Divorce Attorney in Manhattan, New York
When your marriage comes to an end in one of the world’s most complex legal and financial environments, you need more than a lawyer — you need a seasoned advocate who understands the stakes. Steven J. Mandel, now at Warshaw Burstein, LLP, has spent decades representing individuals in Manhattan and across New York City in every type of divorce proceeding, from straightforward uncontested cases to high-stakes contested litigation involving multi-million dollar assets and international holdings.
Manhattan Divorce Law: What You Need to Know
Divorce in New York is governed by the Domestic Relations Law, which provides for both fault-based and no-fault grounds for dissolution. Since 2010, New York has recognized no-fault divorce, allowing either spouse to cite an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage lasting at least six months as grounds for divorce. However, the simplicity of the grounds rarely reflects the complexity of what follows — dividing marital property, negotiating support, and protecting the interests of your children.
Manhattan divorces present unique challenges. The borough is home to some of the most valuable real estate in the world, complex compensation structures including deferred equity, carried interest, and stock options, and sophisticated financial portfolios that require expert analysis. Whether you are a finance executive in Midtown, a creative professional in SoHo, or a long-term Upper East Side resident, the stakes of getting your divorce right are exceptionally high.
How Steven J. Mandel Approaches Your Divorce
Steven J. Mandel brings a rare combination of courtroom experience and negotiation skill to every case. He understands that most clients want to resolve their divorce as efficiently and privately as possible — but he is equally prepared to litigate aggressively when the situation demands it. His philosophy, borrowed from J.P. Morgan, guides his practice: “I don’t want a lawyer to tell me what I cannot do. I hire him to tell me how to do what I want to do.”
From your first consultation, Steven focuses on understanding your priorities — protecting your business, securing your home, ensuring fair support, preserving your relationship with your children — and building a legal strategy designed to achieve those specific outcomes.
Divorce Services We Provide in Manhattan
- Complex High Net Worth Divorce — protecting substantial assets, business interests, and investment portfolios
- Contested Divorce — aggressive representation when spouses cannot reach agreement
- Uncontested & No-Fault Divorce — efficient resolution when both parties agree
- Division of Marital Assets — equitable distribution analysis and negotiation
- Annulments — establishing grounds and completing the legal process
- Post-Divorce Disputes — modification of orders, enforcement, and contempt proceedings
- Separation Agreements — negotiating and drafting legally binding separation terms
Serving All of Manhattan
Our offices at Warshaw Burstein, LLP serve clients throughout Manhattan — from Wall Street and the Financial District to the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Tribeca, SoHo, Chelsea, Midtown, and beyond. We also serve clients in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties.
Schedule a Consultation with a Manhattan Divorce Attorney
Your divorce is one of the most consequential events of your life. Do not face it without experienced legal counsel by your side. Contact Steven J. Mandel at Warshaw Burstein, LLP today to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss how we can protect your interests.
Call us at (646) 770-3868 or visit stevenjmandel.com to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions: Divorce Attorney in Manhattan, New York
Q1: How long does a divorce take in Manhattan, New York?
The timeline depends heavily on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce in Manhattan can be finalized in as little as three to six months. A contested divorce involving complex asset division, custody disputes, or high net worth marital estates can take one to three years or more. An experienced Manhattan divorce attorney can help streamline the process and minimize unnecessary delays.
Q2: How is marital property divided in a New York divorce?
New York is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly — but not necessarily equally. Courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and the economic circumstances of each party. A skilled Manhattan divorce lawyer can advocate for a distribution that protects your financial interests.
Q3: Do I need a divorce attorney if my spouse and I agree on everything?
Even if you and your spouse agree on the key issues, working with a Manhattan divorce attorney is strongly advisable. An attorney ensures that your separation agreement is properly drafted, legally enforceable, and truly protects your rights — especially regarding asset division, retirement accounts, and future support obligations. Mistakes in uncontested divorce paperwork can be costly to correct later.
Q4: What is the difference between legal separation and divorce in New York?
A legal separation allows spouses to live apart and divide finances while remaining legally married. A divorce fully terminates the marriage. Some couples choose legal separation for financial, insurance, or religious reasons. Both require formal legal agreements, and an experienced Manhattan family law attorney can advise which option is better suited to your circumstances.
Q5: How much does a Manhattan divorce attorney cost?
Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of the case, whether it is contested or uncontested, and the experience of the attorney. High net worth divorces involving business valuations, real estate, or complex investments typically require more time and resources. During your consultation, Steven J. Mandel will provide a transparent overview of the expected costs and strategy for your case.
