New York Divorce and Family Law

Guide to Divorce in New York

Get started with an overview of the basic laws and processes in a New York Divorce.

How Do I File for Divorce in New York?

Filing for divorce on your own in New York is certainly possible, and you can learn the steps and get the forms here. But whether it’s a good idea—that might be a different story.

Legal Separation in New York FAQs

Spouses in a faltering marriage may want to consider legal separation as an alternative to divorce. For New York residents, answers to frequently asked questions may help you make a decision.

Prenuptial Agreements in New York

Many couples today are entering into prenups before marriage to put their minds at ease regarding property and debt division should they divorce later. Should you consider a prenuptial agreement? Continue reading to learn more.

The Basics of Annulment in New York

In New York, the court offers two types of legal procedures to end a marriage: traditional divorce and annulment. Continue reading to learn about the grounds and requirements for an annulment in New York.

Family Law Motions in New York

What is a Motion? A motion is an application or request to the Court, to grant interim relief, usually made during the pendency of an action. Sometimes we call them applications for pendente lite relief.

Common Law Marriage in New York

If you and your partner have been living together in New York State for a while without formally tying the knot, your relationship can at least qualify as a common law marriage, right? Probably not.

Validity of Foreign Divorces under New York Law

Can a foreign divorce hold up in a New York court? This article explores the legal hurdles and key requirements for recognition of overseas divorce decrees in the Empire State.

Dividing Property in a New York Divorce

If you’re getting divorced in New York, the issue of dividing your property is going to come up. You may think you know what you’re entitled to—but you could be in for a surprise.

Alimony Guidelines in New York

New York judges use a statutory formula and evaluate factors such as the spouses' standard of living during the marriage to make decisions about alimony. Learn what a judge might award for alimony in your New York divorce.

Remarriage and Alimony in New York

Ex-spouses may both rejoice at the prospect of remarriage--one for the new relationship and the other for the potential end of alimony.

Adultery in New York: Does Cheating Affect Alimony?

If you’re facing the end of your marriage because you or your spouse had an extramarital affair, you might be wondering how the infidelity might affect your divorce. Learn how New York divorce law deals with adultery.

New York Child Custody Laws

Child custody in New York hinges on one key question: what’s best for the child? From legal and physical custody to visitation and child preferences, every detail matters in these complex cases.

New York Child Custody and Relocation

Child custody can be one of the most emotionally charged issues in a New York divorce. But once it’s been resolved, that ends it, right? Maybe not, especially if a parent wants to move away.

How Domestic Violence Affects Child Custody in New York

Domestic violence is a serious issue that can impact many aspects of your life, including who should have custody of your child. This article discusses how domestic violence affects child custody decisions in New York.

Can Children Express Preference in New York Custody Proceedings?

Continue reading to learn more about whether children can express a preference in New York custody proceedings.

New York Child Support

Child support is an unavoidable by-product of having children, whether in New York or any other state. The question is: who’s responsible, and for how much?

Child Support Modification in New York - FAQs

If you're dissatisfied with your child support order in New York, you can ask a court to change it, but you'd better have a good reason.