Contested Divorce Real Solutions for Real Life

Albany Contested Divorce Lawyer

Albany Contested Divorce Counsel Backed by Experience Since 2006

Divorce can be challenging. When you and your spouse can’t agree on at least one critical issue, the divorce becomes contested and may require court involvement, unlike an uncontested divorce.

At Andrew H. Wood, Esq., PLLC, we represent clients facing contested divorces in Albany and throughout Upstate New York. We develop a personalized legal strategy for every case, prioritize clear and direct communication, and work to protect your rights and best interests at every stage of the process.

Attorney Wood has represented thousands of clients in divorce and family law cases since 2006. His experience with New York divorce and family law cases informs his handling of complex contested matters, and he’s fully prepared to proceed to trial when that’s what your case requires.

Book a confidential consultation with our Albany divorce attorney by contacting us at (518) 712-6685.

How New York Courts Decide on Contested Issues

Even one unresolved issue can prevent a divorce from proceeding as fully uncontested. The case must then be handled as a contested matrimonial action in New York Supreme Court.

Disputed issues may include:

Equitable distribution: The fair division of marital assets and debts.
Child custody and visitation: Determining legal and physical custody arrangements for minor children.
Child support: Establishing financial support obligations for the upbringing of children.
Spousal support and maintenance (alimony): Deciding whether one spouse should provide financial support to the other, and if so, the amount and duration.
Attorney’s fees: Determining responsibility for legal costs incurred during the divorce process.

Depending on the issues in dispute, a contested case may involve court conferences, motion practice, financial disclosures, and settlement negotiations before any trial. If the spouses can’t resolve these issues, the court decides them based on the evidence, legal arguments, and applicable New York standards.

Continue Reading Read Less

Trusted By Families Across the Capital Region

Real Experiences. Real Results.

“He Kept Me Calm and Focused”
“During my divorce and child custody proceedings, Andrew was always available for me and kept me calm and focused during a most difficult time in my life. He treated me like a friend not a client.”

- Joe G.
“Handled My Case With Compassion”
“Andrew is professional, smart, and well respected by his colleagues. He eased my anxieties and fears. He handled my case with compassion and integrity and achieved a favorable result.”

- Former Client
“Empathy, Kindness, and Confidence”
“Andrew listened without judging, gave sound advice, and communicated effectively throughout the process. He showed empathy, kindness, and confidence. With Andrew and his team, you are not just a number.”

- Former Client
“Andrew Has Your Back”
“He got me through a very tough time -- and all in a very humane, validating and intelligent way -- and he got me what I required to have a serene and painless legal separation.”

- Manish V.
“So Thankful for the Outcome”
“Andrew is an outstanding attorney. He understands his client's needs, he is respectful of your time and he doesn't waste it. He always had a sense of my priorities and I am so very thankful for the outcome.”

- Former Client
“His Confidence is Evident”
“I would highly recommend Andrew H. Wood for anyone going through a divorce. His confidence in handling this matter is evident throughout one of the most difficult situations life can throw at you.”

- Brian S.
“He Made It Manageable”
“Mr. Wood guided me through every step of the divorce process with patience and understanding, and made the process much more streamlined and manageable than I ever could have imagined.”

- Amy S.
“Empathy, Kindness, & Confidence”
“He puts you at ease right away. I never felt judged for showing emotions or when needing information explained differently. There was no pressure to settle a particular way and he was fully capable and confident to go to trial.”

- Former Client

View More Reviews

Equitable Distribution

New York follows the principle of equitable distribution, which seeks a fair, though not automatically equal, division of marital property and debts. Courts distinguish between marital and separate property, value the assets and obligations at issue, and apply statutory factors that include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, financial and nonfinancial contributions to the marriage, and each party’s likely future economic circumstances. The outcome depends on the specific facts, the evidence presented, and the court’s discretion.

Child Custody & Support

Custody decisions in New York are governed by the best interests of the child. Courts may consider each parent’s ability to meet the child’s daily and developmental needs, the child’s own wishes depending on age and maturity, the stability of each home environment, and any relevant safety concerns, including a history of domestic violence. Child support is calculated under New York statutory guidelines, taking into account parental income, the number of children, health-care expenses, and child-care costs, among other legally relevant obligations.

Spousal Maintenance

Spousal maintenance decisions in New York can involve both temporary orders while the divorce is pending and post-divorce awards in the final judgment. Courts apply statutory formulas as a starting point and then consider case-specific factors: the length of the marriage, the age and health of both parties, present and future earning capacities, the need for education or retraining, and each spouse’s overall financial circumstances. Courts retain discretion to adjust awards based on the particular facts of the case.

Attorney’s Fees

Courts may order one spouse to contribute to the other’s attorney’s fees when the parties’ financial circumstances create a significant disparity in their ability to fund participation in the litigation. Fee awards are discretionary and may also be considered when one party’s conduct has unnecessarily prolonged or complicated the proceedings. Financial disclosures and supporting records are important whenever the court must evaluate income, assets, or litigation conduct.

Continue Reading Read Less

Experienced, Trial-Ready Counsel for Your Contested Divorce

Contested divorces demand more than general legal knowledge. They require an attorney who understands New York’s standards, can organize the disputed issues, and knows when to negotiate and when to prepare for trial. Our firm brings:

Proven experience: Attorney Wood has more than 20 years of family law experience and has represented thousands of clients in New York divorce and family court proceedings since 2006.
Recognized standing: Attorney Wood was selected to Super Lawyers® for nine consecutive years and as a Rising Star for two years, and was featured in “Top 10 Under 40” by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys.
Personalized strategy: We develop a tailored legal approach for every client, addressing financial, property, and child-related issues with the specific facts of your case in mind.
Direct communication: We prioritize keeping you informed and involved throughout the process, with honest counsel and a commitment to confidentiality.
Trial readiness: We are prepared to take a case to trial when that’s what protecting your rights requires.
Accessible representation: We offer in-person and virtual consultations, and Spanish speakers are available on staff.

We understand the emotional and financial weight of a contested divorce. We take the time to understand your priorities, explain your legal options, and prepare a strategy for negotiation or trial. Throughout your case, we handle sensitive financial and parenting information with care and confidentiality.

Consult our Albany contested divorce attorney about your case by calling (518) 712-6685 or submitting our online contact form.

Client-Centered & Honest

From your consultation to the final outcome, we prioritize clear communication and collaboration.
Thorough and Detail-Oriented

Every case is custom-tailored with care, precision, and a commitment to getting it right for your family.
Respected & Experienced

With over 18 years of legal experience and multiple awards, Andrew Wood has a track record of trust.
Compassionate Advocacy

You'll get a personal, empathetic approach, but when it’s time to fight, we're strategic and prepared.

Your Advocate For A Better Outcome

Family Law With Heart

Have questions? Ready to get started? Call (518) 712-6685 today or fill out the form below to schedule a consultation.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Andrew H. Wood, Esq., PLLC at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy