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New York Family Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Family Law for New York on
Q: who do we contact to confirm death of a parent in nyc and if there was a will or property left to next of kin?

my wife's estranged father died earlier this year (possibly June) in nyc. she is the only child and it is believed he lived in the coop her mother owned and is now deseased as well. if that is the case, would like to know if she has a right to that property.

Damien Matthew Bosco
Damien Matthew Bosco
answered on Dec 2, 2024

Your wife may be able to contact the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene since she is next of kin She may be able to request a copy of the death certificate. She can apply online, by mail, or in person. Death certificates are necessary for most estate-related matters. NYC Vital Records:... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for New York on
Q: I'm the custodial parent of 23y and 18y old boys. Dad paid $700 per month since 2014. He stopped in June 24.

I make $130,000 and he $30,000 on books. What are my options?

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 5, 2024

One option is to do nothing. There is no requirement that citizens appear in court and report that the other parent is not paying money to the custodial parent for the child. Another option is to go to a family court and file a petition seeking enforcement. A lawyer is a necessity in today's... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can THEY put me in jail ?

I have five children and a husband.. and last week my husband put a restriction order against me I didn't know that..my older daughter and son They testified against me along with my husband..My daughter is 15 years old and she hates me because I don't want her drug addict... View More

Michael J Stachowski
Michael J Stachowski pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 1, 2024

Given the circumstances and your clean record it is unlikely that you will face Jail. Hire a good criminal lawyer. This case seems to cry out for what in New York is an ACD Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal. It may require a mental health assessment but a Good criminal Lawyer can guide... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can THEY put me in jail ?

I have five children and a husband.. and last week my husband put a restriction order against me I didn't know that..my older daughter and son They testified against me along with my husband..My daughter is 15 years old and she hates me because I don't want her drug addict... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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Stephen Bilkis pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 2, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you're facing. Navigating legal matters involving restraining orders and allegations of domestic violence can be incredibly stressful. The information provided below aims to help you understand your rights and options.

In New York,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Hello. Question. My husband's mother transferred shares of a cooperative apartment to his name.

Hello. Question. My husband's mother transferred shares of a cooperative apartment to his name. This was done during the marriage, but his mother registered the title to the apartment only in my husband's name. Now my husband has decided to make a will and a trust, but he has indicated... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Nov 24, 2024

A gift to your spouse is not marital property even if given during the marriage unless it is comingled or transmuted. However, upon death, there are protections for a current spouse regardless of the will. New York has a "right of election" that allows a spouse to disregard the will and... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: How does divorce work if married in 2 countries with the same person?

My father wants a divorce and currently lives in the U.S and my mother lives in Mexico and hasn’t been in the United States in over 10 years. How would the divorce work? If they get divorced here will they still be married in Mexico ?

Norka M. Schell
Norka M. Schell pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 27, 2024

Thank you for reaching out. The divorce process for your parents will involve considering the laws of both the United States and Mexico.

Since your parents were married in Mexico and also obtained a marriage license in the United States, it's essential to determine which country's...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Civil Rights for New York on
Q: Can judge and attorney repeatedly Request me to admitt guilt in a violation hearings . I didn’t want to. But I did.

I began testifying in a violation fact finding trial brought on by CPS. Suddenly, the judge stopped me and had a private meeting with attorneys. My attorney then suggested to me that I admit guilt as it is favorable to the judge I said I didn’t want to because I would be silenced and I want... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Nov 6, 2024

In a neglect case CPS usually requests an admission so as to try to start the Respondent to repair their relationship with the child through social services such as parenting classes, rehab or whatever is required depending on the accusations. You do not have to admit and can request a hearing.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for New York on
Q: I have 2 children, 18 and 16. Ex wants me to pay half for 18 yr olds vehicle. I said I would pay for 16 yr olds vehicle

18yr old lives with ex;; 16 lives with me. Decree does not address topic. I do not want to pay for a vehicle that I don’t own, insure or have control over especially when there is another child that will need a vehicle in 12 months.

Norka M. Schell
Norka M. Schell pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 4, 2024

In situations like this, it's important to consider both your legal obligations and the practical implications of your decisions. Here are some steps you might take:

1. Even if the custody decree does not specifically address expenses like car purchases, it may provide guidance on...
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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for New York on
Q: I have 2 children, 18 and 16. Ex wants me to pay half for 18 yr olds vehicle. I said I would pay for 16 yr olds vehicle

18yr old lives with ex;; 16 lives with me. Decree does not address topic. I do not want to pay for a vehicle that I don’t own, insure or have control over especially when there is another child that will need a vehicle in 12 months.

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 3, 2024

The only possible way for the asker to be responsible for paying for one half of a vehicle is if his order of support - whether contained in a judgment of divorce or otherwise - contained a specific provisions for him to provide vehicles.

Vehicles are not ordinarily a part of an order of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: My son’s father lives out of state. We have a parenting contract as he suddenly decided to move.

He is supposed to go to see him out of state 12/19-12/29 but is refusing to give me flight information. If I do not receive it can I deny him the right to take him? He does not pay child support bc he is going off the divorce agreement when he lived in NYS.

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 3, 2024

We do not know and are not told if the "parenting contract" is ordered by the family court or is an informal contract entered into by the parents. If the contract is ordered by a judge in a family court, then the parties must adhere to its requirements or face sanctions. The visiting... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Legal Malpractice for New York on
Q: My kids have rare genetic disorde and take infusions weekly. They were conceived 2013 and 2016 and do not respond to vac

My kids have rare genetic disorde and take infusions weekly. They were conceived 2013 and 2016 and do not respond to vaccines. They spent first 6 years of life horribly sick, the spern bank we used was Manhattan Cryo. I am curious if we have a chance at settlement. Their medicall care require... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Nov 5, 2024

Sorry to hear what you're going through. Although New York does not recognize a cause of action for "wrongful life", it does recognize one for "wrongful birth". In a wrongful birth action, the parents would claim damages for the extraordinary costs of raising a child with... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Legal Malpractice for New York on
Q: My kids have rare genetic disorde and take infusions weekly. They were conceived 2013 and 2016 and do not respond to vac

My kids have rare genetic disorde and take infusions weekly. They were conceived 2013 and 2016 and do not respond to vaccines. They spent first 6 years of life horribly sick, the spern bank we used was Manhattan Cryo. I am curious if we have a chance at settlement. Their medicall care require... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Nov 1, 2024

I'm sorry for your ordeal. The most reliable way to answer your question would be to reach out to law firms to discuss in further detail. There are a number of issues and entities to sort out here, and it isn't fully clear who you deem to be the liable party (or parties?). It would depend... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: How do I file a petition to dismiss a case in Nassau County, NY Family Court?

My ex-husband just filed a petition in Nassau County NY Family Court to re-evaluate child support. Our divorce was finalized in Delaware County a year ago and the Delaware County Judge retains jurisdiction. Also, our mediated divorce agreement states that any court filings will be immediately... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 17, 2024

One does not file a petition to dismiss but rather one files a motion to dismiss. This motion requires particularized legal skill that a lawyer has. The asker must retain counsel.

A crucial factor mostly out of the minds of all Americans is that no one has any rights unless the person...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: My wife inherited a very large inheritance in October 2023 which she never told me and wants my IRA, Annuity in divorce

Need legal advice concerning this matter if that is legal

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 17, 2024

Current New York law (and the law of most other jurisdictions) excludes any inheritances given spouses unless the spouse commingles the inheritance with marital assets. The wife had no duty whatsoever to inform the asker of her inheritance, and in so doing, likely kept her inheritance separate from... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New York on
Q: can your wife take your children and establish residency in another state if you do not want your kids to live there?

What recourse do you have to ensure you still have access to your children?

Michael J Stachowski
Michael J Stachowski pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 27, 2024

Dependent on the state. In New York the case of Tropea v Tropea requires judicial intervention The standard for relocation is the “ best interests of the child”’ She cannot remove the child on a whim. Like she wants to go to Florida because she wants to enjoy sunshine. There must be a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: I am 17 in New York City and was given a phone by my grandmother. Can my parents legally take my phone away?
Norka M. Schell
Norka M. Schell pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 23, 2024

Yes, your parents can take your cellular phone away, even if it was a gift from your grandmother. As a minor living in their household, your parents have the legal right to make decisions regarding your possessions, including your phone. They may have their reasons for wanting to do this, such as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Education Law for New York on
Q: Is it legal for a school to say we are mandated by law to use their app for notices from the principle and teachers?

We had issues last year when we realized that my child’s teacher at the time was posting pictures she kept taking of the class on a school app that is used by the as well as all parents and listing my child’s full name and everything . And because we have privacy concerns since we have a... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 10, 2024

There could be a couple of different ways to look at this - it is more a privacy law question than an education law question. A starting point could be to check with your attorney (the one associated with the court order). They would know better than anyone on a public forum the scope of what the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: Sealing a marriage record from the public

I'd like to know if it's possible in NY to seal from public record a fraudulent marriage (the fraud was not committed by me) from 1997 that continues to appear on public websites and google searches.

(Edited for additional context): I am concerned with sealing from the public... View More

David P. Badanes
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David P. Badanes
answered on Sep 7, 2024

In New York, divorce records are supposed to be sealed for 100 years. If they are not or if you want, you can petition the Court to seal the records. As for public websites or google - if your spouse or someone else gave them that information or somehow they go a hold of that information, it will... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: I and my spouse have custody of my nephews and we split up do I automatically get joint custody with primary residency

Of my nephews since they are legally my blood relatives

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Aug 31, 2024

Nothing is "automatic". Do you have a court order granting you custody? Does it grant it to you, or to you and your spouse? If there is no court order then you do not have legal custody and should go to court to seek custody or guardianship, whichever is appropriate in your case. Talk... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for New York on
Q: Hello, I want to know what my real estate and trustee rights are (I think?) for a family matter. Any help is appreciated

My mother and father bought a house in the late 90's. Because of my fathers credit, he could not be put on the mortgage - nor was he put on the deed. My mother and her mother signed all of the original paperwork, but my mother and father paid the mortgage - and that's how it remains.... View More

Cesar Mejia Duenas
Cesar Mejia Duenas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 22, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Legally, if your father was never on the deed, he doesn't have ownership rights to the house, even if he helped pay the mortgage. Since your mother passed away without her will being probated, your father may have some rights to her share of the... View More

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