Contested Divorce Attorney – Staten Island, NY
Divorce is difficult — but when your separation becomes hostile, legally complex, or emotionally explosive, you need more than general legal guidance. You need a seasoned contested divorce attorney who can advocate fiercely for your rights in court while helping you maintain your composure and protect what matters most.
At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, we have over 30 years of experience representing clients throughout Staten Island and the surrounding areas in some of the most emotionally charged and financially significant divorce disputes. We understand the sensitive nature of contested divorce cases — and we know how to guide clients through them with clarity, strategic planning, and compassion.
What Is a Contested Divorce?
A contested divorce occurs when spouses do not agree on one or more key issues necessary to finalize the dissolution of the marriage. These issues typically include:
- Custody and visitation (parenting time)
- Division of marital assets and debts
- Spousal maintenance (alimony)
- Child support amounts
- Responsibility for legal fees
In these cases, negotiation may not be enough. Instead, the divorce enters the litigation process, which can include pre-trial motions, discovery, court hearings, and potentially a full trial where a judge renders a final decision.
Contested divorces are often more time-consuming, emotionally draining, and expensive than uncontested divorces — but they are sometimes necessary to protect your rights, your financial future, or the best interests of your children.
Contested Divorce vs. Uncontested Divorce: What’s the Difference?
In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on every issue involved in ending the marriage. The legal process is mostly administrative, and while an attorney can be helpful for filing documents, there is usually no litigation involved.
By contrast, a contested divorce means the spouses disagree — either about how the divorce should be handled, or about the outcomes they want. This disagreement could involve:
- Who gets primary custody of the children
- Who will remain in the marital home
- How to divide debt or shared investments
- Whether one party should pay alimony or support
In these situations, legal representation becomes critical. Without it, you may risk signing away important rights, accepting unfair terms, or entering court unprepared.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Contested Divorce
Contested divorces are not just emotionally taxing — they are procedurally complex. From navigating courtroom etiquette to filing motions and compiling evidence, the legal process requires precision and planning.
Here’s why hiring an experienced divorce litigation attorney is crucial:
Legal Guidance Through Every Step
A contested divorce involves many stages: initial filings, responses, discovery, pre-trial conferences, and possibly a full trial. Each phase has specific deadlines, requirements, and strategic considerations. We make sure you’re fully prepared at every point.
Strong Advocacy in Custody and Support Disputes
When children are involved, emotions often run high. Whether you’re fighting for custody, negotiating parenting time, or defending against accusations, we will work aggressively to protect your parental rights and prioritize the child’s well-being.
Asset Protection and Financial Clarity
If your divorce involves complex finances — business ownership, retirement accounts, hidden assets — you need an attorney who knows how to untangle it all. We help uncover, value, and divide assets equitably, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.
Courtroom Experience That Makes a Difference
Not all divorce attorneys are trial lawyers. At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, we’ve successfully represented clients in court for over three decades. We’re known by the judges and respected by the opposition — and we never walk into a courtroom unprepared.
Common Issues in Contested Divorces
Every contested divorce is unique, but the most common issues include:
Disagreements About Child Custody
Custody battles can become especially intense in contested divorces. Whether you’re seeking sole custody, joint custody, or a fair parenting schedule, we’ll ensure your voice is heard and your relationship with your children is preserved.
Division of Marital Property
In New York, marital property is divided based on equitable distribution, meaning the court aims for fairness — not necessarily a 50/50 split. This includes:
- Real estate and the marital home
- Investments, retirement accounts, and pensions
- Business interests
- Vehicles, jewelry, and valuable collections
- Debt responsibility
Our attorneys work with financial experts when needed to ensure assets are properly valued and fairly distributed.
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
One spouse may be entitled to temporary or long-term support after the divorce. Whether you’re seeking maintenance or challenging it, we make sure that your financial rights and obligations are just, appropriate, and lawful.
Hidden Assets and Financial Dishonesty
If you suspect your spouse is concealing income, transferring property, or hiding assets, we know how to investigate and uncover the truth. We use tools such as subpoenas, forensic accounting, and asset tracing to ensure full financial transparency.
How Angiuli & Gentile, LLP Can Help
We Create Customized Legal Strategies
Your life, goals, and circumstances are unique — and your legal approach should be too. We don’t use one-size-fits-all tactics. Instead, we craft tailored legal strategies designed to align with your priorities, whether that means negotiating quietly or litigating aggressively.
We Handle Every Detail
Our legal team manages everything from filing your divorce petition to preparing exhibits for trial. You don’t need to worry about missing a deadline, filing the wrong form, or saying the wrong thing in court. We’re with you every step of the way.
We Protect Your Financial and Parental Rights
We make sure your property rights are respected, your children’s needs are prioritized, and your financial future is considered in every negotiation and court appearance. You’ll have an advocate who thinks three steps ahead.
We Are Experienced, Local Litigators
With over 30 years of experience in Staten Island courts, we understand the local procedures, judges, and legal culture. That familiarity allows us to position your case for the best possible outcome.
Choosing the Right Attorney for Your Contested Divorce
You may only go through this process once — but we’ve been through it thousands of times. That experience matters.
What to Look for in a Contested Divorce Lawyer
- Trial Experience: Many attorneys handle divorces, but not all are trial-ready. Choose someone who is comfortable and confident in a courtroom.
- Strong Communication: You deserve an attorney who keeps you informed and involved. We make sure you’re always up to date on your case.
- Empathy and Discretion: Divorce is deeply personal. We listen without judgment and guide without pressure.
- Proven Track Record: Our firm has successfully handled complex divorce disputes involving high assets, parental conflict, and more.
Female Representation Available
We recognize that some clients may feel more secure working with a female attorney, particularly in cases involving emotional abuse or gender-based dynamics. Our female contested divorce attorneys offer compassionate strength and legal clarity in highly sensitive situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a contested divorce take?
Contested divorces can take anywhere from several months to over a year. The timeline depends on the complexity of the case, the court’s schedule, and how willing both parties are to reach compromises.
Will I have to go to court?
Most contested divorces involve at least some court appearances. However, many cases settle before trial. Our firm is skilled at negotiation, but fully prepared to litigate when necessary.
Can I settle some issues but still go to court for others?
Yes. Partial settlements are common. For example, you may agree on property division but need a judge to decide custody. This can reduce time and expense while still resolving key disputes.
What if my spouse is hiding assets?
Our attorneys work with forensic accountants to trace hidden assets, uncover secret accounts, or identify improper transfers. We fight for full disclosure and fair division of all marital property.
Will I have to pay my spouse’s attorney fees?
In New York, either spouse may request that the other pay a portion of legal fees, especially if there is a significant difference in income. Courts evaluate this on a case-by-case basis.
Contact Angiuli & Gentile, LLP Today
If your marriage is ending and you’re facing opposition, delay, or conflict, don’t face it alone. At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, we are ready to stand by your side and guide you through this process with strength and legal skill. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you understand your rights, make empowered decisions, and protect your future.
We offer confidential consultations to help you determine your best path forward. Let us be the legal partner you can rely on.
