Staten Island Divorce Attorney

Divorce is not just a legal process — it’s an emotional and financial turning point. It often marks the end of a chapter and the uncertain beginning of a new one. During this time, it’s common to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to begin.

At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, we understand the stakes. For more than three decades, we have helped individuals and families throughout Staten Island navigate the divorce process with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Whether your case is amicable or contentious, straightforward or complex, we provide the skilled legal support you need to move forward and protect what matters most — your children, your assets, and your peace of mind.

Understanding the Divorce Process in New York

Each divorce is unique, but the legal framework in New York outlines several critical areas that must be addressed during the process. The two most central issues are:

Division of Marital Property and Debt

New York is an equitable distribution state, which means property is divided fairly — not necessarily equally. This includes homes, retirement accounts, bank accounts, business assets, and marital debt. Proper identification and valuation of assets are essential to ensure a fair outcome.

Child Custody and Parenting Time

For parents, divorce introduces significant concerns about how custody will be shared and how parenting schedules will be structured. Courts consider what is in the best interest of the child, and your parenting plan will need to reflect that. We guide clients through this process and help develop arrangements that maintain strong parent-child relationships.

Beyond these two issues, many divorces also involve questions about:

• Spousal maintenance (alimony)
• Child support
• Business valuation
• Retirement and pension division
• Enforcement of court orders
• Relocation with children
• Protective orders in cases involving domestic violence

Our goal is to help you avoid costly mistakes, understand your legal rights, and make decisions that support your long-term goals.

How We Help Our Divorce Clients

At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, we represent clients in both uncontested and contested divorces. We handle everything from amicable separations to high-conflict cases involving significant financial stakes, custody battles, or allegations of abuse. Below is an overview of our core divorce services.

Division of Property and Debts

One of the most complex aspects of a divorce can be the division of assets and debts. New York law requires marital property to be divided equitably, but what qualifies as marital versus separate property is not always clear. We assist clients with:

• Identifying all assets and liabilities acquired during the marriage
• Differentiating between marital and separate property (e.g., inheritance or premarital assets)
• Working with financial professionals to value homes, investments, and businesses
• Negotiating or litigating asset division to ensure fairness

Whether you’re worried about losing your home or protecting your retirement savings, our attorneys will fight for a fair financial resolution that prepares you for life after divorce.

Child Custody and Parenting Time

Custody arrangements can be the most emotionally charged aspect of a divorce. Our team advocates for solutions that protect your relationship with your children while respecting their needs. We help clients with:

• Legal custody (decision-making rights)
• Physical custody (where the child lives)
• Parenting time schedules
• Supervised visitation arrangements when safety is a concern
• Modifications of custody orders after divorce

If an agreement cannot be reached outside of court, we are fully prepared to litigate custody matters before a family court judge.

Child Support and Spousal Maintenance

Financial support plays a crucial role in preserving stability after a divorce. We help ensure support orders are fair and sustainable, whether you’re the paying or receiving party. Our firm assists with:

• Child support calculations based on New York State guidelines
• Temporary and permanent spousal maintenance (alimony)
• Determining support in high-income cases
• Modifications of existing support orders due to changes in income or circumstances
• Enforcement of unpaid support

We help our clients prepare accurate financial disclosures and advocate for orders that reflect the true needs and abilities of both parties.

High-Asset Divorce and Business Valuation

If you or your spouse owns a business, professional practice, or significant investments, your divorce requires a law firm with experience in complex financial matters. We collaborate with accountants, valuation experts, and forensic analysts to:

• Identify and value business holdings and investment portfolios
• Uncover hidden assets or income
• Navigate ownership and partnership concerns
• Divide high-value assets while minimizing tax consequences

Our firm has successfully represented entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and professionals whose financial stakes require careful legal protection.

Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation is an alternative to litigation that allows couples to work with a neutral third party to resolve disputes. As part of our services, we offer or participate in:

• Private mediation sessions
• Legal review of mediated agreements
• Representation during third-party mediation

Mediation can be a faster, more affordable, and more amicable solution than litigation, especially when both parties are committed to cooperation.

Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

If your relationship involves abuse, threats, or intimidation, your physical safety and emotional well-being must come first. We act swiftly to protect our clients by:

• Petitioning for orders of protection
• Securing temporary custody and housing arrangements
• Coordinating with law enforcement and domestic violence advocates
• Ensuring safety provisions are incorporated into custody and divorce agreements

We have deep experience in helping clients safely exit abusive situations and rebuild their lives with dignity and legal support.

Post-Divorce Modifications and Enforcement

Life changes. When it does, your divorce agreement may need to change as well. We help clients with:

• Modifying child custody or visitation schedules
• Requesting adjustments to child support or spousal maintenance
• Filing enforcement actions when an ex-spouse violates a court order
• Pursuing contempt proceedings if needed

Even years after your divorce is finalized, we remain your trusted legal resource when problems arise.

Common Concerns We Hear from Clients

“I don’t know how I’ll support myself after the divorce.”
Our attorneys will evaluate your financial situation and pursue appropriate spousal support or asset division to protect your ability to live independently.

“My spouse says they’re taking the kids.”
Child custody is determined by the courts, not threats. We will advocate for your parental rights and ensure that your child’s best interests are the foundation of any custody decision.

“Our finances are complicated. I’m worried I’ll lose everything.”
We specialize in high-asset divorces and know how to protect your interests when businesses, investments, or multiple properties are involved.

“I’m scared about my safety during this process.”
We help clients obtain protective orders and take swift legal action to keep you and your children safe during and after divorce proceedings.

Our Approach: Focused, Strategic, and Results-Driven

Every family is different, and every divorce requires a custom strategy. While some law firms take a one-size-fits-all approach, we focus on your goals — and the most effective path to achieve them.

We believe in:

• Efficiency: Resolving cases quickly and cost-effectively when possible
• Preparation: Being ready to litigate if the other party is unreasonable or aggressive
• Partnership: Collaborating with you to build a strategy that works for your unique situation

Whether your case requires negotiation, mediation, or trial, we are ready to advocate for your best interests from day one.

Why Clients Choose Angiuli & Gentile, LLP

When it comes to navigating divorce or family law issues, clients choose Angiuli & Gentile, LLP because we deliver more than just legal knowledge — we provide strategic advocacy, compassionate support, and trusted results.

Over 30 Years of Legal Excellence in Staten Island

Our firm has been proudly serving Staten Island families for more than three decades. We bring a deep understanding of New York’s legal landscape — and the local court system — to every case we handle. This experience allows us to anticipate challenges, avoid delays, and deliver efficient, effective legal solutions.

Strategic Representation in High-Conflict and High-Net-Worth Divorce

Complex divorces demand sophisticated legal strategies. Whether your case involves significant assets, business ownership, contested custody, or domestic conflict, we bring the skill and preparation needed to protect your rights. Our attorneys are experienced negotiators and litigators who know how to pursue favorable outcomes — in and out of the courtroom.

Trusted Counsel for Custody, Support, and Property Division

We understand that divorce impacts every part of your life — your children, your finances, and your future. That’s why we approach every issue with both precision and care. Our team guides clients through all aspects of divorce, including:

• Developing child custody and parenting time arrangements
• Calculating child and spousal support
• Dividing property and marital assets equitably
• Modifying or enforcing court orders after divorce

We work with you to develop realistic goals and a plan to achieve them.

Bilingual Legal Support Available

We believe that every client deserves to fully understand their legal rights and options — in the language they are most comfortable using. Our team includes bilingual staff members who can assist clients in Spanish and English, ensuring clarity, comfort, and culturally sensitive representation throughout the legal process.

Known and Respected by Staten Island Courts and Judges

Our reputation is built not just on results, but on professionalism and integrity. Over the years, we’ve earned the respect of local judges, court personnel, and fellow attorneys — an advantage that can make a real difference in your case. Our familiarity with Staten Island court procedures, personalities, and expectations helps us position your case strategically from the very beginning.

What to Expect When You Work With Us

Step One: Schedule a Consultation
We begin by listening. At your initial consultation, we will review your situation, answer your questions, and explain your legal options clearly and honestly.

Step Two: Develop a Legal Strategy
Once we understand your needs and concerns, we create a personalized plan of action. This includes timelines, financial planning, and legal steps to protect your rights.

Step Three: Take Action and Move Forward
From filing documents to attending court hearings to negotiating with your spouse’s attorney, we guide you through every stage with transparency and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Staten Island

How long does a divorce take in Staten Island?
The timeline for a divorce in Staten Island depends on whether the case is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all major issues, can be finalized in as little as three to six months. A contested divorce, which involves disagreements over custody, support, or property, may take a year or longer, depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule.

Do I need to go to court to get a divorce?
Not necessarily. If you and your spouse agree on all aspects of the divorce, you may be able to complete the process without ever appearing in court. This is typically known as an uncontested divorce. However, if there are disputes over child custody, spousal support, or asset division, a court appearance may be required to resolve those issues. Our attorneys can help you determine the best path based on your circumstances.

What is considered marital property in New York?
In New York, marital property includes almost any asset acquired by either spouse during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title. This can include your home, cars, bank accounts, retirement savings, businesses, and even certain debts. Separate property, such as inheritances or assets acquired before the marriage, may not be subject to division — but careful analysis is needed to make that determination.

How is child custody decided in a divorce?
Child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. Courts will consider factors such as each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s educational and emotional needs, and in some cases, the child’s own preferences. Custody includes both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives). At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, we help parents develop parenting plans that reflect their children’s needs and protect their parental rights.

Will I have to pay or receive spousal support?
Spousal support, also known as maintenance or alimony, may be awarded depending on several factors, including the length of the marriage, the income and earning potential of both spouses, and each party’s contributions to the household. Support may be temporary (during the divorce process) or long-term. We help clients understand what they are entitled to and work to achieve fair support agreements.

Contact Angiuli & Gentile, LLP Today

Divorce is a major decision — but it doesn’t have to define your future. With experienced legal counsel, you can protect your rights, safeguard your finances, and build a life on your terms.

Contact Angiuli & Gentile, LLP today to schedule a confidential consultation with a knowledgeable Staten Island divorce lawyer.

Let us help you take the first step toward stability, clarity, and peace of mind.