Author Archives: Friedman & Ranzenhofer

How Can I Avoid Being Stuck With My Spouse’s Credit Card Debts In The Divorce Settlement In Rochester?

Sometimes divorce settlements end up lumping most of the debt on one spouse, and not necessarily the one who ran it up in the first place. It never feels good to be stuck paying bills you didn’t create, so the attorneys at Friedman & Ranzenhofer go to great lengths to ensure that your financial responsibility […]

Is My Spouse’s Medical License, Which I Largely Paid For, A Marital Asset In Rochester Divorce?

It’s an unfortunate situation when one spouse supports the other through years of advanced training, only to see their investment walk out with the valuable license they feel they paid for. New York is one of just two states in the country that recognize your contribution, and require that the financial settlement ending the marriage […]

Can Spousal Maintenance Be Discharged With A Bankruptcy Filing In Rochester?

No, Rochester’s bankruptcy courts consider spousal maintenance and child support to be a priority form of debt, and priority debts are not dischargeable. There are many reasons why a person might need to modify a spousal maintenance order, including unemployment, serious illness, or significant injuries that prevent you from working for a long period. When […]

Is A Rochester Prenup Enforceable If I Didn’t Have My Own Attorney When I Signed It?

Your prenuptial agreement may not be enforceable in Rochester divorce court if you didn’t have an independent attorney review it before you signed. While recognizing and enforcing contracts is an important legal principle that the courts try to uphold, judges are leery of contracts entered into without representation by one party. This hesitation becomes caution […]

Can I File For Bankruptcy In Rochester To Get Rid Of My Child Support Payments?

No, child support is a priority debt obligation that can’t be discharged in a bankruptcy filing. Similarly to spousal support, these court orders can’t be wiped away with your credit card and other debt. However, because these support obligations are durable, it is possible to use a bankruptcy filing to clear away other debt, making […]

What Is The Driver Responsibility Assessment In A Rochester Area DWI Case?

Although the fines associated with a drinking and driving conviction are already very high, most Rochester DWI lawyers are aware that over the years, New York State has added several different surcharges and fees that defendants are required to pay. These financial charges are in addition to any “fine” imposed by the Court. The Driver […]

Is Jail Time Following A DWI Arrest In The Rochester Area Ever Mandatory?

A Rochester resident arrested for drinking and driving always faces the possibility of a sentence of incarceration. In most cases, whether a defendant will be sentenced to any time in jail is solely at the discretion of the judge. Under limited circumstances, however, New York State law requires that the defendant either be incarcerated for […]

What Is The Penalty For Aggravated Vehicular Assault In The Rochester Area?

A Rochester driver charged with Aggravated Vehicular Assault faces a class C felony, which is a very serious crime. This offense may result in a substantial sentence of imprisonment, high fines, and a permanent criminal record. When a driver is convicted of Aggravated Vehicular Assault, he or she may be sentenced to a term of […]

Rochester, NY Aggravated Vehicular Assault Criminal Lawyer

Rochester Criminal Defense Attorney For Those Arrested On Aggravated Vehicular Assault Charges Just as Rochester drivers face enhanced DWI penalties if they are repeat DWI offenders or are caught driving while extremely intoxicated, a repeat or extremely intoxicated DWI offender who is involved in a motor vehicle accident may face enhanced vehicular assault charges. Aggravated […]

Does Rochester Require Separation Or A Waiting Period Before I Can File For Divorce?

No, you can file for divorce any time in Rochester, as long as you meet the residency requirements. Legal separation is not required, though it is an option for couples who aren’t sure what their next step should be, and there is no waiting period. And because of recent reforms in New York’s matrimonial law, […]