A Matrimonial Attorney Who Speaks Honestly — and Develops a Strategy Accordingly.

When your marriage or family situation reaches a legal crossroads, the advice you receive in those early conversations shapes everything that follows. At Vanderwoude & Roma, we give you the full picture from the start — including the parts that are difficult to hear — because that is the only way to build a strategy that actually works.


Our office sits on the Putnam-Dutchess border in Stormville, and we represent clients throughout Putnam County, Dutchess County, and Westchester County. When you call us, you speak with Neil or Jerry directly. Not a case manager. Not a paralegal. The attorney who will be handling your matter.

How We Approach Matrimonial and Family Law

Your finances. Your Children. Your Housing. Your Future.

Matrimonial law is not just about resolving a legal dispute. It is about what your life looks like on the other side — your finances, your children, your housing, your future. We build strategy around where you need to be months and years out, not just how to close the current matter quickly.


That means we ask the right questions early. We understand what you are trying to protect and what you are willing to negotiate. We evaluate decisions based on their long-term consequences, not just their short-term convenience. And we are direct with you when a path you are considering is likely to cost more — in time, money, or outcome — than the alternative.


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Divorce

Whether your divorce is straightforward or highly contested, we guide you through every stage — asset division, support, custody, and the final agreement. We represent clients in uncontested and contested divorces throughout the Hudson Valley.

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Child Custody

Custody decisions carry consequences that last for years. We help parents understand how New York courts evaluate custody, what factors matter most, and how to present the strongest possible case for their children's well-being.

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Child Support

New York's child support guidelines are formula-driven, but the details matter — income calculations, add-on expenses, and deviations from the standard formula all affect the final number. We make sure the order reflects your actual situation.

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Spousal Maintenance

Maintenance disputes are often among the most contested parts of a divorce. We represent both payors and recipients, and we evaluate maintenance in the context of your full financial picture — not in isolation.

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Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

A well-drafted agreement protects both parties and prevents future disputes. We draft and review prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that are clear, enforceable, and built around what each party actually needs.

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Post-Divorce Modifications

Circumstances change after a divorce is finalized. If a custody arrangement, support order, or maintenance agreement no longer reflects your current situation, we can help you pursue a modification through the appropriate legal channels.

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Family Court Matters

Not every family law matter involves a divorce. We handle standalone family court proceedings — including custody petitions, child support enforcement, paternity, and orders of protection — for clients who need representation in family court without an active divorce case.

Schedule a Consultation

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Matrimonial Law in New York

  • What is the difference between a matrimonial lawyer and a family law attorney?

    In New York, the term "matrimonial law" refers specifically to divorce and divorce-related matters — asset division, spousal maintenance, and marital agreements. Family law is a broader category that includes custody, child support, paternity, and family court proceedings that may exist independently of a divorce. Our firm handles both.

  • Do I need a lawyer if my divorce is uncontested?

    Even in an uncontested divorce, the agreement you sign is legally binding and difficult to modify later. Having an attorney review the terms before you finalize anything ensures that what you are agreeing to actually reflects your interests — and that nothing is missing that could create problems down the road.

  • How long does a divorce take in New York?

    An uncontested divorce with a complete agreement in place can be finalized in a few months. A contested divorce — where the parties cannot agree on key issues — can take considerably longer depending on the complexity of the finances, the custody situation, and how the litigation proceeds. We give clients an honest timeline assessment early in the process.

  • Can I modify a custody or support order after the divorce is final?

    Yes, but you must demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances to the court's satisfaction. What qualifies varies depending on the type of order and the specific facts. We handle post-divorce modifications and can assess whether your situation meets the legal threshold.

  • Do you serve clients in Westchester County and Dutchess County, or only Putnam County?

    We represent clients throughout Putnam County, Dutchess County, and Westchester County. Our office is located in Stormville, on the Putnam-Dutchess border, and we are well-positioned to handle matters across all three counties.

What Sets Our Firm Apart in Hudson Valley Family Law

What to Expect From Us

  • Clients speak directly with Neil or Jerry — every call, every question, every update.
  • Honest counsel from the first conversation, including realistic assessments of likely outcomes.
  • Strategy built around your priorities, not the fastest path to closing the file.
  • Long-term thinking on decisions that will affect your finances and your family for years.

Ready to Speak With a Matrimonial Lawyer?

The first conversation costs you nothing. It gives you an honest picture of where you stand and what your options are. Call us at 845-225-6686 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation.