The impact of traumatic events on marital relationships In late October, one of the most devastating storms in recent memory, Hurricane Sandy, blew through the eastern seaboard of the United States, taking lives, and causing in excess of $50 billion in damages. By Thanksgiving, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) estimated that power had been restored to 1.1 million customers,…
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is becoming mainstream — especially in dealing with divorce. We talked earlier about alternatives like mediation and collaborative law. You may know a couple that got through their divorce pretty well using a mediator. But how do you know ADR is right for you? The level of conflict a couple brings to a divorce determines the…
The many changes in your life after divorce include new rules imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your claims, deductions, exemptions and income. Divorce lawyer Bryan L. Salamone, Esq. gives you tips on accurately filing your first tax return as a single person. Your new single status The IRS classifies you as a single person even if your…
New York became the 50th — and final — state in the United States to allow no-fault divorce in 2010. As a result, couples in our state no longer need grounds or proof of a spouse’s wrongdoing to end their marriage. The only requirement is for one spouse to swear the marriage has been irretrievably broken for six months. And…
New York began recognizing same-sex marriage in 2011. However, matrimony is not enough to protect your rights. Although same-sex couples are granted the same privileges and obligations as heterosexual partners within New York, you do not have equal rights under federal laws or in the states that don’t recognize your marriage. You can counter this disparity through careful planning that…
A 2010 survey conducted by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) concluded that 81 percent of divorce attorneys had seen an increase in the use of social media as evidence — with Facebook topping the charts at 66 percent. In the more than two years since the disquieting AAML survey, Facebook has grown to 955 million monthly active users.…
Getting a phone call from an agent of Child Protective Services (CPS) or Administration for Children’s Services is frightening. An indictment can result in the loss of your child or the implementation of a service plan that interferes with your relationship. Even unfounded cases can have traumatic effects on your record and your closeness with your family. The child abuse…
Deciding to live together is a big step in a relationship. You make a commitment that feels similar to marriage. Unfortunately, you do not receive the automatic legal protections that you do through a marriage. For example, New York inheritance laws provide protections for each spouse that is not available to unmarried partners. In addition, divorce is governed by a…
Maintaining healthcare coverage for you and your children The common system of employer-sponsored health insurance can leave you scrambling for coverage after your divorce. Possibly your employer does not provide insurance or you worked as a stay-at-home parent whose only access to the reasonably-priced group insurance rates was through your spouse’s job. Options available on the free market are limited…
You and your divorce attorney have meticulously collected essential evidence, organized effective arguments and reviewed New York family court laws to win you the best possible divorce terms. Your demeanor and appearance at the hearing can also significantly affect the outcome of your hearings. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can empower you to make the most out…