In New York, a contested divorce is one where the parties do not agree on whether or not to get divorced, on what the grounds for divorce will be, and/or on all or some of the ancillary issues to the divorce including but not limited to durational/rehabilitative spousal maintenance, child support, and equitable distribution.  All or [...]

New York uniquely classifies a spouse’s enhanced earning capacity (a professional degree or license) or professional practice or business as an asset for equitable distribution purposes.  In order for enhanced earning capacity or interest in a business or professional practice to be considered during equitable distribution, it must be “marital property.”  For example, a license [...]

I was recently asked whether I handle animal law mediation.   And the answer is, “why yes I do.”  I am a previous member of the New York State Bar Association Committee on Animals in the Law, New Jersey State Bar Association Committee on Animal Law, and the New York Lawyers’ Association Committee on Animal [...]

New York courts in a matrimonial action uses the term “equitable distribution” to describe how the assets will be divided between the two spouses.  The term “equitable distribution” refers the equitable (not necessarily equal) distribution of marital assets upon a divorce.   (When I tell my clients that the court divides things “equitably” not not [...]