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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and White Collar Crime for New York on
Q: Legal options for grand larceny & coercion charges in NY?

I am looking for legal advice regarding a situation in New York where an elderly man gave a young lady money regularly to prevent her from informing his wife and the police about an inappropriate incident. The young lady is now facing charges of grand larceny and coercion and awaiting indictment.... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 20, 2025

This is a serious legal matter, as grand larceny and coercion are both significant criminal charges in New York. Since the young woman already has legal representation, her attorney will be the best person to assess her case based on the specific evidence, witness statements, and any mitigating... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for New York on
Q: How to change my last name as an adult in New York?

I'm an adult looking to change my last name. What is the process I need to follow?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 20, 2025

The family law and administrative law attorneys here know this area best. However, you await a response for two weeks. Here is some basic information from the NYS Unified Court System website... "Name Change Basics"

https://nycourts.gov/courthelp/NameChange/basics.shtml...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Plaintiff seeks half of house equity post-divorce, name added to title years prior.

I am involved in a situation where the plaintiff, after filing for divorce, wants half of the equity in a house I own. Her name was added to the property title six years before she left. For four years leading up to the divorce, the plaintiff managed her income separately and continued to withdraw... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Mar 20, 2025

Regardless of when the property was purchased, the act of adding your spouse to the deed is called transmutation, thus making it marital property. This does not mean it would be divided equally, but equitably. The distribution percentage depends on the pre-marital credit you might be entitled to.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Foreclosure and Gov & Administrative Law for New York on
Q: Foreclosure case: Settle for $100k or wait for appellate court decision?

I have clients whose house has been in foreclosure since 2008. The foreclosure was dismissed twice in supreme court based on the statute of limitations under the FAPA law, and the bank appealed the decision. We're awaiting the appellate court decision, which could take up to 2 years. The loan... View More

Charles Holster
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answered on Mar 20, 2025

I would not make any recommendation to a client without first knowing all of the facts, which usually requires a review of the court documents in the case, as well as speaking to the clients.

But, in order decide whether to accept a settlement offer, rather than waiting for a decision on a...
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4 Answers | Asked in Probate, Foreclosure and Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: How can probate stop foreclosure and allow time to sell my house in NY?

I am in the process of filing paperwork to become the executor of my husband's estate after his recent passing. I have recently received paperwork indicating that I am in danger of losing my home due to foreclosure, and I need to respond urgently. The house is the only asset involved in the... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Mar 18, 2025

If the foreclosure was just filed (as your questions suggests) it may not yet be the right to to consider a bankruptcy; especially if that is the only issue you are trying to resolve. If by "paperwork" you were referring to a notice of a sale, then that is a different story and you may... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Domestic Violence, Gov & Administrative Law and Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: Seeking legal advice to sue Utica Police and apartment complex for mishandling emergency vacate order after violent incident with ex-boyfriend.

I am looking to sue the Utica Police Department and the apartment complex where I live due to their handling of an emergency vacate order related to my ex-boyfriend, who was abusive. The emergency vacate order, obtained through family court, clearly states he must vacate immediately. However, the... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 16, 2025

I’m very sorry to hear about this terrifying and dangerous situation. You have every right to seek legal accountability for what happened, especially given the serious failures by both law enforcement and your apartment complex. There are potential legal claims that could be pursued against both... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for New York on
Q: How to proceed with DNA testing and inheritance question for potential granddaughter of deceased in NY?

My former wife, who recently passed away, wished to leave some money to a young lady she believed might be her granddaughter. The young lady is 21 years old, and my former wife wanted to confirm this relationship through a DNA test if the young lady is willing. No legal process has been started,... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 16, 2025

I understand that you want to honor your former wife’s wishes and ensure that this young woman has the opportunity to confirm her potential relationship with her. Since there are no legal proceedings underway and your former wife did not leave a formal estate or legal documents outlining her... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Divorce dispute: refinancing home and retaining ownership

I have been divorced since November 2018, and the agreement required me to refinance our home within 9 months. However, as a former stay-at-home mom and cancer patient, building credit has been challenging. Despite efforts to refinance, job losses due to court-related absences have hindered... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 16, 2025

I understand that this situation is deeply concerning, especially given your financial struggles and health challenges. Based on the details you provided, there are several legal arguments and actions you may be able to take to protect your ownership of the home.

Your divorce agreement...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: Can criminal charges arise from receiving child support after losing custody in NY?

In one county, a woman lost custody and parental rights to her child, who was then moved to another county. Despite this, she continued to receive child support from the father in the first county, as the court was unaware of the custody change. The child support order continued for over 17 years,... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Mar 16, 2025

A person can not go to jail simply for receiving child support under a valid child support order. However if the person lied under oath in court about where the child lives, whether the child was emancipated or if service of process was validly effectual, those are criminal perjury.

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3 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Prolonged tourniquet use caused permanent damage; legal advice?

Several months ago, during a routine medical procedure in New York, a tourniquet was applied to my arm and left on for over 3 to 4 hours. Standard medical protocol, especially for patients on blood thinners like myself, limits the application of a tourniquet to no longer than 2 to 3 minutes. Due to... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 14, 2025

I'm sorry this happened to you. In terms of guidance, your best starting point could be to reach out to attorneys to discuss. Based on the quality and detail level of your post, that's something you likely already knew. If a law firm expressed interest in exploring the matter further for... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Prolonged tourniquet use caused permanent damage; legal advice?

Several months ago, during a routine medical procedure in New York, a tourniquet was applied to my arm and left on for over 3 to 4 hours. Standard medical protocol, especially for patients on blood thinners like myself, limits the application of a tourniquet to no longer than 2 to 3 minutes. Due to... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 14, 2025

Addendum - Just an added point about timetables and deadlines here. If this involved public medical facilities or healthcare providers with any form of government affiliation, that could add the additional element of notices of claims. As opposed to private hospitals or facilities, such notices of... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Prolonged tourniquet use caused permanent damage; legal advice?

Several months ago, during a routine medical procedure in New York, a tourniquet was applied to my arm and left on for over 3 to 4 hours. Standard medical protocol, especially for patients on blood thinners like myself, limits the application of a tourniquet to no longer than 2 to 3 minutes. Due to... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 17, 2025

Sorry to hear what happened to you. As my colleague correctly advised, obtain copies of your medical records, take photographs of your scar, and speak with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. You can find many excellent attorneys using the Find a Lawyer tab on the JUSTIA homepage. Without... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Civil Rights and Contracts for New York on
Q: Can I press charges against my ex-spouse for placing cameras without consent in Buffalo, NY?

I live in Buffalo, NY, and am currently divorced but still living with my ex-spouse. I'm in the process of moving out, and we jointly own the property. He has placed cameras both inside and outside the house without my consent and is recording me. I've discussed my concerns with him, but... View More

David L. Martin
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answered on Mar 14, 2025

It appears you are in the middle of a divorce and still living together.

First, I would request my Judge issue an order that there be no cameras or recording in the home or property.

If the camera's do not go away, you have a Court order you can move to enforce of bring on a...
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4 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Civil Rights and Contracts for New York on
Q: Can I press charges against my ex-spouse for placing cameras without consent in Buffalo, NY?

I live in Buffalo, NY, and am currently divorced but still living with my ex-spouse. I'm in the process of moving out, and we jointly own the property. He has placed cameras both inside and outside the house without my consent and is recording me. I've discussed my concerns with him, but... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 16, 2025

I understand that this situation is distressing, especially as you are still living with your ex-spouse while trying to move out. In New York, the legality of placing cameras inside and outside a shared home without consent depends on factors such as expectation of privacy, ownership of the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for New York on
Q: Inquiry about "newgen" registration cancellation details and reinstatement options.

I am inquiring about the cancellation of the registration for the word "newgen" under Serial Number 77871257 and Registration Number 3929667. Could you provide information about the cancellation date or any errors involved, and whether there are options for reinstatement?

Felicia Altman
Felicia Altman
answered on Mar 13, 2025

According to the USPTO lookup of this registration number the registration was cancelled on Oct 13th, 2017 due to failure to file an acceptable Section 8 renewal with the USPTO. Due to how long the trademark has been cancelled the mark must be registered again with the USPTO with a new... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for New York on
Q: Can I terminate a California domestic partnership in New York?

I entered into a domestic partnership in California, but I now live in New York, and my partner lives in Maryland. It is a mutual decision to terminate the partnership. We've settled all property and assets, and there are no children involved. Can I terminate the California domestic... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 13, 2025

I understand that ending a domestic partnership can be a complex process, especially when it involves multiple states. In your case, you are seeking to terminate a California domestic partnership while residing in New York, and your partner lives in Maryland. While the specifics of the process may... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: How does a judge finalize divorce without defendant's affirmation signature?

How does a judge finalize a divorce without the defendant signing the Affirmation of Defendant in an action for divorce? The defendant was dissatisfied with the stipulation of settlement as he sought legal fees from the plaintiff, but the defendant's attorney ignored this request, and the... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 13, 2025

I understand that you have concerns about the finalization of the divorce without the defendant’s affirmation signature, especially regarding the defendant’s dissatisfaction with the settlement and the request for legal fees. In New York, while the process of finalizing a divorce is generally... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Libel & Slander and Appeals / Appellate Law for New York on
Q: False abuse claims affect my custody in NY. How to report perjury?

I am going through a messy divorce in New York, where my ex-spouse took our child and made false statements against me in family court, claiming abuse and deprivation of basic rights, which were untrue. I have text messages and social media pictures proving otherwise, but I discovered this evidence... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 13, 2025

I understand how difficult and frustrating this situation must be, especially when you feel that false allegations have negatively impacted your custody arrangement. In New York, false abuse claims can significantly affect custody decisions, and it’s important to address any perjury or defamation... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for New York on
Q: Timeline for response to amended complaint after serving additional defendants from the same entity.

I was granted leave to amend my complaint to add additional defendants, who are all part of the same entity but under different names. I served these additional defendants recently and will be e-filing the amended complaint. I haven't received specific instructions or deadlines from the court,... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 13, 2025

Under CPLR § 3012(a), service of an answer is to be made within twenty (20) days of service of the pleading to which it responds, in your case the Amended Complaint. https://law.justia.com/codes/new-york/cvp/article-30/3012/

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for New York on
Q: Timeline for response to amended complaint after serving additional defendants from the same entity.

I was granted leave to amend my complaint to add additional defendants, who are all part of the same entity but under different names. I served these additional defendants recently and will be e-filing the amended complaint. I haven't received specific instructions or deadlines from the court,... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 13, 2025

I should add that if the new defendants are not personally served with the Amended Complaint, they will have thirty (30) days in which to file an Answer. Would depend on whether counsel for the existing defendants is willing to accept service on behalf of the new defendants.

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