Matrimonial Law

Steady, Strategic Counsel Through One of Life’s Most Difficult Transitions

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Divorce and family law matters are unlike any other type of legal dispute. The stakes are not just financial — they are deeply personal. The decisions made during a divorce proceeding will shape how you live, where your children grow up, what you take from the marriage you built, and how you move forward into the next chapter of your life. At the Law Office of Robert L. Greener, P.C., Robert Greener approaches matrimonial law with the same precision and commitment he brings to every area of his practice — combined with the sensitivity and discretion that this type of legal work demands.
Matrimonial law encompasses a broad range of legal matters, from contested divorce proceedings and custody disputes to property division, spousal support, prenuptial agreements, and post-judgment modifications. Each of these matters has its own legal framework, its own procedural requirements, and its own set of factors that a court will weigh in reaching a determination. Having an attorney who understands that framework, and who takes the time to understand your specific situation within it, is not a luxury — it is the foundation of an effective legal strategy.

The Divorce Process

Divorce proceedings can unfold in very different ways depending on the circumstances of the marriage, the issues in dispute, and the willingness of the parties to work toward resolution. When spouses are able to reach agreement on the major issues — division of assets and debts, spousal maintenance, parenting time, and child support — an uncontested or collaborative divorce may be possible, resolving the matter more quickly and with significantly less financial and emotional cost than a fully contested proceeding. Robert helps clients explore these options honestly, and where resolution is achievable, he works to reach it efficiently and on terms that genuinely protect his client’s interests.
When agreement is not possible — when one party is hiding assets, when there is a history of financial misconduct, when custody is genuinely disputed, or when the power dynamic between the spouses makes negotiation unfair — Robert is fully prepared to take the matter to court. He approaches contested divorce litigation with the same methodical preparation and strategic focus that has defined his work across every area of his practice. Evidence is gathered and preserved. Legal theories are developed carefully. Financial records, property valuations, and expert testimony are marshaled to support the client’s position. The goal is always the same: to reach the best possible outcome for the client, by the most direct and effective means available.

Asset Division & Financial Matters

The division of marital property is often the most financially consequential aspect of a divorce proceeding. Identifying what constitutes marital property versus separate property, valuing complex assets such as business interests, retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and real estate, and ensuring that a proposed division reflects the true economic picture of the marriage — these are tasks that require both legal expertise and careful financial analysis. Robert works with financial experts when necessary to ensure that his clients have a complete and accurate understanding of the marital estate, and that the division they agree to or that a court orders is truly equitable rather than simply superficially balanced.
Spousal support — also known as alimony or maintenance — is another area where the financial stakes can be significant and long-lasting. The duration and amount of support depends on a range of factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, the standard of living established during the marriage, and the contributions each spouse made — financial and otherwise — to the marital partnership. Robert advocates firmly for outcomes that reflect these factors accurately, whether his client is seeking support or contesting an unreasonable demand for it.

Child Custody & Support

When children are involved in a divorce or separation, the legal issues become even more significant and the emotional intensity of the proceedings can rise sharply. Child custody determinations — covering both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives) — are governed by the best interests of the child standard, a broad framework that courts apply by weighing a range of factors specific to each family’s circumstances. Robert approaches custody matters with both the legal rigor and the emotional intelligence they require, always keeping sight of the fact that the ultimate goal is an arrangement that serves the wellbeing of the children involved while protecting his client’s parental rights.
Child support calculations are governed by statutory guidelines that take into account each parent’s income, the custody arrangement, and specific expenses such as healthcare and childcare. While the guidelines provide a starting framework, deviations are possible and sometimes warranted — and Robert ensures that support calculations accurately reflect all relevant income and expense factors. He also advises clients on the enforcement of support obligations when the other parent fails to pay, and on the modification of support orders when circumstances change in ways that justify a revised amount.

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are among the most effective tools available for protecting individual assets, defining financial expectations within a marriage, and reducing the potential for damaging disputes if the marriage ends. Far from being a sign of distrust, a well-crafted marital agreement is an act of financial clarity and mutual respect — an acknowledgment that both parties understand what they bring to the relationship and how they want to handle its financial dimensions. Robert drafts and reviews prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that are thorough, fair, and legally enforceable, ensuring that clients enter into these arrangements with full understanding and confidence.
For couples who are already married and want to establish financial protections they did not address before the wedding, a postnuptial agreement can accomplish many of the same goals. Robert advises clients on when these agreements are appropriate, what they can and cannot cover under applicable law, and how to approach the process in a way that is productive rather than adversarial.

Post-Judgment Modifications & Enforcement

A divorce decree is not always the final word. Life changes — incomes rise and fall, children’s needs evolve, custody arrangements that once worked no longer serve the family, and former spouses sometimes fail to comply with court orders. Robert represents clients in post-judgment proceedings seeking modifications to custody, parenting time, support, and other court-ordered terms when a substantial change in circumstances warrants a revised order. He also represents clients whose former spouses have violated the terms of their divorce agreement, pursuing enforcement through the court and holding non-compliant parties accountable for their obligations.

Robert's Approach & Closing CTA

What makes Robert Greener’s approach to matrimonial law distinctive is his combination of strategic rigor and genuine personal care. He understands that clients going through a divorce are often experiencing some of the most stressful, disorienting moments of their lives — and that they need an attorney who will give them honest assessments, clear explanations, and consistent communication throughout the process. Robert provides all of that. He does not minimize the difficulty of what clients are going through, but he also does not allow the emotional intensity of the situation to cloud the strategic clarity that effective legal representation requires.
Every matrimonial matter Robert handles is different, because every marriage — and every dissolution of a marriage — is different. He does not apply cookie-cutter strategies or push clients toward outcomes that serve the convenience of the attorney rather than the needs of the client. He listens, he assesses, he advises, and he advocates. And throughout the process, from the first consultation to the final order, he remains accessible, responsive, and fully committed to reaching the best possible outcome for the people who trust him with one of the most important legal matters of their lives.

Contact Robert L. Greener Today for a Free, Confidential Matrimonial Law Consultation

Protecting Your Future and Your Peace of Mind

While much of our practice focuses on the sophisticated world of business and intellectual property, we recognize that the most significant and sensitive “contracts” in life are those made within the family. Matrimonial matters are deeply personal and frequently emotional, carrying a profound impact on your long-term financial stability and your overall well-being. At the Law Office of Robert L. Greener, P.C., we bring the same strategic, meticulous, and client-centered approach to family law that we provide to our high-stakes corporate clients.

We understand that a family transition is not just a legal process; it is a life-altering event that requires a steady hand, a compassionate ear, and an eye for detail. Just as a business requires a clear operating agreement to function during times of growth or crisis, a family requires a clear legal framework to protect the individuals within it. Our mission is to help you navigate these delicate transitions with dignity, ensuring that your rights remain protected and your financial future remains secure, no matter what the next chapter holds.

Prenuptial Agreements: A Foundation of Clarity

A prenuptial agreement is often misunderstood as a sign of doubt or a lack of trust between partners. In reality, it is a powerful tool for transparency and healthy communication that sets a marriage off on a stable footing. Much like a partnership agreement in a business venture, a “prenup” allows a couple to define their financial expectations and obligations before they say “I do.” This process encourages couples to have honest conversations about their values, debt obligations, and long-term goals long before any conflict arises.

We specialize in drafting prenuptial agreements that clearly distinguish between separate property and marital assets, protecting family inheritances and existing business interests from future uncertainty. For entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners, a prenuptial agreement is an essential component of a broader risk management strategy. In a city like New York, where the “appreciation” of a business during a marriage can be considered a marital asset, a prenup is vital. It ensures that the company you have spent years building remains shielded and that both parties have a clear, pre-negotiated understanding of how assets would be divided. Furthermore, for those in creative industries, we ensure that intellectual property—such as patents, trademarks, and future royalties—is explicitly addressed. By resolving these “what if” scenarios during a time of harmony and mutual respect, you significantly reduce the potential for expensive, bitter, and protracted litigation down the road.

Postnuptial Agreements: Adapting to Change

Life is inherently unpredictable, and the needs of a marriage can shift over time. Sometimes, the requirement for a clear financial roadmap only becomes apparent well after the wedding day. Whether you have recently launched a successful business, received a significant unexpected inheritance, or experienced a major change in your family dynamic—such as one spouse leaving the workforce to raise children—a postnuptial agreement can provide the security and clarity you need to move forward.

A “postnup” functions very similarly to a prenuptial agreement but is executed while the couple is already married. These agreements allow couples to settle potential disputes over property and assets while they are still deeply committed to the relationship, often acting as a pressure valve to release financial tension. They are also frequently used as a tool for reconciliation, providing a spouse with financial and emotional security while the couple works through marital difficulties. At the Law Office of Robert L. Greener, P.C., we help clients draft enforceable postnuptial agreements that reflect their current reality. We ensure these documents are handled with the necessary legal care so they are not deemed “unconscionable” or unfair by a court, helping to remove financial friction and providing genuine peace of mind for both spouses.

Separation Agreements: The Roadmap for Transition

Not every couple feels ready or willing to move immediately into a final divorce decree. A separation agreement is a comprehensive and legally binding contract that outlines exactly how a couple will handle their affairs and lives while living apart. This document serves as a vital “middle ground” that provides structure and certainty during a period of flux. It allows a couple to test the waters of a split without the immediate finality of a court-ordered dissolution.

A robust separation agreement typically covers the division of marital property and accumulated debts, the specifics of spousal maintenance or alimony, and the sensitive details of child custody and support arrangements. Because this is a legally binding contract with long-term consequences, it requires the hand of an experienced attorney who understands the nuances of New York’s Domestic Relations Law. We work to ensure that your agreement is not only fair and equitable but also constructed to hold up under the scrutiny of a judge. A well-crafted separation agreement often serves as the perfect blueprint for a future divorce; in many cases, it can be “converted” into a divorce decree after one year, making the eventual legal dissolution of the marriage much faster, more predictable, and significantly less stressful for everyone involved.

Uncontested Divorces: A Dignified Path Forward

When both parties agree that it is time to end the marriage and have reached a consensus on all major terms, an uncontested divorce is the most efficient and cost-effective path available. This approach avoids the public spectacle and high emotional cost associated with a “courtroom battle,” allowing you to keep your family matters as private as possible. It represents a dignified way to close one chapter of your life and begin the next with your reputation and finances intact.

However, it is a common misconception that “uncontested” means “simple.” Even when both sides are in total agreement, the paperwork involved is incredibly complex and must be filed with technical perfection to be accepted by the New York State Supreme Court. Simple clerical errors or vague language regarding asset distribution can lead to years of future litigation or the rejection of your filing altogether. We guide you through every step of this procedural maze, drafting the necessary filings—including the Summons, Verified Complaint, and Judgment of Divorce—and ensuring that your specific interests are accurately reflected. Our goal is to handle the legal heavy lifting and administrative burdens so that you can focus on your personal transition, knowing your assets are protected and your paperwork is in expert hands.

Your Advocate in Life’s Transitions

Whether you are proactively planning a future together or have decided that going your separate ways is the best path forward, the Law Office of Robert L. Greener, P.C. is here to provide the steady, professional guidance you need. We believe that matrimonial law should not be a contest of winning or losing; instead, it should be about finding a sustainable resolution that allows you to move forward with confidence and clarity.

Our firm’s unique background in business and intellectual property law gives us a “big picture” advantage that traditional family law firms may overlook. We understand the value of your assets, the importance of your professional reputation, and the necessity of a peaceful home life. We provide the legal expertise and the personal attention required to protect your interests during the most important transitions of your life.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you protect what matters most.