Parents of minor children have numerous options when it comes to creating a child custody and visitation framework. However, finding the right solution can be stressful and confusing. Terms describing different types of arrangements can sound similar. For example, “joint custody” and “joint shared parenting” are not synonymous. Understanding the distinction between these terms and… Read More »
Every year we compile data on marriage and divorce. Over the years, trends have become apparent and over time relevant trends occur. Most often people are aware of what causes divorce, but they do not know what causes the opposite; a long lasting safe, and healthy relationship. We have compiled all our research for this… Read More »
When a couple divorces in New York, the assets in their marital estate are equitably distributed based on a settlement agreement or a judge’s decision. However, the distribution cannot proceed fairly unless both spouses have a full accounting of the property and debts that must be divided. State law requires parties in a divorce to… Read More »
If you don’t have minor children, a divorce will let you walk away from a spouse with a narcissistic personality once the financial details are worked out. However, a parent in the process of divorcing a narcissist should take active steps to protect their son or daughter. Someone’s personality problem not only affects the well-being… Read More »
New York family courts apply state guidelines in deciding the amount of child support parents must pay after a divorce. These guidelines take into account parental income and the number of children for whom financial support is required. But in many cases, parents may wish to depart from the state guidelines and create an agreement… Read More »
When divorced parents share legal custody, each one has an equal say in the children’s medical care. So what happens when parents do not see eye-to-eye over the COVID-19 vaccine? New York State made the COVID-19 vaccine available to children 12 years old and older starting in May 2021, with the goal of making shots… Read More »
During the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, divorce lawyers across the country saw an uptick in filings, with more couples feeling the strain of quarantine and deciding to call it quits. But year-to-year data shows that fewer people are filing for divorce in 2021 than in 2020, suggesting that one side… Read More »
Traditionally, pets have been treated as property when a couple divorces, which often makes them part of a property settlement agreement or judgment. In New York, judges don’t get into resolving pet custody and visitation battles. To deal with these potential conflicts, some couples started to create “petnup” agreements, setting out clear terms for where… Read More »
Most fathers do not envision needing to fight to prove they can provide the best home for their child. Yet, every day fathers across the country must go to court to seek full custody. Preparation, follow-through and consistency are keys to success. Family courts prioritize the best interests of the child, not the wishes of… Read More »
New York may be passing legislation that gives standing to the Supreme Court to consider “the best interest of companion animals in divorce or separation proceedings.” This legislation would be welcome if the divorce process was working smoothly. It is not. The wait time for divorces can be in excess of two years; and the… Read More »