by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Feb 12, 2019
3 Key Steps to Legal Guardianship on Long Island
In most cases of Child Custody on Long Island, custody is awarded to the mother or father of the child and typically it’s a combination of both. However, there are some situations where the child’s safety and wellbeing is at risk if they are placed with either the mother or father.
In these instances, another party can seek to establish legal guardianship. This is often done by other relatives, like aunts and uncles or grandparents. Here are the top three things you should know about legal guardianship on Long Island and how you can get the legal advocacy you need to pursue this challenging path. (more…)
by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Jan 15, 2019
Can Co-Parenting Apps Make My Long Island Divorce Easier?
The needs of families going through divorce or child custody issues on Long Island have changed over the years, and fortunately, technology has caught up. Forget paper calendars that mark when your ex gets the kids and when they’re supposed to bring them back. Forget writing down every single thing your ex says during a phone conversation in case you need it later. Co-parenting apps exist and are often endorsed by Long Island courts, making it easier than ever to keep track of timesharing and communication between you and your ex. Here’s how co-parenting apps can help make your Long Island divorce smoother. (more…)
by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Nov 20, 2018
6 Ways to Improve Co-parenting During a Divorce on Long Island
Going through a divorce is a difficult process for anyone on Long Island, whether the split was amicable or not, and when children are involved, it can become even more complicated. Maintaining a good co-parenting relationship after your split is essential to ensure that your children are getting what they need from both parties and they do not become tools to direct your anger toward each other. (more…)
by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Oct 23, 2018
Who Gets Custody of the Pets in Your Long Island Divorce?
When we started our Long Island Divorce and Family Law practice years ago, the question of which spouse kept the beloved dog or house cat was rarely, if ever, raised in divorce proceedings on Long Island. However, in today’s society, many people treat their pets as members of the family. In many cases pets are treated just as well and loved nearly as much as they treat and love our their own children. This is all well and good until one spouse initiates a divorce and the reality of establishing two separate households, and the fact that the beloved family pet will only reside in one of those households, kicks in. (more…)
by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Oct 2, 2018
How to Successfully Reduce your Child Support Payment on Long Island
As a Long Island Divorce and Family Law Attorney, I constantly meet with prospective clients seeking to reduce their child support payment. Just this week, my law firm successfully defended two separate petitions brought by fathers seeking to reduce their child support payments. In both cases, the court determined that the fathers did not prove a sufficient change in circumstances which would allow the court to reduce their child support payments. (more…)
by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Jul 24, 2018
Child Custody Issues When 1 Parent Lives Off Long Island
The reality of increased mobility finds many divorced families spread across multiple states, so it is not uncommon to have one parent living on Long Island, while another lives outside New York. Whether the parents are within the tristate area, or across the country, your valid Child Custody Order can be enforced. (more…)
by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Jun 5, 2018
Child Custody & Substance Abuse Issues on Long Island
When Long Island parents decide to end a relationship, regardless of whether that relationship is a marriage, custody of the child or children often becomes a major, and sometimes heated issue. Child custody is often an emotional issue in the best of circumstances, but when drug or alcohol abuse by one parent is involved or suspected, it becomes all the more complex.
General Rules of Child Custody on Long Island
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by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | May 8, 2018
Attorney for the Child FAQs Answered for Long Island, NY
In many child custody cases on Long Island, either parent may request, or the court, upon its own initiative, may appoint an Attorney for the Child(ren). This person is commonly referred to as an AFC, or even a law guardian (which is the former name for such an attorney). Many parents are unsure of the role of such an attorney and how this new player may change the game.
What is the Role of an AFC? (more…)
by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Mar 27, 2018
Types of Child Custody Arrangements on Long Island
After many years of practicing as a Family Law attorney on Long Island, I have found that many people do not really understand the distinct types of Child Custody arrangements that are possible or available to them. When deciding child custody arrangements, it is crucial to have a basic understanding of the terminology surrounding this area of law so that you can make the best arrangements for your family.
Physical Versus Legal Custody (more…)
by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Mar 20, 2018
Interstate Child Custody Jurisdiction Questions Answered
Due to our high cost of living, raising a family on Long Island in a two-income household is challenging enough, but trying to do it on one income can be a daunting task. This leads to many parents moving out of New York after their divorce in search of a better living situation for their family. Moving into and out of New York State can have consequences on your Child Custody proceeding.
Governing Law for Interstate Child Custody Jurisdiction (more…)
