- COMPLEX DIVORCE
A Complex New York Divorce Lawyer
“Sometimes a good outcome is very clear – obtaining a restraining order against an abusive spouse, or securing spousal support from someone hiding income. Other times, the outcome is far more nuanced. Our New York divorce clients often have international ties, high-value assets, and children whose futures are at stake. In every major win we’ve had, two things have always been true: only one side did the work, and we mastered the negotiation. Both begin with understanding the people involved and what truly motivates them.”
— Elena Giannattasio | Founder, Multi-Jurisdictional Divorce
What’s the Difference Between Divorce and Complex Divorce?
Elena Giannattasio, founder of Multi-Jurisdictional Divorce, explains:
“One of the most frequent questions I get is: What’s the difference between a divorce and a complex divorce?
Divorce, at its core, is the legal dissolution of a marriage. Our goal in any case is to protect our clients’ financial futures and, when children are involved, secure meaningful access and co-parenting outcomes.
But complex divorce involves much more: high-net-worth individuals, multi-country assets, offshore accounts, or business valuations. These divorces often span legal systems and jurisdictions. They require deep financial fluency and familiarity with international family law. The consequences of how a complex divorce is handled can last a lifetime. This is where our firm excels.”
International Experience in High-Net-Worth Divorce
“In every divorce, experience matters,” says Giannattasio. “But when there are cross-border assets, international custody disputes, or high financial stakes, choosing a lawyer with global fluency and financial sophistication is essential.”
Before founding Multi-Jurisdictional Divorce, Elena Giannattasio practiced in international arbitration and cross-border litigation, representing multinational executives and international families. Her ability to handle both the legal intricacies and emotional weight of high-conflict, high-value divorce has made her one of New York’s most trusted advisors in complex family law.
“If I had to name one skill that separates top divorce lawyers from the rest, it’s negotiation,” she adds.
Negotiation isn’t just intuition—it’s a trained, tested, and practiced discipline. Giannattasio has spent over a decade refining negotiation techniques in both public and private legal settings, and brings this edge to every mediation, courtroom appearance, and private settlement discussion.
WHY OUR
CLIENTS
CHOOSE US?
We’re “not
your average
law firm.“
Choosing a New York Divorce Lawyer: Where Do You Start?
Even lawyers themselves can struggle to evaluate divorce counsel—let alone someone going through a personal crisis. New York is saturated with options, and the pressure of getting this decision right is real: your finances, your children, your emotional well-being may all be affected for years.
“Start by finding someone you trust and feel genuinely heard by,” says Giannattasio.
That means choosing attorneys who respond promptly, explain things clearly, and show you—not just tell you—they’re invested in your case. Especially for high-asset individuals and global families, it’s essential to work with a firm that provides a high-touch, boutique approach to an otherwise overwhelming legal process.
“At Multi-Jurisdictional Divorce, we believe in combining technology and empathy,” she adds.
Some firms operate on volume—rushing cases and recycling strategies. At Multi-Jurisdictional Divorce, every case is deeply personal. “We streamline casework with smart tech so that we have more time to focus on what matters most—your needs, your goals, your future. Whether you’re in Manhattan, London, Geneva, or Singapore, you’ll have direct access to me and a dedicated international legal team every step of the way.”
Alternatives to Court: Private Judges & Mediation in New York
“One of the most overlooked tools in complex divorce is hiring a private judge,” says Giannattasio.
In New York, divorce cases can be delayed for months due to overwhelmed dockets. A powerful alternative is private judging—retaining a neutral, often retired, judge to hear your case privately and expediently. You avoid courtroom delays and can choose someone with specific family law or financial expertise.
Another smart option? Private mediation.
“Mediation gives couples more control and privacy,” Giannattasio explains. “It’s also far less damaging, emotionally and financially, than extended litigation.”
Especially in international or high-asset divorce, mediation helps preserve dignity and confidentiality while allowing room for custom solutions that no courtroom could offer. Multi-Jurisdictional Divorce also practices Collaborative Law, offering another route to resolution that avoids court entirely.
Discreet, Strategic Counsel for New York’s Global Professionals
Multi-Jurisdictional Divorce is a highly specialized, top-tier family law firm based in New York City. We represent C-suite executives, dual-citizens, foreign nationals, and international families navigating complex divorce, custody, and asset division across borders. Whether you’re in finance, law, tech, or global business, we offer strategic counsel tailored to your life—and your future.
Want to feel secure about your future?
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