David Shapiro

When one parent follows a career or family obligations outside of New York, it is necessary to modify custody orders to ensure that they are able to have an ongoing relationship with their children. Family Court handles these petitions all the time, but clients do best when they have a well … [Read more...] about If I’m Moving Out Of State, Can I Modify My Order To Have My Kids During The Summers?

Alimony is a slightly antiquated term for what New York calls “spousal maintenance,” and many people refer to as “spousal support.” By any name, they are the same concept though, and create an ongoing financial relationship from the higher earning spouse to the lower earning spouse, as a way of … [Read more...] about What’s The Difference Between Spousal Support And Alimony?

When a divorce remains contested, yes, the ultimate end will be in a trial where a judge will decide the ultimate disposition of your assets, debts, property, and other terms of your divorce. This is the most difficult way spouses to end their marriages, and also the most expensive, so the … [Read more...] about Does A Contested Divorce Have To Go To Trial?

Sometimes, a marriage has eroded so much that there’s simply no way to avoid an ugly divorce. The costs of these actions, in terms of money and emotional energy, can be significant, but when your spouse is out to hurt you or soak you financially, it may impossible to do anything but get through … [Read more...] about My Spouse Wants To Hurt Me. How Can I Avoid A Messy, Contested Divorce?

Yes, in a contested divorce action, you will have to appear in court, possibly many times. There will also be a number of conferences you’ll be required to attend while the court develops its understanding of the financial condition of the marriage, the possibility that you and your spouse will … [Read more...] about If My Divorce Is Contested, Do I Have To Appear?

529 college savings plans are qualified tax-preferred savings instruments that many families open to put money away for a child’s education. For couples who remain married, though they are continually contributing to the 529 account, for all intents and purposes the funds held there belong to … [Read more...] about Who Owns The 529 Plan We’ve Been Contributing To?