New York Divorce Lawyer Blog

New York Court Discusses Custody Agreements

RLF Family Law — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:06:27 +0000

Custody agreements involving supervised parenting time and reunification therapy can create a carefully structured path toward rebuilding a parent’s relationship with a child. But what happens when a parent stops participating in that process and later asks the court to discard the agreement entirely? A recent New York ruling addresses that question, examining whether a reunification therapist was improperly given control over parenting time and whether a parent’s dissatisfaction with the progress of reunification justified sole custody and unsupervised access. The decision demonstrates that New York courts will closely examine both the terms of a negotiated custody agreement and the parties’ compliance with it before considering a significant change in custody. If you are involved in a dispute over custody, supervised parenting time, or reunification therapy, speaking with an experienced New York divorce attorney can help you understand your rights and the legal options available to you.

New York Court Discusses Treatment of Inherited Assets in Divorce

RLF Family Law — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:26:24 +0000

Receiving an inheritance during a marriage does not necessarily mean that the money will remain yours alone if you later divorce. Although New York generally classifies inherited property as separate property, the way a spouse handles those assets can transform them into marital property that must be divided with the other spouse. A recent New York decision shows the potential consequences of commingling inherited assets: the court upheld the equal division of an investment account containing inherited property after the spouse who received the inheritance failed to prove it remained separate. If you have received an inheritance and are contemplating divorce, speaking with an experienced New York divorce attorney can help you determine whether those assets may be protected from equitable distribution.

New York Court Examines Reduced Income in the Context of Child Support

RLF Family Law — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 14:07:37 +0000

A substantial drop in income can make an existing child support obligation increasingly difficult to meet. Still, a parent generally cannot simply reduce or stop payments because their financial circumstances have changed. In New York, the parent seeking a downward modification bears the burden of proving grounds for modifying the existing order. When the request is based on unemployment, the court may closely examine why the parent lost their job and what they did to find comparable employment afterward. A recent New York decision demonstrates how demanding that burden can be, as the court upheld the denial of a parent’s request to reduce a monthly child support obligation. If your income has changed and you can no longer afford an existing child support obligation, speaking with an experienced New York family law attorney about seeking a modification can help you protect your rights before substantial arrears accumulate.

New York Court Discusses Domestic Violence in the Context of Custody Disputes

RLF Family Law — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:56:21 +0000

A custody case can change the course of a child’s life for years to come. Parents often believe that sharing custody is the fairest solution, but New York courts focus on one question above all others: what arrangement truly serves the child’s best interests. When evidence shows ongoing conflict between parents, an inability to communicate, or a history of domestic violence, the court may conclude that awarding sole custody is necessary to provide the child with the stability and security needed to thrive. A recent New York decision demonstrates how these factors can outweigh a parent’s request for joint custody and underscores the importance of presenting persuasive evidence in contested custody proceedings. If you are involved in a custody dispute, working with an experienced New York family law attorney from the outset can make a meaningful difference in protecting your rights and your child’s future.

New York Court Discusses Marital Versus Separate Property

RLF Family Law — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:12:19 +0000

Dividing property during a divorce is rarely as straightforward as simply splitting everything down the middle. Disputes over inherited assets, retirement accounts, family gifts, and allegations that one spouse improperly spent or transferred marital funds can dramatically affect the financial outcome of a divorce. New York courts must carefully determine which assets belong to the marital estate, which remain separate property, and whether either spouse should bear financial consequences for their conduct during the marriage or litigation. A recent New York ruling illustrates how courts resolve these complex issues and demonstrates why experienced legal representation is essential when significant assets are at stake. If you are facing a divorce involving substantial property, retirement accounts, or contested financial issues, speaking with a knowledgeable New York family law attorney as early as possible can help protect your financial future.

New York Court Weighs Relocation Request in Custody Dispute

RLF Family Law — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:51:02 +0000

Relocation disputes are among the most challenging custody issues because they often involve two competing realities: one parent’s desire to pursue better financial opportunities and the importance of preserving a child’s stability and family relationships. While a move may offer economic advantages, New York courts look beyond the benefits to the relocating parent and carefully evaluate how the change will affect the child’s daily life, emotional needs, and connection with both parents. A recent New York ruling shows how courts balance these difficult considerations when determining whether relocation is appropriate. If you are seeking to relocate with your child or opposing a proposed move, it is essential to consult an experienced New York family law attorney who can help protect your parental rights and your child’s best interests.

How New York Courts Determine Fairness and Equality in Property Division in Divorce Actions

RLF Family Law — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:15:11 +0000

Many people assume that a long-term marriage automatically results in a 50-50 division of every marital asset. In reality, New York’s equitable distribution laws require courts to focus on fairness, not mathematical equality. When disputes arise over the classification of property, retirement accounts, and each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, courts have broad discretion to craft a distribution they deem equitable under the circumstances. A recent New York ruling demonstrates how this principle operates in practice and highlights why experienced legal representation is critical when significant assets are at stake. If you are facing a divorce involving real estate, retirement accounts, or contested property claims, it is important to consult a knowledgeable New York divorce attorney as early as possible.

New York Court Discusses Interpretation of Marital Settlement Agreements

RLF Family Law — Tue, 26 May 2026 15:02:36 +0000

Even after a divorce is finalized, disputes frequently arise over how settlement agreements should be interpreted and enforced. Issues involving retirement accounts, tax consequences, and attorneys’ fees can quickly lead former spouses back into court when the language of a settlement agreement leaves room for disagreement. A recent New York decision highlights how New York courts analyze divorce stipulations as binding contracts and demonstrates the importance of carefully drafted financial provisions in matrimonial settlements. If you are considering ending your marriage, talking to an experienced New York divorce attorney is essential to protecting your long-term financial interests.

Court Examines Parental Alienation in New York Custody Cases

RLF Family Law — Fri, 15 May 2026 14:57:40 +0000

Custody disputes can become especially difficult when one parent accuses the other of interfering with the child’s relationship or influencing the child against them. New York courts take allegations of parental alienation seriously because a parent’s willingness to foster a healthy relationship with the other parent is often central to the best interests analysis. A recent New York decision demonstrates how courts evaluate repeated custody modification petitions, claims of abuse, and allegations of parental alienation when determining whether a change in custody is warranted. If you are involved in a contentious custody dispute, it is critical to work with an experienced New York family law attorney who can help protect both your parental rights and your child’s emotional well-being.