Focused 100% On Family Law – And Your Well-Being
When you have a divorce, matrimonial, or other family law challenge that needs resolution, you want an experienced attorney in these areas.
At Nissman Law, attorney Peter M. Nissman has spent more than 35 years serving residents of New York and elsewhere who need help with divorce, custody, asset division, spousal maintenance, child support, orders of protection, or cohabitation, prenuptial, postnuptial and separation agreements.
He is intimately familiar with the courts that handle family law in the state and is respected by peers and clients alike.
Ready To Resolve Your Dispute By Negotiation Or Litigation
Mr. Nissman’s long tenure as a New York-based matrimonial and family lawyer means he is able to quickly understand your case and develop a specific strategy and approach in representing you, whether in an uncontested divorce or a highly contested court proceeding.
He is able to propose creative solutions to entrenched positions and complicated matters. He is keenly aware of the emotional stress and financial cost involved and tries to minimize these.
If you cannot agree on divorce terms with your spouse, Mr. Nissman is a strong advocate for you in court. He will present evidence to back up your requests and fight for the best terms available.
Five Things To Know About New York Family Law Cases
The more you know about how the state handles family law issues, the easier it will be for you to work with Mr. Nissman and find the outcomes you want. Here are five facts about how New York matrimonial law operates:
- No-fault divorce: Since 2010, New York has allowed no-fault divorce filings. A party only needs to swear that the marriage has broken down irretrievably for at least six months before the commencement of the action as grounds for divorce.
- Equitable distribution: New York distributes marital assets equitably rather than down the middle. While often equal, property division does not always result in an automatic 50/50 split.
- Maintenance (alimony): Courts apply rigid statutory formulas to determine both temporary financial support during the lawsuit and post-divorce maintenance duration, but they have the ability to deviate from such calculations.
- High net worth divorce: Complex marital estates often require intense evaluation of corporate business interests, high-value real estate holdings, and the contributions made toward a spouse’s career enhancement.
- Orders of protection: For situations involving domestic violence, the local court system acts immediately to issue protective orders and establish legal boundaries for physical safety, when necessary.
If you are unclear about how New York law applies to your situation, Mr. Nissman can evaluate your circumstances during an initial case consultation.
Back To Basics: Answers To The Most Common Family Law Questions
When it’s your marriage that’s foundering, you want clear legal answers, not the opinion of your ex-best friend’s sister based upon her divorce experience. Mr. Nissman has provided answers for three of the most common questions about family law that he hears in his office in Manhattan.
What is the difference between the Family Court and the Supreme Court in New York?
While both venues handle domestic matters, the New York Supreme Court holds exclusive authority to legally dissolve a marriage and grant a final judgment of divorce. Conversely, the local Family Court determines critical household issues such as custody, parenting schedules and financial support obligations for unmarried parents or individuals who are not currently seeking a formal divorce.
How do New York courts determine child custody?
Judges rule on custody disputes based entirely on the best interests of the child standard. As an experienced NYC child custody lawyer, Mr. Nissman understands that the court evaluates which parent acted as the primary caregiver, the home stability each environment offers, parental physical health, and the child’s specific maturity and wishes.
How is child support calculated in New York?
New York calculates these financial parental obligations under the Child Support Standards Act by applying a fixed statutory percentage to parental income up to a standard state financial cap. A dedicated Manhattan child support attorney checks to make sure the court applies New York child support calculations and mandatory statutory percentages – such as 17% for one child or 25% for two – to parental income up to a statutory cap, with judicial discretion applied to parental income above that cap.
Safeguard What Matters To You. Book A Case Consultation Today.
Protect your parental rights, your assets and your financial peace of mind. Schedule a formal case consultation with attorney Peter Nissman to establish an effective strategy under New York law. Call his Manhattan office at 212-750-1276 or complete the secure website intake form.