Tag Archives: family law attorney

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 »

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 »

Summertime Blues: Co-Parenting When School is Out

As summer comes on, so do challenges for parents who share custody during the summer. Working out a parenting time plan is required for parents of minor children in New York. A parenting plan includes details on how time with children is shared when school is out. Summer parenting arrangements can be court-ordered or created… Read More »

Proving You Aren’t the Father

Fatherhood comes with many rewards and pleasures. It also involves a lifetime of financial and personal responsibilities. Once you are named the father — either through an order or voluntary acknowledgement — you can be held liable for child support until the child turns 21 years old. You may be determined to care for your… Read More »

How a Child’s Age Can Influence Custody Disputes

In the past, many jurisdictions in the United States relied upon the tender years doctrine in child custody cases. This doctrine essentially created a presumption in favor of the mother in custody disputes involving children under a certain age. Most states, including New York, have departed from this doctrine as an officially recognized principle of… Read More »