David Shapiro

A separation agreement covers the same territory that a divorce settlement does, including child custody and support, division of property, financial matters, spousal maintenance, and other relevant issues. In that sense, they are the same, but a separation agreement alone does not make you legally … [Read more...] about Is A Separation Agreement The Same As A Divorce Settlement?

Unfortunately, maxing out jointly held credit cards and emptying joint bank accounts are common tactics used by spouses who are planning to divorce. The results can be devastating to the other spouse, who suddenly has no credit and an empty savings account. If this has happened to you, count … [Read more...] about What If My Spouse Secretly Ran Up Credit Card Debt Before Filing For Divorce?

Even in an uncontested divorce, it’s a good idea to have a lawyer available to answer your questions and review documents before they’re submitted to the judge. Many couples are invested in having as smooth a divorce as possible, and want to do everything they can to avoid an acrimonious divorce, … [Read more...] about Should I Hire A Lawyer For An Uncontested Divorce?

The difference between an uncontested divorce and contested one has everything to do with the spouses’ willingness and ability to talk about the issues before them and reach agreement. If you and your spouse aren’t talking, or if you believe your spouse intends to use the divorce process as a … [Read more...] about How Do I Know If My Divorce Will Be Contested?

Yes, pieces that have been added to your collection during the marriage are marital assets. Collections and similar groupings of prized objects can be a source great concern in a divorce, particularly if the collection has a high dollar value. Many divorce cases involving antiques, classic … [Read more...] about Is My Antique Collection, Which I’ve Added To During The Marriage, Subject To Division?

Constructive Emancipation occurs when a child refuses contact with a parent, usually the non-custodial parent. It is often a sign of parental alienation, and Family Court does allow Constructive Emancipation to be used to end a child support obligation on the part of the parent who is refused. … [Read more...] about What Is Constructive Emancipation?