Syracuse Family Law Blog

Sometimes in divorce cases, one spouse starts the process and the other spouse never formally responds. When that happens, the court may grant what is known as a default judgment of divorce. While default divorces are common, they also raise an important question: What happens if the spouse who failed to respond later wants to…

Divorce does not always have to mean courtroom battles and drawn-out litigation. In New York, many couples choose collaborative divorce as a more private, respectful, and efficient way to end their marriage. But what exactly is collaborative divorce, and how does it work? In this post, a Syracuse divorce attorney explains what you need to know.…

One of the most common questions parents ask at the beginning of a separation is: “If I move out of the marital home, will I lose custody of my children?” The short answer in New York is that moving out does not automatically cause you to lose custody, but how you handle the move can significantly…

Spousal maintenance can have a significant financial impact after a divorce. But what happens when circumstances change? Can a former spouse go back to court and ask for more, or less, maintenance? Whether maintenance can be modified depends largely on how it was created and what has changed since the divorce. In this post a Syracuse…

It’s more common than many people think: a couple files for divorce, but neither spouse moves out. Whether for financial reasons, children, or sheer practicality, they continue living under the same roof while the divorce is pending. If you’re considering this, you’re probably wondering: Is staying in the marital home together a legal mistake? The…

When parents separate or divorce, one of the most emotionally charged issues is parenting time. A question I frequently hear from clients across New York is: “Can I refuse visitation?” Or, on the other side: “What can I do if my child’s other parent is denying my visitation?” The answer depends on the circumstances, but in…

When a child’s safety is at risk, waiting weeks for a court date is not an option. Fortunately, New York law allows judges to act quickly in true emergencies. But “emergency” has a specific legal meaning, and not every urgent or upsetting situation qualifies. In this post, a Syracuse custody attorney explains what you need…

One of the most common questions parents ask during a custody or support case is: “If I start living with someone new, will their income affect my child support?” In most situations in New York, the answer is no, but there are important nuances you should understand. In this post, a Syracuse Child Support Attorney…

If you’ve just received an unfavorable custody ruling, you may be feeling frustrated, shocked, or even angry. A common question parents ask is: “Can I appeal?” The short answer is yes, but appeals are not automatic do-overs. Understanding how the process works is critical before deciding your next step. In this post a Syracuse custody attorney…

One of the most common questions people ask when facing divorce in New York is: “Can my spouse make me pay their attorney fees?” The short answer is: Yes, in some circumstances. But whether you will actually be required to pay depends on the facts of your case, the financial circumstances of both parties, and how…