For couples navigating divorce while also sharing the love and responsibility for a furry companion, the question of pet custody looms large. In the past, pets were typically treated as property in legal proceedings, leaving decisions about their fate to be determined by a judge based on various factors. However, a shifting cultural perspective in New York and beyond is challenging this traditional notion, with more couples turning to alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation to find a mutually agreeable arrangement for their pet's future ..read more

Uncontested divorce, a streamlined approach to marital dissolution, occurs when both spouses reach mutual agreements on crucial matters related to the end of their marriage. These agreements typically encompass property division, child custody, and other pertinent issues before the divorce is filed. Alternatively, if one spouse initiates the divorce proceedings and the other does not contest it, the divorce is also considered uncontested ..read more

Arrangements can occasionally become an obstacle when it is time for visits. It’s always important to be on time when meeting your children for scheduled visitation, whether you’re picking them up or returning them to their other parent. Even with a valid reason, the other parent will likely take notes of occasional tardiness ..read more

Prior to age 18, New York children are subject to a custody order, and they have little or no say in the matter. Much depends on the circumstances of both parents, and the relationship the child has with both of them. The judge will hear what a child has to say on the matter, but it is not the sole determining factor ..read more

You may know someone whose divorce seemed to take forever. That may be because of issues that took time to resolve. Child custody, property division and financial affairs are some of the most common sticking points in a divorce. They can take months or even years to resolve before finalizing ..read more

If you and your partner keep having the same discussions that go back and forth without any resolution, consider working with a third-party mediator. They can help you work through the things that are keeping you from finishing your divorce ..read more

For the couple who endures the test of time, writing their wills as a part of an overall estate plan becomes an important task. A will offers guidance and direction for the surviving spouse and any children, and may also name a guardian if the children are minors. here. It’s researched and agreed to, then signed, to protect both parties against the unfortunate possibility of a divorce later on. (A post-nuptial agreement is the same thing but written after the date of a marriage.) A couple makes decisions with a clear head and in advance, not during an emotionally charged period when they are d ..read more

But more couples are discovering mediation to resolve the conflicts amicably to avoid pricey litigation. Even the most adversarial couples can be helped by a mediator who works for a win-win solution. This process can save both parties money as well as reduce the time it takes to finalize a divorce ..read more

In years prior, when a couple decided to split, they both hired their own attorney and handed everything to them. Conflicts were handled by the attorneys, whether they developed before or after filing. Spouses frequently fought over these conflicts, leading to expensive litigation that left everyone with ill feelings ..read more

The 4 Essential Stages in New York’s Child Custody Mediation Process Child custody arrangements need not involve acrimonious court battles. With the guidance of a skilled child custody mediator in New York, crafting a suitable custody and visitation schedule for your family can be achieved through a straightforward 4-step process. Selecting the Appropriate Mediator and Initiating the Initial Meeting Begin by choosing the most suitable mediator for your specific requirements. Your mediator should possess expertise in mediating child custody cases akin to yours, offer clear information and addre ..read more