Category Archives: Family Law
Legal Questions to Consider Before You Get Married
As you prepare for marriage, there are some questions to consider beyond just whether you are ready to make a lifelong commitment to your partner. Because marriage is a legal contract, there are certain legal issues you and your future spouse should decide together before moving forward. Before your wedding Before you officially get married,… Read More »
Age at Time of Cohabitation Could Be Predictor of Divorce
For many years, it was commonly accepted that cohabitation before marriage increased a couple’s risk of getting divorced. However, research from the Council on Contemporary Families suggests cohabitation does not influence the likelihood of divorce—and never has. Instead, it is the age at the time of cohabitation that’s most likely to predict a divorce. Couples… Read More »
Preventing Child Abduction During a Divorce
Although it’s rare, in some cases a custodial parent might be worried his or her former partner will attempt to kidnap their children, whether during a visit or at some other time. If you believe there is any chance of this occurring, there are steps you can take to prevent it, while also preparing yourself… Read More »
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Visitation
As a part of your child custody negotiations, you will need to create a child visitation schedule. In most cases, the noncustodial parent will have the right to reasonable visitation with his or her kids. Below are a few of the most frequently asked questions we receive on child visitation: Q: What qualifies as ‘reasonable… Read More »
What are the Legal Benefits Associated with Marriage?
Marriage is more than just a new phase of your relationship with your partner—it is also a legally binding contract that affords you certain legal benefits often unavailable to single people. The following are a few examples of those benefits and protections you will receive as a married person: Tax benefits: Married people can file… Read More »
Understanding the Legal Rights of Underage Children
Although children do not have the full-fledged legal rights of an adult over the age of 18, they do still have some rights that courts will protect. Below are a few examples of those basic rights: Basic living necessities: Children have the right to some basic everyday necessities, to be provided by their parents. These… Read More »
Can Parents Lose Their Visitation Rights?
Parental rights are protected by the U.S. Constitution. However, parents may lose those rights in certain circumstances. Courts will always act in what they deem to be the best interests of a child, which might mean supervised visitation or even cutting off all ties with a parent if he or she poses some sort of… Read More »
Factors a Judge Will Consider When Determining Child Custody
In every state, the “best interest of the child” is the main standard used to determine custody cases. But what exactly do judges consider as they determine what is in the best interest of the child? Below are a few of the factors you can expect to play a role in your child custody case:… Read More »
Preparing and Serving Divorce Paperwork in New York
Even if your spouse is not contesting your divorce, you will still need to prepare and file a significant amount of paperwork to finalize your divorce. All the documents you need to file for divorce in New York are on the NY Courts website. The first form to fill out is the Summons with Notice… Read More »