DRL Section 140 [there is no Section 140(1)] deals with the annulment of marriages based on six specific grounds:1) former husband or wife living, 2) party under age of consent; 3) party mentally retarded person or mentally ill; 4) physical incapacity; 5) consent by force, duress or fraud; 6) incurable mental illness for five years. […]
DRL Section 140 [there is no Section 140(1)] deals with the annulment of marriages based on six specific grounds:1) former husband or wife living, 2) party under age of consent; 3) party mentally retarded person or mentally ill; 4) physical incapacity; 5) consent by force, duress or fraud; 6) incurable mental illness for five years. This is not the section one would reference to seek a divorce and equitable distribution.
In order to answer your questions I need to know more specific facts about your case. Are you a resident of New York State? Were you living in New York prior to the separation? Do you have any minor children? Where does your spouse live presently?
New York State requires the equitable distribution of marital assets. This means that generally all assets acquired during the course of the marriage regardless of whose name the assets are held in are marital property and will generally be divided equally, or at least equitably, between the two parties. Do you own any property including real estate, securities, bank accounts, etc. which would fall into this category?
You must respond to the Complaint received within the twenty day period as directed. I strongly suggest that you call my office at 212-370-1660 to arrange to prepare an Answer to the Complaint.
I also strongly urge you to contact your spouse and try to convince her to mediate rather than litigate the issues involved in the separation and divorce.
Leonard M. Weiner, Esq./Divorce Solutions