New York Religious Divorce Attorney

Lawyers for Religious Annulment & Divorce on Long Island

Looking to get a divorce on Long Island? Allow Wisselman, Harounian & Associates to offer you the guidance you need to resolve your religious divorce. Since our founding over 45 years ago, our firm has achieved thousands legal victories and is regarded as a leader in the field of New York family law. We understand what a difficult time this is for you, and we want to guide you in navigating these complicated legal waters. We invite you to schedule a free consultation to learn more about our firm and to see how we can help you and your family. Religious divorce matters are complex, and usually involve challenges of blame, shame and deep stigma against divorce in a cultural or religious community. Domestic violence is also prevalent in many cases.

Contact us online to request a consultation or call our office at 516-773-8300.

Jewish Get

Under Jewish law, a divorcing couple cannot terminate their marriage without obtaining a Get, which is a religious decree of divorce that can only be granted by a Beth Din or rabbincal court. This practice originated in biblical times and are still an important part of Jewish divorce law today. By working with a divorce attorney experienced in the particular requirements of a Jewish divorce, you can ensure that any legal complications pertaining to the Get are handled with skill and efficiency.

In New York, spouses who wish to terminate their marriage can begin legal proceedings simply by citing “irreconcilable differences.” In short, the law does not require an actual reason for the separation (such as adultery). Jewish matrimonial law is similar and does not require the couple to state fault by either party. However, many Jews who are not Orthodox still require a Get.

The cases we have handled regarding the Jewish Get range from enforcement issues related to compliance with the Get all the way to advice pertaining to prenuptial agreements (prior to the wedding), and even providing for the issuance of the Get. Many of these cases may also involve international jurisdiction issues, which our firm is well qualified to help clients resolve. We have many clients that have dual citizenship in Israel and the United States, or have legal proceedings and/or assets in both countries.

How Our Jewish Divorce Attorneys Can Help You:

  • Resolving matters related to the Ketubah (marriage contract)
  • Obtaining the Get
  • Helping individuals who were refused a Get
  • Corresponding with the Beth Din of America on your behalf, including at hearings if necessary

Islamic Mahr (Mehrieh)

In Islam, a Mahr, or Mehrieh, is a mandatory payment by the groom (or the groom’s father) to the bride at the time of marriage. This “payment” legally becomes the bride’s property and is usually gifted in the form of gold coins, money, or other property.

Under Islamic law, marriage is considered a civil contract, and Mahr is considered an effect of a valid Islamic marriage contract. Because Mahr is considered a gift, it becomes the bride’s separate property, and she is entitled to keep it in the event of divorce. Payment of a Mahr is separate from any alimony the wife may be eligible to receive; it is a supplement, not a substitute, to other legal obligations between spouses.

Islamic marriage contracts are enforceable in the State of New York. A Mahr agreement can be a central issue in negotiations, which is why it is important to work with a divorce attorney who is experienced with Islamic matters of divorce. If you are seeking a divorce and matters relating to a Mahr, turn to our firm for assistance with the process as well as enforcement of the terms of your marriage contract. Many of these cases may also involve international jurisdiction issues, which our Islamic divorce attorneys in NY are well qualified to help clients resolve.

Catholic Annulment

Our religious annulment attorneys are very experienced in dealing with religious divorce matters involving removal of barriers to remarriage concerning the Annulment (for Catholic couples and secular couples). An annulment is a legal proceeding that declares a marriage invalid and completely voids record of the marriage. Roman Catholics who wish to remarry in the Church may wish to have their marriage annulled.

According to the Church, a Catholic marriage may be annulled if the marriage lacked at least one of the following elements before vows were exchanged:

  • The spouses were free to marry
  • The spouses intended to marry for life
  • The spouses intended to be faithful and open to children
  • The spouses intended “good of each other”
  • The spouses consented to the marriage in the presence of witnesses before an authorized church official

A declaration of nullity from the church states that the marital relationship was missing something required by the Church for marriage. For couples of different religions, or secular couples, there are many other reasons why they might seek a legal annulment. The most common ground is fraud.

If you have questions about religious divorce, we encourage you to contact our firm to schedule a free consultation.

Call (516) 773-8300 or contact us online today. Click here for a consultation!