Tag Archives: family law

New York State Court Ruling: “OK to Spank Your Kids”

Last Wednesday, the state Appellate Division found that a father’s spanking of his son “was a reasonable use of force.” The court overruled Suffolk County Family Court’s determination that the father had abused his son “by inflicting excessive corporal punishment.” NY Family Court defines an abused child as one whose parent or other person legally… Read More »

Do Sperm Donors Have Parental Rights?

Known as the heartthrob of the 1987 vampire flick Lost Boys, actor Jason Patric wants to be known as a dad to a child named Gus. Danielle Schreiber and Jason Patric were romantically involved for over a decade. Their on-again, off-again relationship included a period where they attempted to become pregnant but did not succeed…. Read More »

The Great Mommy War

Are your romantic problems now your math problems? For women who are married and are marrying men with an ex-wife, they will be affected by the alimony situation that came out of his first marriage. Belinda Luscombe’s article in TIME magazine highlights the struggle between first wives and second wives. 1 The TIME magazine article… Read More »

When Pet Custody is an Issue

Many couples and families own beloved pets. The ties that bind humans to animals sometimes outlast those of human relationships. When that happens, sparks fly when one spouse decides Fido is leaving with him or her. In a recent survey, the American Association of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), reported more than a quarter of its members… Read More »

After the Fact: Postnuptial Agreements

Most people understand the need to protect separate financial assets with a prenuptial agreement prior to marriage. But what about after wedding bells ring? A postnuptial agreement safeguards financial security — and sometimes the harmony of a marriage. Prenuptial agreements are reviewed and executed prior to a wedding. After the marriage, postnuptial agreements come into… Read More »

Divorce Counsel: Understanding the Road Ahead

In hindsight, people who have been divorced can usually offer advice on how a lawyer helped or hurt their case. If thinking about divorce, it is important you understand up front the need for good legal counsel for any family law matter. Divorce is the process of dissolving the legal relationship between you and your… Read More »

Foreign Law Proposes Marriage Licenses Renewals to Prevent Divorces

Last year, it was widely recently reported that lawmakers in Mexico were considering legislation that would have created temporary marriage licenses as a solution to the rising number of divorces in the country. According to a Reuters report, statistics showed that in Mexico most divorce actions commenced within the first two years of marriage. In… Read More »

The Impact Respect Can Have on a Breakup of a Marriage

Respect in a marriage does not stop at home. It is required in the public sphere as well. Today, most people have the ability to take videos and pictures right on their mobile phones. Because of this development, the chances that actions by one spouse outside of the home getting back to the other spouse… Read More »

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… Read More »

Taxes and Children of Divorced Parents

As the noncustodial parent, you will likely owe child support. The amount is generally established based on New York child support guidelines calculations, with some room for negotiating a fair monthly amount. In addition, you can negotiate with your spouse to reduce your future tax liability. The actions you take during mediation can put more… Read More »