Many New Yorkers who are unsure about the status of their marriage separate before ultimately making the decision to divorce. In such instances, it is not uncommon for them to enter into a separation agreement that defines their rights and obligations. Many separation agreements are eventually incorporated into divorce decrees…
Generally, a judgment of divorce issued by a New York court dissolves a marriage and determines the rights and obligations of the formally married couple. In some instances, though, justice requires that such judgments be set aside. For example, as explained in a recent New York ruling issued in a…
In New York, judgments of divorce will typically not only legally end a couple’s marriage but will also establish their rights and obligations with regard to child support, spousal maintenance, and property division. As such, if a party fails to comply with the terms of a divorce judgment, they can…
Most divorces in New York are resolved through a settlement agreement. Written Settlement Agreements set forth the terms of the parties’ division of property and support obligations. Generally, the courts will incorporate such settlement agreements into the final divorce decree and enforce them as they would other contracts. This means,…
In New York divorce actions, the lesser-earning party will often seek spousal or child support from their spouse. The courts typically rely on income-based guidelines when evaluating such requests. In cases in which the higher-earning spouse’s income exceeds the income cap, the courts have the discretion to include income above…
Pursuant to New York law, when a married couple divorces, the court will typically distribute their marital property in an equitable manner. While in some instances, the process is relatively straightforward, in others, it can be complicated. For example, if the parties comingle separate and marital assets, they may have…
In New York divorce actions involving children, the courts’ driving concern is what is in the best interest of the children, and they will issue custody orders accordingly. As such, a parent that wants to modify an existing custody order must meet a significant evidentiary burden, not only to demonstrate…
In many divorce actions, the parties will determine how any marital property should be divided without intervention from the courts and will set forth the terms of their decision in a marital settlement agreement. While parties have the right to independently decide what is considered a fair distribution of assets,…
The cost of raising a child increases each year, and few people can afford it alone. As such, in cases in which parents split custody of a child, the courts will often order one parent to pay the other child support. If a parent refuses to pay child support, they…
It is not uncommon for married couples to share finances, regardless of each party’s individual earnings. If they divorce, though, they may disagree regarding property rights. New York is an equitable distribution state, which means that the courts divide assets in a fair, rather than equal, manner in divorce actions.…