Family Law

Receiving Divorced Spouse Social Security Benefits

Divorce places significant financial stress on separated parties. The old saying that two can live as cheaply as one is not too far from the mark. After a divorce, a couple divides everything and then must support two completely separate households. One positive financial avenue that exists after divorce is that if you are a spouse who was a low…

Do Grandma and Grandpa Have any Rights to Visitation in New York?

Divorce affects all who are touched by it and grandparents are among those likely to be injured. Grandparents are often left out in the cold in terms of custody and visitation. While many jurisdictions are slowly granting grandparents rights to see their grandchildren, New York is far from being on the cutting edge in this area. Nonetheless, New York does…

Second Time Around: Four Tips for Success

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…

Parenting and Holiday Plans: Tips for the Season

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,…

Social Security After Divorce: Understanding Your Benefits

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…

Can You Share?

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…

Divorce Tax Tips: The Ins and Outs of Filing Your First Tax Return

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…

Unequal Same-Sex Marriage: Legal Protection for NY Couples

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…