New York Family Law Blog
Divorcing women may be unaware of upcoming financial hurdles
The findings of a study consisting of women in various stages of divorce showed that many were unprepared for upcoming financial “surprises.” The women cited a variety of potentially problematic financial issues as a result of divorce, and, among all age groups, there...
What help is available to a dependent spouse during a divorce?
Many households find that it is more cost-effective to have one spouse stay home to take care of the house and children than it is to pay for childcare and to hire professionals for things like cleaning and cooking. Staying at home can have a lot of benefits, from...
How do the New York family courts set child support amounts?
When it comes to divorce for parents with minor children, few things are more contentious than the amount of support that the New York courts order one parent to pay the other on behalf of the kids. Child support often falls woefully short of covering the expenses...
Mediation for Custody Disputes: Help Your Clients Avoid the “Litigation Wringer”
As every parent knows, it is impossible to work together without trust. Custody litigation, by its nature, serves to eliminate it. Mediation, whenever possible, is an easier and less expensive process than litigation for your family law clients. It helps them decide...
Just the Facts: Respect
In this “Just the Facts” series, I’ve already covered Child Support, Custody Cases, and When Mediation Doesn’t Work. I’m now sharing the most powerful lesson — and also the simplest — for the final installment of this series: Follow the Golden Rule. Treat others how...
Just the Facts: When Mediation Doesn’t Work
By now you’ve probably figured out that mediating your divorce makes sense in most cases — and you may be wondering about what types of cases are not a fit for mediation. If there is domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, or parental alienation, litigation becomes...
Just the Facts: Custody Cases
As every parent knows, it is impossible to work together without trust. Custody litigation, by its nature, eliminates trust — to the detriment of the children. The most basic reason why the current system for resolving custody issues is so bad for children is perhaps...
Just the Facts: Child Support
I have spent most of my career in New York’s Family Court system. I’ve had many people come into my office for consultations who are cynical “veterans” of the system, and others who tell me that they have heard “horror stories.” This series will describe the reasons...
Are you ready to start naturalization to become a U.S. citizen?
Living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident has many benefits. For the most part, you enjoy many of the same rights and protections that citizens do. However, there are limitations to those rights. You cannot vote or hold public office. Also, you will...
Child Support Orders [VIDEO]
What is included in an order of child support? Basic Child Support Basic child support is meant to provide for a child's basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter, and school supplies. The amount of support is calculated via a formula based on the parents’...
