Family Law

Common-law marriage is the concept that if a couple lives together for long enough (some say seven years, although the defined amount of time varies from state or state or is not defined), they are automatically considered legally married and should be treated as such for tax purposes, next-of-kin situations, inheritance, and other legal...

Child custody and visitation cases have a reputation for causing drama and contention. In an age where the stereotypical family model of a two-parent household is hardly the norm anymore, there may be a number of adult figures that have an interest in contributing to a child’s wellbeing. If you are a grandparent in...

In S.B. v. B.B., N.Y.L.J., November 22, 2019 (Sup.Ct. Nassau Cty, November 6, 2019) the Nassau County Supreme Court determined a postnuptial agreement was invalid due to being unconscionable and unreasonable. The parties married in 2004 and in 2008 the wife signed a postnuptial agreement prepared by her husband’s attorney. The husband did not...

Protecting your safety in New York City There is nothing scarier than not feeling safe in your own home. If you are facing the threat of violence or if someone in your house is enduring domestic abuse, filing for an order of protection is the next step in protecting yourself and your family. What...

What’s mine is mine, what’s yours is yours, and what’s ours is ours. Or is it? When it comes to divorce in New York, divvying up property is one of the most difficult, if not downright contentious, issues. New York is an equitable distribution state, which means that marital property is divided “fairly.” Separate...