Smolen Law

Nassau County Divorce Lawyer

Our Boutique Practice Focuses Exclusively on Nassau County Divorce matters so we can remain Accessible, Efficient, and Deeply Involved in every client’s case, while continuing to assist clients across New York & New Jersey in other areas of law.

AFFORDABLE DIVORCE REPRESENTATION in Nassau County

Divorce is deeply personal. Beyond the legal issues, it often brings overwhelming stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear about the future. You deserve an attorney who is not only effective, but also empathetic and accessible throughout the process.

As someone who has personally gone through divorce litigation and paid for legal representation myself,

I understand firsthand how emotionally and financially draining divorce can become. I have also watched friends and family spend enormous sums on legal fees for constant emails, letters, and unnecessary back-and-forth communications that did little to move their cases forward.

When you are served with divorce papers, or when you first read your spouse’s response, your anxiety can skyrocket. You are going to have questions. You are going to want communication and reassurance. In my view, clients should not feel punished financially for reasonable communication with their attorney during one of the most stressful periods of their lives.

My approach focuses on practical, results-oriented representation.

 Your legal fees should be directed toward meaningful legal work — preparing motions, addressing custody and parenting issues, seeking interim support, protecting financial interests, negotiating fair resolutions, and advocating for you in court when necessary — not endless letters and performative conflict that may simply be ignored.

I represent clients in Nassau County divorce and family law matters with an emphasis on honest communication, reasonable billing practices, and compassionate representation during a very difficult chapter of life.

As an attorney who has personally experienced the realities of a contested divorce, I bring both legal training and genuine empathy to every case. I understand the emotional and financial pressures clients face and am committed to helping them navigate the process with dignity, clarity, and practical guidance.

Types of DIVORCE Cases Handled

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Contested Divorce

When spouses cannot agree on issues such as custody, support, or property division, the matter may proceed through litigation.

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Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce allows spouses to resolve matters efficiently when both parties agree on key issues.

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Divorce Mediation Support

Guiding couples toward amicable negotiated settlements.

Child Custody & Parenting Matters

Child custody disputes require careful legal guidance and a focus on the best interests of the child. Robert provides compassionate yet strategic representation for parents navigating custody and parenting issues in Nassau County, New York, on Long Island.

Representation Includes:

"Every custody case deserves sensitivity and precision - protecting both parental rights and the child's emotional well-being."

Spousal Support & Alimony

Spousal maintenance may become a significant issue during divorce proceedings. Robert assists clients with fair and strategic financial arrangements that ensure stability for both parties after divorce.

Representation Includes:

"Fair financial arrangements ensure stability for both parties after divorce."

Property Division

Property Division in Divorce Cases

Protecting Your Financial Future

Dividing marital property during a divorce can be complex and emotionally challenging. Robert represents clients throughout Nassau County, New York on Long Island in matters involving equitable distribution, high value assets, and financial disputes.

Whether your case involves real estate, retirement accounts, business ownership, or inherited property, every asset must be carefully evaluated and strategically addressed.

A properly structured property division strategy can significantly impact your financial future after divorce.

PROPERTY MATTERS HANDLED

Real Estate Division

Marital homes, vacation properties, investment real estate, and refinancing matters.

Business & Professional Assets

Business ownership interests, partnerships, and professional practice valuation.

Retirement & Investments

401(k)s, pensions, brokerage accounts, retirement benefits, and stock portfolios.

Debt Allocation

credit cards, liens, mortgages, and shared financial obligations.

Separate vs. Marital Property

Determining which properties are subject to division.

High-Asset Divorce Matters

Complex financial structures, executive compensation, and substantial estates.

Trusted

Compassionate Legal Guidance & Support

NY & NJ

Licensed to Practice in New York & New Jersey

Personalized

Asset Protection Strategies

Protect What Matters Most

Property division decisions can affect your finances for years after divorce.
Strategic legal guidance is essential when addressing marital assets,
debts, and long-term financial security.

Why Divorce Costs Can Increase?

Why Hourly Rate Matters

In contested divorce matters, hourly rate can significantly affect total legal cost.

  • My rate: $200/hr
  • Others: $400–$500/hr

200 Hours

$40000 vs $100000

Property Division

What to Expect During Your Divorce Case

Every divorce matter is unique, but most cases follow a structured legal process. Robert guides clients through each stage with clear communication, strategic planning, and personalized representation.

1

INITIAL CONSULTATION

Discuss your circumstances, concerns, and legal goals in a confidential setting.

2

CASE EVALUATION & STRATEGY

A legal strategy is developed based on custody, finances, property, and long-term objectives.

3

FILING & DOCUMENTATION

Preparation and filing of all necessary legal documents and court submissions.

4

NEGOTIATION OR LITIGATION

Cases may proceed through settlement discussions, mediation, or courtroom litigation when necessary.

5

RESOLUTION & FINAL JUDGMENT

Finalize divorce terms through settlement or court order.

Clear communication and preparation are essential throughout every stage of the divorce process.

Serving clients

Across New York and New Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about special education rights and school procedures.

The cost of a divorce depends on several factors, including whether the case is contested or uncontested, the complexity of financial matters, and whether child custody disputes are involved.

Divorce costs may be affected by:

  • Court filing fees
  • Attorney representation
  • Custody evaluations
  • Property and asset division
  • Mediation or litigation expenses
  • Length of the case

In general, uncontested divorces are less expensive and resolve more quickly than contested matters.

“Every divorce case is different. Legal strategy and case complexity often determine the overall cost.”

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on major issues such as:

  • Child custody
  • Property division
  • Spousal support
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Financial responsibilities

A contested divorce occurs when spouses disagree on one or more of these issues and court involvement becomes necessary.

Uncontested Divorce Benefits:

✔ Faster resolution
✔ Lower legal costs
✔ Reduced stress
✔ Greater privacy

Contested Divorce May Involve:

  • Court hearings
  • Negotiations
  • Mediation
  • Financial disputes
  • Custody litigation

Robert represents clients in both contested and uncontested divorce matters throughout Nassau County, New York, and New Jersey.

In New York, child custody decisions are based on the “best interests of the child” standard.

Courts may consider:

  • Each parent’s involvement in the child’s life
  • Stability of the home environment
  • Communication between parents
  • Emotional and physical well-being of the child
  • Educational needs
  • Parenting ability and cooperation

Types of Custody:

  • Legal Custody
  • Physical Custody
  • Sole Custody
  • Joint Custody

Whenever possible, courts encourage arrangements that support healthy parent-child relationships.

Spousal support, also known as alimony or maintenance, refers to financial payments one spouse may be required to provide to the other during or after divorce proceedings.

Courts may evaluate:

  • Length of the marriage
  • Income and earning capacity
  • Standard of living during marriage
  • Financial needs of each spouse
  • Childcare responsibilities
  • Future earning potential

Types of Support May Include:

  • Temporary support
  • Post-divorce maintenance
  • Rehabilitative support

Spousal support outcomes vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the marriage and finances involved.

New York follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly — though not always equally.

Property division may involve:

  • Marital homes and real estate
  • Retirement accounts
  • Investments and savings
  • Businesses and professional practices
  • Debts and financial obligations
  • Separate versus marital property claims

Factors Courts May Consider:

  • Length of the marriage
  • Financial contributions of each spouse
  • Future financial circumstances
  • Child custody arrangements
  • Value of marital assets

High-asset divorces often require detailed financial analysis and strategic legal planning.

The timeline for divorce depends on:

  • Whether the case is contested
  • Court scheduling
  • Custody disputes
  • Financial complexity
  • Cooperation between spouses

General Timeline Expectations:

✔ Uncontested Divorce: Often several months
✔ Contested Divorce: May take significantly longer depending on disputes and litigation

Cases involving substantial assets, business interests, or custody litigation may require additional time.

Not always.

Many divorce matters are resolved through:

  • Settlement negotiations
  • Mediation
  • Attorney discussions
  • Written agreements

However, court appearances may become necessary if disputes cannot be resolved privately.

Yes. Divorce mediation allows spouses to negotiate solutions in a more private and cooperative setting.

Mediation may help:

  • Reduce legal costs
  • Avoid lengthy court battles
  • Improve communication
  • Create flexible parenting arrangements
  • Resolve disputes more efficiently

Even during mediation, it is important to have legal guidance to protect your rights and financial interests.

Clients are encouraged to bring any documents relevant to their marriage, finances, or custody concerns.

Helpful documents may include:

  • Tax returns
  • Bank statements
  • Mortgage documents
  • Prenuptial agreements
  • Retirement account information
  • Business financial records
  • Existing court orders

A confidential consultation helps identify the legal and financial issues involved in your case.

The first step is scheduling a confidential consultation to discuss your circumstances, concerns, and legal options.

Robert provides personalized divorce representation for clients throughout:

  • Nassau County
  • Long Island
  • New York
  • New Jersey

“Strategic legal guidance at the beginning of a divorce case can make a significant difference in the outcome.”