Brooklyn Family Lawyer

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle in Brooklyn

The Law Office of Daniel Clement represents clients across a wide range of family law matters in Brooklyn. Below is a summary of the types of cases we take on.

• Divorce. We handle contested and uncontested divorces for Brooklyn residents. Whether you and your spouse are close to agreement or nowhere near it, we guide you through property division, maintenance, and every step of the process from filing to final judgment.

• Child custody. Custody disputes are among the most difficult family law matters. We represent parents in both legal and physical custody matters, and we work to protect the relationship between you and your children in and out of court.

• Child visitation. Visitation schedules affect daily life, holidays, and vacations. We negotiate and litigate parenting time arrangements that account for your child’s needs and your relationship with them.

• Alimony and spousal maintenance. New York’s maintenance formula is complicated. We help you understand what you may owe or what you’re entitled to, and we advocate for fair outcomes in temporary and post-divorce maintenance disputes.

• Prenuptial agreements. A prenup isn’t a sign of distrust. It’s a practical step that protects both parties if a marriage ends. We draft and review prenuptial agreements that hold up under scrutiny.

• Pet custody. New York courts now consider the best interest of companion animals during divorce. We handle pet custody disputes and work to keep your pet with you.

• High-asset divorce. Divorces involving significant assets, business interests, or multiple properties require careful valuation and aggressive advocacy. We have handled complex and high-profile cases throughout Brooklyn and New York City.

• Domestic violence and orders of protection. If you are in danger, or if you’ve been falsely accused of domestic violence, we help you seek or defend against orders of protection and address how domestic violence allegations affect custody and divorce proceedings.

• Annulment. Not every marriage needs to end in divorce. In some situations, an annulment may be appropriate. We evaluate whether your circumstances meet New York’s legal grounds for voiding a marriage.

• Mediation. Not every case needs to go to trial. We offer mediation services as an alternative to litigation, helping couples resolve disputes outside the courtroom when both sides are willing to negotiate in good faith.

Why Choose the Law Office of Daniel Clement for Family Law in Brooklyn, NY?

40 Years of Hands-On Family Law Experience

Daniel Clement founded the Law Office of Daniel Clement to give Brooklyn families the kind of personal attention that larger firms often can’t provide. He earned his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School in 1986 and has been licensed to practice in New York since that same year. That’s 40 years of courtroom appearances, settlement negotiations, and client advocacy in New York family law.

Daniel is a member of the New York City Bar Association and has served on its Matrimonial Committee. He has also served as an Arbitrator in New York City’s Small Claims Court. He was named a Super Lawyer in 2015 and received a Best Attorney award in Professional Services in 2010.

A Track Record Brooklyn Families Trust

We’ve handled family law cases of all sizes, from straightforward uncontested divorces to complex, high-profile disputes involving significant assets and contentious custody issues. Clients have consistently described Daniel Clement’s approach as practical and client-centered.

We also offer free consultations, which means you can sit down, discuss your situation, and understand your legal position without any financial commitment up front.

Family Law Case Overview

Grounds for Divorce and Property Division in New York

New York is a no-fault divorce state. That means you can file for divorce by stating under oath that the marriage has been irretrievably broken for at least six months. You do not need to prove wrongdoing. But no-fault is only one of seven recognized grounds under New York’s Domestic Relations Law. The others include cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment, imprisonment, and adultery.

Property division follows equitable distribution principles. That doesn’t mean equal. It means fair, based on the circumstances. Courts weigh the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, contributions to marital property, and future financial needs.

• Marital vs. separate property. Assets acquired during the marriage are generally marital property. What you brought in or received as a gift or inheritance usually stays separate, unless commingled.

• Equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property based on fairness, not a 50/50 split. A Brooklyn family attorney can help identify and value all assets.

• Maintenance (alimony). New York uses a statutory formula for temporary maintenance, but post-divorce maintenance depends on factors including age, earning capacity, and standard of living.

• Automatic orders. Once a divorce is filed, automatic stays prevent both parties from transferring or dissipating marital assets.

Important Aspects in Your Family Law Case

Every family law case in Brooklyn involves details that can shift the outcome. A few things worth understanding before you meet with an attorney:

The New York Supreme Court handles divorces. Family Court handles custody and visitation when no divorce is pending. Residency requirements also apply. At least one spouse must have lived in New York for one year before filing.

• Your net worth statement is one of the most important documents in a New York divorce. Both sides must disclose income, expenses, assets, and debts.

• Temporary orders for custody or maintenance can be entered early and may influence the final outcome.

• Social media posts are discoverable and can be used as evidence in custody and divorce proceedings.

• Courts prioritize the child’s best interests, considering parenting ability, stability, and each parent’s willingness to foster a relationship with the other.

Family Law Case Timeline

How long a family law case takes depends on its complexity. An uncontested divorce can be finalized in three to four months. A contested divorce often takes a year or longer.

• Filing. You file a summons with notice or a summons and complaint in Kings County Supreme Court.

• Preliminary conference. A preliminary conference is scheduled where the judge sets a discovery schedule and addresses temporary issues.

• Discovery. Both sides exchange financial records, valuations, and other documentation.

• Negotiation or trial. Many cases settle before trial. If not, the matter is tried before a judge. There are no jury trials in New York divorce cases.

• Judgment. The judge issues a Judgment of Divorce finalizing custody, property, and maintenance.

What to Bring to Your Family Law Consultation

Bring whatever documentation you have to your first meeting. The more prepared you are, the more productive it will be.

• Recent tax returns (two to three years)

• Pay stubs and proof of income for both spouses

• Bank and investment account statements

• Mortgage documents and property records

• Any existing court orders or agreements

During the consultation, we’ll review your situation, explain your options, and give you a realistic picture of what lies ahead. The consultation is free.

New York Legal Resources for Family Law

If you’re dealing with a family law matter in Brooklyn, the following resources can help you locate relevant statutes and understand court procedures. These are not substitutes for legal advice, but they can provide useful background information.

• The NY CourtHelp family page provides plain-language explanations of custody, visitation, divorce, and other family matters handled in New York courts.

• The Domestic Relations Law on the New York Senate website contains the full text of New York’s family law statutes, including marriage, divorce, custody, and adoption.

• The NYCourts.gov divorce section offers information about the divorce process, free forms for uncontested divorces, and links to mediation and collaborative law services.

• The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence operates a 24/7 hotline and provides safety planning resources for domestic violence survivors across New York State.

• The Office of Children and Family Services maintains a directory of licensed domestic violence service providers by county, including programs in Kings County (Brooklyn).

Reach Out to the Law Office of Daniel Clement to Schedule a Consultation

If you are going through a divorce, a custody dispute, or any other family law matter in Brooklyn, NY, we are here to help. The Law Office of Daniel Clement has spent 40 years representing individuals just like you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward resolving your case.

What Our Clients Say

Very knowledgeable. Daniel made things much easier in my custody case. He helped me to prepare and with his recommendation we avoided going thru the pain of a trial.
Thanks a lot Daniel!

– Felipe R.

Law Office Of Daniel Clement – NYC Family Law Firm

112 Madison Ave Suite 800
New York, NY 10016