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New York Family Law Questions & Answers
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.

Ms. Norka M. Schell
Ms. 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
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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?
Ms. Norka M. Schell
Ms. 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

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Landlord - Tenant and Family Law for New York on
Q: How do I remove my husband, whom I am divorcing (super early stages) from the NY rent-stabilized lease due for renewal?

My husband and I have had a co-signed rent-stabilized lease since Oct. 2016 that is due to be renewed by the end of this month. I am the one paying for the rent. We are just starting with the divorce procedure. He says he doesn't want to take over the lease because he can't afford it.... View More

Jack Mevorach
Jack Mevorach
answered on Aug 17, 2024

Although domestic relations is not one of my practice areas, I can offer a few thoughts. Often, a rent stabilized tenancy is claimed to be marital property. That's one consideration.

Of course, if the landlord and your husband agree, he can be removed and the renewal would be in your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: I need to remove my husband's parental rights, he disappeared from our lives 10 months ago, but I'm currently in Europe.

My husband decided to go AWOL 10 months ago, our kids are still minors and we had signed (via notaries in NY) a mutual separation agreement where he gave me full legal custody, prior to us leaving the US. I just need to legalize that with a court decree and remove his parental rights, since I... View More

Said Ibrahim
Said Ibrahim
answered on Jul 23, 2024

Were you married in New York? Based upon your answer there are several jurisdictional and service issues that will likely require you to hire a lawyer to help consult with on the best state, county, and court to file in, and how to properly serve your husband either personally, or with alternative... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New York on
Q: Are parents required to pay out of pocket for their child's college tuition? This was not in the custody agreement

At the time of the agreement, I was the custodial parent. There has been no changes to the agreement. My daughter has moved to FL with her mother and she is threatening legal if I don't pay her (the mother) cash for college she has claimed to pay for. This was not in the agreement . My... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 21, 2024

This is not the simplest question to answer because it involves an "agreement" and an out of state issue regarding educational expenses. Rephrasing the question, does the asker have to pay education costs for his child if there is a New York agreement while the child is in Florida. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law and Tax Law for New York on
Q: My father want to become netrilize citizen of U.S and he didnt pay tax of 2 years will it effect on his case.

Hi i am abroad of U.S my father is in new york city he wants me to go there now he wants to file 130 petition and also he is a green card holder and also wants to applay for citizenship ( want to neutralize) but he didnt give tax for 2 or 3 year( because of some reasons) will this effect on his... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 2, 2024

To address this situation, there are a few key points to consider:

1. Tax obligations:

Not filing taxes for 2-3 years could potentially affect your father's naturalization application. When applying for citizenship, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) looks at...
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2 Answers | Asked in Juvenile Law and Family Law for New York on
Q: I have an issue with a forensic evaluator, they screamed at me and refused to work with me, and showed bias on camera

They stole evidence from me and informed about a situation that was untrue, while laughing at serious issues pertaining to my son. This was all under recording. He lied to the courts to try and save himself after his numerous calls to me after screaming at me trying to “rectify” the situation.... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 30, 2024

I'm sorry for your ordeal. This might be something that a family law attorney should advise on, but you await a response for a week. Since you describe a setting involving custody, "Family Law" could be a more relevant category than "Medical Malpractice," the category you... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: My ex gf who i share a 10year old with wont leave my house for over a year n just damages home. How can i get her out?

Alls she does is drink12-14 beers a day, vandalized and damages my home. Leave child alone when i was at work alone to go drink with her new boyfriend. I have all on camera. How can i evict her asap without selling my house

David P. Badanes
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David P. Badanes
answered on Jun 15, 2024

If the child is being left alone, that is the first thing you might want to address. Some 10 year olds are mature enough to stay by themselves, but, I don't think many Judges would approve of that.

Next thing to do is consult with a Landlord-Tenant attorney. If the house is yours,...
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