After a divorce, your children may struggle with sudden changes in their lifestyle. It is natural to want to protect them from emotional harm – especially if they are not responsible for your separation. While it may be difficult to prevent the hardship that comes...
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Divorce
Can you change spousal maintenance after a New York divorce?
A spousal maintenance order may feel final, but life can change after divorce. You may lose income, face a serious health issue or learn that your former spouse’s finances have changed. In New York, you may ask the court to change maintenance when your facts meet the...
Understanding the emotional impact of divorce through a legal lens
Divorce rarely begins and ends at the courthouse doors, and the process often affects more than a marriage. It can also shape how people think, feel and function each day. Grief, fear and uncertainty often surface during court deadlines and negotiations. These...
Is it legal to waive spousal maintenance in a divorce settlement?
Waiving spousal support is a choice that not many couples explore, but it has its own benefits. If you wish to pursue this path, you will need to follow the legal requirements discussed below. Benefits of forgoing maintenance rights For some couples, waiving...
Splitting 401(k) accounts with a QDRO in New York divorce cases
Dividing retirement savings during a divorce can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you have a 401(k). In New York, simply agreeing on a split is not enough. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) ensures your share of a 401(k) is legally recognized and...
Gray divorce: 3 myths you need to know the truth about
Divorcing later in life can feel especially overwhelming. Many people assume gray divorce, divorces among those over 50, is simple. In reality, misconceptions can make the process more stressful. Understanding the truth behind these three common myths can help you...
Can collaborative law work for my high-asset divorce in New York?
When you have spent decades building a life in New York, the thought of a courtroom battle is exhausting. You may have worked hard to grow a business, invest in real estate or build a substantial retirement nest egg. You will want to protect what you earned while...
What happens when your spouse spends the marital pot?
Finding out that your spouse’s secret habits or reckless spending drained the marital funds can feel like a betrayal. After all, you have worked hard saving money, only to find out that you cannot use it. In New York, this is more than a moral issue. Your spouse may...
Debunking 3 collaborative divorce myths with facts
Have you wondered about going through a divorce peacefully? You may have heard about collaborative divorce. Unfortunately, rumors circulate that this option is not as different as traditional divorce. Debunking these myths with facts can help you assess whether...
What is the 18-month QDRO hold and how does it protect me?
The finalization of a divorce is often mistaken for the final step in property division. This is simply not true when retirement accounts are in the mix. You will encounter the term Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), and with it, the 18-month hold period. This...
