Divorce Representation for Spring Valley and Rockland County Families
Divorce requires consequential decisions during an already difficult period. The choices made regarding property division, spousal support, and child custody will affect your financial security and family relationships for years to come. Understanding the legal framework—and securing experienced representation—is essential to protecting your interests.
At Dillon & Dillon, we have represented clients throughout Spring Valley and Rockland County in divorce proceedings for over 25 years. This guide provides an overview of the key issues you should understand as you evaluate your options.
New York Divorce Law: Foundational Principles
No-Fault Divorce
Since 2010, New York has permitted no-fault divorce, allowing couples to dissolve their marriage by asserting that the relationship has been "irretrievably broken" for at least six months. This eliminates the requirement to prove fault—such as adultery, abandonment, or cruel treatment—and typically results in more efficient proceedings.
Fault-based grounds remain available and may be strategically relevant in certain circumstances, particularly when one spouse has dissipated marital assets or when domestic violence is a factor.
Residency Requirements
To file for divorce in New York, at least one of the following conditions must be satisfied:
Either spouse has resided continuously in New York for at least two years
Either spouse has resided in New York for at least one year, and the couple was married here, resided here as a married couple, or the grounds for divorce arose here
Both spouses currently reside in New York and the grounds for divorce arose here
Rockland County cases are filed in Supreme Court in New City.
Equitable Distribution
New York follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly—though not necessarily equally. Courts evaluate numerous factors:
Duration of the marriage
Age and health of each spouse
Present and projected earning capacity of each spouse
Contributions to marital property acquisition, including homemaking contributions
Loss of inheritance or pension rights upon dissolution
The custodial parent's need to occupy the marital residence
Property owned before marriage, along with inheritances and gifts received individually, generally remains separate property. However, commingling of assets can complicate this distinction.
Child Custody
New York courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. Relevant considerations include:
Each parent's capacity to provide a stable, nurturing environment
The quality of the child's relationship with each parent
Each parent's physical and mental health
Work schedules and childcare arrangements
The child's preference, when age-appropriate
History of domestic violence or substance abuse
Each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent
Child Support
Child support follows the Child Support Standards Act, which applies statutory percentages to combined parental income based on the number of children. Courts also consider healthcare expenses, childcare costs, and educational needs.
The Value of Early Legal Consultation
One of the most consequential decisions in any divorce is the timing of legal consultation. Clients who seek advice before signing agreements, establishing informal arrangements, or making significant financial decisions consistently achieve better outcomes.
We have represented clients who, with good intentions, agreed informally to custody arrangements, support payments, or property divisions—only to discover months later that these informal agreements established a "status quo" that courts were reluctant to modify substantially. What might have been resolved favorably through early negotiation instead required extended litigation.
Initial consultations are complimentary. The investment of an hour early in the process can prevent costly missteps.
Timeline Expectations
Uncontested Divorce: When spouses agree on all material issues, proceedings typically conclude within three to four months.
Contested Divorce: When disputes require court resolution, twelve to eighteen months is common. Complex matters involving business valuations, custody disputes, or substantial assets may extend longer.
Serving Spring Valley's Diverse Community
Attorney Alan Dillon was born in Argentina and has called the United States home since childhood. Spanish is his native language, and he provides complete legal representation in Spanish for clients who prefer it. For matters as significant as divorce, clear communication is essential—every nuance matters when discussing custody arrangements, financial disclosures, and settlement terms.
Our website offers full Spanish translation at the click of a button, and Attorney Dillon conducts consultations, negotiations, and case preparation in whichever language the client prefers.
Rockland County Communities We Serve
We represent clients throughout Rockland County, including:
Spring Valley
Nanuet
New City
Nyack
Suffern
Pearl River
Haverstraw
Clarkstown
Ramapo
We appear regularly in Rockland County Supreme Court and maintain thorough familiarity with local procedures and personnel.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are considering divorce or have been served with divorce papers, we invite you to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your situation and objectives.
Dillon & Dillon L.L.C. (914) 698-3216 | alan.dillon@dillonlaw.com
