All 50 states allow for no-fault divorces, but there are some circumstances in which you might prefer to get an annulment instead. While most marriages don’t qualify for an annulment, those that do might be better served by this process rather than divorce. The following are a few common reasons why people choose annulments: New… Read More »
The state of New York recently raised its legal age of marriage from 14 to 17, partly to crack down on a system that sometimes resulted in young girls becoming child brides against their will. Previously, New York was one of just three states that allowed 14-year-old individuals to marry without the permission of their… Read More »
Until 2010, New York couples could not legally seek a “no-fault” divorce. Before that time, couples would have to demonstrate that they had officially separated, or that certain behavior of one spouse qualified as grounds for divorce. Today, couples may seek no-fault divorces if one spouse states under oath that there has been an irretrievable… Read More »
Divorce mediation is one of the most effective processes for keeping your divorce case out of the courts, which makes it a popular choice for divorcing couples. However, there are some misconceptions regarding the mediation process that might make people unnecessarily anxious. Below are a few of the most common myths related to divorce mediation… Read More »
Whether you are preparing for a marriage or going through a divorce, you may have questions about the process for changing your name. The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our clients: Q: Do I need to go to court to get a name change? If you… Read More »
A prenuptial agreement is an effective tool to help you keep your finances separate, protect yourself from potential debt, keep your property in your family, clarify who is responsible for what during your marriage and planning what happens to your property in the event of a divorce. However, there are limits to what prenuptial agreements… Read More »
Divorces can be incredibly stressful affairs that are difficult on you and your children. However, the worst-case scenario for your divorce does not have to come to fruition. A little careful planning and preparation can help you mitigate the potential problems that could come your way in your divorce. The following are a few examples… Read More »
One of the most important steps to take before you file for divorce is to create a full inventory of all your personal and joint accounts. This includes accounts with banks, credit unions, credit cards, brokerages and lending institutions. Included with this list should be the following All account numbers Whether the account is listed… Read More »
When you begin the divorce process, you must understand the rules about where you can file your papers and which court has jurisdiction over your case. These are known as residency requirements. Before you can file, you must satisfy the basic legal requirement that either you or your spouse have a residence or domicile in… Read More »
Just like a divorce, a civil annulment ends a marriage. However, the effect of an annulment is that the law will not recognize the marriage as ever having existed. It is not easy to get an annulment. Your marriage can only be annulled on certain grounds, such as: One spouse was not of sound mind… Read More »