New York's divorce law is complex — and it has changed significantly in the last decade. Kristen has navigated it for clients across Westchester and New York City for more than 25 years, handling everything from straightforward uncontested cases to high-conflict, high-asset matters.
Of course you're worried — maybe scared. The uncertainty, the hurt, the fear: everyone going through this feels it. I'm divorced, too. I get it.
But this is your first divorce — and I've handled hundreds. You don't need to have it figured out before you call. That's what I'm for.
Going through a divorce is almost always emotionally difficult. The legal process shouldn't make it harder. Kristen's approach is to work closely with clients to separate the emotionally charged "I wants" from the legally relevant "must haves" — and to pursue the best possible outcome through negotiation wherever possible, and litigation when necessary.
New York's equitable distribution system divides marital property based on what is fair rather than what is equal — which means the outcome in any given case turns on facts, not formulas. Spousal support calculations were substantially revised in 2015 and continue to evolve. Child support follows statutory guidelines but has its own layer of complexity. Kristen knows this terrain well and will explain what to realistically expect at every stage.
Whether you've just been served with papers or you're the one considering filing, the first conversation is free of charge and completely confidential. There's no obligation, and no runaround — you speak with Kristen.
When both parties agree on all the key issues — property, support, custody — an uncontested divorce can be resolved efficiently and at relatively predictable cost. Kristen handles these cases with the same care as contested matters, making sure the agreement you sign actually protects your interests.
When agreement isn't possible, contested divorce litigation requires a lawyer who knows New York's courts and judges, understands the law in detail, and is prepared to fight where fighting is warranted. Kristen has spent more than two decades doing exactly that.
Under New York law, divorce lawyers cannot work on a contingency basis. Fees are charged hourly. Kristen is upfront about how billing works and works actively to keep costs reasonable. If one spouse controls all the finances, the 2015 law changes make it significantly easier for the other to have legal fees paid by the controlling spouse.
Every divorce involves some combination of these areas. Not all are contested — but all require careful attention.
New York divides marital assets fairly, not equally. What's marital property, what's separate, and what's a fair division are all fact-specific questions that can determine the financial outcome of your case.
Known in New York as maintenance (formerly alimony), the law changed significantly in 2015. There are now statutory formulas for both temporary and post-divorce maintenance — but the formulas have exceptions, and the duration of support remains largely discretionary.
New York's Child Support Standards Act sets guidelines based on combined parental income. The guidelines are a starting point, not a ceiling — above a certain income threshold, the court has discretion, and there are add-on expenses beyond the base amount that must be addressed.
Legal custody (who makes major decisions) and physical custody (where children live) are distinct issues. Courts focus on the best interests of the child, which in practice means a detailed look at each parent's involvement, stability, and circumstances.
Once a divorce case is filed, automatic restraining orders prevent either party from transferring, selling, or dissipating marital assets. Understanding what's restricted — and what to do if the other party violates those restrictions — is critical from the moment the case begins.
Cases involving significant assets, business interests, stock options, deferred compensation, or pension benefits require a lawyer familiar with valuation issues and the forensic accounting questions that arise when the true value of an estate isn't immediately obvious.
Since marriage equality became the law of the land, members of the LGBTQ+ community have learned that divorce equality matters just as much. The legal issues in a same-sex divorce are the same as in any other — but they sometimes carry additional complications, particularly in cases where the marriage predates New York's recognition of same-sex unions or where children were added to the family in ways that require careful legal treatment.
Kristen's familiarity with these issues isn't theoretical. This firm handled the first same-sex divorce to work its way through the New York court system — years before marriage equality was the law. That history reflects an ongoing and genuine commitment, not a marketing posture.
Being a member of a gender or sexual minority is not, and should not be, a factor in a divorce or custody case. If it becomes one, Kristen knows how to address it.
Browde Law practices exclusively in New York State courts — Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and the five boroughs of New York City. We do not practice in Florida or any other state.
You've probably seen advertisements claiming to handle divorces for $149 or $399. Here's why that's misleading: the New York State court system charges filing fees that start at approximately $365 just to process a divorce case. Any service quoting a price below what the court itself charges is either not being honest about what's included, or not providing representation by a licensed attorney.
Uncontested divorces can absolutely be handled efficiently and at reasonable cost — and Kristen will be straightforward with you about what your case is likely to involve. But a bargain-basement service that cuts corners on your settlement agreement can cost you far more in the long run than the few hundred dollars it claims to save.
Browde Law represents divorce clients in courts throughout the lower Hudson Valley and all five boroughs of New York City. The Chappaqua office is convenient to much of Westchester, and consultations by phone or video are available for clients elsewhere.
The first conversation is confidential and carries no obligation. You'll speak with Kristen directly — not a receptionist or intake coordinator.
Contact Kristen → Call (914) 266-9222