For many divorcing couples, there’s no question that their children will be going to college. The only matter to be resolved, regardless of the age of the children, is how to pay for it. You and your spouse likely have a clear sense that your kids are college bound, so finding ways to build up […]
Author Archives: Friedman & Ranzenhofer
No, properties that were owned by one spouse before the marriage are considered separate property, and not subject to equitable distribution. That said, there are situations where you may have contributed substantial equity to a separate property and want compensation for those investments. Let’s say you paid for a new roof and a kitchen remodel […]
When divorcing spouses reconcile, they need the divorce action halted. Early on, that can be as simple as just not taking any further action in your divorce. But once you’ve submitted a settlement agreement to the court, you’re just waiting to receive the court order that dissolves your marriage, so you need to act fast […]
Custodial parents have an important obligation when it comes to encouraging a positive ongoing relationship between kids and their other parent. But when children grow into teenagers, parents are often forced to pick the battles they’re willing to fight. If your teenage child is genuinely resistant to attending visitation with their father, there may be […]
It’s an age old question in divorce: How can my contributions to my spouse’s career be calculated and compensated? Whether you worked while your spouse went to school or stayed home to raise kids while your spouse climbed the corporate ladder, developing a fair financial settlement at the end of a marriage is important for […]
Filing first won’t have any impact on the ultimate settlement, but there are times when it may be advantageous to file first. If you know you are ending the marriage and worry that your spouse may hide assets or empty accounts in retaliation, filing first and documenting the financial snapshot may be helpful. If you […]
Usually not, and filing on grounds like adultery or inhuman treatment require that you develop sometimes complicated legal cases against your spouse. With New York’s irretrievable breakdown ground, you can have a much simpler, and much less expensive, divorce without the need to prove that your spouse is responsible for the end of the marriage. […]
Yes, if the court agrees that only one parent is appropriate to hold both the decision-making role of legal custody and the day-to-day parenting role of physical custody, then one parent can be awarded both. In extreme cases, the second parent may be denied visitation entirely, but usually the court will err on the side […]
No, you shouldn’t need to appear in court if your divorce is uncontested. In an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse are able to arrive at agreement on the major issues of the action, including child custody and support payments, an equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, spousal support, if applicable, and other issues […]
If you and your spouse genuinely cannot come to terms about the living situation, financial support, and other matters related to your children, a trial will have to be held. This process is expensive, emotionally exhausting, and, in most cases, extremely combative. Your children may be assigned an advocate who will represent their interests, while […]