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

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

Separation is one of life's most challenging transitions, especially when children are involved. As a parent navigating this difficult time, you may be experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, grief, anger, confusion, or relief. Whatever you're feeling is valid. But amid all these changes, one truth remains constant: your children need both of their parents to work together on their behalf. Successful co-parenting doesn't happen overnight, and it certainly doesn't require you to

As a New York State attorney specializing in family law, I often get questions about where a case can or should be filed. This concept, known as "venue," refers to the specific county or location within the state where your legal matter will be heard. Choosing the right venue is crucial because it can affect convenience, costs, and even the outcome of your case. In this post, a Syracuse family law attorney breaks down how venue is determined, with a special emphasis on Family

Family court orders in New York State are legally binding directives issued by a judge to protect the rights and responsibilities of individuals involved in family law matters. These orders can cover a wide range of issues, including child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, and restraining or protection orders. Failing to comply with a family court order can have serious consequences, both legal and practical. In this post a Syracuse family law attorney e

The holiday season should be a time of joy and celebration for children, but for divorced or separated parents, it can become a source of stress and conflict. Understanding how holiday custody schedules are determined in New York State can help you navigate this challenging aspect of co-parenting and ensure your children enjoy meaningful time with both parents during special occasions. In this blog post, a Syracuse child custody attorney explains what you need to know. The Be

Thanksgiving can be one of the most challenging holidays for separated or divorced parents. Between custody schedules, extended family expectations, and the emotional weight of traditions in flux, the holiday season often becomes a source of stress rather than celebration. As a Syracuse child custody attorney, I've seen how advance planning and clear communication can transform what might be a contentious holiday into a positive experience for everyone, especially your childr

In New York State, the concept of emancipation allows a minor (typically someone under the age of 21 for support purposes) to gain legal independence from their parents or guardians. This process can be complex, as it doesn't involve a straightforward court petition like in some other states. Instead, emancipation is often determined as part of other family court matters, such as child support disputes. If you're a parent, guardian, or young person navigating this topic, unde

Custody cases are always sensitive, but when a child has special needs, whether physical, developmental, or emotional, courts in New York must take additional factors into account to ensure the child’s best interests are met. As an experienced Syracuse child custody attorney serving clients across Central New York, I know first-hand how these cases often require more detailed parenting plans, specialized medical and educational considerations, and careful evaluation of each p

When child custody is in dispute, New York courts aim to determine what arrangement serves the best interests of the child. In some cases, questions about a parent’s mental health, emotional stability, or parenting capacity may lead the court to order, or the parties to request, a psychiatric evaluation, also commonly referred to as a forensic custody evaluation. These assessments, conducted by qualified mental health professionals, provide valuable insights into the psycholo

When parents separate or divorce, it’s not uncommon for emotions to run high. Unfortunately, sometimes those emotions spill over into the parent–child relationship, leading one parent to influence a child against the other. One parent may engage in behaviors that undermine the child's relationship with the other parent, often leading to the child reject or become hostile toward the other parent. This is known as parental alienation, and in New York custody cases, it can have

Child custody arrangements are designed to serve the best interests of the child, but life circumstances can change over time. In New York State, custody orders are not set in stone and can be modified if certain conditions are met. Whether you're dealing with a relocation, a shift in parental responsibilities, or evolving needs of your child, a Syracuse child custody attorney can help you understand the process and protect your rights. In this blog post I will outline the ke

In New York State, child custody determinations are guided by the paramount principle of the child's best interests. When domestic violence allegations enter the picture, they can profoundly influence the outcome of custody battles. Courts take these claims seriously, recognizing that exposure to violence, whether directed at the child or another family member, can have a lasting impact on a child's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. This blog post from a Syra

Navigating child custody arrangements during a divorce or separation can be one of the most challenging aspects of family law. In New York State, custody decisions are always made with the child's best interests in mind, but understanding the terminology is crucial for parents. Two key concepts often cause confusion: legal custody and physical custody. While they both relate to parental rights and responsibilities, they address different aspects of a child's life. In this pos

As an experienced Syracuse family law attorney with years of experience navigating complex custody cases across Central New York, I've seen firsthand how mental health issues can influence court decisions. Custody determinations are always centered on the "best interests of the child," but when mental health comes into play, the process can become even more nuanced. In this blog post, we'll explore how New York courts evaluate parental mental health, the factors they consider

Child custody disputes can become particularly complex when they involve multiple states, raising questions about which court has the authority to make decisions. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) provides a framework to resolve these jurisdictional issues, ensuring that custody determinations are made in the child's best interests while minimizing conflicts between states. Adopted by New York and most other states, the UCCJEA helps prevent "

Navigating child custody disputes can be one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of family law. For parents in New York, understanding how the courts approach these decisions is crucial. While the primary focus is always on the "best interests of the child," many parents wonder about the influence of their child's own preferences. In this blog post, a Syracuse child custody attorney explores the role that a child's wishes play in custody determinations under New York

Navigating a custody dispute in New York can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. When parents cannot agree on custody or visitation arrangements, the court often appoints an Attorney for the Child (AFC) to represent the child’s interests. Previously known as a law guardian, the AFC plays a critical role in ensuring the child’s voice is heard and their well-being is prioritized. As an experienced Syracuse family law attorney serving clients across Central New York,