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New York Family Law Questions & Answers
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
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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?
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

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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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: what is the course of action for unmarried couple that brought house and now split and cant agree on what to do with hom

she put up down payment I've paid mortgage insurance and taxes both of us did various renovations we made no special arrangements or anything in writing in regards' to the house both our names on deed

Peter Klose
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answered on Sep 6, 2024

If you cannot agree, you will need to hire an attorney to commence a Partition Action. It's like a foreclosure by the individual owners. Often these things get resolved after you file, but you should get all of your financial records together to substantiate your contributions and capital... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: what is the course of action for unmarried couple that brought house and now split and cant agree on what to do with hom

she put up down payment I've paid mortgage insurance and taxes both of us did various renovations we made no special arrangements or anything in writing in regards' to the house both our names on deed

Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
answered on Sep 6, 2024

Short of an agreement, the only option is a partition case in Supreme Court. There, the property will be sold like a foreclosure, and any fight over contributions to the property will be fought over after the sale and before distribution before a court appointed Referee.

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: what is the course of action for unmarried couple that brought house and now split and cant agree on what to do with hom

she put up down payment I've paid mortgage insurance and taxes both of us did various renovations we made no special arrangements or anything in writing in regards' to the house both our names on deed

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Sep 6, 2024

Dear Brooklyn Property Owner:

Because you and your co-owner seem willing to make a deal but cannot agree on 50/50 and do not know how to do so, I suggest you engage a local mediation law office to assist in reaching terms.

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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 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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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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