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New York Family Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: Had a child while married (not husband’s child), can I file uncontested divorce as there will be no issue of support?NYC

Can I file divorce on my own or will I need the assitance of a lawyer? Both my husband and I agree to an uncontested divorce, child support is not an issue as husband is not the father.

Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on Jan 24, 2024

The problem you will have is that any child born during the marriage is considered a child of the marriage. You should speak with an attorney before filing for the divorce.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: Would my father be able to refile an order of protection on my behalf after it was dismissed without prejudice?

The day before my 18th birthday, my father filed a family court order of protection against my boyfriend (26). Now that I am a legal adult I got the order of protection vacated because of the reason that the allegations did not constitute a family offense. On the order of dismissal paper it says... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Jan 24, 2024

Yes and no. The two broad issues appearing here are the reach of the New York order of protection, and its coverage between people. Let's start with reach.

The New York Family Court Act Article 8, specifically in §812 lists the interpersonal crimes that give rise to an order of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: Looking for a NYS domestic partnership form. County clerk said to ask city clerk, city clerk said ask a lawyer?

This is in Jefferson county/Watertown city. The city clerk said it was a legal question and to ask a lawyer, but I only asked for the form to file. I've seen the forms for other counties like Ulster and Dutchess, so I know it's not just a NYC thing.

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Jan 24, 2024

It is a shame that government mediocrity roots itself most firmly in our court system. Here, the asker troubled himself to find a form, inquired of a professional in the court system, and was rebuffed by being shooed away to ask a lawyer.

Lawyers know nothing of forms especially in New...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: Wife against husband going to rehab, is it abandonment if he went anyway being it is for his health?

Married in 2022, baby in 2023. Wife blocks husband’s family from phone and social media because they are trying to help. Wife controls everything.

Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on Jan 15, 2024

Going to rehab in and of itself is not abandonment.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for New York on
Q: Do I have any rights to my childhood photos that my stepmom has?

My Dad passed away in 2021. When my Dad got sick, my stepmom completely cut communication as my Dad was completely reliant on her. I reached out to attempt to keep the communication going but she blocked me on phones, Facebook, and email as far as I can tell. I found out on Facebook my Dad died.... View More

Benjamin Z. Katz
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

If the photos were not specifically left to you by your father in a Will or Trust, the surviving spouse will have primary rights to household effects like family photos.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: Hello there is currently a court order for visitation with my daughter , the mother is currently not following it

Has not allowed me access for three weeks she filed a form for modification of visitation -

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Jan 8, 2024

You should file a cross petition for violation. Speak to a lawyer.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: Complex question in regard to citing case law on my affidavit in support of petition to modify custody & OSC filings…

In regard to change of circumstances factors for consideration, preponderance of evidence, relevant facts/evidence &affidavit in support of my petition to modify custody & OSC motion; I’m not sure how to articulate my question but here it goes: I have pending custody litigation for... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Jan 1, 2024

This rather convoluted question points out quite simply that New York does not list factors for courts to use to determine either initial awards of custody or modifications to custody. Other states do use listings of factors that their appellate courts required in all orders of custody. New York... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: is it a conflict of interest if the judge who convicted me@ 14 in familycourt is the acting D,A familycourt my art10

against me in arctic al 10

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Jan 1, 2024

No. The conflict would be if the judge in one case became the asker's attorney in a similar action (using knowledge gained in the first action against the government in the second action). These are not the facts here. It appears the judge became the prosecutor (corporation counsel in New... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: I'm hoping to move to Florida with my daughter.

I work as a travel sales agent specializing in Disney and Universal. It would be beneficial if I lived in Fl near Disney and Universal. Could I bring that up in family court as my reason to move, for my job.

The mother has every other weekend visits with my daughter. I have full custody.... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Dec 30, 2023

You need to show why it is the best interest of the child to relocate, not why it is more convenient for you. You should be prepared to show what would benefit your child (schools, safety, etc).

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can I take my kids dad to court for child support if we only have a noterized agreement?

We have a separation agreement that contains child support agreement . It’s only noterized and he won’t pay it tho he signed it . Can I just ignore the agreement and take him to child support court so the child support comes out of his checks ?

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Dec 25, 2023

Yes. You can certainly take him to court for child support. The agreement you made can be used as evidence of intent. See an attorney.

2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for New York on
Q: Okay so before you judge just hear me out . So my child’s father shot at my friends door trying to get at me .

We have a 5 month old daughter & he is now currently in jail for attempted murder . I know this sounds crazy but I don’t want him to be away from his daughter for so many years is there anything I can do ? Like if I drop the order of protection will that minimize his sentence? Is there anyway... View More

Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on Dec 24, 2023

This should be posted in the criminal law section. However, the order of protection plays a very small part of the case.

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can I take my kids dad to child support court for not paying the agreement we had notarized only?

We’re in the process of a divorce. Had a settlement agreement which included child support payments noterized but it’s not incorporated into the divorce yet because it hasn’t seen a judge. He’s not paying child support.. can I take him to court for it ? Or not till after the divorce sees a judge ?

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Dec 24, 2023

An agreement that is not a court order is not enforceable in Family Court. You need a court order. In your divorce you should have requested an order from the beginning. You should speak to your attorney.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: If I am the non-custodial parent, can I still REGISTER my custody order (NY) with the court in the state I reside(PA)?

Current custody order originating jurisdiction is Nassau county NY, I reside in the Commonwealth of Pike County PA. I would like to REGISTER my current custody order in the event it requires enforcement. Court order: JOINT LEGAL CUSTODY, Father= physical custody (NY), I have visitation (making me... View More

Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on Dec 18, 2023

You can register the order but the PA courts won't have jurisdiction as the children reside in NY and anything related to custody/visitation will take place in NY as long as the children reside here.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for New York on
Q: My daughter is on the deed but not the mortgage on a home she lives in with her fiance. Can he kick her out?

Things are contentious. He has a history of gaslighting, verbal and mental abuse, and making threats to kick her out of the house even though she's on the deed. She was working as his office manager, and he fired her and canceled her health insurance. She has no income (starts a new job on... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Dec 8, 2023

Who is on the mortgage is irrelevant. The deed shows ownership. She has as much a right to live there as he does. If he is harassing her and making her feel unsafe, she can file for an order of protection from the family court. Have her contact a lawyer to discuss her rights.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for New York on
Q: If child support has just increased by cola can it be modified in a few months or do I have to wait 2 years?

My child support is being increased in a few weeks but my child wants to live with me when turning 18 in a few months. By then child support will have already increased. Can I modify it after it goes up right away or do I have to wait? I can contest before the increase but my child doesn’t live... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 19, 2023

In cases where child support is adjusted due to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), you typically have the right to request a modification if there is a significant change in circumstances. The impending change of your child's residence to your home certainly qualifies as a substantial change.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for New York on
Q: Do i need permission from my spouses childs father to adopt him even though he has not been in contact for 6 years?

I have been with my domestic partner for about 10 years. I have been in adriyels life (the child i want to adopt) since he was born. We have lived life like a normal family (He is my mothers favorite grandchild) His father has not been in contact since we called the cops on him for not bringing... View More

Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on Nov 16, 2023

Unfortunately, the answer is yes.

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Banking for New York on
Q: What happens to individual bank account? When the person passes away with no benefactors on the account and no will.

The person is married and has children, lives in New York..

My wife’s mother passed away. We are not sure if her bank account had a beneficiary or did she have a will.

Her mother is legal married..

would happen to her bank account now that she is deceased?

What... View More

Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
answered on Nov 15, 2023

Depending on the size of the account the wife needs to file an administration proceeding of some type.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: what is the likelihood that the judge will grant my request for custody/relocation on the day of OSC Conference?

what is the likelihood that the judge will grant my request for custody/relocation on the day of OSC Conference?{Ive submitted a substantial amnt of qualifying evidence docs to "show cause" w/OSC motion} I had filed a petition to modify custody two weeks prior to the OSC & got a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 12, 2023

The likelihood of a judge granting a request for custody or relocation during an Order to Show Cause (OSC) Conference can vary based on the specifics of the case. In family law, the primary consideration is always the best interest of the child. If you've submitted substantial evidence... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Municipal Law for New York on
Q: Is it legal to change my name more than once at a New York City court?

I recently filed a name change petition to change my name, and the judge quickly granted it. But there is a problem: I regret the name I have chosen.

I have not reported my court granted name to any government agency. Would I be required to reference my court approved name in my new name... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 8, 2023

Yes, it is legal to change your name more than once in New York City courts. If you've had a change of heart about the new name, you can file another petition for a name change. In your new petition, you would need to reference any previous name changes, including the one recently granted by... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: My boyfriend is the father of my twin girls, he has been living with me I want him out own my home in Upstate NY!
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 8, 2023

If you wish to remove your boyfriend from your home and he is unwilling to leave voluntarily, you will likely need to follow the legal eviction process. As the owner of the property, you have rights, but so does he as a resident, even if he is not on the lease or title. In New York, you must... View More

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