- 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...
- 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 To Get Nonparent Custody of a Child in New York | Blog | February 2024 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Adults naturally protect children, even when they’re not our own. So, if you know a child who is being neglected or worse, you could easily be stirred to action on that child’s behalf, even to the point of seeking custody of the child for his or her protection. But what are the odds...
- 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,...
- 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...
- Divorcing a Disabled Spouse | Blog | January 2024 by Naomi Schanfield
Going through a divorce is generally difficult, as the emotional turmoil and the legal complexity can seem overwhelming. But these problems can be exponentially harder when you are divorcing a disabled spouse. Unlike a divorce between two non-disabled parties, a couple that includes one disabled...
- 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...
- 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...
- Winning Relocation Custody Cases In New York Family Court | Blog | November 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Relocation custody cases can be exceptionally challenging for parents seeking to move to another state or country while sharing custody of their children. In New York, winning a relocation custody case requires thorough preparation, a well-documented relocation plan, and a compelling argument to...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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....
- What Is a Domestic Partnership, and How Is it Different from Marriage? | Blog | May 2023 by Naomi Schanfield
Domestic partnership is recognized under New York State and New York City laws. The City of New York states, “Partnership Law recognizes the diversity of family configurations, including lesbian, gay, and other non-traditional couples.”
When you decide to share your life with...
- 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...
- Does Joint Custody Prevent Parents from Moving? | Blog | March 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
New York has no set rules limiting a custodial parent's move. Courts will decide based on the child's best interests, considering aspects like their relationship with each parent, each parent's emotional stability, the existing co-parenting dynamics, the child's personal preference if they are...
- 12 Questions to Ask Before You Get Married | Blog | March 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Marriage is an expression of love and commitment but also a legal and financial partnership. It’s important to understand what you are delving into—romantically, legally, and financially—before signing your marriage license.
Although every marriage has ups and downs, and not...
- Co-Parenting After a Divorce: What You Need to Know | Blog | February 2023 by Karen B. Rosenthal
Who gets the kids? This is usually one of the most important, delicate, and contentious parts of any divorce or separation. If soon-to-be-splitting spouses have children under 18, the parents will have to decide how to divide responsibilities for their care.
In some situations, one spouse...
- 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,...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 3 Types of Cost in a Divorce Case | Blog | October 2021 by Eric Weinstein
When the cost of divorce is discussed, it usually refers to the actual financial cost of attorney’s fees involved in the process. In fact, divorce has three distinct categories of cost that should be considered.
1. Emotional Cost
Divorce is rated as the second-highest of all life...
- 8 Things You Need to Know About Judges for Your Divorce Case | Blog | October 2021 by Dror Bikel
The judge is the person who will be making all the decisions in your litigated divorce case, so of course, you realize they hold a great deal of significance in your case and your life. However, there are probably quite a few things you might not be aware of that impact how judges view the cases...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- How to Choose Your Divorce Lawyer | Blog | May 2021 by Dror Bikel
Your divorce lawyer is the most important person in your life when you are going through a divorce. Because of this, it is crucial that you select an attorney who is not only experienced and knowledgeable, but is someone you trust, feel confident in, and can work with.
Why Finding the Right...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...