to make a fair determination. Duration of the marriage, each spouse's income, and the standard of living during the marriage all factor into the analysis.

Mediation as an Alternative

Not every contested issue requires a courtroom. We also offer mediation services that can resolve disputes faster and at lower cost. Mediation won't work for every situation, but when both parties are willing, it can reduce the emotional and financial toll significantly.

How Contested Divorce Proceeds in Bronx County

Contested divorce actions in the Bronx are filed with the Bronx County Supreme Court in the 12th Judicial District. The process typically follows a structured path:

The main steps in a Bronx contested divorce usually include:

• Filing and service of a Summons with Notice or Summons and Verified Complaint
• Filing a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) to get the case before a judge
• Each spouse submitting a Statement of Net Worth no later than 10 days before the preliminary conference
• Discovery, which can include interrogatories, depositions, and document production
• Pre-trial hearings
• Trial before a Supreme Court judge if no settlement is reached

The Matrimonial Support Bureau in Bronx County reviews final papers submitted after trial or inquest. A standard contested divorce in New York can take nine months to over a year, and complex cases involving extensive discovery or trial often run longer.

Our nearly a decade of practice in Bronx family law courts means we understand these local procedures and timelines firsthand. That familiarity helps us prepare clients for what's ahead and avoid unnecessary delays.

Why Bronx Families Choose The Franklin Law Firm

Contested divorce representation shouldn't be a luxury. We built our practice around the belief that every client deserves attentive, competent legal counsel, regardless of financial status. Here's what that looks like in practice:

• Transparent, affordable billing: You'll know your financial commitment upfront. We don't charge hidden fees or surprise retainer add-ons.
• Boutique firm attention: Our close-knit team knows your name, your case, and your goals. You won't be handed off between rotating associates.
• Individualized strategy: We take time to understand your specific circumstances before building your legal plan.
• Local reputation: Our relationships with former clients and peers in the Bronx legal community reflect years of consistent, honest representation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in New York?

Most contested divorces take nine months to over a year from filing, depending on the complexity of the disputes and whether the case goes to trial. Cases resolved through mediation or negotiated settlement can wrap up faster.

Will I Have to Go to Court?

Yes. Contested cases require multiple court appearances, including at least a preliminary conference. If your case can't settle, a full trial before a Supreme Court judge may be necessary. Mediation can reduce the number of appearances but won't eliminate them entirely.

What's the Difference Between Contested & Uncontested Divorce?

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on every issue: custody, support, property division, and the divorce itself. A contested divorce means a judge must decide at least one disputed issue. Many cases start uncontested and become contested when disagreements surface.

How Much Does a Contested Divorce Attorney Cost?

Costs vary based on case complexity, but we keep our rates reasonable and our billing transparent. There are no hidden fees. During your free initial consultation, we'll discuss your situation and give you a clear picture of what to expect financially.

Protect Your Future With a Free Consultation

A contested divorce affects your finances, your children, and your daily life for years to come. The sooner you have our attorneys reviewing your situation, the better positioned you can be to protect what matters most.

We've spent nearly a decade helping Bronx families navigate these disputes at rates that don't add financial stress to an already difficult time. Every case we take gets the focused, personalized attention our boutique firm was built to provide.

Call The Franklin Law Firm at (347) 378-1170 to schedule your free consultation today.