Divorce is a life-altering event that extends far beyond the dissolution of a marriage. It can significantly influence your financial future, including how your assets are distributed after your passing. In New York, specific laws govern how divorce interacts with wills and broader estate planning, often leading to automatic changes while requiring proactive updates in other areas. Understanding these implications is crucial to ensure your wishes are honored and to avoid unin

As a Syracuse divorce attorney practicing across Central New York, I'm often posed questions from clients about the divorce process. For many years, getting a divorce in New York required proving that one spouse was “at fault” for the breakdown of the marriage, such as through adultery, cruelty, or abandonment, which often led to lengthy, contentious court battles. That changed in 2010 when New York became the last state in the country to adopt no-fault divorce. Today, couple

Divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences in life, but understanding your options can make the process smoother and less overwhelming. In New York State, divorces generally fall into two categories: contested and uncontested. As an experienced Syracuse divorce attorney practicing across Central New York, I've helped countless clients decide which path is best for them. This blog post will break down the key differences, processes, benefits, and considerations for

Divorce is often an emotionally draining process, and many people understandably want to move forward with their lives as soon as possible. As a Syracuse divorce attorney, one of the most common questions I get asked is: “Can I start dating before my divorce is finalized?” The short answer: Yes, you can date while your divorce is pending in New York, but you should proceed with caution. While there’s no law that prohibits you from entering into a new relationship before your

As an experienced Syracuse divorce attorney representing clients across Central New York, I often encounter individuals who are unsure about their options when a marriage encounters difficulties. One of the most common tools discussed is the separation agreement, a practical and often less adversarial alternative to immediate divorce. In this blog post, I will break down what separation agreements are, why they might be right for you, and key considerations under New York law

As a Syracuse divorce attorney practicing across Central New York, I frequently assist clients in understanding maintenance (also known as spousal support or alimony) during divorce proceedings. Maintenance provides financial support from one spouse to the other to help maintain a similar standard of living post-separation. The state uses guideline formulas to ensure consistency, but courts have discretion to adjust based on specific circumstances. This blog post outlines the

As an experienced Syracuse divorce attorney serving clients across Central New York, I often see clients concerned about how their hard-earned retirement savings and pensions will be handled during a divorce. These assets are frequently among the most valuable in a marriage, and their division can significantly impact your financial future. In this post, I’ll explain how New York courts approach dividing retirement savings and pensions under the equitable distribution framewo

As a Syracuse divorce attorney practicing across Central New York, I often encounter clients who are understandably anxious about how their assets and debts will be handled during a divorce. Property division can be one of the most contentious aspects of ending a marriage, but understanding the basics can help demystify the process. In this post, I'll break down how property is divided under New York State law, including key concepts like equitable distribution, the differenc

Navigating a divorce or separation can be emotionally draining, especially when you and your ex are still living under the same roof. Tensions can run high, making it difficult to maintain a peaceful environment. If you're wondering how to legally require your ex to leave the shared home, the concept of "exclusive use and occupancy" might provide a solution for married couples, while other legal avenues exist for unmarried partners. In this blog post, a Syracuse family law at

Divorce is never easy, but the process you choose can make a significant difference in how stressful, costly, and time-consuming it becomes. In New York State, couples have the option to pursue divorce mediation as an alternative to traditional litigation. Mediation can often provide a more cooperative, efficient, and cost-effective way to resolve issues and move forward. In this blog a Syracuse divorce attorney explores the pros and cons. What Is Divorce Mediation? Divorce m

Divorce is a challenging process, and for immigrants in New York State, it can raise additional concerns about how it might affect their immigration status. Whether you're navigating a green card, visa, or naturalization process, understanding the potential implications of divorce is critical. In this post a Syracuse divorce attorney explores the potential impact of divorce of immigration status. Understanding Immigration Status and Marriage-Based Benefits Many immigrants in

For many couples going through divorce in New York, the question of “Who gets the dog?”  can be just as emotionally charged as issues involving children or finances. Pets are family, but under New York law, they have traditionally been treated as property. However, recent legal developments now allow judges to consider the best interests of the pet when determining ownership. In this post a Syracuse divorce attorney explains what you need to know about how pet custody is dete

The steady increase of children being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has resulted in the unique needs of those families impacted playing a more prominent role in New York State’s family court system. With the growing frequency of such cases, a more thorough understanding of the particular concerns inherent in them has become crucial to ensuring that the best interests of the child are truly being met. Divorces involving parents of children diagnosed with ASD pr