Same-Sex Divorce Attorney in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Family Law Counsel with Financial & Legal Depth
Same-sex divorce in New York follows the same statutory framework as any other divorce, but the factual patterns that arise in these cases are different. Pre-marital cohabitation spanning years before marriage was legally possible, non-biological parental relationships without court orders, and out-of-state civil union history all require specific legal analysis. At Arnel Law Firm, we’ve been handling divorce and family law matters in Brooklyn since 1984, with more than 1,000 cases behind us and attorney Curt Arnel’s background as a certified public accountant informing how we approach the financial questions these cases often turn on.
We handle family law cases exclusively, so same-sex divorce clients aren’t competing for attention against unrelated practice areas. Free consultations are available in person or virtually, giving you qualified guidance before making any commitments.
If you’re considering a same-sex divorce in Brooklyn, call (718) 550-3024 to schedule a free consultation with our team. We offer virtual appointments as well as in-person meetings.
Legal Issues That Arise More Often in Same-Sex Divorce
Because same-sex couples couldn’t legally marry in New York until July 2011, and nationwide recognition didn’t arrive until the Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges decision in 2015, many same-sex couples built substantial financial lives together before any legal marriage existed. That history doesn’t disappear in a divorce proceeding, but navigating it requires careful work.
Pre-Marital Asset Commingling
New York’s equitable distribution framework under Domestic Relations Law Section 236B divides marital property, not separate property acquired before the marriage. For same-sex couples who lived together, bought property, and intertwined their finances for years before they could legally marry, drawing that line is rarely straightforward. Courts examine the length of the relationship, income sources, how accounts were held, and other factors. Attorney Curt Arnel’s accounting background gives us direct analytical capability for these asset characterization and valuation questions.
Non-Biological Parental Rights
In many same-sex families, one spouse is the biological or adoptive parent while the other has no court order establishing legal parentage. That distinction becomes urgent during divorce. The non-biological parent’s legal standing may need to be confirmed or formally established as part of the proceeding, well before custody arrangements can be addressed. Under DRL Section 240, child custody decisions apply the best interests of the child standard without regard to the parents’ sexual orientation or how children entered the family.
Spousal Maintenance Duration
Maintenance awards in New York are typically calculated as a percentage of the length of the marriage. When a couple couldn’t legally marry until 2011, the legal marriage may be far shorter than the actual partnership. A couple together for twenty years may have a marriage of record lasting eight. That gap can produce spousal maintenance calculations that don’t reflect the economic interdependence the couple actually built.
Civil Unions & Domestic Partnerships
Couples who formalized their relationships in other states through civil unions or domestic partnerships before New York recognized same-sex marriage may face questions about how those prior arrangements are treated in a New York proceeding. Differences between New York family law and the laws of other jurisdictions can create complications, particularly for couples who have moved between states.
Why Brooklyn Clients Work with Arnel Law Firm
Our firm brings together legal and financial capability that directly addresses the complexity same-sex divorce cases involve. Attorney Curt Arnel is both a family law attorney and a certified public accountant, which means contested financial issues, including asset characterization, income analysis, and maintenance calculations, don’t require outside support to analyze. We do that work directly.
We also believe clients make better decisions when they understand what’s happening in their case. We take time at the outset to understand your individual circumstances and keep you informed and involved at each stage. After more than four decades handling divorce and family law in Brooklyn, we know what these cases demand.
Talk to a Same-Sex Divorce Lawyer in Brooklyn
A free consultation can give you a clear picture of your situation, your options, and what the process may look like for your specific case. Virtual appointments are available if you prefer to meet remotely. There’s no obligation, and you can leave better informed regardless of how you proceed.
Call (718) 550-3024 or contact Arnel Law Firm to schedule your free consultation with a same-sex divorce attorney serving Brooklyn.
Why Choose Us?
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Personalized solutions for you.Every case has its own unique circumstances that requires a methodical, thoughtful plan.
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Protect your assets and future.Safeguarding your best interests is always at the forefront of our approach to your case.
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Experience makes the difference.No matter how simple or complex your case, experience is essential in obtaining results.
Clients Share Their Stories
At Arnel Law Firm, We Believe in Empowering Our Clients
by equipping them with the tools, resources, knowledge, and support needed to make informed and effective decisions. Above all, we want to see your case resolved successfully. Take a look at what others have to say about their experiences working with our Brooklyn divorce law firm.
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J.M.
Mr. Arnel thank you very much for your help. When I received the court paper I wanted to call someone for help, you were the first Lawyer I call. You had help me before with some child support difficulties. And when I couldn't reach you, you daughter, Lawyer Lauren Arnel answered the phone. She was very understanding and kind enough to give me your email address. The day I came to New York City for the court date, I came with a heavy heart not knowing what's going to happen. But in the court that day Lawyer Howard Gardner presented the case beautifully and ask the court for a dismissal. And the Judge had to dismiss the case with no further argument. When I left the court room that day I was so happy my blood pressure went down.
All in all, It was a team work from your Firm. Thank you again to Mrs. L. Arnel and Mr. H. Gardner.
I will always recommend you Firm to anyone who is seeking legal help.
Mr. Arnel thank you very much.
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Excellent law firm. I am a father/service member that was awarded primary physical custody, final decision making of my son, and my child support payments was terminated thanks to Arnel law Firm. Curt, Lauren and Howard have years of experience and will represent you like Mike Tyson in the ring. They are relentless to the very end. They were able to prove that I was the more involved parent, had my son the majority of the time ( because of the mother choices), and was able to prove the mother's statement of having our son half the time was false along with many other false statements. Also they are honest with you from the beginning in terms of letting you know whether or not your case has enough substance to move forward to a court proceeding and even if its not they will advise you in the consultation what steps you will need to take. They will not waste your or their time. Highly recommend this law firm for divorce and custody battles.M.D.
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Mr. Arnel and his daughter Ms. Lauren Arnel litigated my divorce jurisdiction dispute with complete success. I felt very confident in their advocacy of my case. Mr. Arnel is a gifted attorney; I could not have asked for better. He is highly persuasive, professional, doesn't mince words, yet gracious and gentlemanly at the same time. He inspires confidence, and the outcome proved my confidence in him was well placed.Rachel A.
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I was extremely devastated when I reached out to the law office due to concern over a potential custody battle. I left a message and was contacted the same day and time that I was given. Curt was so attentive and knowledgeable. All of the questions I had were answered. I left the phone call feeling 100 times better than I did when I originally called. Even after asking a bunch of questions knowing that I wouldn't need his services he continued to answer questions with honest answers making it very clear how efficient he was in his field. I am very happy that I found him and honestly hope I won't have to use him in the future. However if the services are needed I would definitely pick him!Former Client
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If you are looking for a attorney that's very knowledgeable in his practice definitely speak with Curt Ariel. He's open and honest. Mr. Ariel answered all of my questions and I feel better about moving forward with my case.S.D.
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I highly recommend and respect Mr. Curt Arnel for all of his hard work and dedication to my custody case in the past. Mr. Arnel's knowledge, expertise, perseverance, and understanding helped my father to win our case which was NOT a walk in the park. I am forever grateful for everything Mr. Arnel has done for my father and I. Because of Mr. Arnel, I was given a chance to have a great life with my father who was loving, devoted, and did everything in his power to protect and educate me and provide the best life possible. Mr. Arnel saved me from a very unfortunate situation with my mother at a very young age. Due to his amazing work ethic and determination years ago, I am a successful woman and mother today! If you are looking for an attorney who will do everything in their POWER to FIGHT for you, TRUSTWORTHY, and devote their undivided attention to you and your case, look no further....Mr. Curt Arnel will show up and show out for YOU!M.C.
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Curt Arnel is an ethical attorney with extensive legal knowledge and compassion for his clients. Mr. Arnel will relentlessly fight to win your case, and I highly recommend him. He handled my divorce and did an excellent job throughout the process. He looks out for the interests of his client and provides encouragement and support in a very stressful process. Thank you, Mr. Arnel, for all you do and for treating me like family. I would highly recommend Mr. Arnel.L.M.
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If I could give 10 stars I would. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position where you need to speak to an attorney to resolve any issues concerning your family, Curt Arnel and his team should be your only call. This is a long post. I called Mr. Arnel's office expecting to speak to a receptionist, I was wrong. Mr. Arnel answered the phone and we had a 45-minute conversation about our issue. He was so generous with his time. He answered every question I had and even brought up a few points I didn't even think of. I was blown away at how casual the conversation was. It was like I was speaking with an old friend. I never felt rushed. He explained to me how he had just resolved a similar matter and explained the whole process including numerous options to resolve the matter. My wife and I took his advice and are so thankful we did. If you or someone you know needs a family lawyer call Curt Arnel. You'll be glad you did. We are.B.P.
