Boutique matrimonial representation across the Suffolk County Supreme Court and Family Court at Central Islip, serving matters from Huntington to the Hamptons. Discreet counsel for complex marital estates including East End real property, business interests, and multigenerational family wealth.
Michel Law represents Suffolk County residents in contested and uncontested divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, and post-judgment matters. The firm appears in the Suffolk County Supreme Court at 400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, serving matters across both western Suffolk and the East End towns.
Suffolk County matrimonial matters frequently involve complex real estate — East End residences, waterfront property, equestrian estates, and generational family land. The firm handles valuation, discovery, and equitable distribution of real property with the thoroughness that significant Suffolk estates require.
Every matter is handled directly by the managing attorney, Fabrice K. Michel.
Suffolk Supreme Court handles matrimonial matters alongside its general civil docket at Central Islip. Preliminary conferences under 22 NYCRR § 202.16 set the discovery schedule, and Suffolk judges enforce the deadlines consistently. Compliance conferences are often held virtually, with trial-ready matters moving to in-person appearances at Central Islip.
Statements of Net Worth under § 202.16(b) must disclose all real property with appraised values, business interests, retirement accounts, and investment portfolios. Suffolk judges scrutinize valuation testimony closely, particularly on East End properties where market segments vary significantly by season and submarket.
Automatic Orders under DRL § 236(B)(2)(b) attach at filing. Prelitigation financial decisions — particularly real estate transfers and equity-stripping transactions — are reviewed carefully in Suffolk given the frequency of real-property-heavy marital estates.
First-chair representation at Central Islip, from preliminary conference through trial.
East End residences, waterfront property, equestrian estates, and investment real estate. Appraisal, valuation, and equitable distribution strategy.
Legal and physical custody under DRL § 240 in Suffolk Family Court and ancillary to divorce proceedings.
Negotiation and litigation under DRL § 236(B)(6), including departures from the statutory formula.
Drafting, review, and enforcement of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements under New York law.
Modifications, enforcement of judgments, and appeals to the Appellate Division, Second Department.
Jurisdiction: All actions for divorce, separation, and annulment, together with custody and support determinations ancillary to matrimonial relief.
Jurisdiction: Custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family-offense proceedings when the parties are not married or no divorce action is pending.
Huntington, Cold Spring Harbor, Lloyd Harbor, Centerport, Northport, Smithtown, St. James, Nissequogue, Head of the Harbor, Commack, Dix Hills.
Islip, Bay Shore, Brightwaters, Great River, Oakdale, Sayville, Patchogue, Bellport, Stony Brook, Setauket, Port Jefferson, Mount Sinai.
Westhampton, Quogue, Southampton, Water Mill, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Amagansett, Montauk, Sag Harbor, North Haven, Shelter Island, Southold, Mattituck, Cutchogue, Greenport.
Lindenhurst, Babylon, West Islip, Brookhaven, Mastic, Shirley, East Moriches, Center Moriches, Riverhead.
Divorce actions are filed in Suffolk County Supreme Court at 400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip. Suffolk Family Court at the same address handles custody, visitation, and child support when parties are not married or no divorce action is pending.
East End properties require careful valuation given seasonal market dynamics and submarket variation between Southampton, East Hampton, Shelter Island, and the North Fork. The firm works with qualified appraisers familiar with the East End markets and structures equitable distribution to account for carrying costs, deferred maintenance, and market timing where relevant.
Uncontested divorces in Suffolk are typically resolved in four to six months. Contested matters involving real property valuation, business interests, or custody commonly run eighteen months to three years. Scheduling discipline matters significantly in Suffolk given the court’s civil docket volume.
Court appearances in Central Islip are handled in person. Client meetings are available by Microsoft Teams, by phone, or at the Great Neck office. In-person client meetings in Suffolk can be arranged for specific matters.
Under CPLR § 509 and DRL § 230, venue lies in the county where either spouse resides. If you live in Suffolk, Suffolk is a proper venue. Your spouse may move to change venue under CPLR § 510.
All inquiries are held in strict confidence.