Family & Matrimonial Law Attorneys Serving Long Island and New York City

Our attorneys have more than 70 years of experience handling family and matrimonial law issues for clients. Few lawyers have the level of expertise and skill that they possess in this area of law.

Partner, Lee Rosenberg is the 2011-2012 Chair of the Nassau County Bar Association’s Matrimonial Law Committee and also serves as an arbitrator for the Office of Court Administration's Matrimonial Fee Dispute Panel. He is also a frequent lecturer and prolific writer in the area of matrimonial law on a variety of issues including equitable distribution, support, no-fault divorce and same-sex-marriage. Lee has been interviewed on this subject by various publications, including the New York Times, the New York Law Journal, Newsday, Long Island Business News, Elle and Worth Magazine. Lee also authors his blog, "Divorce New York Style."

Partner, Michael Chetkof has handled complicated matrimonial and family law cases for over 40 years. With a reputation as a tough litigator and a creative negotiator, Mr. Chetkof has a formidable array of skills. He is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated^SM by Martindale-Hubbell® with a 5.0 out of 5 rating, the highest rating available and has lectured at the New York Family Law American Inn of Court where he is a Barrister. Mr. Chetkof serves as an arbitrator for the Office of Court Administration's Matrimonial Fee Dispute Panel and was previously a panelist for the court’s Early Neutral Evaluation Program. He has also been trained in Collaborative Law.

Clients can rest assured that they have an attorney with the experience and skill to secure the best possible results in their cases.

Practical solutions for serious issues

Family law is an extremely complicated field that requires much more knowledge than one would initially imagine. To properly evaluate any issue, a lawyer must take into account the emotional, financial and psychological effects that it can have on the client and his family.

Our attorneys focus on these issues to provide clients with the solutions they need today and into the future. They work personally with every client to explain how a divorce can affect a couple’s assets, their pensions, health benefits and retirement plans. They pride themselves on always being honest with their clients, and expect the same level of candor from them. When your family’s future is hanging in the balance, honesty can go a long way toward getting results that benefit everyone involved.

Guidance through the divorce process

If you are considering getting a divorce, there are several steps that you should take before coming in to our office. First, it is critical to gather as much financial information as possible. Many spouses are not involved in the financial aspects of their marriage, and may not be aware of significant assets or debts that affect their divorce. Request copies of your insurance policies, income tax returns, pension agreements, 401(k) plans and any other long-term plans where your spouse may be involved.

Second, you should collect documentation of any property that you personally own.  Property you owned prior to getting married is considered "separate property".  Separate property also includes any gifts or inheritance received during the duration of your marriage. Knowledge is power in the world of matrimonial law, and having an account of all assets and debts can help you gain an advantage in any future proceedings.  It also helps our firm speed up the process and develop arguments to use at settlement proceedings or at trial.

Third, you should also give thought to potential witnesses, particularly in custody matters. These people can provide necessary and valuable information. All of these matters usually involve very sensitive issues, and it is critical to speak with an attorney before proceeding.

LGBT/non-traditional family matters and domestic partnership issues

The firm is also well versed in non-traditional family matters. Supporting same-sex marriage legislation and with Lee Rosenberg having written, lectured and issuing a Resolution on the issue, we are prepared to guide our clients through the legal complexities which may accompany the bonds of matrimony.

The “Marriage Equality Act” does not just entitle gay and lesbian couples to wed, but it creates issues which did not previously exist in addition to changing their respective rights and obligations. All things now truly being equal in New York State in this regard, non-traditional wedded families-to-be may wish to explore pre-nuptial agreements, reconsider estate-planning issues, and re-examine adoption and other issues affecting children.

There may also be discrepancies between the laws of New York, other States and Federal laws such as the Defense of Marriage Act. Unfortunately, also with the rights of marriage, comes the possibility of divorce. Our attorneys can assist and help find solutions to a myriad of issues which now may arise from the enactment of this historic legislation as well as those issues which confront both same-sex and opposite-sex partners who opt not to marry.

Commitment. Experience. Results.

From our office in Garden City, we represent clients throughout Long Island's Nassau and Suffolk counties and the New York City metropolitan area. Contact the firm by telephone at 516.873.7200 or online to schedule an initial consultation.