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New York Family Law Questions & Answers
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 Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Family Law for New York on
Q: Hi ,I bought a home with my daughter and would like to add my husband name on the deed.

when I was buying my husband credit wasn't good,so I use my daughter's name and credit but it was my money used. I'm sick and would like to protect my husband just in case...

Daniel Michael Luisi
Daniel Michael Luisi
answered on Jul 23, 2024

You will need to schedule a "mini-closing" where you (or your daughter) will need to deed the property from herself, to herself and your husband, as joint tenants (a technical legal term of ownership). Which particular form of ownership would work best requires a detailed review of your... 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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3 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can my kids mom take me for more child support, if the kids are 18 and 20 and the kids don’t work?

My kids are 18 and 20 and they don’t work , I pay child support and not after 4 years , my kids mom wants more $ so she is filling saying “the cost of living has gone up” my kids are adults and if she needs more help , they should be working also

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

In New York, you are responsible for child support until a child turns 21 years old. There are a few exceptions, for example, if the child enrolls in the military; gets married. It doesn't matter if the children work or don't work.

You might try to see if the kids will live...
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3 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can my kids mom take me for more child support, if the kids are 18 and 20 and the kids don’t work?

My kids are 18 and 20 and they don’t work , I pay child support and not after 4 years , my kids mom wants more $ so she is filling saying “the cost of living has gone up” my kids are adults and if she needs more help , they should be working also

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Jun 5, 2024

In New York, child support terminates at 21. However, in most cases, the amount of support is determined by your income. Only where the court determines you are under-employed would the court deviate. Talk to a local attorney.

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can you be legally married in 2 places?

My boyfriend said he was legally married in Maryland and in germany. He reported to me that they got divorced in Maryland but he never bothered to get divorced in germany. Is this possible, to be legally married in 2 places like that?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 28, 2024

Yes, it is possible to be legally married in two places. While within the United States, all states and territories are constitutionally required to recognize a ceremonial marriage consummated in any other state or territory, that is not necessarily true in other nations. Whether another nation... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Immigration Law for New York on
Q: How to locate someone's information, like marital status and properties?

Someone in VA, US sued my friend in China, over a family inheritage matter. She tried to collect more information about the plaintiff for her lawyer. But since the plaintiff's family lives here for a long time, she is wondering how she can collect as much public information as possible? I have... 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 May 22, 2024

To locate someone's information, like marital status and properties, you can start by searching public records available online. Websites such as the county clerk or recorder's office can provide access to marriage records, property records, and other legal documents. These resources can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for New York on
Q: I'm wanting to pursue an adult adoption in Buffalo New York but I do not live in the state of New York.

I heard that there were residency requirements for the person doing the adoption.... The person I'm adopting lives in Buffalo.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 19, 2024

An adoption attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. If you haven't spoken with an attorney by now, one option is to reach out to attorneys, where you could supplement your searches with the "Find a Lawyer" tab above and the referral sections of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: Annulment in NYS grounds? ideology sovereign citizen extremism

Internet addiction to the research of the strawman stuff;

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on May 16, 2024

There are very specific grounds for an annulment (DRL 140). (a) Former husband or wife living (spouse is still married to another). (b) Party under age of consent.  (c) Party a mentally retarded person or mentally ill person.  (d) Physical incapacity.  (e) Consent by force, duress... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: Hello I’m looking for information on a pro bono lawyer for a divorce
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 12, 2024

This is something that a divorce attorney would know best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Here's a link to a page on this site:

https://www.justia.com/lawyers/divorce/new-york/legal-aid-and-pro-bono-services

Some of the resources on that page look like...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: I have my son for a visit but it is outside of our custody agreement and my son refused to get on the plane to return

Home. Stated he wants to live with and has told his father and the father refuses to talk to me. My son is 15 and is going to be 16 in august what should I do I don’t want to get me or my son in any trouble but I can’t force him to get on a plane. I live in Kentucky his father is in New York

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 12, 2024

We here cannot provide specific legal advice to an anonymous asker. Her question has to do with how to react to a factual situation when an order is the governing outcome producer. The correct answer that is not legal advice is to simply follow the order.

However, as an educational point,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Domestic Violence for New York on
Q: Can I move my children from NY to RI when there is no custody or visitation in place?

I currently have custody of my two children. We have an order of protection out against my ex (their dad). We have been back-and-forth to court numerous times because he is mentally unstable but his court appointed lawyer is fighting for 50/50 legal with physical custody being given to me. There is... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 6, 2024

There is a calculus involved in moving a child without a custody order. Initially, we Americans can move freely throughout this great nation as it is our right to travel without permission of government. However, how responsive the father is weights heavily on the matter.

If the asker moves...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Domestic Violence for New York on
Q: Can I move my children from NY to RI when there is no custody or visitation in place?

I currently have custody of my two children. We have an order of protection out against my ex (their dad). We have been back-and-forth to court numerous times because he is mentally unstable but his court appointed lawyer is fighting for 50/50 legal with physical custody being given to me. There is... View More

Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on May 1, 2024

You cannot move without court approval or consent from the father. Even thought there is no current order, you make it clear that the father is seeking 50/50 legal custody thus "custody" is an issue. If you were to move, you risk the court ordering you to move back to NY. You should... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: Is the divorce not finalized and is the permanent custody order not in place?

We went to court to finalize the divorce 3 months ago. My lawyer called me 11/2 months ago and said there was an error in the document and we have to resign. Both parties need to resign. So I did, my exhusband has not yet. I have to get the custody order to register my children in school. I need to... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Apr 18, 2024

If there is a temporary order giving you custody, that should be sufficient to register the children in school. There is no final order as there is no divorce. You will need to file a motion to get the case in front of a Judge to get your divorce and final order if your husband will not sign the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: If the noncustodial parent doesn't visit their children in an extended period of time, is this considered abandonment?

I know visits are voluntary, however is it considered abandonment to not participate in parental visits and ignore all communication. Not participate in any decision making? Will this be ground to refile for decision making in the future? How long would I wait to refile for full decision making... View More

David P. Badanes
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David P. Badanes
answered on Apr 18, 2024

Depending on how many visits have been missed and the reason the non-custodial parent has missed them, you might have a good case to file for a modification of your prior agreement. There are a lot of factors that go into whether or not your modification petition will be successful. I highly... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: If the noncustodial parent doesn't visit their children in an extended period of time, is this considered abandonment?

I know visits are voluntary, however is it considered abandonment to not participate in parental visits and ignore all communication. Not participate in any decision making? Will this be ground to refile for decision making in the future? How long would I wait to refile for full decision making... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Apr 18, 2024

If the noncustodial parent does not abide by the court order of visitation, you can file to modify the visitation schedule. This must be substantial, however. Missing a few visits, especially if there is an valid excuse, might not be considered substantial enough to end visitations. This is very... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Family Law for New York on
Q: Are wills -- download forms printed from online legal?

We live in New York State

My husband (55) and I (62) would like to make a will, don't have time for a lawyer (leaving town).

Can we download a will from online (i.e.Rural Law Ctr NY provides template)

- print out

- have 2 unrelated people witness

- notarize

Thank you,

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Apr 11, 2024

A will must be prepared and executed in an exact way. The witnesses have to know what they are witnessing. When I do a will signing it is a formal ceremony and I ask certain questions of the testator and witnesses. If you do it properly then it should be ok. If you make any mistakes the entire... View More

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