A legal dissolution of marriage in the state of New York is considered disputed when the parties involved cannot agree on the terms of their separation. Disagreements can arise concerning the division of assets, spousal maintenance (alimony), child custody arrangements, or child support obligations. For instance, if one spouse seeks a greater share of marital property than the other is willing to concede, the divorce proceedings are classified as disputed. This necessitates court intervention to resolve the outstanding issues.
These contentious proceedings necessitate a more involved and potentially lengthy legal process than uncontested dissolutions. It is crucial for individuals facing this situation in New York to understand their rights and obligations under state law. The process ensures that disagreements are addressed fairly and equitably, ultimately leading to a court-ordered resolution. Historically, the adversarial nature of such legal separations has driven the development of specialized legal practices and mediation services aimed at achieving more amicable solutions.