During arbitration, you and your spouse will each state your cases, with or without legal representatives, along with evidence to support your argument. The panel of judges will listen to both sides and decide things such as asset division, spousal support, child custody and child support.
Filing the Divorce Papers The divorce process begins with the filing of a "Summons with Notice" or a "Summons and Complaint." These documents are filed with the Nassau County Clerk's Office.
After a summons with notice is served, the defendant will demand that the plaintiff serve a complaint. The plaintiff must then have the complaint served within 20 days after being served with the demand, or the case may be dismissed.
Settlement by agreement is the cheapest option and gives you the most control. Both mediation and arbitration are expensive, and arbitration is usually binding, so the ultimate decision is out of your control.
FILING FOR DIVORCE If you are pursuing a divorce in Nassau County, that location is the Nassau County Clerk's office within their regular hours of operation.
Both sides will give opening and closing statements, present evidence, and call and cross examine witnesses in front of the arbitrator. After each side presents their case, the arbitrator will issue their decision within the time allotted in the arbitration agreement.
- Start with the story of your separation, and what caused it. State when you and your ex got married, when you had kids, got jobs, moved, etc. State what caused the need for divorce. This overview should be brief but gives the court a ``big picture'' of your life together up to this point.