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Questions Answered by Howard E. Knispel
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for New York on
Q: My spouse is demanding I sign a separation agreement and is attempting to give me money to sign it, is this legal
Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Jun 7, 2023

There is nothing illegal for offering a cash settlement for signing a separation agreement.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for New York on
Q: can my spouse offer me money to sign a separation agreement
Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Jun 7, 2023

She can offer you money or anything else but you do not have to sign. Speak to an attorney to see if it is in your best interest to sign.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New York on
Q: When calculating child support, will the magistrate take over time into consideration as income earned?

The non custodial parent has worked over time consistently over a time span of at least 6 years which can easily be proven because his income is public record. When calculating child support in NY, will the magistrate use the overtime or the base salary of the non custodial parent who will be... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Jun 6, 2023

If overtime is available, the court will consider it for support purposes. If the non-custodial parent can prove there is no more overtime the court might not consider if the stoppage of overtime is not the result of the non-custodial parent's action.

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: Family Law in New York State Q. May I articulate the facts of a case in family court as a non-lawyer?

I am not a lawyer. the Pastor of my church died and her children are fighting over owner ship of the deed. One of the 2 factions has asked me if I could simply articulate the facts to the Judge (NOT advocate for one side over the other). They believe I can inform the judge of the facts more clearly... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Jun 4, 2023

First, this does not appear to be a Family Law matter. Second, if you are a witness to certain facts you can testify as to what you are witness to. But you can not, as a non-lawyer, simply testify about something you are not directly a witness to.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for New York on
Q: I have a child that is twenty with a child of his own and one that doesn’t go to school and is constantly smoking

And drinking. Do I have to keep paying support even though he has a kid of his own?

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Jun 3, 2023

If your child is living away from the recipient of the support or os self supporting or being supported by someone other than the custodial parent you can file to declare the child emancipated. You should speak to an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for New York on
Q: In a 50/50 shared custody agreement . Who pays child support?

I currently have joint custody. Child resides with me. We are modifying our order to 50/50 residential custody. Child lives with both alternate weeks. Will I still be entitled to Child support? He us the higher earning parent.

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Jun 2, 2023

In a shared custody arrangement, the higher earning parent pay child support. You should speak to your attorney who is handling the custody modification.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for New York on
Q: im 15 and mom has full custody of me i visit dad in florida during the summer would it be illegal if i stay with him

my dad hasnt been in my life for years he just recently came back. i dont feel safe at home with my moms new boyrfriend

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on May 30, 2023

"Illegal"? It would not be criminal but your mother has legal custody. Your father would have to file a petition to modify the custody order. At your age the court would consider your opinion, but it is not dispotitive. There are several factors the court would consider. Your father... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for New York on
Q: Do I have to vacate my house if my spouse doesn’t want me to live with her anymore?
Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on May 30, 2023

You do not have to vacate the marital residence absent a court order. You have as much legal right as your spouse. However if she claims it is unsafe for her to live with you she could attempt to obtain a court order. Speak to an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: How do new York family courts look at marijuana use now that its legal?

I'm going through a custody case in white plains new York and I'm wondering what's the judges view on the the matter now that it's legal?

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on May 25, 2023

I have found that most Family Court Judges view it just like alcohol, which is also legal but mind altering. Abusing marijuana or use in front of children would be frowned upon. Driving under the influence, just like alcohol, would be detrimental to a custody case as that is illegal.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce for New York on
Q: I need to get a divorce but I don’t have an address for him going on a year

He abandoned me over a year and I need closure

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on May 24, 2023

An attorney can do a public records search to try to find him. If that does not work, an attorney can file a motion for alternative service (serving at his last known address or by newspaper. This requires a court order, however. Contact an attorney.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for New York on
Q: In N. Y. S. Family Court system is there a higher court that can change a child support order that is based on IMPUTED

Income used to calculate a unjust obligated amount I'm being charged 300$ a month when my income level is below the self support reserve

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on May 12, 2023

If the support magistrate applied the law incorrectly then an objection can be filed which sends the order to a judge. Rarely do they review factual issues. After that an appeal to an appellate court can be filed. There is a limited time to file an objection. Contact a lawyer.

4 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for New York on
Q: I was charged with dwi and refused to a chemical test and released on 180/80. Dmv hearing judge granted my driving

Privileges back. So what happens with the charges

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on May 11, 2023

The two issues are separate. A refusal hearing is a civil matter. The DWI charge is a criminal matter. These are heard in separate forums are are completely separate from each other. You still need to defend yourself in the criminal case.

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Domestic Violence for New York on
Q: I'm disabled and can't get to a court to file separation or divorce papers. What can I do to file
Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on May 11, 2023

Hire an attorney. Contested divorce cases require appearances. Uncontested divorces can be filed online but the paperwork is extensive and complicated. If you want it done and done correctly, hire an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: Does a 15 yr old still have to follow ny state divorce court visitation terms if his father moved out of state ?

The father is non-custodial parent who moved to Tennessee . Father threatens mother with going back to court if he doesn't get his way .15 yr old has school obligations here and doesn't always want to miss out on his sports activities . Due to emotional abuse in the past , dad bullies... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on May 9, 2023

If the visitation does not interfere with the child's education and activities the court order is still in effect. However, if the father's move is now interfering with the child's education and activities then the visitation should be modified to accomodate the child's activities. See an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: How would my boyfriend go about trying to get custody of his two daughters he has with his ex wife

She has residential custody but they share responsibility for every other aspect pertaining to his kids..before eastet their oldest daughter who is 11 came and told us how the mother whipped her with a belt and left a mark and the mother basically bragged about it later that night to both of... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on May 7, 2023

He has to file a petition to modify custody. Contact a family law attorney.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce for New York on
Q: What can be done about ex-wife not changing name back to maidan name?

Its in the divorce agreement and its been almost 3 years since the divorce has been finalized.

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Apr 24, 2023

Absolutely nothing. A spouse MAY resume their prior name but there is no requirement they do so.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: Can a non custodial parent ask the family Court for family counseling?

The custodial parent refuses to allow family therapy and has been very uncooperative . Visitations with my 11 yr old child have been very challenging ending in constant arguments and shortened to avoid further distress to my child and myself. Counseling would be beneficial to strengthen our... View More

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

You can certainly ask for it. The court must do what is in the best interest of the chilod and if fgamily counselling is best for the child then it can order that. You should speak to an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: Conflict of Interest

My daughters father was appointed a public defender that works very closely to the referee assigned on our case. My daughters law guardian and my attorney as well as ACS believe our child should stay with me. However, the referee blatantly disregards the ACS report and will not grant our request to... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Apr 20, 2023

Just because the Referee and the court appointed counsel for the father know each other does not mean there is any conflict. Since court appointed counsel appear frequently of course they are familiar. You have an attorney so you need to address your concerns to your attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: Lived with a girl friend for 20-plus years, had children, and is now separated. can she file a restraining order?

we lived in the same house but stay on two different floors. I pay my own rent can she file this and made a false allegation?

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

A person can file for a restraining order (Order of Protection), but she still has to prove her allegations. The fact that you live in the same house does not stop her from filing. Also you should know there are 2 types of Orders of Protection, a "refrain from" and a "stay... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for New York on
Q: My ex husband stopped paying my spousal support, my health insurance policy and reduced his life insurance, what can I d

He has been withholding payments for a couple of years. My children get financial aid for college because I don’t have an income, but I am responsible for room and board, he found my eldest a one bed apartment because he knew I was solely responsible for board and food. I was forced to move back... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Apr 18, 2023

Much depends on the wording of your divorce. Spousal support ends on a date certain as spelled out in the divorce. Child support ends at 21 or upon emancipation. If he is in violation then a court case in Family Court should not cost the numbers you are being quoted. What county is this in?... View More

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