Navigating the special education system can be overwhelming, especially for parents of autistic children who want to ensure their child receives the support they deserve. As an experienced Syracuse special education law attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how knowledge of your rights can transform your child’s educational journey. This guide is designed to help you understand the legal landscape and advocate effectively for your child. Understanding Autism and Educational Needs Aut

In family law matters, establishing or challenging paternity can have profound implications for parents and children alike. Paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as a child's father, which affects rights and responsibilities such as child support, custody, visitation, inheritance, and access to benefits like health insurance or Social Security. If you believe there has been a mistake in establishing paternity, whether through a voluntary acknowledgment, a presump

Grandparents often play a vital role in their grandchildren's lives, providing emotional support, wisdom, and a sense of family history. However, as an experienced Syracuse grandparent rights attorney practicing across Central New York I've seen all too often how shifting family dynamics shift can lead to grandparents finding themselves cut off from the lives of their grandchildren. In New York State, grandparents do have legal avenues to seek visitation rights, but the proce

In New York State, Child Protective Services (CPS) plays a critical role in safeguarding children from abuse and neglect. However, investigations do not always yield accurate results. If you have received a notice indicating that a report against you has been "indicated," it signifies that CPS has found credible evidence of abuse or maltreatment. This designation can have serious consequences for your family, career, and reputation. An indicated report is entered into the Sta

If you’re navigating a challenging family situation, you may have heard the term “family offense” and wondered what it means. As an experienced Syracuse family law attorney representing clients across Central New York State, I you can help understanding what constitutes a family offense if you’re considering legal action to protect yourself or a loved one. Defining a Family Offense In New York State, a family offense is a specific type of act, often involving violence, harass

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

As an experienced Syracuse family law attorney serving client across Central New York, I often asked: "Who gets to claim the children as dependents on their tax return?" While tax laws are primarily governed by the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS), New York State has its own considerations that align closely with federal rules. In this post, we'll break down the key guidelines to help you understand your options. Understanding Federal Tax Rules for Claiming Dependents A

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

Adopting a child can be one of the most fulfilling journeys a person or family undertakes, bringing love, growth, and new beginnings. In New York State, the adoption process is designed to prioritize the child's best interests while ensuring prospective parents are prepared for this lifelong commitment. As a Syracuse adoption attorney serving clients across Central New York, I've helped many families navigate this path. This blog post provides an overview of the adoption proc

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

As an experienced Syracuse grandparent rights attorney practicing throughout Central New York, I often encounter grandparents who are deeply involved in their grandchildren's lives and may find themselves in situations where they need to seek legal custody. Grandparent custody can arise in challenging family circumstances, such as parental unfitness, abandonment, or other issues that affect the child's well-being. This blog post explores the key aspects of grandparent custody

As an experienced Syracuse child support lawyer serving clients across Central New York State, I often hear from clients wondering if their child support orders can be adjusted to reflect changes in their lives. The short answer is yes; child support orders aren't set in stone. New York law recognizes that circumstances change, whether due to job loss, increased income, changes in custody, or other significant shifts. However, modifications aren't automatic; they require meet

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

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

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

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

When parents share custody of their children equally, many assume that child support is unnecessary because each parent spends the same amount of time caring for the child. However, under New York law, the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) still applies even in a 50/50 custody arrangement. As an experienced Syracuse child support attorney, I help clients understand how courts handle these situations and assist in navigating divorce or custody proceedings. The Basics of Child