No one disputes the fact that both parents are responsible for meeting the financial needs of their minor children whether they live in the same home or not. When parents are not together, strict rules are in place to see that those who don’t reside with their son or daughter pay appropriate child support. Failure to do so can result…
Cultural trends come and go, but social media has been shown to add a level of intensity that can have serious effects on a marriage. For some people, listening to podcasts and posting comments on a given subject becomes more of an obsession than a harmless pastime. One much-discussed phenomenon is the rise of the online “manosphere,” which has garnered…
Throughout New York State, high childcare costs have become a pressing issue for families and politicians. One estimate puts the average monthly cost at $1,500 for an infant. This figure could be even higher depending on the location and the specific features of the program. Of course, families with multiple children in daycare or after-school care can have an even…
Parental alienation is a destructive weapon in a custody dispute. A mother or father who tries to turn their child against their former partner can inflict serious harm, such as emotional wounds and even tattered parent-child relationships. However, a lawsuit alleges that a vengeful mother went even farther, using her position in the criminal justice system to destroy the father…
Across the United States, people looking to fight diabetes, heart disease and obesity have turned the new wave of weight-loss drugs into a phenomenon. According to an estimate, one in eight Americans has tried one of the medications known collectively as GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. Even non-users are familiar with brand names such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro. The embrace…
Even when neither spouse possesses a massive fortune, a prenuptial agreement can be a smart way to clarify financial terms should the marriage end in divorce. In cases where there is a vast wealth discrepancy among prospective spouses, the urgency to complete a prenup becomes stronger. Still, some people choose not to execute an agreement prior to being wed, possibly…
Many people choose to meet their transportation needs by leasing a car or truck. These agreements typically last for two or three years. Of course, a lot can change during that timeframe, including one’s marital status. When a divorcing couple has a leased vehicle, there could be substantial disagreement about remaining payments and who gets to stay behind the wheel. …
News reports about minors seeking emancipation sometimes involve cases of alleged parental mistreatment or child stars who can support themselves financially. New York State law does not recognize a standalone emancipation proceeding. This means that a minor cannot petition the court to emancipate themselves, but a judge may declare a child emancipated during the course of another case—most often a…
Under any circumstances, creating a parenting plan to address issues of legal and physical custody can be a complicated process. There is often sharp disagreement between parents as to what is the best interests of their son or daughter. When a child is on the autism spectrum, disagreements might even become more difficult to resolve. Children with autism often rely…
One of the most notable divorce trends in the last few decades is the increase in breakups among spouses between 50 and 64 years old. Sometimes referred to as “gray divorce,” this phenomenon has not just been recognized here in the United States, but in other countries such as England, France and Belgium. People who are middle aged and beyond…