In today’s digital age, child custody arrangements have evolved to embrace the use of technology. Virtual visitation is a valuable tool to help you and your co-parent remain active in your children’s lives. Understanding virtual visitation The National Center for Educational Statistics found that 93% of households had access to a computer in 2021, leading to the rise of virtual visitation in custody cases. Virtual visitation refers to the use of video calls, instant messaging or emails to maintain contact with your child when you are not physically present. Benefits of virtual visitation Virtu ..read more

Divorce is a challenging life event that can have significant financial implications. To safeguard your financial stability during this process, plan carefully and make prudent choices. 1. Assess your financial situation Start by thoroughly examining your financial circumstances. Compile a comprehensive list of your assets and debts to gain a clear understanding of your financial standing. Also factor in potential new debt and expenses. In 2023, 40% of survey respondents incurred between $5,000 and $10,000 in debt after their divorce 2. Create a budget Establishing a budget is a wise move. Det ..read more

In recent years, many couples have been drawn to mediation as an alternative to going to court. It is an attractive option because of the benefits it offers: less expense, a faster divorce, confidentiality, a less formal way of divorcing and more control for the couple when it comes to making decisions about their assets and their futures. However, mediation is not appropriate in every case. While mediation is highly effective, it is most effective in cases involving collaborative couples, parties who are willing to negotiate and compromise in good faith. When is mediation a good option? Gener ..read more

During a divorce, both spouses typically want to walk away from the marriage with what fairly belongs to them. If you have significant retirement assets to consider in your divorce, though, you might wonder if those accounts will remain intact after the split. Saving for retirement requires significant time, effort and discipline, so it is only natural to think about what will happen to your savings in a divorce. By understanding what the law says about retirement accounts during a separation, you can take steps to protect what is yours and effectively plan for the future. Retirement accounts ..read more

Divorce is a lengthy process. There are a few major steps that you must take to go through it. If you want a legal separation, you would follow the same steps. If you separate, there is a waiting period before your divorce. The key to successfully going through a divorce is to know the steps you need to take ahead of time. Here are the steps you must go through to get your divorce. Start your case To start your case, you must file for divorce with the courts and let your spouse know about it formally. Then, your spouse will respond by agreeing to participate or not. Share financial information ..read more

According to Census.gov, there were roughly 2.2 divorces in New York per 1,000 residents in 2021. If you have chosen to get a divorce, you know that the road is often riddled with challenges and emotions, and you face even greater challenges if you cannot find your spouse. If you are in New York and want to file for divorce, but your spouse’s whereabouts remain unknown, you may feel trapped. However, you should not despair. New York law offers provisions for situations like yours. Initiate the divorce process The first step towards divorce is to file a divorce petition, also known as a Summons ..read more

Alimony, also referred to as spousal support or maintenance, plays a crucial role in divorce cases. It helps ensure that both spouses maintain a standard of living close to what they enjoyed during their marriage. Many individuals in New York question if they can receive alimony if they hold a job during the divorce process. In some circumstances, a working spouse may still be eligible for alimony in a New York divorce. Understanding these factors can provide clarity for individuals navigating the complexities of divorce proceedings. Determining factors for alimony Several factors contribute t ..read more

There are many misconceptions about child custody determinations ranging from mothers receiving preferential treatment to the courts automatically mandating an even split of custodial time. The truth is that every custody case is unique and there are no automatic rulings. The courts consider a variety of factors to determine the ideal custody situation. Understanding what the court considers may help you understand your potential custody ruling. Caregiver status If one parent serves as the primary caregiver, has a stronger and closer bond with the child or shows more experience and understandi ..read more

One of the most important things divorced parents can do for their children is work as a team to provide love and stability. Sadly, sometimes one parent not refuses to work as a team with the other, choosing instead to involve the child in the conflict through a tactic known as parental alienation. Parental alienation and parental alienation syndrome Parental alienation is an effort by one parent to manipulate a child and turn him or her against the other parent. This can result in a series of behavioral symptoms seen in the child, known as parental alienation syndrome. Common parental alienat ..read more

A grey divorce, which refers to the dissolution of a marriage among couples aged 50 and older, presents unique challenges and considerations compared to divorces among younger couples. As the divorce rate in this age group continues to rise, it is essential to understand the key differences between a grey divorce and a typical divorce involving younger couples. Financial complexity in grey divorce One of the primary differences in a grey divorce is the financial complexity. Couples who have been married for several decades often have more intertwined financial assets, such as retirement accoun ..read more