Monthly Archives: May 2014

Biting the Hand: Property Settlement Reduced for Trash Talk

A New York woman saw her divorce settlement reduced for repeatedly attacking the reputation of her estranged husband in the media and around town.  Married for almost 20 years, Ira and Janice Schacter engaged in a bitter divorce for seven years. Remarking on the actions of both parties, New York Supreme Court justice, Laura E…. Read More »

Uncontested Divorce: Are You Sure?

Amicable partings do not always lead to an uncontested divorce.  In New York, an uncontested divorce is possible when both parties agree to all issues or one party fails to respond to the proceeding. It is common for couples with no children and few assets in a marriage of relatively short duration to end their… Read More »

Happy Meal Tantrum Leads to Bitter Custody Battle

In November of 2013, a tantrum over the refusal of a New York dad to give his son a Happy Meal led a psychologist to label him an “unfit father.”  Recently, the judge in the matter warned the parties to settle their differences or see their four-year old child hauled into her courtroom.  Earlier in… Read More »

High Asset Divorce: Holding on to the Family Business

When high net worth couples divorce, the stakes are high. A recent ruling in Oklahoma allowed the 76th richest person in the world to hold on to a majority stake in his business.  Harold Hamm may not be a household name, but his company, Continental Resources produces ten percent of the U.S. oil output. Worth… Read More »

Dealing with Debt at Divorce

Divorce calls for couples to divide their property during divorce. It also requires division of debt.  Research suggests disagreements about money are the leading predictor of divorce in the United States. Arguments about money can sour a marriage and make divorce difficult. When money is an issue during marriage, debt is oftentimes involved.  Common forms… Read More »

Does Cohabitation Before Marriage Cause Divorce? Short Answer: No

It is inevitable that people wonder how and why their marriage soured. Couples who lived together prior to marriage can breathe a sigh of relief—it did not cause your divorce.  In recent decades, the rate of cohabitation in the United States has risen approximately 900 percent. A recent study published in the Journal of Marriage… Read More »

Financial Fear During Divorce

Fear of a compromised financial future is common during divorce. Understanding the fear—and knowing what to do about it—is essential.  Because of the requirement to divide debt and assets during divorce, couples of all ages are concerned about getting their fair share. For individuals closer to retirement, the need is more urgent with fewer years… Read More »

Cell Phones and Recording Devices in Divorce: Are You Living With the Enemy?

Daily news reports confirm how celebrities, or public figures, have been taped or recorded surreptitiously. The  shocking   and   repeated  rants   of  Mel  Gibson recorded   by  his  paramour  and  lover  have  made   news  and   shocked   people throughout the world.   However, the series of five to eight rants is not shocking, nor is it even “remarkable” to… Read More »

Contested Custody and Forensic Reports in New York

Reality often seems to take a walk during the heat of a bitter custody battle. In January, a prominent neurosurgeon tried to take a walk with a court report concerning his children—and was arrested.  Dr. Eric Braverman is a well-known Manhattan surgeon, radio personality and author of anti-aging books. Wisely or not, Dr. Braverman is… Read More »

Unique Legal Perspective Affecting Donald Sterling, Ms. V. Stiviano, and Rochelle Sterling

Mr. Sterling known to be the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers is accused of making racial comments in tapes allegedly created by his girlfriend. The octogenarian has a woman less than half his age named, V. Stiviano. Ms. Stiviano denies leaking the tapes however she reported taped Mr. Sterling making the remarks that are… Read More »