White Plains Divorce Attorney

Put a Seasoned Trial Lawyer on Your Side

For nearly 30 years, Michael J. Borrelli has appeared daily in Westchester County's courtrooms, building working relationships with judges, court staff, and opposing counsel that shape how he prepares and litigates divorce cases. As a lifelong Westchester County resident and active member of the Westchester County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association, he brings an insider's understanding of local court procedures to every matrimonial case. We handle divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence matters throughout White Plains and the surrounding area. Michael personally attends 99% of client court appearances, so you're represented by the attorney you hired. Hablamos español.

Your consultation is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Call (914) 928-2766 to speak with a trusted divorce lawyer in White Plains.

Divorce Matters We Handle

Whether your divorce is straightforward or highly contested, we represent clients across the full range of matrimonial issues filed with the Westchester County Supreme Court.

Contested and uncontested divorce both require a clear legal strategy:

• Contested divorce: When spouses can't agree on property division, custody, or support, the case proceeds to the Supreme Court for judicial resolution.
• Uncontested divorce: When both parties agree on all material terms, the process is usually faster and less adversarial.
• Equitable distribution: New York divides marital property fairly but not necessarily equally, weighing factors like marriage length, income, and each spouse's contributions.
• Spousal maintenance: New York statutory guidelines govern both temporary and post-divorce maintenance amounts and duration.
• Child custody and support: Custody arrangements follow New York's best-interests-of-the-child standard, while support is calculated under the Child Support Standards Act.
• Orders of protection: Available through Supreme Court or Family Court in cases involving domestic violence.
• Separation agreements: Allow spouses to formalize terms before or instead of divorce; under recent changes to New York law, a signed and filed agreement with the parties living apart for six months can serve as grounds for divorce.

Contested cases often require multiple court appearances over months or longer. Michael's commitment to personally attending 99% of those appearances helps keep your case consistent from the first filing through final resolution.

Get 30+ Years of Courtroom Experience Behind Your Case

Michael built his career inside the Westchester County District Attorney's office, spending seven years in the Superior Court Trial Division and serving as Supervisor for the New Rochelle, Northern Westchester, and Yorktown branches. He served as legal advisor to more than 20 police agencies and trained Assistant District Attorneys across the county. That institutional knowledge of how Westchester's courts operate now informs how he handles discovery, structures arguments, and anticipates opposing strategy in divorce proceedings.

His standing within the legal community extends beyond the courtroom. Presiding Justice Hon. A. Gail Prudenti appointed Michael to the Committees on Character and Fitness of the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department. This judicial appointment, held by very few practicing attorneys, reflects the court's trust in his judgment and professional integrity.

We offer free, confidential consultations 24/7, including nights and weekends. When your case is active, Michael is the attorney who shows up at the courthouse, not a junior associate meeting you for the first time. We also serve Spanish-speaking clients throughout the White Plains area.

New York Divorce Law for Westchester County Residents

New York requires at least one spouse to meet residency thresholds before filing. The most common path requires at least one year of continuous New York residence when the marriage took place in the state, the couple lived here as a married couple, or the grounds for divorce arose here. As of February 2025, New York law requires filing in the county where one of the parties or a minor child resides, which typically means Westchester County residents file with the Supreme Court in White Plains.

Key features of New York divorce law include:

• No-fault grounds: The most commonly used ground is no-fault, where one spouse swears that the marriage has been irretrievably broken for at least six months. In a contested divorce, the court won't grant the divorce on no-fault grounds until all financial and parenting issues have been resolved.
• Equitable distribution: New York is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on statutory factors. Separate property (assets owned before the marriage, gifts, or inheritances) is generally excluded from division.
• Spousal maintenance: Spousal maintenance is gender-neutral and calculated using statutory formulas tied to income and marriage duration.

An attorney who's worked inside Westchester County's courts for nearly three decades understands how these rules apply in practice, from how local judges weigh equitable distribution factors to how contested custody disputes are managed through trial.

Divorce FAQ

Do I Need to File for Divorce in White Plains?

If you live in Westchester County, you'll typically file with the Westchester County Supreme Court located in White Plains.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in New York?

Timelines vary significantly. Uncontested divorces where both spouses agree on all terms can resolve in a matter of months. Contested cases requiring judicial intervention on property, custody, or support issues can take considerably longer depending on complexity and court scheduling.

What If My Spouse Doesn't Agree to the Divorce?

One spouse's disagreement doesn't prevent the divorce from proceeding. New York's no-fault ground requires only one spouse's sworn statement.

Can I Speak with an Attorney Before Deciding to File?

Yes. We offer free, confidential consultations 24/7, including weekends and evenings.

Talk to a White Plains Divorce Attorney for Free Today

When you're ready to move forward, Michael Borrelli is available to discuss your case in a free, confidential consultation. With 30+ years of courtroom experience in Westchester County and a commitment to personally handling your court appearances, you'll know exactly who is representing you from day one.

Call (914) 928-2766 anytime, day or night, to schedule your free consultation. Hablamos español.