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Preparing for Divorce

Tax Treatment of Spousal Maintenance II

Will the new federal tax law alter application of New York’s spousal maintenance formula? Last month when we posted about the tax treatment of alimony (called “maintenance” in New York), the new federal tax bill had not yet passed in ...
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DIVORCE MEDIATION – Can I also have my own attorney?

The title of the children’s book It Takes a Village could apply just as easily to divorce. Psychologists, social workers and financial advisors all have perspectives that may be useful to divorcing spouses, and many practitioners in these disciplines have successful businesses ...
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Going the Last Mile in Divorce

By Jane Cottrell, Guest Blogger Katherine Miller blogged  on the subject of why it’s so hard for people to finish their divorce. Kathryn Lazar wrote a blog  (you can read it here) that struck me as a companion piece. When ...
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Proper Courtroom Behavior and Attire

DON’T CANCEL OUT YOUR INVESTMENT IN LEGAL FEES BY DRESSING OR ACTING INAPPROPRIATELY A British website, judiciary.gov.uk, says “When you see a judge or magistrate sitting in court, you are actually looking at the result of 1,000 years of legal evolution.” ...
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Recordings of Children – Can they be used in court?

IS RECORDING KIDS ILLEGAL EAVESDROPPING? Lately my work in custody cases has got me focused on the use of recordings of minor children as evidence in court. It’s so easy to record anything these days; just whip out your smartphone. ...
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Pendente Lite Motions

“LITE” DOESN’T MEAN LOW-CALORIE Pendente lite. It’s pronounced “pen-den-tay lee-tay” and it’s Latin for “pending the ligation.” The phrase refers to motions made before a court for judicial relief  (outcomes) needed by a party  during the pendency of a lawsuit, without waiting ...
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Collaborative Divorce–A Process Option Whose Time Has Come

WHY COUPLES CHOOSE COLLABORATIVE LAW OVER COURT Kim Ciesinski recently wrote an excellent article in the New York Law Journal explaining the advantages of collaborative law over litigation in divorce cases. She identifies upsides including  client-driven negotiation, privacy, emotional guidance and financial ...
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Thinking About Divorce–What to Consider First

PERSONAL, FINANCIAL, AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS You’re thinking about divorce. It’s a complicated process, whether you look at it emotionally, financially or legally.  You are likely feeling all different emotions, sometimes minute to minute it changes – anger, confusion, fear, hurt, ...
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