Syracuse Family Law Blog

When a New York divorce becomes contested, one of the most important, and often most misunderstood, phases of the case is discovery. Discovery is the formal legal process through which each spouse obtains information and documents from the other side in order to build their case, evaluate settlement, and prepare for trial if necessary. In…

When a marriage involves a professional practice, such as a medical office, dental practice, law firm interest, accounting firm, or other licensed business, divorce becomes significantly more complicated. In New York, professional practices are often considered marital property, and determining their value can become one of the most heavily contested aspects of the case. If…

Divorce settlements are often focused on who keeps the house, how parenting time will work, and what support payments may be required. But one issue that is frequently overlooked until it is too late is taxes. In New York divorce cases, the tax consequences of a settlement can dramatically affect the true value of what…

Divorce cases in New York are often won or lost based on evidence. Whether the dispute involves child custody, finances, hidden assets, domestic violence allegations, or claims of marital misconduct, the court’s decisions are supposed to be based on admissible proof, not speculation, assumptions, or emotional accusations. Understanding how evidence works in a New York…

When people think about divorce in New York, one of the most common questions is: “What happens to an inheritance?” The short answer is that inheritances are usually considered separate property under New York law. But there are important exceptions. In some situations, inherited money or property can lose its protected status and become partially, or…

When parents are involved in a custody or visitation dispute in New York, one of the most sensitive questions is whether the child’s wishes will be considered by the court. In some cases, the judge may conduct what is known as a “Lincoln hearing,” a private interview with the child outside the presence of the…

When parents are involved in a custody dispute, many assume the case will come down to who is “telling the truth.” While the credibility of the parties is important, evidence, what can actually be proven to the court through testimony, documents, records, and other admissible information, is what many cases ultimately turn on. Understanding how…

If you are considering divorce in New York, one of the first questions you will face is whether your case will be contested or uncontested. The difference can significantly affect the cost, timeline, stress level, and overall outcome of your divorce. While many people assume divorce always means courtroom battles and lengthy litigation, that is not…

Few areas of New York family law create more confusion, and more emotional conflict, than grandparent visitation. Many people assume grandparents automatically have “rights” to see their grandchildren. Others believe parents can always cut off contact without consequence. The truth is more nuanced. Under New York law, grandparents do have the ability to petition the…

Divorce is rarely the end of life’s changes. A new job, a family support system in another city, a fresh start, there are many reasons a divorced parent may want to move away from their current location. But when you share custody of a child, relocating is never as simple as packing boxes and signing…