- 10 Ways Divorce Can Affect Your Financial Well-Being | Blog | May 2024 by Dror Bikel
Divorce can impact your financial well-being significantly, affecting everything from your assets to your insurance rates. When going through a divorce, it's crucial to consider how the decisions made during this time can impact your financial future. Here are ten ways divorce can impact your...
- 12 Weirdest Prenup Clauses Couples Include | Blog | May 2024 by Karen B. Rosenthal
When it comes to prenups, most couples think about financial assets and property division. However, some couples take it a step further and include some truly bizarre clauses in their prenuptial agreements. From beauty budgets to weight gain restrictions, these clauses, better known as "lifestyle...
- What Can We Learn from Celebrity Divorces So Far in 2024? | Blog | May 2024 by Dror Bikel
We’re one-third of the way through 2024, and Us Weekly has already reported on a flurry of celebrity divorces. Details are sketchy, so it’s impossible to draw any firm conclusions, but the circumstances of the breakups can be insightful. Given our experience counseling clients in...
- When Can You Successfully Challenge a Prenup? | Blog | May 2024 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Prenuptial agreements are a necessity among couples with substantial assets looking to protect their interests in the event of a divorce. Just look at Britney Spears and Sam Asghari's recent divorce. Due to a well-devised prenuptial agreement, the split went off without a hitch.
But tabloid...
- Divorce Takeaways from the Channing Tatum Jenna Dewan Split | Blog | May 2024 by Dror Bikel
The highly-publicized divorce of Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan continues to make headlines as the former couple navigates the aftermath of their split. The pair, who officially ended their nine-year marriage in 2019 after separating in 2018, have been embroiled in a legal battle over the details...
- How the Child's Age Impacts New York Custody Cases | Blog | April 2024 by Naomi Schanfield
The age of children can play a significant role in determining the outcome of New York custody cases. New York family courts consider various factors in making decisions related to custody arrangements and parenting plans, and the age of the child could determine the amount of care necessary or the...
- 10 Things You Will Want to Know Before Remarrying | Blog | April 2024 by Naomi Schanfield
Once you have experienced a first marriage that didn’t work out as expected, facing the prospect of remarriage can be daunting. However, it can also be an exciting adventure and an opportunity to start again and get it right this time.
To help you gain some understanding and perspective...
- Reunification Therapy & Racial Diversity, Socioeconomic Status, and Religion | Blog | April 2024 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Parental alienation is a recurring issue in divorce and custody cases. It can have long-lasting effects on the child's emotional well-being and the parent-child relationship. In cases of severe parental alienation, reunification therapy is often recommended.
Cultural aspects can impact the...
- New York's Residency Requirement for Divorce | Blog | April 2024 by Naomi Schanfield
There are certainly benefits to filing for divorce in New York. The state may offer more favorable terms regarding property division, child support, child custody, or spousal support. However, New York has specific rules regarding who is eligible to file for divorce in the state, particularly...
- 4 Surprising Things You CAN’T Do Mid-Divorce | Blog | March 2024 by Dror Bikel
If you’re in the middle of a divorce, you’re probably ready to move on and establish your place as a single person. Hashing out things like finances, custody, and living arrangements can make it feel like your life is in limbo.
It's best just to barge ahead and start taking charge...
- How Family Courts Treat Severe Parental Alienation Cases | Blog | March 2024 by Karen B. Rosenthal
In divorce and high-conflict custody battles, one parent will often try to alienate the child from the other parent. Parental alienation may be an act of revenge against the other parent or an effort to hang on to the relationship with the child. Many parents fear that the child will side with the...
- The Art in Divorce: How NYC Divorce Courts Divide Art Collections | Blog | March 2024 by Dror Bikel
We all know divorce can get messy, but when high-dollar art collections are involved, messy may be an understatement. Just look at David and Libbie Mugrabi. Filing for divorce in late July 2018, the couple reportedly tussled over their $5 billion art collection – starring works by Pablo...
- How Custody Courts Detect False Allegations of Child Abuse | Blog | March 2024 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Amid a custody battle, emotions can run high, and false accusations may arise. One of the most severe and troubling allegations that can be made is that of child abuse. Unfortunately, some individuals may resort to falsely accusing their former partner of child abuse as a means to gain an advantage...
- How A High Net Worth Affects Child Support and Custody Rulings | Blog | February 2024 by Naomi Schanfield
Child support and custody cases are complex and can be influenced by various factors. One significant factor that can greatly impact these rulings is the financial status of the parents involved. When one parent has a high net worth, it can affect the custody outcome and the amount of child support...
- Emergency Child Custody: What to Do If Your Child Is in Danger | Blog | February 2024 by Naomi Schanfield
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare: your child is in danger, and you are powerless to help. In today’s society, we live with real potential for harm in so many forms: an active shooter on a school campus, a traffic accident, or a medical emergency. In those situations,...
- How to Keep Your Divorce Out of the Public Eye | Blog | January 2024 by Dror Bikel
Most divorcing couples prefer to keep their personal affairs private. Divorce is rarely pretty, and leaked details of your relationship, parenting, and financial issues can impact every aspect of your life—from job performance to family and community relationships.
Unfortunately, most...
- 5 Strategies to Convince Your Fiancé to Sign a Prenup | Blog | January 2024 by Karen B. Rosenthal
When it comes to marriage, it is essential to consider all aspects of your future together, including the possibility of a prenuptial agreement. A prenuptial agreement, or prenup, is a legal contract that outlines the division of assets and responsibilities in the event of divorce or death. While...
- 21 Questions to Ask When You're Hiring a Divorce Attorney | Blog | January 2024 by Naomi Schanfield
When navigating divorce’s personal and procedural complexities, having a skilled attorney by your side can be a lifesaver. But how do you find the right divorce attorney for your case? Not all divorce lawyers are equally equipped for all types of disputes.
To help ensure you make the...
- How Are Adopted Children Handled in Divorce? | Blog | January 2024 by Karen B. Rosenthal
While the legal process of divorce may have similarities for both biological and adopted children, there are specific considerations that are taken into account when it comes to the well-being and custody arrangements for adopted children.
One of the fundamental questions that arises is...
- Special Needs Trusts and Divorce: Ensuring Protection for Children with Disabilities | Blog | December 2023 by Dror Bikel
For couples who have children with special needs, divorce, and child support agreements can present unique challenges. Special needs trusts become invaluable tools for ensuring these children's well-being and financial security after divorce proceedings.
What Is a Special Needs Trust?
A...
- How Fathers Win Full Custody in a New York Divorce | Blog | December 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Historically, New York family courts have leaned toward awarding mothers full custody of the children. But in recent years, there has been a shift towards recognizing fathers as full custodians of their children. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, custodial fathers rose from 16 percent in 1994 to...
- 11 Ways Divorced Parents Can Spend More of the Holidays With Their Children | Blog | December 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Holidays just aren’t the same without family. Whether opening presents on Christmas morning, gathering around a Thanksgiving table, breaking fast during Ramadan, or lighting the candles on a menorah, the moment is meant to be treasured with your closest loved ones.
For divorced parents...
- Early Intervention for Parental Alienation in Divorce | Blog | December 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
After separation or divorce, parents may notice their child refusing contact or resisting efforts to maintain a relationship. This "resist-refuse dynamic" can be heartbreaking for parents. It's even worse for the child. Tragically, children who are turned against one parent by another can come away...
- Seeing Your Ex During the Holidays? 6 Tips to Survive | Blog | November 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Spending the holidays with your ex might be the last thing you want to do after a divorce. But the holidays are about spending time with loved ones, and when you share children or extended family with your ex, it’s likely that you’ll see them at least briefly between Thanksgiving and...
- Should Parental Alienation Influence Custody Rulings? | Blog | November 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
For over two centuries, courts have recognized parental alienation as an influential factor in child custody matters. In cases of contentious divorce or separation, a parent may try to get their child to "take sides," often resulting in child developmental issues down the line. However, some argue...
- 5 Ways to Prepare Your Kids for the Holidays After Divorce | Blog | November 2023 by Dror Bikel
The holidays are all about cherished traditions with loved ones. But what happens when those loved ones separate, and the traditions have to change? It’s a worry that many children have after their parents split.
If your child is confused or scared about what the holidays will look like...
- Divorce Lessons Learned the Hard Way: The Headline-Making Multi-Billion Dollar Overdeck Case | Blog | November 2023 by Dror Bikel
Laura Overdeck, the estranged wife of billionaire hedge fund manager John Overdeck, recently filed a lawsuit alleging that the Seward & Kissel law firm committed malpractice and fraud. She asserts that without her knowledge or consent, massive amounts of marital assets were moved into trust...
- The 10 Most Complex and Contested Asset Categories in High-Net-Worth Divorces | Blog | November 2023 by Dror Bikel
Understanding Complex Assets and Asset Division in High-net-worth Divorce in New York
High-net-worth divorces involve high financial stakes. Marital property in these cases may include lucrative businesses, trusts, luxury offshore properties, inherited wealth, and valuable artwork. While affluent...
- How New York Divorce Courts Divide Art Collections and Antiques | Blog | October 2023 by Dror Bikel
In the vibrant art and cultural scene of New York City, art collections and antiques hold a special place in the lives of many residents. These valuable assets can become a matter of intricate legal negotiation when a high-asset divorce is involved.
Art collections are often amassed over a...
- Exorbitant Celebrity Child Support Payments: Is it All for the Kids? | Blog | October 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Over the summer we saw Christine Baumgartner demand $248,000 a month in child support in her divorce from Kevin Costner for the three children of their marriage. Costner had countered that his offer of $51,000 was more than sufficient, and the court seemed to split the difference with a temporary...
- Will My Spouse Get Half My Pension In Divorce? | Blog | October 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Most divorces involve some level of property division. Splitting up retirement funds and pensions can become particularly tricky. In the best-case scenario, the couple can agree on how to divide their assets. But in most cases, state law or personal conflicts require a court to decide who gets...
- Little Known Financial Benefits of Divorce | Blog | October 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Over the decades, tales of the cost of divorce have become legendary. Johnny Carson, the longtime host of The Tonight Show, often drew humor from his pricey divorce settlement with ex-wife Joanna, leading husbands across America to conclude, “It’s cheaper to keep her.” But, as...
- Unexpected Assets That Might Be Divisible in Divorce | Blog | September 2023 by Dror Bikel
Couples who are going through a divorce are required to make a full disclosure of their financial assets to facilitate the division of their marital property. For affluent couples, this process can be extensive and so detailed that the parties start suffering from inventory fatigue. When that type...
- Foreign Assets in a Divorce: How Are Marital Assets Divided if They Are in a Different Country? | Blog | September 2023 by Dror Bikel
Divorce is complicated, even when it is relatively amicable and you and your spouse aren’t squabbling over your money, possessions, and the divorce settlement terms. However, it can become exceptionally complicated when you, your spouse, or both of you have assets that are in another country....
- Pandemic’s End Sees Flurry of Celeb Splits as Overall Divorces Spike | Blog | September 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Sofia Vergara, Joe Manganiello, Reese Witherspoon, Jim Toth, Jason Momoa, and Lisa Bonet. These are a few of the high-profile, celebrity couples who called it quits in 2022 and 2023. Was COVID-19 a factor in the decision to end their marriages? Did the pandemic have a significant impact on the U.S....
- How to Rebuild Your Retirement and Savings Post-Divorce | Blog | September 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Disclaimer: We are not financial advisors. The content in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. We can connect you with a licensed financial advisor if necessary. Always remember to make smart decisions and do your own research.
During a marriage, people make a variety of...
- What Goes into A Millionaire’s (or Billionaire’s) Prenup? | Blog | September 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Mega-divorces of Bill and Melinda Gates and Jeff and MacKenzie Scott weren’t just shocking because of the decades the billionaire power couples spent together in the public eye. The other attention-getting factor: Neither had a prenup.
Prenuptial agreements are relied upon by couples of...
- Who Gets What When Unmarried Power Couples Split? | Blog | August 2023 by Dror Bikel
In what might turn into a millennial version of the Lee Marvin palimony case, unmarried actors and reality TV show personalities, Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval, have ended a nine-year relationship during which they acquired substantial property, as individuals and jointly.
Since 2013, the two...
- The Englander Divorce in New York: A Cautionary Tale | Blog | August 2023 by Dror Bikel
Billionaire Millennium Management Chairman Israel Englander and his wife Caryl were married for 40 years and had three children, before their extremely bitter and highly publicized divorce made headlines starting in 2016 and 2017.
Extreme Pressure and Intimidation
Caryl Englander and her new...
- Why Do Divorce Rates Peak in August? | Blog | August 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
The month of August derives its name from the Latin verb augere, which means “to increase.” So it seems like more than just a coincidence that researchers have found out that divorce rates in August do actually increase. But this measurable trend is not just based on an ancient language...
- Divorce and Prenups: How a Prenup May Help You and Your Business | Blog | July 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
In separate candidly revealing 2023 interviews, retired NBA superstar Dwayne Wade and actress Gabrielle Union both talked about the fact that they now split their finances 50/50, because they want to share everything equally. The discussions garnered headlines across media outlets and lots of...
- Kevin Costner's Estranged Wife Seeks $248,000 a Month in Child Support | Blog | July 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Former “Yellowstone” Star, Asking for a $51K/MO. Order, Must Pay $130K Temporarily
Celebrity watchers are enjoying the summer serial unfolding in the family court of Santa Barbara County. To briefly recap, Christine Baumgartner, 49, the estranged wife of film and TV star Kevin Costner,...
- Lessons from Kevin Costner’s Spousal Eviction - Can You Evict Your Spouse During Divorce in New York? | Blog | July 2023 by Dror Bikel
A judge recently ruled in favor of Field of Dreams actor Kevin Costner, ordering his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, to move out of the couple’s shared house.
If you are going through a divorce in New York, you may be wondering, can you legally kick your spouse out of the marital...
- How to File / Fight a Contempt of Court Motion in a New York Divorce Case | Blog | July 2023 by Naomi Schanfield
A New York court order is not something that can be ignored. In New York State, violating a court order can have serious consequences. When a person disregards a court order, the court has the power to hold them in contempt of court.
In high-conflict divorce and child custody cases, contempt...
- New York Man Allegedly Hid $500,000 in Bitcoin from His Soon-to-be Ex-Wife | Blog | July 2023 by Dror Bikel
Financial infidelity has reached new levels since the advent of cryptocurrency. Increasingly, people looking to shield assets from their former spouses during divorce are often resorting to cryptocurrency.
It takes a savvy divorce attorney with access to top-tier forensic accountants to...
- Marital Waste and Property Division In Your Divorce | Blog | June 2023 by Dror Bikel
New York is an equitable distribution state. This means that only property acquired during a marriage is subject to division during divorce. In trying to divide marital assets fairly, New York courts consider a variety of factors, including non-monetary contributions, contributions to the...
- Successful Remarriage: Your Chances Are Likely Better Than Popular Opinion Indicates | Blog | June 2023 by Dror Bikel
Divorce statistics can be discouraging, with more than 60% of second marriages and more than 70% of third marriages eventually dissolving. There are diverse causes – including financial stress, issues unresolved from previous relationships, and challenges related to becoming a stepparent. But...
- Are You Married to a Psychopath? 18 Signs That Your Spouse May Be a Psychopath | Blog | June 2023 by Dror Bikel
The chances that you are dating or married to a psychopath are not as far-fetched as you may imagine. About one out of every 100 people is a psychopath, and they tend to be extremely charming and charismatic. Therefore they are often highly successful in mainstream occupations and popular in...
- The Impact of Adultery on Divorce in New York State | Blog | June 2023 by Dror Bikel
Many marriages that end in divorce involve adultery or cheating. If infidelity has occurred in your marriage, this is a fact your divorce attorney must be informed about, because it can significantly affect several aspects of your divorce. That’s especially true if you file for divorce in New...
- When Can Grandparents Seek Custody of Grandchildren in NY? | Blog | May 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Grandparents can be instrumental in caring for children, especially when parents encounter challenges that demand their time and attention. Under normal circumstances, grandparents happily serve as babysitters, tutors, coaches, and role models for youngsters who benefit enormously from their love...
- How to Protect Your Inheritance During Divorce | Blog | May 2023 by Dror Bikel
Divorce can be stressful on many levels. When you are preparing to file for divorce, the last thing you need is anxiety about part of your family inheritance going to your spouse. As an equitable distribution state, New York allows for separate property to be kept by each spouse following divorce....
- Proving Parental Alienation to the Court in New York | Blog | May 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
If you are recently divorced or fighting for custody and believe the other parent is manipulating your child to say they don’t like you or don’t want to spend time with you, you may be able to prove parental alienation and secure custody.
Parental alienation is a tactic some...
- Custody Case Study: Halle Berry’s Custody Battle with Gabriel Aubry | Blog | April 2023 by Dror Bikel
Academy award-winning actress Halle Berry has been involved in a very public child support battle for nearly a decade. The mother of two children from different fathers, Berry is court-ordered to pay child support to Gabriel Aubry, the father of her daughter Nahla, and possibly also French actor...
- What to Expect at a Child Custody Hearing in New York | Blog | April 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Going through child custody proceedings can be stressful, especially if you are not sufficiently prepared. Knowing what comes next and how to best prepare to secure the custody arrangement you desire can greatly reduce your anxiety if you are a parent fighting for custody in New York. This article...
- Counseling Through a Divorce: What You Need to Know | Blog | April 2023 by Naomi Schanfield
Perhaps you tried marriage counseling, but it did not have the intended effect. Instead of helping you to become closer to your spouse, your sessions enabled you to see more clearly why you shouldn’t remain together. Now you are determined to dissolve your marriage, and someone has suggested...
- What Is Divorce Mediation? | Blog | March 2023 by Naomi Schanfield
When a couple wants to end their marriage, litigation isn’t the only option. Divorce mediation may be a valuable tool for spouses who want to work together rather than against each other during their split.
Mediation is a process by which couples resolve issues and end their marriage...
- How Does Changing Your Job Affect Child and Spousal Support? | Blog | February 2023 by Naomi Schanfield
If you’ve been through a divorce, you know that life can take a sudden, unexpected turn. Change is inevitable. But just as your personal life can take a different direction, so can your career. You might decide to pursue an exciting new opportunity, or your employer might decide to let you...
- How Divorce Can Affect Your Immigration Status | Blog | February 2023 by Naomi Schanfield
Divorce can raise unique questions for immigrants living in the U.S. If your spouse sponsored you, or if your residency depends on your spouse’s job, separating from your partner can create anxiety about whether you will be able to maintain your residency in the U.S. and continue on your path...
- Why Parents with Joint Custody May Still Pay Child Support | Blog | February 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
In our family law practice, our clients are often surprised to find out that they’ll have to pay child support even if they share custody with their ex. While it might be true that you will pay less in child support when you have joint custody, joint custody does not eliminate the child...
- 7 Ways to Protect Your Retirement During Divorce | Blog | February 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Divorce can be a logistically and emotionally overwhelming experience, leaving you with many questions about the future. One of those questions is likely to be: What will happen to my retirement savings? If you’ve been in the workforce for decades, have saved a healthy amount in a 401(k) or...
- How to Get Your Spouse to Say “Yes” to a Postnuptial Agreement | Blog | February 2023 by Dror Bikel
Most people know what a prenuptial agreement is, but do you know it’s also possible to get a postnuptial agreement?
In both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, the objective is to establish what happens if the parties get a legal separation or a divorce. Both can cover a wide range...
- What Is Conscious Uncoupling, and Can it Help Your Divorce Process? | Blog | January 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Doing Divorce The Gwyneth Paltrow Way
Conscious uncoupling refers to a separation where both partners act responsibly and work together to build a healthy future for themselves and their children. A divorce or breakup free of animosity is perceived as rare in our society when it should be the...
- Orders of Protection: What to Do if Your Ex Is Stalking You | Blog | January 2023 by Naomi Schanfield
Every year, millions of people throughout the U.S. are victims of intimate partner violence, including stalking.
Stalking, or engaging in repeated unwanted contact that causes distress, can especially be a problem when couples become estranged and one party is seeking a divorce. Anger,...
- What We Can Learn About Mental Health and Divorce from Kim and Kanye | Blog | January 2023 by Dror Bikel
Mental illness can be devastating not only for the person experiencing it but for their loved ones as well. For a spouse, the stress and difficulty of coping with erratic mood swings and shocking or dangerous behavior from a partner with mental illness can easily become unbearable. It’s no...
- Unemployment and Divorce: How Child Support Is Calculated When One Parent Doesn’t Work | Blog | January 2023 by Dror Bikel
Marriages may not always last, but supporting children until they reach legal adulthood is not an option. Laws in the U.S. make it clear that if you have children, you are obligated to provide for their food, shelter, healthcare, and education while they are minors. When you get a divorce and have...
- Important Divorce Documents to Keep After Your Divorce Is Finalized | Blog | December 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
By the time the court issues your divorce decree, you’ll probably want to leave the whole process behind. In fact, you might be tempted to destroy all the evidence. But before you get out the paper shredder, we need to caution you about holding onto critical documents you might need in the...
- Remarriage and Child Support in New York | Blog | December 2022 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Child support can be ordered as part of your divorce, or it may be ordered if you and the other parent were never married and ended your relationship and now live separately. Child support is intended for the benefit of the child, to ensure that their needs are met. If one or both parents remarry...
- What Should Child Support Payments Be Used For? | Blog | December 2022 by Karen B. Rosenthal
When a divorce or separation involves a child under the age of 21, the question of child support can become a complicated one. The parent receiving support may feel they don’t have enough resources to care for the child, while the parent providing support may become frustrated with the amount...
- What Happens to Child Support When Parents Live in Different States | Blog | December 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
Figuring out who owes what for child support is complicated enough when both ex-spouses live in the same state. Those matters can become a real headache if you and your ex live in different states.
Fortunately, the U.S. legal system has encountered this situation before, many times, and there...
- Why You Might Still Owe Child Support After Your Child Turns 18 | Blog | December 2022 by Karen B. Rosenthal
If you’re laboring under child support obligations, you might find yourself longing for the day your kid turns 18 in hopes that means you’ll have one less bill to pay.
Divorced parents sometimes have a rude awakening, though, when they realize that child support payments do not...
- What To Know About Lisa Marie Presley’s Divorce | Blog | December 2022 by Dror Bikel
The only child of Elvis Presley has lived a tumultuous life, and she has had an equally rocky divorce from her ex-husband Michael Lockwood.
Lisa Marie Presley divorced Lockwood, a struggling musician and producer, in 2016 after 10 years of marriage. He was her fourth husband after musician...
- Is a “Simple” Divorce Really Cheaper? | Blog | December 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
The average divorce in New York costs between $13,000 and $16,000. That figure can skyrocket to $50,000 or even $100,000 if the divorce is contentious and requires an extended trial. With these costs, many couples are motivated to simplify their divorce and find ways to reduce costs.
But does...
- Is Your Ex Hiding Income to Avoid Paying Child Support? | Blog | November 2022 by Karen B. Rosenthal
IRS Form 3949-a May Be Useful for Proving Fraud, But Is it a Winning Tactic?
A common complaint we see during and after divorce is that the noncustodial spouse is underreporting income to pay less in child support. Now, we never counsel our clients to do this, because it places them in potential...
- Gender Bias in Divorce: Is it More Difficult for Fathers to Win Child Custody? | Blog | November 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
Many have heard of men losing in divorce court with less-than-ideal child custody agreements. It does seem that women are more often awarded custody of the couple’s children, but is it true that the law and/or the courts are biased against fathers? The answer may be a bit more...
- 6 Things Not to Do During a Child Custody Dispute | Blog | October 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
During a divorce, your stress level can rise exponentially. When it comes to issues you’re emotionally invested in, such as your children’s welfare, it’s easy to lose patience and perspective. Under these circumstances, you’ve got to keep a cool head, control your impulses,...
- Can You Modify Child Support Payments in New York? | Blog | October 2022 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Becoming a parent means you have the legal responsibility to financially support your children at least until they reach the age of 21, or are otherwise considered emancipated. That obligation doesn’t go away if you get a divorce or otherwise split up — instead, it is usually enumerated...
- 6 of the Most Expensive Divorces and What We Can Learn from Them | Blog | September 2022 by Dror Bikel
“From those to whom much is given, much is expected.” These were words from Bill Gates’ mother to Melinda French Gates before she and Bill married. Her words foretold the enormous payout Gates would have to make in their divorce. The Gates divorce is just one of the most expensive...
- Things Not to Do After Filing for Divorce | Blog | September 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
Filing for divorce may give you a sense of freedom and release. You’ve finally taken that big step to make big changes in your life. Although this can be a time of conflict and stress, it is also a time when you feel great relief and want to spread your wings and enjoy your newly found...
- Should You Keep Your Divorce Decree? | Blog | September 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
Everyone has that file of important documents they keep in a safe or another secure area. You probably have your birth certificate, your kids’ birth certificates, deeds, titles, recent tax returns, and more safely stored away. Once your divorce is over, there are other documents to add to...
- How to Get Residential Custody of Your Child | Blog | August 2022 by Karen B. Rosenthal
If you hope to be granted residential custody of your child, it is important to understand the factors the court will look at and work with your attorney to build a convincing case.
Types of Custody
There are several custody terms that may be involved in your case:
Sole legal...
- Mistakes to Avoid with the Attorney for the Child or Guardian Ad Litem | Blog | August 2022 by Karen B. Rosenthal
If you divorce with children or have a custody case in New York state, an attorney for the child will likely be appointed to represent your children. The attorney for the child(ren) can be highly influential as to whether or not you get custody of your children. To that end, it is essential to...
- How Does the Attorney for the Child Work with the Child? | Blog | August 2022 by Karen B. Rosenthal
The Attorney for the Child is an attorney appointed by the court in New York divorce and custody cases to represent the interests of the child in the case. They are specially trained and experienced lawyers who agree to ensure that a professional speaks up for what is in the child's best interests...
- Preparing Your Family to Meet the Attorney for the Child | Blog | August 2022 by Karen B. Rosenthal
In most New York custody cases, the court appoints an attorney for the child to represent the children in the case. The attorney for the child is an attorney specially trained in custody cases that the state has approved. Their role is to present the children’s perspective to the...
- Why the Attorney for the Child Is Important in Your Custody Case | Blog | July 2022 by Dror Bikel
Custody of your children is of the utmost importance to you. Whether you are getting a divorce or seeking custody without being married, your custody case is a key moment in your life. Your custody case will involve both sides presenting their views and evidence to the court, but there is a third...
- How to Create a Parenting Plan During Divorce | Blog | July 2022 by Karen B. Rosenthal
One of the key concerns for divorcing couples is the custody of the children and how the couple will divide their time during proceedings. Divorce can take months to years to conclude all matters. In the meantime, your family must strive to function as normally as possible.
Creating or...
- What You Need to Know About Social Security and Divorce | Blog | July 2022 by Dror Bikel
Social Security payments can be impacted by divorce if certain requirements are met. Although Social Security payments may not make up a significant portion of your current or future income your rights regarding these payments are an important part of your retirement benefits as determined in a...
- Private and Boarding School Costs in a Divorce Settlement | Blog | July 2022 by Dror Bikel
Payment of school tuition, costs, and fees can be a challenging issue to handle in separation and divorce. It is not uncommon for divorcing parents to disagree about the necessity of a private or boarding school education or who should be responsible for covering a child’s educational costs....
- How Conflicting Out May Reduce Your Access to Top Attorneys | Blog | July 2022 by Dror Bikel
A highly skilled divorce attorney is absolutely necessary for a complex divorce. Finding a top attorney usually means asking friends, checking with attorneys used for other matters, and getting referrals. Then the next step is to take a few meetings and evaluate the options. You then hire an...
- Paulson Divorce Involves Trusts | Blog | July 2022 by Dror Bikel
One of the biggest NYC divorces in recent years has heated up with recent filings. John and Jenica Paulson have been married for 22 years and share two children. John Paulson is the head of the Paulson & Co hedge fund company. He initiated the divorce in September 2021 in Long Island. Jenica...
- Second Marriage Prenuptial Agreement Tips | Blog | July 2022 by Eric Weinstein
If you’ve been married and divorced once and are planning a second marriage, you’re likely aware of the impact of divorce and have no intention to go through it again. No one plans for their marriage to end. Every marriage is entered into with love, positive thoughts, and dreams for the...
- Kelly Clarkson’s Divorce Battle | Blog | July 2022 by Dror Bikel
Singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson married talent manager Brandon Blackstock in 2013, and the pair had two children together. They separated in 2020 after quarantine highlighted their differences. Their divorce has been a hotly contested and complex process.
History of Problems
In...
- Parental Alienation Reunification Programs | Blog | July 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
If you have experienced alienation from your child, do not lose hope. Parental reunification programs can help rebuild your relationship and create a happy future for you and your child.
What is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation is a strategy used by the alienating parent to...
- Stay Away Orders of Protection | Blog | June 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
Trigger Warning: This blog article discusses domestic violence.
If you have experienced domestic violence, your primary concern is your safety and that of your children and family members. An order of protection is a court order issued in a New York domestic violence case. This order can...
- What Are the Laws Regarding IRAs and 401ks in a New York Divorce? | Blog | June 2022 by Eric Weinstein
Divorce involves the division of all of the couple’s marital assets. In New York state, most assets acquired or accrued during marriage are considered marital assets and are divided according to the principle of equitable distribution, which means they are divided in a fair way under the...
- How To Respond to a Divorce Law Suit Summons | Blog | June 2022 by Dror Bikel
If you receive a divorce summons, you may wonder if, when, and how you should respond to it. The summons is an important legal notice that begins a divorce case in New York state.
How a Divorce Case is Commenced in New York
There is a very specific process a divorce filing must follow in New...
- Grandparent Visitation Rights in New York | Blog | June 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
New York state law acknowledges that grandparents have a special relationship with grandchildren and provides an opportunity for them to seek custody or visitation in certain circumstances.
How Grandparents Can Seek Visitation
A grandparent can bring a petition for visitation during a...
- What is Commencement of Divorce in New York? | Blog | June 2022 by Dror Bikel
Commencement of a divorce in New York state occurs when the divorce process is formally begun by filing the papers with the court. There are many steps in the divorce process. A complex divorce can take many months to a year or more to completely resolve from filing to completion.
Initial...
- What is Divorce Bifurcation? | Blog | May 2022 by Dror Bikel
News reports on high profile divorces often mention couples who are legally single before their divorce is concluded, like the recent cases involving Dr. Dre, Ron Perlman, and Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. In cases like these, the divorces were bifurcated.
Bifurcation is a legal procedure...
- Divorce Law: Who Gets Alimony in a Divorce? | Blog | May 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
Alimony is payments made by one former spouse to the other during or after a divorce. Most states now use the term maintenance or spousal support to refer to this. New York has specific guidelines governing spousal support payment after a divorce.
Who Is Entitled to Maintenance?
Maintenance...
- How to Nullify a Prenuptial Agreement | Blog | May 2022 by Dror Bikel
Prenuptial agreements are entered into to provide a complete resolution as to how the financial aspects of a marriage will be handled if there is ever a divorce. The agreement is meant to be one that lasts for the entire marriage and becomes operational upon divorce. However, it is not uncommon at...
- Are Divorce Records Public in NY? | Blog | May 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
A divorce is one of the most personal and private things you will ever deal with in your life. The details of your divorce are most certainly things you do not want to be made public. Your privacy can be completely protected throughout your divorce.
Divorce and Public Records
In New York...
- 5 Things to Do If Your Spouse Wants a Divorce but You Don’t | Blog | May 2022 by Eric Weinstein
In some marriages, both spouses come to a mutual decision that they are ready to end their marriage. They may have conflict over many other things, but on that one thing, they agree. It’s not uncommon, however, for one spouse to decide they want a divorce when the other spouse doesn’t....
- Using Artificial Intelligence to Manage Custody | Blog | May 2022 by Dror Bikel
Once you get through your divorce, if you have children together, you will still have to have an ongoing parenting relationship with your ex. Negotiating schedule changes, coordinating exchanges, making big decisions about education or medical care, and staying informed about events in your...
- Debt Can Lead to Divorce | Blog | May 2022 by Eric Weinstein
There are many reasons people seek divorce, but you might be surprised to learn that debt is a prime reason. A recent study found that 54 percent of people felt that a spouse’s debt was a reason to consider divorce.
A couple’s net worth or income does not make them immune to debt....
- Can You Use Business Assets to Pay for Your Divorce? | Blog | April 2022 by Eric Weinstein
Julia Haart’s divorce from Silvio Scaglia has made headlines recently, but an important issue in the divorce has wide-ranging implications for anyone who owns a business and is seeking divorce. It is alleged Haart used business funds to pay her divorce attorney.
Haart’s Back...
- Make Your Child’s Inheritance Divorce-Proof | Blog | April 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
Divorce impacts not only your own financial stability, but that of your children as well. Ensuring that your children’s inheritances are protected from any divorce they might go through as adults will provide a sense of security for all involved.
Property Owned Before Marriage
If your...
- 13 Signs It May Be Time for a Divorce | Blog | April 2022 by Dror Bikel
If you’re unhappy or dissatisfied with your marriage, you may be thinking about divorce. However, divorce is a huge step with financial, emotional, and lifestyle repercussions and is not a decision to be made lightly. In a complex financial situation, divorce can be expensive and...
- Adult Children and Divorce | Blog | April 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
When a couple divorces and has minor children, much of the process deals with determining what is in the best interests of the children and creating a parenting plan that maximizes both parents’ time with the children and designates how they will share decision-making about important matters...
- Defamation and Divorce | Blog | April 2022 by Dror Bikel
Divorce is often filled with recriminations, blame, and mudslinging. It’s not unusual for a divorcing couple to say derogatory things about each other. This type of conflict is common, but sometimes it rises to the point where legal proceedings are necessary to manage it.
Johnny Depp...
- Can You Get Divorce Insurance? | Blog | April 2022 by Eric Weinstein
Insurance is available for just about anything in your life or business that might involve financial loss: homeowner’s insurance, business continuation, E&O insurance, car or boat insurance, health insurance, key person insurance, fleet insurance, cyber liability insurance, product...
- Impact of Divorce on Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies | Blog | April 2022 by Dror Bikel
It is very likely that your legal team encouraged you and your spouse to create health care proxies, and powers of attorney while you were married. These documents provide protection for situations in which you are unable to make your own health or financial situations - most couples name each as...
- How to Keep Your Divorce Off Social Media | Blog | March 2022 by Dror Bikel
When couples who are in the public eye divorce, social media can become a platform for attacks, misinformation, and conflict. It is possible to keep your private affairs from becoming public and avoid the publicity involved with dissecting the end of your relationship on social media.
Impact...
- Transferring Assets to Children in a Divorce | Blog | March 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
In a complex divorce with many high-value assets, transferring some assets to children can be a solution to a hotly contested property division.
Understanding Transfers to Children During Divorce
Assets acquired during the marriage are, with a few exceptions (such as gifts, inheritance, and...
- NFTs and Divorce | Blog | March 2022 by Dror Bikel
NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are unique digital files that have become the fastest-growing segment of the art world. These assets' high value and speculative nature make them items that must be carefully assessed in a divorce.
What Is an NFT?
NFTs are digital items of value created on...
- Dividing What’s in Your Closet in Divorce | Blog | March 2022 by Naomi Schanfield
It’s well-known that marital assets must be divided in a divorce. Homes, cars, businesses, investments, bank accounts, and art are significant items frequently addressed in a divorce. However, in recent years, closer attention has been paid to items couples may own that were previously...
- This Is the Biggest Sign That Your Marriage Will End in Divorce | Blog | January 2022 by Dror Bikel
If there was a test that would tell you if your marriage would end in divorce, would you want to take it? Therapist Dr. John Gottman has spent 40 years studying married couples and analyzing why some marriages end and others don’t. His research is able to predict with 90% accuracy whether a...
- Can You Get a Divorce if You Never Got a Marriage License? | Blog | December 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
One of the most important steps an engaged couple must take before the wedding is obtaining a marriage license. The marriage license is a legal document signed by the couple, the officiant, and the witnesses; it proves the marriage has taken place. The license must be filed with the state before a...
- 8 Best Marriage Therapists in Nassau County | Blog | December 2021 by Dror Bikel
If you are unhappy in your marriage and considering divorce, the first call you should make is not to a divorce lawyer, but to a marriage therapist. A Nassau County marriage therapist can help you resolve the issues in your marriage and bring happiness back into your life.
How Marriage...
- Trusts and Divorce in New York | Blog | December 2021 by Dror Bikel
You most likely set up trusts as part of your comprehensive estate plan to transfer assets outside of probate. You may have revocable and/or irrevocable trusts in place. Now that you are considering or are filing for divorce, it is important to understand how the divorce may impact those trusts,...
- 10 Best Couples Therapists in Manhattan | Blog | December 2021 by Dror Bikel
You didn’t enter your marriage lightly, and you don’t want to end your marriage without trying everything to make it work. If your marriage is in trouble, you are likely considering your options. Divorce is a last-ditch, final solution, but many marriages can be saved through couples...
- 9 Top Marriage and Family Therapists in Westchester County | Blog | December 2021 by Dror Bikel
If your marriage has reached a breaking point, you may think divorce is your best option. Instead of walking away from your marriage, you may be able to save it by working with a marriage and family therapist in Westchester County. You’ve put a lot of time and effort into your marriage. It is...
- Divorce and Philanthropy | Blog | December 2021 by Dror Bikel
The Gates divorce and the impact on The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have highlighted the fact that when a high visibility couple divorces, it is not only their personal finances that are potentially impacted. Most wealthy couples are involved in charitable giving, serve on boards, or are very...
- New York Passes New Law on Custody of Pets | Blog | November 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
Most people consider pets members of the family, so it can be distressing to learn divorce courts give very little consideration to pets. In most states, a pet is simply another piece of property to be divided between the divorcing couple. No consideration is given to the animal’s needs or...
- Why You Might Need a Divorce Coach | Blog | November 2021 by Dror Bikel
Your divorce attorney is a highly skilled professional who will guide you through the legal options and procedures involved in your divorce. Much of what your attorney handles is complex, applying intricate legal statutes and precedents to the ever-evolving facts of the case. Attorneys are skilled...
- Financial Considerations in a Gray Divorce | Blog | November 2021 by Eric Weinstein
Gray divorce is a term used to refer to divorce among people over age 50. Pew Research reports that the divorce rate among those over age 50 has doubled in the past three decades, and it has tripled for those over age 65. Divorce in this age group gives rise to significant financial issues that may...
- Divorcing a Spouse Charged with a Crime | Blog | November 2021 by Dror Bikel
Huma Abedin’s new book, Both/And: A Life in Many Worlds, was recently released. One of the topics in the book is Abedin’s divorce from high profile former Congressman and former New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner, who pled guilty to sexting an underage girl (the actual...
- High-Earning Female Spouses & Divorce | Blog | November 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
In the past, female spouses almost always earned less than their husbands. Today, that is changing. A Harris Poll recently revealed that half of the women surveyed earn as much or more than their partner. This is excellent news for gender equality, but bad news when it comes to...
- Service of Divorce Papers Need Not Be a Surprise | Blog | November 2021 by Dror Bikel
A recent news report alleges that when Dr. Dre’s (also known as Andre Young) wife, Nicole Young, recently filed new documents in their divorce, Dr. Dre was served while at the cemetery burying his grandmother.
Dre and his wife filed for divorce in 2020. His wife is now suing him for...
- How to Afford a Divorce Attorney if Your Spouse Has or Controls All the Money | Blog | November 2021 by Dror Bikel
If your spouse makes, controls, manages, and tracks all the money spent in your marriage, you may feel as though there is no way for you to get a divorce because you can’t access money to pay for an attorney, and you know that you absolutely have to have an attorney.
It can be an...
- 11 Ways to Prevent Your Divorce from Becoming a Crisis | Blog | November 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
While divorce is always an area of concern if you can keep it from becoming a crisis, you can avoid a lot of extra expense as well as emotional turmoil. Keeping a divorce at an elevated level of importance in your life is natural.
When the situation becomes one that necessitates emergency...
- International Divorce: What You Need To Know | Blog | October 2021 by Dror Bikel
If you or your spouse is not an American citizen and/or you were married in another country or live in another country, you may wonder what your options are when it comes to divorce. Must you divorce where you are living? Can you get a divorce in the U.S? These are important issues, and an attorney...
- 5 Stages of Divorce Grief | Blog | October 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
You may be familiar with the stages of grief that were first explained by Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross in the context of losing a loved one or even facing one’s own death. Research has shown that divorce causes a similar grieving process and that it is healthy to progress through all of the...
- 10 Drawbacks of Alternative Dispute Resolution Divorce | Blog | October 2021 by Dror Bikel
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation, collaborative law, and arbitration are extremely popular methods for resolving a divorce. These methods can offer many benefits. They are often less expensive than going to trial, they encourage cooperation, they may be faster than a...
- How to Protect Your Business in a Divorce | Blog | October 2021 by Eric Weinstein
You’ve worked diligently to build a successful business. A divorce could mean your business must be divided or even possibly sold. After all the sweat equity and calculated decisions you’ve made to achieve success, letting go of your business is not an option. With careful planning, you...
- New York Protections for Male Domestic Violence Victims | Blog | October 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
While the stereotypical portrayal of domestic violence is a male perpetrator and a female victim, men are also victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence includes a wide range of behaviors and situations that occur between intimate partners.
New York defines intimate partners as people...
- Experiencing Domestic Violence? Know Your Rights in New York | Blog | October 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
If you have been abused, think you have been abused, or believe someone you care about is being abused, you should understand that domestic violence abuse victims have many rights. One out of every four women experiences domestic abuse at some point in their lives. At the same time, domestic...
- What Happens When Your Abuser Accuses You of Domestic Violence? | Blog | October 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
Domestic violence is painful and difficult for the entire family and has long-lasting impacts on everyone involved. Most domestic abuse cases involve an abuser and one or more victims. But other cases can be complicated, with parties who are accused of harming or threatening each other, or cases in...
- What is a Divorce Lawyer and When Do You Need One? | Blog | September 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
A divorce lawyer is technically any attorney who handles divorces. However, the level of experience and expertise can vary greatly. When looking for a divorce attorney, be sure to seek someone with years of experience handling complex divorces. You also are best served by finding an attorney who...
- 9 Financial Mistakes to Avoid in Your Divorce | Blog | September 2021 by Eric Weinstein
There is no question that divorce is a costly proposition. Divorce can be expensive and time-consuming. Your divorce need not include unreasonable legal fees though. Avoid these high-cost mistakes if you hope to keep your total costs to a minimum.
Get Organized. Divorce is, at the heart...
- Transmutation and Commingling of Separate Property | Blog | September 2021 by Dror Bikel
An important distinction in New York divorce law is the difference between separate property and marital property. Property that is determined to be separate is not divided as part of the divorce. Instead, it remains in the hands of the spouse who has ownership.
Marital property is property...
- Divorce and Multi-Location Spouses | Blog | September 2021 by Dror Bikel
It is more common than ever before for couples and families to live in more than one place. Perhaps you have homes in several countries and divide your time amongst them. Or you may spend time at homes in two or more states. Another common scenario involves separation. You and your spouse may have...
- 7 Most Common Divorce Mistakes | Blog | September 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
Every person and every marriage is unique. However, many multifaceted divorces have several things in common: mistakes the litigants make. There’s no question that divorce can be painful, costly, and difficult. The nature of the process itself brings out common behavior and thoughts among the...
- Valuation of Professional Practices in New York Divorces | Blog | September 2021 by Eric Weinstein
Divorce involves the division of a couple’s marital assets which frequently includes homes, vehicles, investments, securities, and other highly valued holdings. A professional practice is also an important asset that must be valued and divided in a New York divorce. Medical, dental,...
- Incapacitation or Death of a Spouse During A Divorce | Blog | August 2021 by Dror Bikel
They say nothing is certain other than death and taxes, but while taxes are definitely part of the divorce process, death normally is not. If your spouse dies or becomes incapacitated during your divorce case, it certainly changes your path forward. There are important considerations to keep in...
- Managing Business and Charities Together After Divorce | Blog | August 2021 by Dror Bikel
Bill and Melinda Gates’s divorce announcement was headline news with much attention about how they would divide their fortune. The couple has not disclosed the details of the asset division, but it is reported that Melinda French Gates could receive more than $62 billion. In addition to...
- Division of Retirement Assets in New York Divorces | Blog | August 2021 by Eric Weinstein
When it comes to major assets, obtaining the most favorable outcome requires that your attorney pays careful attention to each and every asset that is part of your case. Retirement assets are likely just one piece of your property that must be divided, but ensuring this asset is divided in the most...
- Child Custody and Your Teenager in New York | Blog | August 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
Teenagers are often portrayed as difficult and defiant, but any parent of a teen knows that they are also a source of great joy. Parents of teens are just as concerned about custody orders as parents of younger children. However, no matter what the court decides, following a custody order can be...
- Cryptocurrency and Your Divorce | Blog | August 2021 by Dror Bikel
Cryptocurrency is a new type of currency. It is a digital asset that is bought, sold, and traded on specific online platforms. The value of cryptocurrency fluctuates and has an exchange rate just like other currencies. There are thousands of types of cryptocurrency, but the most popular and...
- Can Divorce Be Used To Protect Your Assets? | Blog | August 2021 by Eric Weinstein
Divorce is usually thought of as draining on your assets because the couple’s marital assets are divided between the spouses, but there are some situations in which divorce can actually be used to protect your assets. By transferring most of a couple’s assets to one spouse, divorce is...
- Spying on Your Spouse in a New York Divorce | Blog | August 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
If you are getting a divorce or thinking about filing for divorce, there are likely some moments when you have wondered if you could just record some of the things your spouse has said or done so you could have some proof. You also might think that if you could just access some of your...
- 8 Planning Considerations in a New York Divorce | Blog | August 2021 by Dror Bikel
A high-stakes divorce is a complex proceeding. Due to the large number of assets involved at the end of the marriage, there are significant considerations you should take into account when planning for your divorce.
1. Understand Which Assets Are Subject to Division
When you divorce, only...
- Divorce and Debt | Blog | August 2021 by Dror Bikel
When a couple divorces in New York, the court divides all of their marital assets as part of the property distribution. The court also divides marital debt. Some couples divorce with a significant amount of debt included in the divorce. The amount of debt assigned to you in the divorce...
- How to Modify Child Custody in New York | Blog | July 2021 by Dror Bikel
Custody orders are not meant to remain in place forever with no changes. Courts recognize that your life may change and that, almost certainly, your child’s needs will change as they age. A parenting plan that works for a two-year-old will definitely not work for a 16-year-old. Because of...
- Why You Need a Lifestyle Analysis for Your Divorce | Blog | July 2021 by Eric Weinstein
When a couple divorces in New York, one of the court’s goals is to ensure that both spouses can maintain a standard of living that is similar to that they enjoyed during the divorce and that assets are divided fairly. In reality, after the divorce, the amount of the assets remain the same and...
- Parental Alienation: When the Other Parent Damages Your Relationship with Your Child | Blog | July 2021 by Dror Bikel
If you are in a situation where the other parent has turned your child against you, you may feel helpless and worry that the relationship has been damaged beyond repair. Your child might act like they want nothing to do with you because the other parent has brainwashed them into thinking untrue...
- Therapy Records and Divorce | Blog | July 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
Many people going through divorce seek help from a therapist. Since divorce is such a challenging life change, many attorneys generally recommend that their clients seek therapy to help them through it. It’s common knowledge that what you say in therapy is protected by medical privacy laws,...
- How Does Child Custody Work With Unmarried Parents? | Blog | July 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
According to the CDC, 40 percent of all births in the U.S. are to unmarried women. Marital status does not change parental rights; however, it does impact how those rights are determined, created, and enforced.
Unmarried Birth
In New York, when a child is born to an unmarried mother, the...
- Talking to Your Child About Divorce | Blog | July 2021 by Dror Bikel
One of the hardest parts of divorce is breaking the news to your children and helping them through the transitions that lie ahead. At a time when you are not certain how you personally are going to survive the divorce process, it can be challenging to support your child.
When to Talk to Your...
- Estate Documents After Divorce | Blog | July 2021 by Dror Bikel
While some may wait until after their divorce is final, there are some steps that should be in play before to protect yourself and your family even if they can’t be formalized until a later date. It is important to re-evaluation of your wills, trusts, health care proxies, and powers of...
- Does How You Spend Money During Marriage Impact Your Divorce? | Blog | July 2021 by Dror Bikel
Author Dan Brown’s wife thinks it does. Brown is the author of many popular novels, including The Da Vinci Code, which was also made into a Tom Hanks movie. Brown has earned millions from his successful books. He married his wife Blythe Brown in 1997 before he became successful (The Da Vinci...
- Modifying Alimony After Divorce in New York | Blog | July 2021 by Dror Bikel
If your divorce case included spousal support (sometimes called spousal maintenance or alimony), you might wonder if there will ever be an opportunity to change or modify the support order or if you can ever end the maintenance payments before the originally ordered completion date. New York state...
- Spyware & Your Divorce - What You Should Know | Blog | June 2021 by Dror Bikel
Spyware are computer programs that record or “log” anything that’s typed on that computer. If spyware is installed on your computer, the person who installed it can see everywhere you go on the internet, every email you type, your passwords, every search you do, and any...
- Dating & Divorce | Blog | June 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
Your marriage is ending because you aren’t happy. You hope to find happiness elsewhere, and the way to do that may be to date other people to find a new relationship. However, dating before you are divorced may not always be the best decision.
Grounds for Divorce
Most people seek a...
- How to Get Your Spouse Out of the House Amidst a Divorce | Blog | June 2021 by Dror Bikel
Once you’ve made the decision that your marriage is over, you most likely want to get away from your spouse as quickly as possible. Ownership and occupancy of the marital home can be a hotly contested issue during a divorce. When you own and share the same home, you may wonder how you can get...
- Are You the Victim of Financial Abuse? | Blog | June 2021 by Eric Weinstein
There is a lot of open discussion and awareness about domestic abuse, centering on physical and emotional abuse. What is not discussed as frequently is financial abuse. Financial abuse is the control of a couple’s finances by the abusing spouse so that the victim spouse feels completely...
- Is Your Brand Up for Grabs in a Divorce? | Blog | June 2021 by Dror Bikel
Kristen Cavallari and Jay Cutler filed for divorce in April 2020. But it wasn’t until recently that retired NFL quarterback Cutler decided to try to stake a claim on Cavallari’s brand as part of the property division in the divorce. Actress Cavallari owns the clothing, jewelry, and home...
- How to Prepare for a Divorce Court Appearance | Blog | June 2021 by Eric Weinstein
The time you spend in court for your divorce or family court case will likely be tense and worrisome. Even if you have been in court on previous occasions for business matters, divorce and family law cases are very different types of court appearances. There are a variety of things you should...
- Divorcing a Narcissist: 8 Tips for Dealing with a Vainglorious Spouse | Blog | June 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
According to the Mayo Clinic, a narcissist is a person who has “an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others.” Divorce is challenging in any relationship, but the process can...
- How to Track Child Visitation | Blog | June 2021 by Dror Bikel
Child custody and visitation is often one of the most hotly contested parts of a divorce. Once you have a temporary order in place, it is important that you carefully detail everything about your parenting plan. Documentation about this can be important evidence in your case. It can help you seek...
- Can I Get an Annulment? | Blog | May 2021 by Dror Bikel
One of the most common questions people ask about divorce is whether they qualify for an annulment. The most important fact to understand is that there are two types of annulments: a legal annulment and a religious annulment.
Legal vs. Religious Annulments
A legal annulment is a...
- 16 Tips Of What Not to Do During Your Divorce | Blog | May 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
Your attorney will inform you about a variety of things you need to do during your divorce, such as gathering documents, tracking child visitation, and preparing for court appearances. However, there is also a long list of things you should not do during your divorce.
Don’t get legal...
- Why You Need to Meet with a Divorce Lawyer After Getting Engaged | Blog | May 2021 by Dror Bikel
After the initial excitement over a proposal, you and your fiancé will likely start to plan your wedding. You hope that your marriage will last many years, and for that to happen, it is important to give it deep thought and attention. Marriage is a legal contract with a variety of serious...
- Why You Should File for Divorce First | Blog | April 2021 by Dror Bikel
Since all states now have uncontested divorce, it might not seem that it matters who actually files for divorce. While it is true that uncontested divorce has leveled the playing field to some extent, there are still some advantages to be had if you are the spouse who files for...
- Son of Gas Billionaire Learns Hiding Assets Never Pays Off | Blog | April 2021 by Dror Bikel
Highly detailed financial matters in a divorce requiring an in-depth analysis of funds, assets, debts, and ownings. While it can be tempting to try to secrete some assets away from the view of the divorce court, this almost always fails, and the court does not take kindly to any attempt to conceal...
- A New Kind of Marital Property: Genetic Material | Blog | April 2021 by Dror Bikel
Divorce involves a complete division of all of a couple’s marital property. This often includes homes, vehicles, investments, retirement accounts, businesses, intellectual property, personal and household belongings, and items such as art, jewelry, and collectibles. Another type of marital...
- Violation of a Divorce Judgment in New York is Serious Business, Even for Mugrabis | Blog | April 2021 by Dror Bikel
A New York judgment of divorce is a court order. Failing to comply with a court order can result in a finding of contempt of court, which can carry serious penalties. Every part of a judgment of divorce can be enforced, and every provision can carry a penalty if ignored.
The seriousness of...
- Keeping a Divorce Out of Politics | Blog | April 2021 by Dror Bikel
Politics and divorce don’t mix well. This is something Stephen M. Ross is likely keeping in mind as the billionaire owner of the Miami Dolphins navigates a newly filed divorce from his wife of 18 years.
Ross’s Influential Position
Ross not only owns 95 percent of the Dolphins...
- Avenues to a Fast Divorce | Blog | April 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
In the first three-fourths of the 1900s, it was possible to travel to Reno for a “quickie” divorce – a divorce that could be handled immediately without any residency requirement or waiting period. Nevada and Reno, in particular, were known for fast, simple, divorces that...
- How to Fire a Private Judge | Blog | April 2021 by Dror Bikel
To resolve your complex divorce you may choose to work with a private judge. While this option has many benefits, it can be challenging to actually fire a private judge once you consent to this type of dispute resolution.
What is a Private Judge?
When you face divorce, there are two possible...
- Children on the Witness Stand | Blog | March 2021 by Dror Bikel
It sounds like something from a movie – young children tearfully taking the witness stand during their parents’ divorce. Most of the time, this is something parents want to avoid whenever possible. But there are situations in which it may become necessary or useful to your case for your...
- What is Common Law Marriage? | Blog | January 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
It is more and more common for couples to live together without getting married. According to a Pew Research study, 59 percent of American adults have cohabitated with a partner at some point (greater than the percent who have ever been married). Many people have heard of common law marriage and...
- Fast Track Your Divorce: 14 Ways to Help Your Divorce Move More Quickly | Blog | January 2021 by Naomi Schanfield
A divorce normally takes at least several months minimum and may drag on years (case in point: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have been in divorce court since 2016 and their divorce is still not completed). Once you decide to get a divorce, you may feel an urgency to get the process over with so that...
- How Long Will My Divorce Take? | Blog | January 2021 by Dror Bikel
Once you begin the divorce process, your goal is to conclude it as quickly as possible. However, the length of your divorce isn’t entirely up to you, and for most people, it takes longer than they would like. To understand how long your divorce will take, it’s important to determine...
- Am I Liable for My Ex-Spouses’ Unpaid Taxes? | Blog | January 2021 by Dror Bikel
There are various ways your ex might incur liability to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for unpaid taxes. They simply may have just not made payments or filed tax returns. Or, in the more likely scenario, there has been an audit, and it’s been determined they improperly took...
- 19 Signs Your Spouse is Hiding Assets in Your Divorce | Blog | December 2020 by Dror Bikel
A full and complete disclosure of assets is necessary in order for a divorce to be fair. If your spouse is hiding assets, this will negatively impact your property award in the divorce because the court will not be aware of the hidden assets and will not be able to divide them in your...
- New York Divorce and Discovery | Blog | December 2020 by Dror Bikel
The divorce process in New York has many steps. However, one of the most crucial steps is discovery. Once all the initial filings have been made, the case enters into the discovery phase. Governed by the Civil Practice Law and Rules (“CPLR”), this is a period of time in which each party...
- 126 Divorce Terms and Definitions To Know | Blog | December 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
Divorce is a very technical proceeding. There are many legal terms likely to be bandied about by your attorney and the court throughout the case. We’ve simplified these terms to help you begin to navigate the process more easily.
Addendum. Something added to a court document.
Add-on...
- 10 Strategic Things to Do Before You File for Divorce in New York | Blog | December 2020
What happens during your divorce is determinative to the outcome of the case, of course, but what you do BEFORE you actually file for divorce is particularly crucial. A few steps will position you strategically so that you are more likely to get the results you want from your case.
Gather...
- What Will a Divorce Attorney Ask Me? 21 Topics to Be Prepared to Discuss | Blog | November 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
When you schedule your first consultation with a divorce attorney, you do so with many questions you need answers to. The attorney will need a lot of information from you as well. To be as prepared as possible and to make the most of that first appointment, you should be able to answer the...
- Child Support in a New Marriage | Blog | November 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
Marrying after the end of a previous relationship is a time of joy and celebration. However, if you have a child from a previous relationship, you may have questions about how the marriage will impact your child support situation.
How Child Support is Calculated
Child support is regular...
- Prenuptial Agreement FAQs - What to Ask Your Attorney | Blog | October 2020 by Dror Bikel
If you're planning to get married, having your attorney draft a prenuptial agreement is a wise decision. The prenuptial agreement will protect both yourself and your soon-to-be spouse. The document will clarify all of your responsibilities to each other, and your rights should your marriage end in...
- Complex Divorce? Some Settlements Include Attorney Fees Covered by Future Ex-Spouse | Blog | October 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
A complex divorce typically involves the division of a significant amount of assets and debts. Due to this, your divorce can take a considerable amount of time to be finalized. When other factors, such as spousal maintenance (alimony), child custody, and child support, are added to the mix, your...
- 20 Biggest Celebrity Divorces of 2020 | Blog | October 2020 by Dror Bikel
2020 has been a challenging year in many respects. The stress the year has brought is evident by the number of celebrity divorces that have occurred. Here are the top 20 divorces of the year.
1. Tracy Morgan and Megan Wollover
After five years of marriage, comedian Tracy Morgan...
- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month - Understanding The Facts & Legal Options | Blog | October 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is more prevalent than most people realize. According to the data from hotline.org, each minute in the United States, 24 people become victims of domestic violence, including more than 12...
- 12 Tips to Prepare for Your Divorce’s Pet Custody Case | Blog | October 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
Our pets are beloved family members and the thought of never seeing your cat or dog again after a divorce is probably unthinkable. In most states though, the law does not provide clear guidance for deciding pet custody, and instead, the courts treat a pet like they do any other kind of personal...
- My Spouse Stopped Paying My Alimony. Now What? | Blog | October 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
It's not uncommon for a spouse to stop making their court-ordered alimony or spousal support payments. Sometimes it's an oversight that is easily remedied. In other instances, it's intentional. When you rely on this money for your household budget, it's a major concern you need remedied....
- Broken Promises: Enforcement of Divorce Judgments | Blog | October 2020 by Dror Bikel
You are divorced at long last, finally, receive your judgment of divorce, and are ready to move forward with your life. But then your spouse violates one or more of the terms of your decree. You have very clear rights should this happen and are entitled to enforcement, violation, and sometimes...
- Critical Documents to Assemble Before Hiring a Divorce Lawyer | Blog | October 2020 by Dror Bikel
Once you've decided to file for divorce or your spouse has filed for divorce, you're likely in a hurry to obtain counsel to represent you in the case. When you first talk to an attorney you are considering hiring, they need information about your case and your situation to be able to offer any...
- How to Get Spousal Support Before Your Divorce Is Final | Blog | September 2020 by Dror Bikel
Divorce is not a fast process. From the time you first meet with your lawyer to the day the judge signs your judgment of divorce could easily be one to two years. Divorces amongst the wealthy are particularly complex, requiring careful identification and valuation of myriad assets and can take a...
- Renegotiating a Prenuptial Agreement | Blog | September 2020 by Dror Bikel
If you and your spouse entered into a prenuptial or premarital agreement, you might feel confident that you are both protected should you ever face divorce. A prenuptial agreement is an essential document for a couple with numerous, complex assets. However, a prenuptial agreement should not be the...
- Same-Sex Couples and Domestic Violence | Blog | September 2020
Domestic violence is an issue that can affect anyone. It impacts people regardless of financial situation, geographical location, education, gender, or sexuality. Unfortunately, in some areas of the United States, same-sex couples do not receive equal treatment under the law when it comes to...
- How Your Prenuptial Agreement Impacts What You Inherit | Blog | September 2020 by Dror Bikel
A prenuptial agreement determines your financial and property rights should you and your spouse ever get a divorce. However, your prenuptial agreement can actually have more broad implications than merely how you will divide your marital assets in the event of a divorce. A prenuptial agreement can...
- Same-Sex Divorce and Asset Division | Blog | September 2020 by Dror Bikel
An important and complex aspect of any divorce is the distribution of assets and debts the couple has accumulated. When the couple is a same-sex couple who have been together since before same sex marriage was legally recognized, this complex process becomes particularly convoluted especially if a...
- Yours, Mine, and Ours: Complex Custody Arrangements | Blog | September 2020 by Dror Bikel
Creating a fair parenting plan for custody of the children of your marriage is of the utmost priority in your divorce. Today, many families include half-siblings and step-siblings. You and your spouse may have children together, and you each may have children from previous relationships. It is also...
- Why You Should Never Be Your Own Lawyer (Especially in Divorce) | Blog | September 2020 by Dror Bikel
Halle Berry recently decided to represent herself in her divorce from Oliver Martinez. The couple married in 2013 and separated in 2015. News outlets reported their divorce was finalized in 2016. However, by 2018, it was reported that a final parenting plan had never been filed with the court. To...
- Business Goodwill and Divorce | Blog | August 2020 by Dror Bikel
Asset division is at the heart of the matter in the financial segment of a divorce. The distribution of marital assets between the spouses largely determines their financial stability and economic future.
Businesses are some of the most pivotal assets considered by the court. How those...
- Double-Dipping and Business Valuation in a Divorce | Blog | August 2020 by Dror Bikel
The division of assets in a divorce is crucial to the financial futures of the spouses. A fair division of assets is required under New York state equitable distribution law. For many couples, a professional license or practice (think doctor, lawyer, or dentist) or a business is a key asset in...
- Business Buyouts and Divorce | Blog | August 2020 by Dror Bikel
Divorce requires a detailed valuation of all of your assets, followed by a comprehensive division of the assets. Marital assets are divided in a way that is fair but necessarily equal because New York state uses the equitable distribution method of asset division. When you and your spouse own a...
- Jolie-Pitt Case Highlights Potential Problems with Private Judges | Blog | August 2020 by Dror Bikel
Recently we talked about how private judges can offer a way to keep your divorce proceeding completely private. When you and your spouse retain a retired judge to act as an arbitrator for your divorce, your case becomes completely private--only the arbitrated settlement submitted to the state court...
- Child Custody and Divorce in a Same-Sex Divorce | Blog | August 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
Since same-sex marriage was recognized in individual states and then eventually made the law of the land by the Supreme Court in the 2015 Obergefell decision, same-sex couples were finally given the same rights as heterosexual couples when it comes to marriage, divorce, and child custody. However,...
- Phantom and Imputed Income in Divorce | Blog | August 2020 by Dror Bikel
Income plays a significant role in divorce proceedings. The parties' incomes are central to determinations about child support and spousal support (alimony). Complete financial disclosure is required as part of the divorce proceedings and this disclosure includes income. The court cannot set child...
- Divorce in the Spotlight | Blog | August 2020 by Dror Bikel
Divorce is one of the most difficult things to face in your life. On the Life Change Index that ranks common stressors in life, divorce is the second highest item, falling only beneath the death of a spouse. Managing divorce is challenging for anyone, but it becomes particularly onerous when one or...
- Why You Need a Postnuptial Agreement | Blog | July 2020 by Dror Bikel
You got married without a prenuptial agreement. Everything in your marriage is going well, so why would you need a postnuptial agreement? A postnuptial agreement can offer security and clarity by establishing an understanding of how assets will be handled in a divorce. There are benefits and...
- How Does the Court Consider Your Child's Opinion in a Custody Case? Here’s What You Should Know | Blog | July 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
The custody case may be the most contentious part of your divorce. Emotions run high because your children are so important to you and because the nature of this portion of the case is so deeply personal. It hinges on your individual behavior, connections, and lifestyle. It can start to feel as if...
- When to Fire Your Divorce Attorney | Blog | July 2020 by Dror Bikel
You have specific goals for your divorce, and you must have a lawyer who is prepared to achieve your objectives and will fight vigorously to attain them. You have one case and one opportunity to convince the court that your position is the correct one. If you aren't pleased with how your attorney...
- Why Settling Your Divorce Might Be Your Biggest Mistake Ever | Blog | July 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
There is no question that settling a divorce can offer extensive benefits. The sooner a case is over; the sooner everyone can move on with their lives and build their own futures. Settlement generally results in lower legal fees, because there are fewer courtroom appearances. And settling a divorce...
- Interstate Divorce & Child Custody: Where Is Your Case Heard if You and Your Ex are in Different States? | Blog | July 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
If you and the other parent are separated or never lived together, you may find yourselves living in two different states. When parents live in two different states, determining which state will hear the custody case is a significant decision. It is incredibly inconvenient to have your custody case...
- Why Where You Live Matters for Your Divorce | Blog | July 2020 by Dror Bikel
How your marital assets are divided in your divorce hinges on many things, but the first and most important issue is where you live. Each state has its own laws about divorce. States fall into two groups when it comes to property division laws: community property states and equitable distribution...
- Strategies to Win Your Custody Case | Blog | July 2020 by Dror Bikel
There is nothing more emotional in a divorce case than the issue of custody of the children of the marriage. Getting the custody outcome you want takes careful strategizing and planning with your attorney. Convincing the judge that your position about custody is correct requires a two-pronged...
- Dr. Dre's Wife Files for Divorce | Blog | July 2020 by Dror Bikel
Music star Dr. Dre's 24-year marriage is ending in divorce. His wife Nicole Young, age 50, has filed for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court via her celebrity attorney Samantha Spector. Dr. Dre, age 55, whose given name is Andre Young, is best known for being a member of N.W.A. and having...
- Child Custody and Religion in NYC | Blog | July 2020 by Dror Bikel
Child custody is often one of the most hotly contested aspects of a divorce. Parents frequently disagree about where the child should primarily live, whether one parent should have sole decision-making authority, and also about major decisions in the child's life such as education, health care, and...
- What You Need to Know About New York State Protective Orders | Blog | June 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
Orders of protection (sometimes called restraining orders) can be issued in New York as part of a divorce or custody case, or simply on their own. These types of orders are issued to protect family members from violence and crimes like stalking or harassment. Domestic violence can happen in any...
- Why You Should Consider Parallel Parenting in Your Divorce | Blog | June 2020 by Dror Bikel
If your divorce is marked by an intractable high-conflict relationship, it may simply be impossible for you and your spouse to co-parent your children at this point. Instead, a solution called parallel parenting may be the best option for you.
What is Parallel Parenting?
Parallel parenting...
- Child Custody and Relocation | Blog | June 2020 by Dror Bikel
Relocation is not an uncommon request in a New York custody case, either during a divorce or years later. If you are the custodial parent, you must either reach an agreement with the other parent about relocation or receive permission from the court to move away from the area with your child if the...
- Deciding Factors in Your New York Child Custody Case | Blog | June 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
The custody portion of your divorce case will be determined based on what the court finds to be in the best interests of the child. "Best interests" is a broad, all-encompassing term. There are a variety of factors the court may consider, and many more it is likely to consider. Your attorney will...
- The Tax Implications of Divorce | Blog | June 2020 by Dror Bikel
Your divorce involves a significant amount of asset transfers. New York state uses the doctrine of equitable distribution to determine how assets will be shared in a divorce. Property is distributed in a way that is fair but not necessarily an equal split. When property is distributed in divorce,...
- Property Valuation Approaches for Your Divorce | Blog | June 2020
Property division is a crucial portion of your divorce. There are three key components to property division. First, all marital assets must be located and fully identified. Next, each asset must be assigned a value. Lastly, once the value has been determined, the assets are divided between the...
- The 4-1-1 on Common Law Divorce | Blog | May 2020 by Dror Bikel
It is increasingly common for couples to cohabit without marriage paperwork. You can share a household, finances, real property, debt, assets, and children without getting a marriage license. However, when your relationship ends, dissolving the ties that bind you can be more complicated simply...
- 11 Post-Divorce Actions to Take To Start Your New Life | Blog | May 2020 by Dror Bikel
Once your divorce judgment is issued your marriage is legally over. However, there are still important steps to take to realign your life with your new status and set yourself up for success.
Here are 11 areas to take immediate action for your new life:
Estate Planning
As...
- 10 Rules for Protecting Kids in High Conflict Divorce | Blog | May 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
There's a lot at stake in a high conflict, high asset divorce, but most parents agree that the most important thing is their relationship with their children. However, keeping your kids out of the fray and making sure their needs are protected is key.
Here are some best practices to shield...
- How Equitable Distribution Impacts Your NY Divorce | Blog | May 2020 by Dror Bikel
Most of the legal work and disputes in a high conflict divorce deal with asset division. Enumerating, valuing, and dividing your assets are key components of your divorce. You and your attorney will need to maximize your distribution of assets, but the distribution standards and processes are...
- What You Need to Know About Child Support in New York City Divorces | Blog | May 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
Child support payments are designed to ensure that once the divorce is completed that your children are able to maintain the lifestyle they were accustomed to before the divorce. Like most states, New York uses a formula that takes into account the income of both parents and the number of children...
- What You Need to Know About New York City Custody Cases | Blog | April 2020 by Dror Bikel
No matter where you live, child custody is a critical issue in your divorce. All of the issues and concerns present in a custody case are magnified in New York City high net worth families. In addition to this, there are unique and important issues that arise for the high net worth population in...
- Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets in Your High Net Worth Divorce? | Blog | April 2020 by Dror Bikel
Full disclosure of all financial information is a required and essential part of any divorce, but this is particularly crucial in a high net worth divorce. When a spouse realizes that so much of their future hinges on how marital assets are divided, they may work to conceal or dissipate marital...
- 10 Signs Your Divorce is Going to Be High Conflict | Blog | April 2020 by Dror Bikel
Divorce is difficult even under the best of circumstances. However, some divorces become high conflict divorces, in which the challenges become more extensive and even more formidable, requiring highly specific precision legal skills to navigate them. These are the signs that your divorce may be...
- 10 Custody Coping Tips During Corona | Blog | April 2020 by Dror Bikel
Living with a custody order is challenging in normal circumstances, but add in a worldwide pandemic, and things get complicated. Follow these tips to keep things safe and on an even keel for everyone in the family.
Safety first. The most important thing in this situation is that everyone...
- NY Child Custody Evaluation - An Inside Look | Blog | April 2020 by Dror Bikel
High conflict custody cases usually involve child custody evaluation. These evaluations are usually done by licensed therapists who have experience working with children in divorce and custody situations. The evaluators are usually psychologists, social workers, or family therapists who have not...
- Shut in with your Abuser? Here's How to Get Help | Blog | April 2020 by Naomi Schanfield
Like everyone else in New York state, you've been told to stay home due to COVID-19. Non-essential businesses and schools are closed, and even playgrounds have been shut down, as the governor warns people not to crowd into parks. You're isolated from your friends, your extended family, and your...
- Using Adultery as Grounds for Your Divorce May Provide You with a Strategic Advantage | Blog | April 2020
The grounds for your divorce might not be something you've given any thought to because you assume you will have a no-fault divorce. In the past, you could only get a divorce if you could prove adultery or abandonment, among other grounds. You had to have an actual reason (in the courts’...
- Divorce Rates Rise with Coronavirus Isolation; Divorce Court Cases Experience Delays | Blog | March 2020
The coronavirus pandemic is forcing people around the world to stay at home for weeks. For many families, this alteration in their daily routines may have long-lasting consequences.
Officials in China have observed a significant spike in the number of couples applying for divorce, citing...
- Key to Divorce Success? An Appraiser | Blog | March 2020 by Dror Bikel
A high net worth divorce comes down to numbers. Your property division will necessarily be financially complex, detailed, and intricate. Not only are there a significant number of assets to distribute, but every asset that is divided or distributed must be valued. Because of this, your property...
- Are You Stuck with Your Prenup? | Blog | March 2020 by Dror Bikel
When you got married, you took the solid advice of your peers and created a prenup. The idea was that this would cut down on the fighting and legal wrangling if your marriage ended in divorce and protect both of you. Now that the worst scenario has happened and you are getting a divorce, you or...
- Insider Tip for Low Visibility in High Visibility New York Divorce: Private Judges | Blog | March 2020 by Dror Bikel
New York divorces are big news when big names are involved. The Rudy Giuliani/Judith Nathan divorce has entertained the masses (and sold copies of tabloids), every expensive and humiliating step of the way.
New York divorce trials are open and accessible to anyone who wants to sit in the...
- What You Need to Know About Child Custody and International Issues | Blog | November 2019 by Dror Bikel
In a world where many families travel frequently and may have homes in several countries, international travel can play a significant role in your custody case. Additionally, you may have concerns about the other parent taking your child to another country and not returning.
International...
- Egypt Drafts The World’s First Mandatory Divorce Insurance Law | Blog | September 2019 by Dror Bikel
Alimony insurance is not new. Insurers in many countries, including the U.S., already offer this type of policy. However, Egypt may become the first country to make it mandatory. Specifically, the proposed legislation would require husbands to pay a compulsory divorce insurance premium.
Once...
- How New York Handles Crypto Assets in Divorce | Blog | August 2019 by Dror Bikel
As Bitcoin’s popularity increases daily, more and more New Yorkers are having to seek out and split up crypto assets in divorce – tasks that become problematic without the right approach.
By 2030, analysts estimate the cryptocurrency business market value will exceed $3.1...
- Dirty Laundry: What Judith Giuliani Might Reveal in Her Upcoming Tell-All Book About Her Divorce from Rudy | Blog | March 2019 by Dror Bikel
In a court appearance that has been described as a “circus,” Judith Nathan Giuliani and her soon-to-be-ex Rudy Giuliani gave quite the spectacle in their last divorce hearing in New York.
“I have no desire to remain married to her for one more day,” an annoyed Rudy...
- Six-Figure Fashions, Diamonds & Yachts: Libbie Mugrabi’s Fight to Maintain Her Extravagant Lifestyle Post Divorce | Blog | March 2019 by Dror Bikel
Divorcing without a prenup is never easy for high-net-worth individuals, but in the case of billionaires, the end of marital bliss can turn into a battle of cosmic dimensions.
Libbie Mugrabi was married to art mogul David Mugrabi for well over a decade. They have two children together, and...
- 8 Deadly Divorce Mistakes New York Family Lawyers See Too Often | Blog | January 2019 by Dror Bikel
When the dream of staying married “Till Death Do You Part” has gone by the wayside, we all move to the next ideal dream, which is an entirely amicable divorce in which both parties are fully accommodating to the other and both parties come out of the legal process with an equitable...
- Divorce and the New Tax Law | Blog | December 2018 by Dror Bikel
Divorce lawyers have been overwhelmed by clients hoping to finalize their divorces by December 31, 2018, and with good reason. If you’re divorcing in 2019, you’re facing a different set of laws than those who chose to end their marriages in previous years.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs...
- High-Net-Worth Divorces Affected by Tax Law Changes | Blog | November 2018 by Dror Bikel
High-net-worth divorces are complex, as they often involve share accounts, investments, prime real estate, and other complex assets. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 has introduced changes that will significantly impact the wealthily divorced, and it will become a reality after December 31, 2018....
- The Biggest Divorces of the 1990s | Blog | November 2018 by Dror Bikel
Love is great -- until it isn’t anymore. The 1990s saw many celebrities and millionaires fall in and out of love, with their multi-million, and sometimes multi-billion-dollar settlements abundantly discussed in the tabloids. From prenups to infidelity and valuable stock divisions, the...
- Decline in Divorce Rate Due to Millennials | Blog | October 2018 by Dror Bikel
Divorce rates are dropping dramatically. From 2008 to 2016, the number of couples filing for divorce declined by an incredible 18 percent. It’s not older couples who are fueling the trend since the divorce numbers for those aged 45 and over are actually rising. It’s the millennial...
- A Fight to Remember: The Top 5 Nastiest Divorces of the 2010s | Blog | October 2018 by Dror Bikel
There’s no limit to how low the rich and powerful will stoop when in the throes of a multi-million-dollar (or billion-dollar) divorce battle. Whether it’s a celebrity smearing a spouse through the tabloids, an investment titan sullying a mansion with fart spray, or a Russian oligarch...
- How to Understand and Manage a Late in Life Divorce | Blog | August 2018 by Dror Bikel
Late in life divorce, also known as a “gray divorce”, is rapidly increasing in frequency. Based on research from The Pew Institute, out of Washington D.C., divorce between individuals age 50 years and older has doubled since the 1990’s.
These rates are slightly greater in...
- Divorce: What is your Spouse's Attorney Telling Him? | Blog | August 2018 by Dror Bikel
If you are reading this article, you are either in the preparatory stages of filing for divorce and planning ahead (highly recommended), or your divorce process is not going as smoothly or quickly as you had hoped, and you are looking to keep the wheels from falling off of the proverbial Divorce...
- Living your Best Life During and Post-Divorce | Blog | August 2018 by Dror Bikel
Whether you have filed for divorce or are the recipient of the filing, there are a host of questions you likely have, perhaps anxiety over what the process entails, and often a profound sense of loss.
Even when there is animosity between the divorcing spouses, there may not be feelings of...
- So Matt Lauer is reportedly, “furious” over a potential $50M divorce payment to his humiliated wife, Annette Roque Lauer | Blog | July 2018 by Dror Bikel
Unless you have been on an extended hiatus from all media, the impending divorce of one-time NBC stalwart, Matt Lauer, and his wife, Annette Roque Lauer, has been a recurring presence in your media feed.
In summary, the twenty-year veteran of the oft first place, dominating morning show of...
- Thinking About Divorce? There’s A Financial Reason Why You Should File Today | Blog | July 2018 by Dror Bikel
If you’ve been contemplating getting a divorce, consider this a sign.
I can’t speak to any of your marital issues. But I can tell you that if you’re the breadwinner in your relationship, you might face a bigger financial burden if you get divorced in 2019 or...
- Divorce Litigation in New York Splits – When is this your best option? | Blog | July 2018 by Dror Bikel
Most parties can resolve their divorce by agreement outside of a New York court, but there are many situations where litigating (going to court and the judge makes the final decision) the divorce issues can be the best option for a New York resident.
This is especially true in high conflict...
- Gray Divorce? Tips, Pitfalls & Challenges - Legal & Practical Considerations | Blog | June 2018 by Dror Bikel
The Netflix series Frankie and Grace managed to spin a well-known story: What happens when you file for divorce after decades of marriage, when your children are adults and you yourself are approaching retirement?
Of course, not all divorcees go on to marry someone of the same sex, who also...
- All Giuiliani’s Wives – Love and Loathing in New York City | Blog | May 2018 by Dror Bikel
Former NYC Mayor, now latest Trump defender, Rudy Giuliani’s nasty divorce from his third wife Judith is not the first scandalous split in the politician’s life.
His previous marriages, to an alleged second cousin and to an actress - TV personality, also gave the tabloids endless...
- 8 Items I Covet at Russell Crowe’s Upcoming Divorce Auction | Blog | March 2018 by Dror Bikel
Over the years, I have handled countless high-net-worth, high-conflict divorces. On many occasions, some of the assets to be divided were so unique, that we had to bring in a myriad of expert valuators, antique connoisseurs, and art scholars to establish how much a particular item was truly worth...
- Getting by on a $100 Million Net Worth in NYC | Blog | March 2018 by Dror Bikel
Comfortable family living on a net worth of $100 million sounds totally doable - unless you live in NYC and as a divorce lawyer for Manhattanites I can (well almost) appreciate their struggle to maintain a New York City lifestyle. So, is $100 million enough? Maybe not.
In fact, a recent...
- Of Mice and Men and Marriage | Blog | February 2018 by Dror Bikel
National Geographic recently released a striking article entitled “Drinking Alone Leads to Divorce – In Rodents”.
Needless to say, it’s certainly an attention grabber, but is there science behind the article that is meaningful for humans? Do we have something to learn...
- Celebrity Harassers' Wives: Best Moves Amidst Crisis | Blog | February 2018 by Dror Bikel
Divorce can be a messy experience – especially when the husband is facing harassment charges. If the topic of divorce comes up, how are the wives of Matt Lauer, Harvey Weinstein and Garrison Keillor going to safeguard their part of the marital estate?
“It’s important to act...
- New York City Divorce: New Yorkers are Different – Rules & Realities | Blog | January 2018 by Dror Bikel
New York City divorce is anything but typical.
With its cultural diversity, wide socioeconomic range and distinct occupations, New York City divorce is in a realm of its own. High net worth New York City families face challenging asset valuation and equitable distribution obstacles. New York...