by rhornberger | Oct 30, 2018
Although getting married is an exciting and romantic time for a Long Island couple, there are a few things that need to be in order first — and we’re not talking about the wedding decorations. A prenuptial agreement is an important document that addresses the property rights and assets of each individual should they get a divorce at some point in the future. Some people say that true love doesn’t need a prenup, but nothing could be further from the truth. A prenuptial agreement is essential for all New York marriages. Before you draft your prenup, understand what can — and should — be included, and what you can’t list on this type of legal agreement. (more…)
by rhornberger | Oct 23, 2018
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 rhornberger | Sep 25, 2018
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 rhornberger | Jun 26, 2018
Unfortunately, we see too many Family Court cases that involve allegations of child neglect on Long Island. Many of our clients have been in the position of being falsely accused of neglecting their children, while other clients believe their children are being neglected by their other parent. Regardless of how you ended up in a Child Neglect Proceeding, it is important to understand certain concepts and definitions that will be used in court. (more…)
by rhornberger | Jun 5, 2018
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
(more…)
by rhornberger | May 29, 2018
Mandated Counsel or 18b Attorneys
In certain Family Court proceedings on Long Island, a party may be entitled to an assigned attorney. This “mandated counsel” is typically referred to as an 18b Attorney. These appointed attorneys are a vital part of Family Court and are critical in protecting certain parental fundamental rights. (more…)
