Category Archives: Family Law
What Are Grandparents’ Rights?
Life-altering changes in the family, such as divorce, separation or the loss of a parent, can strain a relationship with grandparents. In other cases, the parents and grandparents may simply not appreciate a grandparent’s influence. In New York, grandparents have limited legal rights when it comes to seeking court-ordered visitation with their grandchildren—at least in… Read More »
Parental Alienation During Divorce
Divorce is a difficult process, and when children are involved, emotions can run high. Unfortunately, some parents resort to destructive behaviors that can harm the parent-child relationship. This behavior, known as Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS), occurs when one parent influences the child to reject the other parent. In severe cases, the child may completely reject… Read More »
What to Do When You Suspect Your Ex is Hiding Assets
Divorce is never an easy process, and it becomes even more challenging when one spouse tries to hide assets to avoid equitable distribution. However, there are legal tools available to help you uncover hidden income and assets during divorce proceedings. Here’s what to do: Gather financial records: Categorize assets as “marital” (acquired during the marriage),… Read More »
When Can Parental Rights Be Terminated?
Termination of parental rights is a legal process that permanently ends the rights of natural parents to their child, essentially freeing the child for adoption. This significant and often emotional decision is made to ensure the child’s safety, well-being and best interests. Filing a termination of parental rights petition A termination of parental rights petition… Read More »
Understanding Retroactive Child Support vs. Arrears
When you share children with an ex, often, one parent is ordered or agrees to pay child support. While arrangements can vary, it’s important to comply with your court order to the letter. If you fail to pay child support, you can face serious penalties which if same is found willful, you can be incarcerated… Read More »
Reasons for Modifying Child Support
Whether you agree on a child support amount or have to fight it out in court, child support amounts can change before your obligations end. Either parent can petition for modifying the support order, but in order for it to be granted, there must be valid change in circumstances. Here are some common reasons you… Read More »
Dealing With Divorce When You Have an Abusive Spouse
Divorce can be challenging, even when it’s amicable. Navigating the process when your spouse is abusive, however, adds a new layer of difficulty and danger. Here are some tips to protect yourself when separating from an abusive partner: Separate your finances: Many people are trapped in abusive marriages because they do not have access to… Read More »
Should You Try Dating During Your Divorce?
Divorce can be emotionally, physically and financially exhausting. When a new potential partner comes along, it can seem like an antidote to the heartbreak and stress. It’s great to feel appreciated and desired after a major blow—but could it jeopardize your divorce? While every relationship and divorce are different, here are some reasons to reconsider… Read More »
Modern Parenting Plan Considerations
The world is changing rapidly, which means your parenting plan could, too. When you’re co-parenting with an ex, it’s important to make sure that you’re both on the same page about major issues, like where the children go to school, whether they’ll be raised with religion and other common issues. However, there are some new… Read More »
Common Questions About Child Support
While many parents live together to raise their child and share expenses, relationships don’t always work out. In that case, a non-custodial parent may be required to pay child support. Child support covers expenses like food, clothing, shelter and more. However, medical costs, medical insurance, child care and some educational costs are expenses that are… Read More »