An Overview My New York Family Law Practice
For more information about a family law topic, click on the heading:
New York Divorce
Getting divorced in New York doesn't have to be a prolonged and emotionally draining experience. My goal as your lawyer is to help you complete your divorce as quickly as possible, while protecting your rights and helping you prepare for the future.
Divorce Mediation
While I am a lawyer, I am not an advocate for either side when I serve as a mediator. Rather, I gather pertinent information, explain the law and provide information about what the likely outcome would be if the issue was put before the court. Then I attempt to tailor an agreement addressing the needs of both sides.
Marital Property Division
While the division of marital property seems straightforward, there are many factors that can make the issue more complicated. One of those issues is deciding whether it makes financial sense to keep your house.
Child Custody & Visitation
Some parents begin the divorce process by saying they want sole custody of their children. However, New York courts favor joint custody to ensure both parents can actively participate in their children's lives. One parent will usually be designated as the residential parent.
New York Child Support Guidelines
In New York, the parent who does not have primary residential custody is required to pay child support to the parent with custody. Those payments are determined by a formula that considers the incomes of both parents and the number of children.
Spousal Support & Maintenance
Spousal support, or maintenance, is based on a number of factors, including the length of the marriage, the non-working spouse's education and ability to be self-supporting, and other assets available for distribution. It is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Post-Judgment Modifications
Child custody and support can be modified after divorce if there is a change in circumstances.
Domestic Violence
An order of protection can be used to protect yourself against an abusive spouse. Unfortunately, an angry spouse can also use this order (also known as a restraining order) to kick you out of the home and gain the upper hand during a divorce dispute.
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
The division of marital property can be one the most difficult and costly issues to resolve in cases of a divorce. For this reason, many people with significant assets choose to spell out a property settlement agreement prior to a marriage (prenuptial) or during the marriage (postnuptial).
To schedule an attorney consultation: Call 718-351-3748 or fill out the contact form on this Web site. My law office is located on 94 Hancock Street in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York.
