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New York Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Banking and Domestic Violence for New York on
Q: My spouse withdrew 11grand out of joint account, without me knowing now and won't say what did with it? Legal or what

He left home over next few days withdrew money from joint account I have no idea what he did with the money he's not speaking to me he also stopped his paychecks from being deposited into account. Is it illegal we are not separated or divorced he's not even giving me money for our son or... Read more »

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Mar 28, 2023

"Illegal" presumes criminality. If the account was a joint account, it was not illegal. But you need to start a divorce action right away. You can ask the court to have him pay some of the money back. You can also get child support or spousal support. See a local matrimonial attorney right away.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New York on
Q: Under what circumstances in New York can one file for a modification of child support?

Original Child Support Order was put into place 6 years ago. The Child Support has never been modified. In 2021 there was a MOD in the way the CHILD CARE (completely separate from Child support) was to be paid. Went from a personal check to Zelle. The amount wasn't even changed. Fast forward... Read more »

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Mar 23, 2023

The law is 3 years OR 15%, not both. If there is a 15% increase in the non custodial parent's income, then you are entitled to an increase. Also, it depends on the wording of the last order. If the Magistrate recalculated the child support , then that is the starting date. But if the... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: In NYS, would a judge allow my request to have my children dropped off by school bus for my parenting time on fridays?

My girlfriend and (soon to be ex) wife have engaged in physical altercations, she is not allowed on the property anymore for trying to run gf over and running car through her house, she is always trying to find an excuse to get out and hang around and be close to me and talk to me, she was given... Read more »

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas PRO label
answered on Mar 21, 2023

A judge does not have jurisdiction over a school to enter an order to compel a bus driver to drop off a child to a parent. However, if the school has such a service, the asker is free to avail himself of that service consistent with the demands of the other parent. This certainly does not help the... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: I am in NY. My husband filed and served me divorce papers. I do not want the divorce and therefore don’t want to sign.

He currently has all his real estate properties as going to him. Am I entitled to 1/2? He paid for them through lenders and his personal IRA. Is there a way for me to get 1/2 without me having to sign anything?

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Mar 21, 2023

You never have to sign anything. You can contest the divorce. As far as your share of the property, there is a presumption that any property bought during the marriage is marital property subject to equitable distribution. It can be rebutted. you need to speak to a local matrimonial attorney to... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Legal Malpractice and Family Law for New York on
Q: Which Law Codes specify about Roster List of Gaurdian Ad Litems be shown to public or not?

If it is kept secret from the public, is it so all over New York? Thank you.

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 19, 2023

Access to court records and proceedings is often subject to specific state laws and regulations. Some states may require disclosure of GALs' roster lists to the public, while others may not.

To find information specific to your location and circumstances, I suggest consulting a...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and International Law for New York on
Q: Can I relocate internationally with my child if I have sole physical custody but joint legal custody?
James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 19, 2023

If you have sole physical custody of your child, you may be able to relocate internationally with your child depending on the terms of your joint legal custody agreement and the laws of your state.

In general, relocation with a child may require court approval or agreement from the other...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: My lawyer has been rude and also has not sent my divorce papers out. What can I do?

I’ve been in the process of divorcing my husband for almost 10 months now. It is uncontested, he has signed the paper he was served, got it notarized, and sent it to my lawyer over a month ago, our child support was taken care of in family court, we have no assets to split, I’m not taking him... Read more »

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Mar 19, 2023

First you said your husband sigbed papers. Were these a Stipulation of Settlement? There are many papers that have to be prepared and signed by the parties. Then you said you made changes and signed. Did you do so after your husband signed those papers? If so your husband needs to approve that... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can family court assign both parties and the child all the same public defender
Sandra M. Colatosti
Sandra M. Colatosti
answered on Mar 12, 2023

No, it would be a conflict of interest for the same lawyer to represent all of you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: My son was born and PR and I live in Ny. never married. I am listed as father on birth cert. How do i get visitation
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on Mar 8, 2023

Being listed on the birth certificate isn't enough. You need to have an acknowledgement of paternity to be the "legal" father or a court order. If there is an acknowledgment all you need to do is file a petition for visitation in Family Court. If there is no acknowledgement, you... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: NYC - Non-Custodial parent was arrested night before appearance (he petitioned for visitation).

The child is now six and father has not seen her in a year. Why does the court not recognize this deadbeat who is sleeping on his mother's floor in her one-room apartment? He was arrested for breaking someone's nose the night before he was to appear in court. What proof is needed to... Read more »

Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on Mar 7, 2023

Unfortunatley, the law says it is in the child's best interests to have visitation with the non-custodial parent. However, what type of visitation and how often is left to the judge after a hearing. You should meet with an attorney to go over all of the facts of the matter. If you cannot... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Support and Family Law for New York on
Q: When do judges actually put people in jail for not paying child support?

I've been supporting my child and paying far more than my support obligation. But I haven't been paying it through the state as required in the order because my ex-wife won't pay for anything. So I pay for school, camps, sports, all of that. Now I have an arrearage and my ex wants me... Read more »

Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on Mar 7, 2023

Unfortunately, the answer is yes you can be put in jail. You failed to follow the order and thus you disobeyed the court. There is law that says since you didn't pay per the order, anything you did pay was a gift. I strongly urge you to get an attorney to represent you on this matter.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: So if i don't agree to reopen the family offense petition from two years ago the judge can't just grant her a five year

My wife and I are going through a custody battle and have had no issues during our exchanges although once in a while she will claim that I bother her during some of the exchanges. I don't do that but shes asking for a five year order of protection I believe to use to intimidate me or control... Read more »

Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on Mar 6, 2023

Unless there is a violation petition that has been filed, the case cannot be reopened because she now wants a 5 year order. In addition, certain requirements have to be met for a 5 year order to be granted.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: can i refuse to reopen a family offense petition

My wife wants to reopen our family offense petitions so that she can ask for a five year order of protection. My wife has been very dishonest I fear she will try and use this as a tool against me in the future.

the judge doesn't believe based on the evidence up to this point she can... Read more »

Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on Mar 6, 2023

Your wife would need very specific reasons to reopen a closed matter. Based upon what you are saying you should refuse to agree to reopen the matter and you cannot be forced to do so.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Family Law and Immigration Law for New York on
Q: Hi so I wanted to know what is form 6-2 of guardianship in new york staten island to be precise. And what is the process
James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 2, 2023

Form 6-2 is the Petition for Appointment of Guardian for a Minor. In New York State, this form is used to initiate a legal proceeding to have a guardian appointed for a child who is under the age of 18 and not emancipated.

The process for filing a petition for guardianship varies depending...
Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: can i move to another state with my kids, if i have sole custody?

was never married.

Howard E. Knispel
PREMIUM
Howard E. Knispel
answered on Mar 1, 2023

It depends. If you are depriving the other parent of parenting time then no, you can not. Relocation should not be done without court approval. If you do and the father files a writ of habeas corpus you will be forced to come back to NY and could even lose custody. See a lawyer before doing... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for New York on
Q: If the father of my kids agrees to signing his rights over fully. Would the child support continue or stop? I

I don’t need the child support. He has other kids to take care of. If he signs his rights over would the payments stop or will New York continue to take the payments?

Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on Feb 28, 2023

(This is for NY) First of all, you should know he cannot sign over his "rights". The only way for his rights to be terminated is a Neglect petition being filed by DSS or he consents to an adoption. Until his rights are terminated, he has to pay child support. The only way to stop... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: I am in an abusive marriage with two little kids and no financial means to pay a retainer, I need help and advice, thank

I need a protective order and divorce help please

Carmen M. Rodriguez
Carmen M. Rodriguez
answered on Feb 26, 2023

If you are in immediate danger call 911

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233

Safe Horizon contact is 1-800-621-HOPE (4673)

There is also Freedom House (domestic violence shelter for victims of domestic violence and their families)

212-400-6470...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: Can a family court Judge ban you from reporting concerns to ACS and/or law enforcement?

Several calls were made from a child's mother, another family member and mandated reporters concerning the welfare of the child. The judge forbade anymore calls at the court date following the incident.

If another incident (child abuse/neglect - reported from the child) legitimately... Read more »

Howard E. Knispel
PREMIUM
Howard E. Knispel
answered on Feb 23, 2023

If a judge deems the calls unwarranted and an abuse, the judge can order them to cease.

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