by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Nov 27, 2018
What Are the Grounds for Divorce on Long Island?
If you’re considering the possibility of getting a divorce on Long Island, it’s important that you understand some of the basics of New York divorce law. Explore the grounds for divorce and decide which option best describes your unique situation. Then, contact an experienced family law firm to help guide you through the process of filing for divorce in Long Island and inform you of what your next steps should be.
Long Island Grounds for Divorce
In New York State, a few basic criteria must be met before you can file for divorce. You must meet the residency requirement, and you must also have a legally acceptable reason for divorce, also known as “grounds“. (more…)
by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Nov 13, 2018
Talking to Your Children About Divorce Is Emotional But Critical
There are a lot of logistical and financial issues surrounding divorce on Long Island but the emotional issues are just as important, especially when there are children involved.
When a couple decides to divorce, they are often very focused on finances, division of property, and custody issues with their children. Those are all highly important, but there’s another aspect that too often gets overlooked, and lost in the shuffle. All of the emotional concerns that also come along with the decision to separate, and those emotions can strongly affect the children in the home. That’s especially true of younger children who may not understand the process and why it’s happening, but affects older children too.
Here are some things you and your spouse should consider talking to your children about to help them process any fears they have or questions they may have.
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by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Oct 16, 2018
Is the Internet Destroying Your Marriage on Long Island?
Can the Internet & Technology Cause the Breakdown of Your Marriage?
”The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” is a phrase most Long Islanders have heard, and at times even understood. For our purposes, the “grass” is the temptation outside of the marriage. This is an issue as old as marriage itself, however, the pervasiveness of the Internet in our lives today, including online chat forums, online gaming and Internet dating sites, multiplies the temptation opportunities immeasurably. You don’t even have to leave your house or be anywhere near the source of the temptation. It’s on your computer or traveling with you on your phone. Today’s technology allows unhappy spouses to readily seek comfort, sympathy and reassurance outside of the marriage or relationship, which heightens the sense that the grass is in fact greener online. (more…)
by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Sep 25, 2018
How To Communicate with Spouse During Long Island Divorce
Many Long Island couples dealing with divorce or family law matters find that, even once they reach an agreement regarding the custody and parenting time of their children, they are still faced with difficulties in effectuating that agreement.
We have found that one of the biggest concerns of our clients, who are also parents, raise is that they feel they cannot have a civil conversation with their soon-to-be ex-spouse about their children.
Naturally, our clients get frustrated, upset and overwhelmed that they thought the hardest part of their divorce or family law matter is behind them, and it appears that it is not. As time passes and the parents’ wounds begin to heal, communication naturally gets easier, ex-spouses become less argumentative with each other and are able to co-parent more effectively.
However, before reaching that point, our clients look to us for guidance and assistance in their attempts to establish a civil relationship with their soon-to-be ex-spouse. Following are tried-and-true methods to get through this difficult period with as little conflict as possible. (more…)
by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Sep 18, 2018
How Will the New Tax Laws Affect my Long Island Divorce?
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has many implications for your Long Island divorce, as it pertains to Spousal Support (aka Alimony) and the Child Tax Credit. The new tax rules may mean you want to speed up your divorce to have it settled before the end of the year (when the new rules take effect). (more…)
by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Jul 10, 2018
4 Tips to Improve Communication to Save Time & Money in Your Long Island Divorce
Divorce often becomes overwhelming quickly. People going through a divorce on Long Island are dealing with financial, legal and personal decisions that seem to never end. Naturally, this is a very emotional time for everyone involved, which inevitably leads to difficulty seeing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that your divorce will not go on forever. The ultimate key to reducing the stress, length and expense of your divorce is communication. For many spouses, communication can either be the downfall or the saving grace of their divorce. Clear, open and honest communication can really save you time, money and aggravation. Below are four tips for improving communication during your Long Island Divorce. (more…)
by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Mar 13, 2018
Changing Your Name After Your Long Island Divorce
Many of our female Long Island Divorce Attorney firm clients wish to change their last name back to the maiden name after their divorce. For many women post-divorce, a main concern is that of changing their last name. After dealing with the stress and aggravation of your divorce, changing your last name may seem like just another daunting process on your to-do list. However, if you are prepared, both with the necessary information and documents, it can be quickly checked off that list. (more…)
by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Feb 13, 2018
The ‘Gray Divorce’: Long Island Divorce in Your Later Years
Many people on Long Island consider divorce to be a “young man’s game.” There’s a certain logic to thinking that people will determine, or decide, after a few years of being married that they made a mistake or have grown apart from their partner. The reality, however, is that more and more of the clients in our Long Island divorce law firm fall into the category of “young at heart” if not young in age.
In today’s world, it is not uncommon to find couples who have been married for many decades deciding to end their marriage. They may have grown children, who are now married themselves, when they decide to divorce. Below are some special considerations for those who wish to end their marriage in their later years.
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by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Jan 23, 2018
What Is a Default Judgment for Divorce on Long Island?
Every now and again we will commence a divorce for a client on Long Island only to find that his or her spouse is unwilling to cooperate in the proceeding. A divorce in and of itself is stressful enough, but when an uncooperative spouse is added to the mix, most clients feel an immense amount of concern and stress. Clients will often ask me in a panic if this means they will need to remain married for the rest of their lives. Luckily, the law provides an option for clients who find themselves in exactly this situation. If your spouse refuses to appear in your divorce action, you may still obtain a divorce through what is know as a Default Judgment.
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by Robert E. Hornberger, Esq | Dec 12, 2017
As a Long Island Divorce Lawyer, we often receive inquiries regarding marriage annulments and how they differ from a divorce. Put simply, rather than simply ending the marriage, an annulment has the legal effect of declaring the marriage null and void, basically making it as though the marriage never occurred.
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