David Shapiro

Yes, spousal support, also called alimony or spousal maintenance, can be structured as a lump sum payment. How these elements are comprised is best worked out by you and your spouse in negotiations. Some ways that lump sum payments can be arranged include the higher earning spouse taking no … [Read more...] about Can I Pay Spousal Support In One Lump Sum?

While most divorces have their share of acrimony, for a spouse who is preparing to get away from an abuser, the stakes are dizzyingly high. Your safety must be your first consideration, and at Zelenitz, Shapiro & D’Agostino, your safety is always our first consideration. When you are ready … [Read more...] about How Do I Prepare To Leave An Abusive Spouse?

Yes, New York has no prohibition on divorce by pregnant women, so your wife is able to file for divorce even if she’s just found out she’s pregnant. What you need to do in this case is protect your financial future by talking to an experienced divorce attorney right away. You’ll want an … [Read more...] about Can My Wife Divorce Me If She Just Found Out She’s Pregnant?

Yes, if you failed to respond promptly after being served, you can still choose to engage your divorce process. It’s even possible to reopen the matter after the divorce has been granted, though the longer you wait, the less likely it is that the court will be willing to hear you out. If you … [Read more...] about Can I Contest The Divorce After I’ve Defaulted?

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?