A home is likely one of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime, whether you make the purchase alone, with a partner, or with your spouse. If you are married and are getting a divorce, you may be wondering what will happen to your family home now that you...
Year: 2023
Can I change my custody order?
Custody orders in New York are created with the best interests of the children in mind. Once your custody order is entered, you must follow it or face being found in contempt of court. But what happens if your circumstances change, making it impractical or impossible...
How a QDRO can save your retirement account in divorce
Many people have set up retirement accounts through their employers or on their own. These accounts come in many forms, but many grow in value tax-free so long as the owner is still working. When they reach retirement age, the owner can withdraw the funds without...
How is marital property split if it is in one spouse’s name?
In a New York family law case, property division can be complicated and lead to dispute between the parties. One of the most contentious aspects is how property that both contributed to acquiring or to its increase in value will be split. This can be made even more...
How does a separation agreement differ from a divorce?
Some Westchester County residents may refer to a separation agreement as the document a couple signs at the end of a negotiated divorce settlement. The agreement spells out how the couple will divide property and co-parent.a Once the judge approves it, the judge will...
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements in divorce
It is normal for couples in New York to come to some form of agreement that will detail what happens if they get divorced. This could be written before or during marriage. With a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, it is important to understand what it means for both...
Child custody and parenting plans
If you are getting divorced, and you and your spouse have children under age 18, you must work out the details of child custody. These can include which parent the child will live with at what time, how you and the other parent will handle drop-offs and pickups, and...
What should I know about property division in my divorce?
Property division is one of the most complicated aspects of a New York divorce. You may think that property division involves simply splitting up your marital assets and debts in a fair and equitable fashion, but sometimes it involves more than that. Divorce is likely...
How do you know if mediation is right for your divorce?
Mediation is an increasingly popular way to resolve legal disputes, as it tends to be quicker and less expensive than going to court. It also helps keep information private and allows the parties to have control over their outcomes, rather than leaving matters up to a...
Addressing the termination of parental rights
While many parents hope to raise their children together, there are situations where it is necessary to terminate one parent’s rights. When a parent’s rights are terminated, it means that they are no longer legally responsible for the child. This is done when it is in...