People sometimes fall in love and have a child with a partner even if they are not married. These loving relationships do not always last, however, leading to a break-up and the child going to live with one parent – commonly the mother. If a mother wants to receive...
Family Law
Why fathers need to assert their rights
The custody process is challenging and difficult for everyone, including the children involved. New York custody courts are required to use a best interest of the child standard when making custody decisions and base their decisions on several factors, starting with...
Can you prove that your former spouse is cohabitating?
Being ordered to pay spousal support or maintenance to your former spouse can be stressful. It can be emotionally draining, and the financial ramifications can be severe. But there may be end in sight, especially if you can show that your ex-spouse is now cohabitating...
Fathers’ rights and the importance of acknowledgment of paternity
In Long Island and throughout New York, fathers’ rights are frequently understated in a child custody and visitation case. However, parents should be aware of what must be done if there is any disagreement over paternity. This can occur because the parents are not...
Addressing child custody of a special needs child
Child custody disputes can be complex and hard-fought. That’s why parents who face these matters often work hard to build compelling arguments that support their belief that their proposed child custody and visitation arrangement is best for their children. While...
Legal separation is an option for New York couples
There may be many people on Long Island who, for whatever reason, do not want to go through a formal divorce. Still, they realize that they need to live separate lives from their spouses. People make this decision for many reasons. Sometimes, people just are not...
Fathers’ rights and the importance of paternity establishment
In New York, fathers’ rights are a point of contention in many family law cases. Often, there is a perception that the mother will automatically be granted decision-making authority and custody while the father recedes to the background on most matters. For fathers...
How long will spousal support be paid after a New York divorce?
In New York, it is unfortunate that many marriages end in divorce. As the decision is made to end a marriage and the case is negotiated, people will have questions about the aftermath. In many divorces, spousal support – also referred to as maintenance – is awarded....
The pros and cons of separation
Divorce may be a life-altering decision. Couples, however, may enter a legal or trial separation before they take this major step. This family law option has advantages and disadvantages. Separation defined A legal separation in New York requires that the spouses live...