Pendente Lite Support & Counsel Fees

The law in New York is set up to level the playing field, so that the spouse who has greater access to financial resources (the “monied spouse”) cannot use their money to gain an advantage in the divorce.

Early on in a divorce, the spouse with the lower income may be eligible to receive temporary (“pendente lite”) support and money to help pay their counsel fees. This can either be achieved through negotiation or by making a motion to the court.