New York City Contested Divorce Lawyer
What is Contested Divorce in New York City?
The decision to dissolve a marriage can be one of the most difficult decisions a person makes, even in the best situation.
When a couple cannot agree on provisions within the divorce, another layer of anxiety is added to an already difficult process.
Whether the disagreement is about child custody, equitable distribution, alimony, or divorce in general, the divorce becomes contested. Contested divorces take longer than uncontested divorces, and they require more negotiation for the couple to reach an agreement.
If you are facing disagreements in your divorce, contact an experienced New York City divorce lawyer like Vivien I. Stark to negotiate in the most amicable way possible. Since we specialize in family and marital law, we have experience in contested divorces and other aspects of divorce. We work to reach your best outcome quickly and cost-effectively. We aim to reduce stress as much as possible so our clients can get on with their lives.
Meet Attorney Vivien Stark
Founding Attorney

Vivien Stark is a skilled New York City divorce and family law attorney with over 30 years of experience helping clients navigate complex legal matters. Her practice includes all areas of matrimonial and family law, such as prenuptial and separation agreements, actions for separation, annulment, and both contested and uncontested divorce.
She also handles matters involving child support, custody, visitation, paternity, relocation, orders of protection, and other proceedings in the Family and Supreme Courts of New York City.
Ms. Stark strives to achieve amicable resolutions whenever possible but is fully prepared to advocate aggressively in court when necessary. She proudly represents clients throughout all five boroughs of New York City.
Call Vivien Stark today at (646) 960-8260 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Call a Skilled New York City Contested Divorce Lawyer Today
At the Law Offices of Vivien I. Stark, our experienced New York City divorce attorneys are ready to help you through every step of the divorce process. Whether your case is straightforward or involves complex, high-conflict issues, we have the knowledge and resources to protect your interests and guide you toward a better future. Call us today at (646) 960-8260 or send us an email to schedule a confidential consultation with our dedicated legal team.
What Happens in a Contested Divorce?
The most common disagreements in divorces are custody arrangements and property division. However, a contested divorce can refer to a disagreement on anything, including but not limited to, child support, visitation rights, parenting time, debt, spousal support, equitable distribution or counsel fees. When a divorce is contested, both spouses will need to exchange documents and possibly appraise real estate, retirement assets or other property. If the parties are still unable to reach an agreement after the exchange of documents and the completion of appraisals, a trial will be scheduled before a judge who will make a determination on the final outcome.
Not every contested divorce is a knock-down-drag-out event, and as your attorneys, we do all we can to keep your divorce from escalating to a court proceeding to save you both the financial and emotional wear-and-tear. We are diligent and determined when it come to negotiating on your behalf to ensure that you get what is fair, equitable and meets your goals. If a trial becomes necessary, we are competent and effective advocates who protect your rights.
This usually requires several hearings and extensive negotiation. Occasionally, the disagreements can be settled before they escalate to court hearings, but it usually requires an attorney experienced in divorce law. At the law office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. we take every measure to attempt settling disagreements outside of court to save our clients time and money. Vivien I. Stark has over 30 years of experience in family and divorce law and represents her clients with compassion and fairness.
In the event that a case does need to be seen by a judge, spouses will need to substantiate their claims surrounding the disagreement. Simply stating a complaint without proof will not be enough to reach an agreement. Spouses must specifically include details, dates, locations, and other proof of any and all allegations. If property or asset division is contested, the judge will divide it based on equitable distribution; property is not strictly split down the middle.
The judge determines division after considering a number of factors, including income and length of marriage, among other things. If the disagreement is on the custody or support of a child, the judge will base his or her decision on the child’s best interest. Of course, if the grounds for divorce or the divorce itself is contested, the judge will require each spouse to think carefully about each side and submit any necessary proof. Because contested divorces can quickly become complicated and cause a great deal of resentment, it is vital to have a skilled New York City contested divorce lawyer.
Testimonials
“Vivien does the work so you get results”
“Family law is a long drawn out ordeal. Vivien cuts through so much of the B.S. She’s often the only one in the room behaving like an adult. You want to get the bickering over and move on with your life. you need Vivien with you, guiding the way and handling the details”
-Jeffrey R.
Read Review Here
“My experience with Vivien and her staff exceeded my expectations.”
“She has 30+ years of experience and is adept at navigating the confusing court system. She responds promptly with professionalism, patience, takes detailed notes so she is always prepared.”
-Trisha K.
Read Review Here
“I highly and enthusiastically recommend Vivien! I am truly so grateful for her.”
“Vivien helped me navigate in an uncertain & unprecedented situation with care, compassion, and with the highest professional quality.”
-Paul A.
Read Review Here
Areas We Serve
Our experienced New York City divorce attorneys proudly serve the following neighborhoods:
Manhattan | Brooklyn | Queens | The Bronx | Staten Island | Upper East Side | Upper West Side | Midtown | Lower Manhattan | Financial District | Tribeca | SoHo | Chelsea | Greenwich Village | East Village | Harlem | Washington Heights | Inwood | Williamsburg | Greenpoint | Bushwick | Park Slope | Dumbo | Downtown Brooklyn | Long Island City | Astoria | Flushing | Forest Hills | Jackson Heights | Riverdale | Fordham | Pelham Bay | St. George | Tottenville | New Dorp | Bay Ridge | Bensonhurst | Coney Island
Call an Experienced New York City Contested Divorce Lawyer Today
Vivien I. Stark navigates the difficult waters for people during the most stressful kinds of divorce settlements. She is aggressive in her ambitions for her clients and a thoughtful listener. She’s been practicing divorce and family law in the five boroughs of New York City for 30 years.
At the law office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. we are deeply committed to the satisfaction and well-being of our clients. We fight for your rights and best interest, along with the best interest of your children, and work to reconcile both sides’ disagreements as quickly as possible. If your case cannot be resolved, the issues will be determined at trial. Vivien I. Stark has been recognized as a top contributor and a superb member of Avvo and is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau.
To discuss your needs, please contact us online or call us at (212) 349-1600 to schedule an in office or telephone consultation.