David Shapiro

If you don’t agree to the terms contained in your spouse’s filing, then you should consult an attorney right away. You are going to contest your divorce, which means that you’ll be challenging the terms and possibly ending up with a litigated divorce, requiring motions, hearings, and a judge’s … [Read more...] about What If I Don’t Agree To My Spouse’s Terms In Our Queens Divorce?

More than likely, you do need a new index number even if you initiated a divorce in the past. You may not have formally closed the previous matter, but it’s likely a judge would rule the previous filing invalid years later. While index numbers aren’t free, starting the process cleanly can … [Read more...] about We Filed For Divorce In Queens Years Ago But Reconciled. Do We Need A New Index Number If We File Now?

In some ways, being served with divorce papers from another state is a blessing. Because you are not a citizen of the jurisdiction in question, the other state’s court has limited options when it comes to enforcing action against you, so in most cases, divorces that happen between spouses in … [Read more...] about Will I Lose My Home In Queens If My Spouse Files For Divorce In Another State?

If you’ve been served with notice of a divorce filing in another state, assuming that your spouse meets residency and other requirements in that jurisdiction, you’ll need an attorney there. The good news is that as a New York resident, the other state’s court is limited in what it can order you … [Read more...] about My Spouse Has Moved And Filed For Divorce In A Different State. Do I Need A Lawyer There, Or In Queens?

No, your spouse can’t unilaterally stop your divorce petition or demand that the court dismiss your case, but a motivated spouse does have the ability to slow your divorce down dramatically, sometimes dragging it out for years. When that’s the situation, you should seek experienced negotiators … [Read more...] about Can My Spouse Stop Me From Getting A Divorce In Queens?

If you’re the higher-earning spouse and there’s a substantial disparity in your incomes, you’ll probably end up paying temporary maintenance even if you don’t want to get divorced. Under New York law, no one can be forced by their spouse to stay married, which means that wealthier spouses are … [Read more...] about Do I Have To Pay Temporary Maintenance In Queens If I Don’t Want The Divorce Anyway?