A divorce affects every aspect of your life, from your relationships with your children to your property to your sense of personal identity. Our Brooklyn divorce lawyers at Polizzotto & Polizzotto, LLC, have more than 50 years of combined experience helping people navigate the divorce process and move on with their lives.
Our lawyers will work hard to preserve your relationships with your children and move toward an amicable divorce and stable child custody arrangement that truly is in the best interests of your children.
In most cases, we can resolve divorces quickly and efficiently through a negotiated settlement. If the other side is unreasonable, however, we are willing and able to represent your interests aggressively in court.
Contact us now to learn how a Brooklyn family lawyer from our team can assist with all of your legal needs.
Why Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Brooklyn, NY?
Hiring an attorney from our team when handling family law matters can reduce the stress and uncertainty of going through a divorce. Our team believes in offering compassionate, personalized support focused on helping you meet your future goals.
We understand New York’s divorce laws and have experience navigating the family court system.
You can rely on us to:
- Answer questions about contested and uncontested divorce
- Explain issues with the equitable distribution of marital assets
- Handle property division when necessary
- Represent you during court proceedings
- Handle settlement agreements and explain mediation
We vary the legal services we offer based on the unique needs of each client. You can reach out to our team now to learn more about how we can help you throughout the divorce proceedings. We understand issues like divorce and property rights, and we’re ready to help.
Services Our Firm Offers
Our lawyers have experience in resolving all issues that can arise in divorce, including:
- Litigation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Separation agreements
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
- Spousal support/alimony
- Equitable asset distribution
- Annulment
Turn to our Brooklyn divorce attorneys now for the help you deserve. We’re here to help with your needs in Sunset Park, Bensonhurst, Sheepshead Bay, Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy), and Bay Ridge.
Don't wait to protect your future, schedule a consultation today and get the experienced legal guidance you need to move forward with confidence.
CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION 718-232-1250We Understand the Laws on Spousal Maintenance
In 2015, the New York State Legislature made significant changes to the law on spousal support. The new law continues the formula put in place a few years ago to cover temporary spousal maintenance until a divorce becomes final. This formula will now also apply to post-divorce alimony (also called spousal support).
The formula applies to the payor’s income up to a statutory cap of $241,000, which went into effect on March 1, 2026. Under the new law, judges will have suggested ranges for the duration of awards, based on the length of the marriage. The amount awarded under the formula will also be affected by whether child support payments are required.
The new law also removes a long-standing requirement in New York law regarding the valuation of professional degrees or licenses acquired during the marriage. You can rely on us to provide legal representation throughout the process of calculating maintenance.
How the Courts Calculate Alimony in New York
Alimony, also referred to as “spousal support” or “spousal maintenance” in New York, is a financial obligation that may arise during or after divorce proceedings. Alimony helps the lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living.
Before calculating alimony, courts often assess the division of marital property through a process called equitable distribution. Equitable distribution does not mean the court always splits assets equally. Instead, the court evaluates what is fair based on the unique circumstances of the couple.
When determining alimony, New York courts often evaluate a range of personal and financial factors relevant to the marriage and the spouses. These considerations help to ensure that any spousal support awarded reflects the realities of both parties’ individual situations:
- The income and future earning capacity of each spouse
- The length of the marriage
- The age and health of both spouses
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- The availability and cost of health insurance
- The tax consequences of spousal support payments
- Each spouse’s contributions (financially or in-kind) to the marriage
- The efforts made by the recipient to become self-supporting
These factors provide a framework for judges to tailor awards to the needs and capabilities of each spouse.
New York City follows the statewide formula for calculating alimony. There are two distinct formulas used, depending on whether one party will need to pay child support.
New York always calculates two numbers, then uses the lower result. This “two‑formula system” is designed to prevent excessive awards and ensure fairness. Formula 1 is called the Income Difference Formula. Formula 2 is called the Income Sharing Cap Formula.
Based on the Income Difference Formula: if child support plays a role in the case, the formula subtracts 25% of the recipient’s income from 20% of the payer’s income. If child support is not involved, the formula subtracts 20% of the recipient’s income from 30% of the payer’s income. Then the Income Sharing Cap Formula is also calculated, 40% of the combined income minus the income of the recipient. These formulas apply to income up to a statutory cap that adjusts annually for inflation. Whichever calculation is determined to be the least amount is used to determine the final guideline maintenance.
Your case deserves a law firm that puts your needs first, not its bottom line. Schedule a consultation and let us provide the results you need.
CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION 718-232-1250Resolving Issues That Arise After Separation
Our divorce attorneys also help clients resolve issues that arise after separation, such as relocation of a custodial parent, child custody modifications, modification of child support and spousal support, and enforcement of visitation and support orders.
Why Choose Us to Help With the Divorce Process?
Our team at Polizzotto & Polizzotto, LLC, has the legal experience and resources to support you throughout the process of getting a divorce. We’re very familiar with New York family courts and use this familiarity to help with all of your legal needs.
We take issues like property division, parental rights, and post-divorce proceedings seriously. We’ll maintain open communication with you throughout the legal process and stand up for your rights every step of the way.
We are committed to investing our energy in long-lasting, fruitful relationships. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION 718-232-1250
Talk to Us About Your Divorce in Brooklyn, NY
You can get professional help with all legal matters related to divorce from our team at Polizzotto & Polizzotto, LLC. We have extensive experience handling family law matters, and we’re ready to prioritize your needs.
A Brooklyn divorce attorney from our team can work tirelessly to help you reach your goals while supporting your future. Reach out now for a consultation to discuss your next steps.
