My domestic partner and I (heterosexuals) have been legally 'partnered' since January 2002. We are splitting up.

There is no common law marriage in the State of New York, thus neither party is entitled to share in the other's property. As to the owned home,...

No. You cannot sue her for your time and lost wages. Your attorney may file a Motion for sanctions, if the filing is frivolous, and for attorney...

I live in NY. At what point during a divorce do I stop sharing debt with my spouse? Is it once we file or after we see a judge?

The date the matrimonial action has commenced. As part of the equitable distribution award, if your husband runs up the credit cards in...

My ex-husband filed a petition to have a downward modification of current order and arrears of $15,000 reduced.

Yes. If he is found guilty of willful contempt of failing to pay child support, your attorney must file a Motion for reasonable attorney fees,...

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Can the father of my kids sign his rights over completely without someone adopting them?

No. The Courts in NYS do not allow bastardizing of children. There must be an adoption proceeding which would allow the surrender of his rights,...

Why the Family Court does not have authority over the Child Support Collection Enforcement Agency?

The "Support Collection Unit" is a collection agency. The Family Court, Support Magistrate may issue Orders of Support which enable the Support...

NY Deed converted to JTWROS if husband and wife never married?

According to NY EPTL Sec 6-2.2 (d) A disposition of real property, or a disposition on or after January first, nineteen hundred ninety-six of the...