Q: What do I have to do in order to have my maintenance that was awarded to me at trial extended? Nassau County, NY?
The trial was cut short because the judge was no longer going to be a judge due to a 5 million dollar cut to the Nassau County budget. We were in the middle of trial when this happened. I was told that i could start again with a new trial but because I didn't have the money my attorney advised me to just settle for the judges decision. I was awarded the maintenance for 9 years but that has always been used for rent money. The judge had me bring to court 3 different rentals for review and he calculated from the 3 a monetary amount for the maintenance. Now I will be 62 years old, not a long work history, which my ex husband did state to the court he was the primary bread winner and did not want me to work through out the marriage. I did get a part time job when my children got older. I looked into social Security already but my benefit would be less the $900 dollars a month. I don't have the money to hire an attorney to help me and the divorce caused me to file for bankruptcy.
A: You say you agreed to the settlement, so I see no way to dispute it by claiming that it was involuntary, if that is what you are implying. If you're seeking to appeal the decision, there are strict deadlines that apply: https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/family/faqs_appeals.shtml. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website, www.AliEsq.com. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, WA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.
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