Suffolk County Divorce Lawyers
Hillen Druek, PLLC is a boutique matrimonial and family law firm serving individuals and families across Suffolk County, Nassau County, and all of Long Island. We understand that family law matters are not just legal issues. They are deeply personal turning points that affect your home, your finances, and your future. Whether you are considering divorce, facing a custody dispute, or trying to make sense of support obligations, you deserve clear, honest information and practical guidance from the start. Our attorneys bring more than thirty years of combined experience to every case, and we approach each one with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and respect for what you are going through.
We built our firm around a simple idea: when you have the right information upfront, you can make better decisions and feel more confident about the path ahead. Many people come to us worried about their children, their financial stability, and how long the process will take. Our role is to replace that uncertainty with a clear roadmap. Our Suffolk County divorce lawyers take the time to explain your rights, outline realistic expectations, and show you how New York law applies to your specific situation.
Why Clients Choose Hillen Druek, PLLC
Hillen Druek, PLLC is a Long Island matrimonial and family law firm led by Brandon M. Druek, Evans M. Hillen, and Catherine C. DeSanto. The firm focuses exclusively on divorce, child custody, child support, property division, and related family law matters, with a recognized strength in high-asset cases and the division of retirement accounts, including LIRR and MTA pensions. Our attorneys combine financial insight, courtroom experience, and a commitment to clear communication, helping clients throughout Suffolk County and Nassau County resolve their cases efficiently and move forward with confidence.
A Boutique Practice Focused Only on Matrimonial and Family Law
Hillen Druek, PLLC grew out of an established matrimonial practice that began in 2010 as part of Vlahadamis & Hillen, LLC. Founding Partner Evans M. Hillen later built a dedicated boutique firm devoted exclusively to divorce and family law, and when Managing Partner Brandon M. Druek joined in 2025, the firm became Hillen Druek, PLLC. Of Counsel Catherine C. DeSanto adds nearly three decades of legal experience to the team. Because family law is all we do, our clients benefit from focused knowledge of New York matrimonial law and the local courts where their cases are heard.
Our Approach to Divorce and Family Law on Long Island
Family law cases follow established legal principles, but no two cases are exactly alike. Your income, your property, and your preferred parenting arrangement all shape how your case moves forward. We do not rely on one-size-fits-all strategies. Instead, we tailor our approach to your goals while keeping the process as streamlined as possible.
We prioritize communication at every stage. When you work with our firm, you will know what is happening in your case, why each step is being taken, and what options are available to you. That transparency reduces stress and lets you stay focused on protecting your interests and planning for the future.
Our attorneys handle the full range of matrimonial and family law matters, including contested and uncontested divorces, custody and visitation, child support, spousal maintenance, equitable distribution, prenuptial agreements, paternity, and grandparents’ rights. We also help clients with modifying or enforcing court orders when circumstances change after a judgment is in place.
Divorce in Suffolk County
Divorce is often the central issue that brings clients to our office, but it is rarely just about ending a marriage. It involves untangling finances, making decisions about children, and setting the foundation for your life moving forward. In New York, most divorces are based on an “irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage for at least six months, which allows spouses to proceed without assigning blame. Even in amicable cases, there are important legal and financial considerations that must be addressed carefully.
We guide you through each part of the divorce process, including:
- Filing and responding to divorce papers
- Identifying and valuing marital and separate property
- Addressing retirement accounts, real estate, and other assets
- Determining child custody and parenting schedules
- Calculating child support and spousal maintenance
Our goal is to help you reach a fair and workable resolution as efficiently as possible. Many cases can be resolved through negotiation and settlement. When they cannot, we are fully prepared to advocate for you in court.
Child Custody and Parenting Arrangements
For parents, custody is often the most emotionally difficult part of a family law case. New York courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, weighing factors such as each parent’s involvement, the child’s needs, and the parents’ ability to cooperate.
Our child custody attorneys work closely with you to build a parenting plan that reflects your family’s circumstances. Whether you are seeking joint custody, sole custody, or a specific visitation schedule, we help you understand how the court is likely to view your case and what you can do to strengthen your position. We aim to reduce conflict where possible while making sure your parental rights are protected.
Child Support and Spousal Maintenance
New York uses statutory guidelines to calculate child support, but income, childcare expenses, health insurance, and other factors can all affect the final amount. Spousal maintenance is also guided by formulas and considerations such as the length of the marriage and each spouse’s earning capacity.
We review income, assets, and expenses thoroughly so you understand what to expect and so any child support arrangement or maintenance award is fair and sustainable.
Property Division, Retirement Assets, and High-Asset Divorce
Dividing marital property is one of the most complex parts of any divorce. New York follows equitable distribution, which means a fair but not necessarily equal division of assets such as the family home, bank accounts, business interests, and retirement plans.
Our firm has particular depth in high-asset divorce and retirement account division. We regularly work with QDRO specialists and plan administrators, and we have extensive experience handling pensions for LIRR and MTA employees, along with other public and private retirement plans. When retirement assets are part of your case, we make sure the division is drafted correctly and your long-term financial security is protected.
Serving Clients in Suffolk County and Nassau County
With offices in Islandia, Westhampton Beach, and Carle Place, Hillen Druek, PLLC represents clients from the East End to western Nassau. We regularly handle matrimonial and family matters in the courts serving Central Islip, Riverhead, Mineola, and Westbury, and we understand the procedures and expectations that come with each.
Our Suffolk County clients include families in Huntington, Smithtown, Islip, Brookhaven, and the Hamptons. Across the county line, our Nassau County divorce attorneys serve clients in Garden City, Mineola, Syosset, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce and Family Law in New York
How long does a divorce take in Suffolk County?
It depends on the complexity of the case and whether both spouses can reach an agreement. Uncontested divorces can often be completed in a matter of months, while contested cases involving custody or financial disputes usually take longer. We work to keep your case moving as efficiently as possible.
What are the residency requirements to file for divorce in New York?
Generally, one spouse must have lived in New York for at least two continuous years before filing. The requirement drops to one year if the couple married in New York, lived in New York as a married couple, or if the grounds for divorce arose in New York, and either spouse has lived in the state for that year.
Do I have to go to court for a divorce?
Not always. Many divorces are resolved through negotiation or settlement without a trial, though some court appearances may still be required. If your case cannot be resolved outside of court, we are prepared to advocate for you before a judge.
How is child custody decided?
New York courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Judges consider each parent’s relationship with the child, the ability to provide a stable home, and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
How are pensions divided in a New York divorce?
The portion of a pension earned during the marriage is generally considered marital property. It is usually divided through a Qualified Domestic Relations Order or a similar domestic relations order, which must be drafted to meet the specific plan’s rules. Our firm has significant experience with LIRR and MTA pensions as well as other public and private plans.
Can support or custody orders be changed later?
Yes. Custody, child support, and spousal maintenance orders can be modified when there is a significant change in circumstances. We help clients both seek and respond to modification requests.
Does your firm handle cases in Nassau County?
Yes. In addition to our Islandia and Westhampton Beach offices in Suffolk County, we have an office in Carle Place and represent clients throughout Nassau County.
Contact a Long Island Divorce Attorney at Hillen Druek, PLLC for a Free Consultation
If you are facing a divorce or family law matter in Suffolk County or Nassau County, you do not have to go through it alone. Hillen Druek, PLLC provides clear, practical guidance and efficient representation from start to finish. We will help you understand your rights, evaluate your options, and build a strategy that fits your goals.
Call 631-998-0303 for our Suffolk County offices or 516-798-4300 for our Carle Place office to schedule your complimentary consultation.
