Jamestown Divorce Lawyers

Divorce isn’t a word anyone ever expects to use for their own life, but here you are. You’re not alone. At Raimondo & Sundquist LLP, we help people in Jamestown, New York, who find themselves in that exact moment when the calm breaks and you need someone who understands both the emotional weight of what you’re facing and the legal steps that come next. Divorce is never just paperwork. It’s about children, property, homes, security, and the right to start over fairly. And that’s what our Jamestown divorce lawyers do–help you find a way forward.

Divorce in New York: What You Should Know

In New York, there are two main paths: uncontested and contested divorce. An uncontested divorce means you and your spouse agree on every major issue, such as custody, child support, alimony, and property division. That’s the simplest route. But when there’s disagreement, things move into contested territory, and the court steps in to resolve what can’t be settled privately.

Importantly, New York is a no-fault divorce state, which means neither spouse has to prove anyone did anything wrong; you can simply state that the marriage has been “irretrievably broken” for six months or more. That said, in some cases, fault (like cruelty, adultery, or abandonment) still matters, especially when determining alimony or custody.

Common Family Law Matters We Handle

At Raimondo & Sundquist LLP, our divorce lawyers represent Jamestown residents in a wide range of family-related legal issues, including the following:

• Child Custody and Visitation: Determining who the children will live with and when. These are delicate cases, and we always prioritize the child’s best interests while protecting your parental rights.
• Child Support and Spousal Maintenance: Making sure financial support is fair, whether you’re the one paying or receiving it.
• Division of Property and Assets: Ensuring that marital assets, like homes, savings, pensions, and business interests, are divided equitably.
• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: We help couples protect what they’ve built before or during marriage.
• Orders of Protection and Domestic Violence Cases: Acting quickly when safety becomes a concern.
• Post-Divorce Modifications: Revisiting custody, visitation, or support terms when circumstances change.

Preparing for Divorce

Before you file anything or make any big moves, it’s worth taking some time to prepare; not just legally, but personally, emotionally, and financially. Divorce can affect nearly every corner of your life, and the more organized you are at the start, the smoother the process will be. Some of the most important steps you should take before moving forward are as follows:

• Gather Your Financial Documents: Start by collecting tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, mortgage papers, insurance policies, and anything that shows income, assets, or debts. It’s tedious, yes, but you’ll need it all later, and having it now can save you weeks of back-and-forth.
• Make a list of What You Own and Owe: This includes your home, vehicles, retirement accounts, credit cards, loans, and even things like family heirlooms or collectibles. Write it down, keep it somewhere safe, and be honest about what’s yours and what’s shared.
• Think About Your Living Situation: Decide whether you’ll stay in the marital home, move out, or arrange something temporary. It’s one of the hardest parts, but planning ahead helps reduce tension later.
• Consider Your Children’s Needs: If you have kids, think about their routines, schooling, and emotional well-being. Divorce impacts them too, and stability matters. Try to picture what a healthy new normal might look like.
• Check Your Credit and Open Accounts in Your Own Name: This isn’t about hiding money; it’s about protecting yourself. Establish your own financial identity now, so you’re not left dependent later.
• Don’t Rush to Post on Social Media: It’s tempting to vent or share, but even innocent posts can be taken out of context during a case. Keep things private for now.
• Talk to an Attorney Early: You don’t have to commit to filing right away, but speaking with a lawyer helps you understand what’s ahead. A short conversation now can prevent major mistakes down the line.
• Take Care of Yourself: Divorce is draining. Eat well, get sleep, lean on people you trust, and remember that this is temporary. You will come out the other side stronger, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now.

Preparing doesn’t mean you’re giving up; it means you’re setting yourself up to make smart, calm choices when things get stressful. And when you’re ready to take that next step, we’ll be ready to help you through it.

Contact Our Divorce Lawyers in Jamestown, New York

If you’re facing a divorce or family law matter in Jamestown, now is the time to reach out to our experienced and dedicated lawyers. The earlier you get guidance, the more control you’ll have over the outcome. At Raimondo & Sundquist LLP, we’ll walk you through each step, answer every question, and fight to protect your rights and future. Contact our firm for an initial consultation today.

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