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

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 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

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

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

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

When a marriage reaches a difficult crossroads, couples in New York have more than one legal option to consider. While divorce is the most well-known path, legal separation offers an alternative that may be better suited to certain circumstances. Understanding the key differences between these two options can help you make an informed decision about what's right for your family. In this post a Syracuse divorce attorney explains what you need to know. What Is a Legal Separatio

When you file for divorce in New York State, certain rules immediately go into effect to protect both parties and preserve marital assets during the proceedings. These are called "automatic orders" or "automatic restraining orders," and they apply to both spouses from the moment the divorce action is commenced. In this post a Syracuse family law attorney explains what you need to know. What Are Automatic Orders? Automatic orders are court-imposed restrictions that take effect

As a Syracuse divorce attorney, one of the first questions many clients ask when considering a divorce is: “How long will it take?” The answer depends on several factors, from whether the divorce is contested to how quickly both parties can resolve key issues. While every case is unique, understanding the process can help you set realistic expectations. 1. Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce The most significant factor affecting the timeline of a divorce in New York is whether

When contemplating divorce, many people wonder whether there's a strategic advantage to being the first to file. It's a common question that deserves a thoughtful answer. While filing first doesn't determine the outcome of your divorce, it can have certain practical and procedural implications worth considering. In this post a Syracuse divorce attorney explains what you need to know. Understanding the Basics In New York, the spouse who files for divorce first is called the "p

In honor of Veterans' Day, we recognize the unique sacrifices made by our military service members and their families, including the complex challenges they may face during divorce proceedings. Divorce is never simple, but when one or both spouses serve in the military, additional layers of legal complexity come into play. Whether you're an active-duty service member, a military retiree, or the spouse of someone in uniform, understanding these special considerations is crucia

Divorce can be a challenging process, especially when significant assets like business interests are involved. In New York State, where equitable distribution governs property division, understanding how businesses are classified, valued, and divided is crucial for protecting your financial future. Whether you own a small LLC, a family-run enterprise, or shares in a larger corporation, these assets can become a focal point in divorce proceedings. In this blog post, a Syracuse