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Divorce, Domestic Violence, Tax Law, Employment Law and Family Law
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California
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Q: Should I file taxes jointly in a high-conflict divorce with restricted account access?
I am currently involved in a high-conflict divorce in California with my husband, who is also an attorney. I have not been allowed access to any of our business accounts, which he controls. There are criminal charges against him, and I also have a domestic violence restraining order in place. He... View More 
Tobie B. Waxman
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answered on Jul 26, 2026
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answered on Jul 26, 2026
Consult with a tax expert or tax accountant. Not necessarily a "forensic" accountant is needed yet. I've notice a growing trend towards married people filing "married filing separate" whether going through a divorce or not. Whether that's the right option for you,... View More
Q: How can I obtain proof of satisfied payment for a judgment in New York?
I am dealing with a civil suit in New York where a default judgment was issued against me, leading to wage garnishment. I have the summons and judgment documents. I paid off the judgment amount in one lump sum, but I do not have any documents proving that the payment has been satisfied. How can I... View More
William Waldner
answered on Jul 26, 2026
answered on Jul 26, 2026
You need a satisfaction of judgment filed, and New York gives you a route to force it.
When a judgment is paid in full, the judgment creditor is obligated to execute and file a satisfaction with the clerk of the court where the judgment was entered. Until that is docketed, the judgment... View More
Q: Can a judge reinstate probation due to misunderstanding of firearm possession during a mental health crisis?
My boyfriend is facing a probation violation in Florida because he was found in possession of a gun. The incident was a misunderstanding while I was having a severe mental health crisis following a miscarriage. At the time, I was taking anxiety and depression medication combined with alcohol and... View More
Jack Ruffin Hunt
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answered on Jul 26, 2026
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answered on Jul 26, 2026
Yes. Under Florida law, a judge has discretion in many violation-of-probation cases to continue or modify probation rather than revoke it and impose a jail or prison sentence. Section 948.06, Florida Statutes, expressly permits the court, after a VOP hearing, to revoke, modify, or continue... View More
Q: What are my legal options after an altercation led to a charge against me but not the other person?
I was involved in an altercation where I confronted a woman for pushing my daughter into the bathroom. During the confrontation, I threw water on her, and we both ended up in a physical fight. The woman is on probation and had a curfew at the time of the incident. However, the police only charged... View More
Jack Ruffin Hunt
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answered on Jul 25, 2026
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answered on Jul 25, 2026
The fact that police charged you but not the other person does not necessarily determine who was legally at fault. In Florida, you may have a self-defense or defense-of-others argument if you reasonably believed force was necessary to protect yourself or your daughter from the other person's... View More
Q: Is my mother entitled to $10,000 for living expenses before estate settlement?
My mother's husband has passed away after 33 years of marriage in Maryland. His will attempts to leave her with nothing. She currently resides in the home they lived in and has property taxes due but needs $10,000 for living expenses before the estate settles. Is she entitled to claim this... View More
Richard Sternberg
answered on Jul 25, 2026
answered on Jul 25, 2026
She and the other beneficiaries need separate counsel. The answer will depend on where the decedent resided when he passed as well as the terms of the will. A spouse— including a separated or hostile spouse — are almost always entitled to elect against the will and, in many states, entitled to... View More
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