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New York Family Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Family Law for New York on
Q: Are wills -- download forms printed from online legal?

We live in New York State

My husband (55) and I (62) would like to make a will, don't have time for a lawyer (leaving town).

Can we download a will from online (i.e.Rural Law Ctr NY provides template)

- print out

- have 2 unrelated people witness

- notarize

Thank you,

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Apr 11, 2024

A will must be prepared and executed in an exact way. The witnesses have to know what they are witnessing. When I do a will signing it is a formal ceremony and I ask certain questions of the testator and witnesses. If you do it properly then it should be ok. If you make any mistakes the entire... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Family Law for New York on
Q: uncle lives next door, threatened to kill me. Can I point a camera at his property for my safety? NY, police report made

My grandparents own the house he lives in, he rents. And I live in an apartment next door, rented. I’m unsure if the properties are conjoined, but he does have his own address.

Video footage of him harassing me. Police also contacted and report made.

Cps also called since his... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 10, 2024

I'm so sorry you're going through this frightening situation. Your safety is the top priority. Here are a few thoughts on your legal options regarding cameras, but please remember that I'm not a lawyer and this isn't official legal advice:

In general, in New York you are...
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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning for New York on
Q: How can I find out if my deceased brother has any open bank accounts like savings or certificates of deposit?

I am my brother’s only living heir.

Bonnie Lawston
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Bonnie Lawston
answered on Apr 2, 2024

The best way is to run a social security search. However, if you were appointed as the fiduciary of his Estate you could contact the IRS and obtain a transcript to see what has been reported in the past, contact the local banks and other financial institutions and review all his records, bank... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: If a judge has 60 days to make a decision; what happens after that if the time has run out? Do i still get a trial?

Brief procedural background:i am the moving party; i filed a petition to modify custody and OSC 11/3/23. A series of conferences were scheduled monthly on the calendar; including TWO trial dates for May.opposing counsel served me in court during January hearing: “notice of motion”,“attorney... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Apr 1, 2024

The 60 day period for a decision is not set in stone. If the motion to dismiss is granted then your trial will not proceed as the case os dismissed. If it is not granted then the case will go to trial. Dates for trial are assigned so the court can clear it's calendar for those days, if the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: If a judge has 60 days to make a decision; what happens after that if the time has run out? Do i still get a trial?

Brief procedural background:i am the moving party; i filed a petition to modify custody and OSC 11/3/23. A series of conferences were scheduled monthly on the calendar; including TWO trial dates for May.opposing counsel served me in court during January hearing: “notice of motion”,“attorney... View More

David H. Relkin
David H. Relkin
answered on Apr 3, 2024

First, a motion to dismiss scuttles the trial dates until it is decided. After the Court issues a Decision on the motion, there should be a Trial Conference to schedule new dates and procedures for pre-trial disclosure.

And, while the CPLR (not even the Uniform Trial Rules promulgated by...
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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: If a judge has 60 days to make a decision; what happens after that if the time has run out? Do i still get a trial?

Brief procedural background:i am the moving party; i filed a petition to modify custody and OSC 11/3/23. A series of conferences were scheduled monthly on the calendar; including TWO trial dates for May.opposing counsel served me in court during January hearing: “notice of motion”,“attorney... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

This is precisely the kind of question we here on Justin are specifically prohibited from answering. We are not the asker's attorney and as such we do not know any of the operative facts of this asker's case. We are therefore prohibited from offering tips and tricks as to how to proceed,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New York on
Q: How long can a parent go without seeing or asking about their children? before its considered abandonment?
Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

The modern fad in family courts in most states including New York (as routinely upheld by the appellate divisions) is to reunify long lost parents with their children no matter the operative facts. There is no such thing as abandonment unless and until the child becomes an adult. A parent cannot... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Family Law for New York on
Q: Why my husband came with the police in the house if I did not ask for an order protection

My husband and I have a fight,I call the police because he was agresive with me and stole my phone ,next day someone from the station came to our home to tell me that he’s free to came back home anytime he want if I don’t ask for a protection order,I did not ask for a protection order because... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 21, 2024

If your husband returned with the police without a protection order in place, it may have been for a few reasons. Firstly, the police may ensure that the situation remains peaceful and safe for all involved while he collects his belongings, especially following a reported incident. It’s standard... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Child Custody, Civil Rights and Family Law for New York on
Q: What is the likelihood of appellate court obtaining jurisdiction in a custody case if judicial misconduct is proven?

I have filed an appeal on an order of dismissal on FO petition that was erroneously dismissed. the courts denied the review of any evidence supporting my petition; denied the review of anything of my petition for that matter. Errors also contained on the “order of dismissal”; the incorrect type... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 21, 2024

If judicial misconduct is proven and relevant to your case, it could significantly impact the appellate court's decision to obtain jurisdiction. Courts take claims of judicial misconduct seriously, especially if they affect the fairness and integrity of the legal process. However, proving... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Child Custody, Civil Rights and Family Law for New York on
Q: What is the likelihood of appellate court obtaining jurisdiction in a custody case if judicial misconduct is proven?

I have filed an appeal on an order of dismissal on FO petition that was erroneously dismissed. the courts denied the review of any evidence supporting my petition; denied the review of anything of my petition for that matter. Errors also contained on the “order of dismissal”; the incorrect type... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

We are told so very little about both the procedural history and the substance of the asker's case so as to have to guess to fill in the blanks. At first blush, this appears to be a forced-stip case where the court's aim is to get the parties to agree to their own resolution according to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for New York on
Q: What is required regarding college acceptance for my daughter with her father - do I need approval or is notification OK

Divorce agreement states each party shall be informed of any major decisions to be made concerning education of the children and consent of both parties shall be obtained prior to making any decisions. Agreement ALSO states it is the parties' intention that the children attend college until... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

We are unable to accurately guide and advise an asker as to what the meaning of a snippet of a stip (the stipulation of settlement of the parties ending the divorce action) really says. We would be embarking on a risky ride down troubling lane.

Nonetheless, assuming arguendo that the asker...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can I sue my sister if she took my car that I paid for because she allowed me to use her credit to qualify?

My sister allowed me to use her credit to help me qualify to finance a car.

My paystubs and employment was used and I made all the payments on the car. A few years later she was upset and decided to take the car from me because she claims “it’s her car”.

She has made ZERO... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

In a situation where you've made all the payments on a car financed using someone else's credit, but the car is legally under their name, and they've taken it from you, you may have grounds to pursue legal action to recoup your investment. Documentation of all the payments... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: My wife was in a rehab facility had a sexual relationship with another patient. Can I sue facility?
Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

There is no statute that regulates sexual conduct within a hospital. Individual physician ethical codes prohibit sexual contact between doctors and patients. Perhaps employment regulations prohibit sexual contact between staff and patients.

However, all of these remedies are non-court...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: Is there a timeframe in NY state in which custodial parents have to submit medical bills to noncustodial parent?

Custodial parent told noncustodial parent about child getting braces in Sept 2021. Noncustodial parent asked for itemized bill to see what their portion (50/50) would be. Custodial parent never sent any bills. Feb 2024 custodial parent demands $580 by text with pictures of bills dating back to... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Feb 19, 2024

No.

New York's Article 4 of the Family Court Act has no provision for deadlines of bills for unreimbursed medical expenses. Therefore, the determination of whether a bill is "reasonable" falls on the support magistrate doing the enforcement. Some magistrates will limit the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: How do you get the remaining amount of child support owed per court order that the SCU will not take out of check?

Uward Modification granted. I have a court order for child support stating that the non custodial parents child support obligation is "X" bi weekly and is to be paid through support collections unit. The court order was signed back in November of 2023 and retro active to the date or... View More

David P. Badanes
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David P. Badanes
answered on Feb 18, 2024

It is correct that SCU can only take a portion of the payor's income to pay for child support.

However, the Order should have also stated that the non-custodial parent must pay the balance via direct deposit or checks. So the attorney you spoke to is generally correct, you can file...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: is the father of a 19yr son who attends college (father pays for boarding & tuition) the legal guardian?

19yr old is physically and mentally fine with no problems.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 15, 2024

In New York, a parent is not automatically considered the legal guardian of their child once the child reaches the age of 18, as they are considered an adult in the eyes of the law. This means the 19-year-old son, who is physically and mentally capable, is legally responsible for his own decisions,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Support for New York on
Q: Can my adopted Mom kick me out since I’m 19 now?

I was adopted when I was a preteen. My mom is a single woman, it’s just her, my 4 biological siblings and I in the house. Ever since I turned 18, my mom has been advocating that I need to be out on my own. She has “kicked me out” multiple times, the longest only lasting a month. As time goes... View More

Katherine Lee McArthur
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answered on Feb 9, 2024

In order to get an answer, look up you nearest Legal Aid office, where indigent citizens can obtain legal advice on certain types of legal matters. Most states have law that allow a parent to no longer support an able-bodied adult, after a statutorily fixed age, which is usually 18. If a special... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Support for New York on
Q: Can my adopted Mom kick me out since I’m 19 now?

I was adopted when I was a preteen. My mom is a single woman, it’s just her, my 4 biological siblings and I in the house. Ever since I turned 18, my mom has been advocating that I need to be out on my own. She has “kicked me out” multiple times, the longest only lasting a month. As time goes... View More

Ms. Norka M. Schell
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answered on Feb 9, 2024

In the state of New York, parents have a legal obligation to provide support for their adopted children until they reach the age of 21. This means that even when a child turns 18, parents are still required to provide financial assistance for their education, medical expenses, and other necessities... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Family Law for New York on
Q: I'm interested on becoming a gaurdian of someone. Where do I start? Do you serve Livingston county?

My uncle was deemed incompetent but I think he seems with it to me when I talk to him. When I was a nurse I know patients were with it certain times of day. Why can't he make me POA like he says he wants. He has been in long term care for 2 years

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 8, 2024

To become a guardian in New York, especially for someone deemed legally incompetent, you would start by filing a petition for guardianship in the court that has jurisdiction over the matter, which could be the Surrogate's Court or Supreme Court in the county where your uncle resides, such as... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: Sole custody and finding by the Office of Children and Family Services

If 1 parent has sole legal custody but the parents were living together and the Office of Children and Family Services was called into investigate inadequate guardianship, food, clothing and shelter can the non-custodial parent be held accountable while custodial parent is not? Why would both... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Feb 6, 2024

We do not understand how there can be an order of custody between parents residing together. Nonetheless, assuming this is true, that a couple resides together with an order of custody and visitation between them, we will take a stab at answering this question.

There are very many moving...
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