Love makes the world go ‘round. Even after a lengthy or high-conflict divorce experience, many of my clients remarry. At any age, the opportunity to build a life with a person with whom you share abiding love and companionship is a blessing. If considering a second marriage, or if you just started into your first relationship since divorce, take a…
The holidays are just around the corner, and for divorced parents — and their children — holiday expectations can add to a season already tinged with possible disappointment. Knowing your legal boundaries and acting civil towards each other can go a long way towards helping you and your child to enjoy the holiday season. As you prepare for the holidays,…
With later-life divorce, as I mentioned, there is a need to protect wealth and assets on into retirement. Another key issue is obtaining health insurance after divorce. For clients who are starting out again at 55 or 65, understanding all of the benefits that are available is critically important. Social Security benefits are not often discussed between spouses, but should…
Points to consider about joint physical custody We talked earlier about joint physical custody. As I indicated, joint physical custody is a good opportunity for both parents to stay actively involved with their children. More than ever, courts are guided by the best interests of the child when parents decide to divorce, and the best arrangements are often those where…
Paternity matters on Long Island There are good reasons my clients are interested in establishing the paternity of their child. Paternity underpins the rights of fathers and mothers in the following ways: For a father, parenting rights hinge on being named the biological father of a child. A man considered the father of a child, but who suspects he is…
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 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…
If you took the name of your spouse when you married, you can now choose to keep your current name or resume your former surname when you divorce. You might decide to retain your married name for a variety of reasons, such as maintaining consistency with your children or keeping your professional and social contacts. Conversely, reclaiming your former name…
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…