When couples divorce in New York, dividing traditional assets like bank accounts and real estate is often straightforward. But what happens when one spouse has stock options, annual bonuses, or deferred compensation? These forms of income can represent significant value, yet they're frequently overlooked or misunderstood during divorce proceedings. If you or your spouse receives compensation beyond a regular salary, understanding how New York courts handle these assets is ess

Divorce proceedings often involve complex financial considerations, and in some cases, standard financial disclosure isn't enough to ensure a fair division of assets. When financial transparency becomes an issue, forensic accounting can be an invaluable tool. But how do you know when it's necessary for your case? In this post a Syracuse divorce attorney explains what you need to know. What Is Forensic Accounting? Forensic accounting is the detailed examination and analysis of

When a marriage ends due to infidelity, emotions run high. Spouses who have been betrayed often wonder whether their partner's affair will affect the divorce settlement or custody arrangements. While it's natural to hope that the court will hold the unfaithful spouse accountable, the legal reality in New York is more nuanced than many people expect. In this post, a Syracuse divorce attorney explains what you need to know. New York's No-Fault Divorce Law New York has been a no

Divorce proceedings require full financial disclosure from both parties. However, some spouses attempt to hide assets to avoid fair division of marital property. In New York, where equitable distribution governs property division, discovering hidden assets is crucial to protecting your financial interests. In this post a Syracuse divorce attorney explains what you need to know. Common Warning Signs of Hidden Assets Financial Behavior Changes Be alert if your spouse suddenly b

When couples decide to divorce in New York, one of the most pressing concerns is how their property will be divided. While many assets acquired during marriage are subject to equitable distribution, inheritances and gifts occupy a unique position under New York law. Understanding how these assets are treated can help you protect what's rightfully yours during divorce proceedings. In this post, a Syracuse divorce attorney explains what you need to know. The General Rule: Separ

The rise of cryptocurrency and digital assets has introduced new complexities to divorce proceedings in New York. As Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, and other digital holdings become increasingly common, family law attorneys must navigate uncharted territory when it comes to disclosure, valuation, and equitable distribution of these assets. In this post a Syracuse divorce attorney explains what you need to know. Understanding Digital Assets in Divorce Digital assets encompass more t

When substantial wealth is at stake, divorce becomes significantly more complex. High-asset divorces in New York present unique legal, financial, and strategic challenges that require sophisticated planning and experienced legal counsel. Understanding these challenges can help you protect your interests and achieve a fair resolution. What Qualifies as a High-Asset Divorce? While there's no strict definition, divorces involving marital estates worth $1 million or more are gene

If you're experiencing domestic violence or family-related abuse in New York, understanding your legal options is crucial for protecting yourself and your loved ones. One important legal tool available is the Family Offense Petition, which can provide immediate protection through an order of protection. But who exactly is eligible to file this type of petition? In this post a Syracuse family law attorney provides details. What Is a Family Offense Petition? A Family Offense Pe

Calculating child support can be complicated under any circumstances, but when one or both parents are self-employed, the process becomes significantly more complex. New York's Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) provides a framework for determining child support obligations, but applying this framework to self-employed parents requires careful analysis and often extensive documentation. In this post a Syracuse child support attorney explains what you need to know. Understandi

Life rarely stays the same after a divorce is finalized. Job changes, health issues, remarriage, and other significant events can dramatically affect your financial situation, and your ability to pay or need for spousal support (also called maintenance). If you're wondering whether your spousal support order can be changed, in this post a Syracuse divorce attorney explains what you need to know. Understanding the Basics of Modification In New York, spousal support orders aren

When parents of a special needs child divorce or separate, ensuring adequate financial support becomes even more critical. New York's child support laws recognize that children with disabilities often require additional care, therapy, medical attention, and educational services that extend well beyond typical expenses. Understanding how child support works for special needs children can help you advocate effectively for your child's future. In this post a Syracuse child suppo

When couples divorce, one of the most emotionally charged and financially significant questions is: who gets the house? For many New York families, the marital home represents their largest asset and holds deep sentimental value. Understanding how New York courts handle this issue can help you prepare for what lies ahead. In this post, a Syracuse divorce attorney explains what you need to know. New York's Equitable Distribution Framework New York is an equitable distribution

Going through a divorce involves much more than dividing assets. Many couples are surprised to learn that debts accumulated during the marriage must also be addressed and allocated between spouses. Understanding how New York courts approach debt division can help you prepare for this important aspect of your divorce proceedings. In this post a Syracuse divorce attorney explains what you need to know. New York's Equitable Distribution Framework New York is an equitable distrib

When calculating child support in New York, courts typically base their determinations on the actual income earned by both parents. However, there are situations where a parent's reported income doesn't accurately reflect their true earning capacity. In these cases, New York family courts have the authority to "impute" income, essentially attributing a higher income to a parent than what they're currently earning or reporting. Understanding when and how courts impute income i

If you're considering filing for divorce in New York, one of the first questions you need to answer is whether you meet the state's residency requirements. New York has specific rules about who can file for divorce here, and understanding these requirements can help you avoid delays and ensure your case proceeds smoothly. In this post, a Syracuse divorce attorney explains what you need to know. Why Residency Requirements Matter Residency requirements exist to establish that N

In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. We share updates, photos, and thoughts with friends and family at the click of a button. However, when going through a divorce in New York, those seemingly innocent posts can have serious legal consequences. Understanding how social media can impact your divorce proceedings is crucial to protecting your interests. How Social Media Posts Can Be Used as Evidence Many people don't realize that a

The holiday season can be one of the most challenging times for divorced or separated parents. Christmas, with its emphasis on family togetherness and tradition, often heightens emotions and can create tension between co-parents. However, with thoughtful planning and cooperation, you can create meaningful holiday experiences for your children while maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship. In this blog post a Syracuse child custody attorney offers some tips based on h

When parents separate or divorce in New York, one of the most critical legal determinations involves child custody and visitation arrangements. At the heart of every custody decision is a single, guiding principle: the "best interests of the child." But what does this actually mean, and how do New York courts make these deeply personal determinations? In this blog post a Syracuse Child Custody Attorney discusses what you need to do? Understanding the Best Interests Standard N

Telling your children about an impending divorce is one of the most challenging conversations any parent will face. As a Syracuse divorce attorney, I've worked with countless families navigating this difficult transition. While there's no perfect way to share this news, approaching the conversation with care, honesty, and age-appropriate communication can help your children begin to process this major life change. In this post I detail some insights over the years helping cli

Planning a wedding should be an exciting time, but bringing up the topic of a prenuptial agreement can feel awkward or even frightening. Many engaged couples worry that mentioning a prenup signals distrust or pessimism about their future together. However, when approached thoughtfully, discussing a prenup can actually strengthen your relationship by fostering open communication about finances, values, and expectations. As a Syracuse prenup attorney, I've guided countless co