Property Division

The division of property upon a divorce in New York State is referred to as Equitable Distribution and is governed by Section 236(B) of the Domestic Relations Law. Without a divorce, property will not be distributed. Unless the parties have agreed in advance to the distribution of their property by valid prenuptialseparation or other written agreement, the court in an action for divorce must determine the rights of the parties to their separate and marital property and provide for the disposition of such property in the final judgment. Our experienced and compassionate attorneys have handled hundreds of cases involving family and matrimonial issues throughout New York State.  January 2018 marked an expansion to our renowned Divorce/Family/Matrimonial practice with Florence Richardson joining the firm as Of Counsel.  Bringing decades of experience focusing exclusively in family law matters, Flo joins attorneys Will Berglund and Kelly Mikullitz to create one of the most dynamic family law practices in the state. 

Equitable Distribution in New York

Equitable Distribution of marital property is determined by the court after the court’s mandatory consideration of a number of factors, including: 

  • Income and property of each party at the time of marriage and at the time of commencement of the action for divorce
  • Duration of the marriage and the age and health of the parties
  • Need of a custodial parent to occupy or own the marital residence and to use or own its household effects
  • Loss of inheritance and pension rights upon dissolution of the marriage
  • Loss of health insurance benefits upon dissolution of the marriage
  • Any award of maintenance payments
  • Any equitable claim to, interest in, or direct or indirect contributions made to the acquisition of marital property by the non-titled spouse, including joint efforts or expenditures and contributions and services  as spouse, parent, wage earner and homemaker, and to the career or career potential of the other party
  • Liquidity of the marital property
  • Probable future financial circumstances of each party
  • Impossibility or difficulty of evaluating any asset or interest and the economic desirability of retaining that asset free from claim by the other party
  • Tax consequences
  • Wasteful dissipation of assets by either spouse
  • Any transfer or encumbrance made in contemplation of a matrimonial action without fair consideration.

The court may also consider any other factor which the court finds to be just and proper under the circumstances of the case.  Full disclosure of financial circumstances by both parties is essential in determining Equitable Distribution. The court requires that the parties exchange pertinent financial documents, including income tax returns, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, statements K-l, paystubs, statements of account for all financial assets, including bank accounts, retirement accounts and other investments, statements pertaining to life insurance policies having a cash value, and a sworn statement of net worth in the official form required by the State of New York. Each party is entitled to retain experts to evaluate marital assets. For example, parties may retain appraisers to determine the fair market value of real estate and special evaluators to determine the values of retirement accounts, business interests and significant personal property.

Locations We Serve

Our Divorce and Family lawyers work throughout the capital region and upstate New York to help individuals and families navigate complex legal cases. With offices in Albany and Saratoga Springs, our location allows our attorneys easy access to all areas of the state.

Our Divorce and Family practice serves several counties throughout upstate New York including Albany, Columbia, Greene, Saratoga, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Warren, Washington, Ulster, Fulton, Montgomery, Otsego, Schoharie, Clinton, Essex, Madison, and Delaware counties. Our Divorce and Family attorneys can help you navigate these often stressful and emotional issues.

To learn more about our legal services in your area, visit our location page.

Testimonials

I was going through a divorce Kelly, Jess and everyone at this firm was more then helpful. All were compassionate, caring and always there to answer questions. I will never be able to thank this firm enough. I highly recommended them

Karen Google Review

Florence Richardson is compassionate, supremely intelligent and a beautifully composed lawyer. She took care of my case in a professional and extremely favorable manner. I’m forever grateful for her expertise and kindness.

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My family was fortunate to be referred to O’Connell & Aronowitz for legal matters. They were helpful, friendly, and professional. They are a cut above the rest and a pleasure to deal with in every sense.

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