Blog & Resources
Practical Family Law Guides for Western New York Families
Weinrieb Law publishes practical guides on divorce, custody, support, and family law topics specific to New York State. These articles are written by our attorneys to help Western New York families understand the law, the process, and what to expect — before, during, and after a divorce or custody case.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in New York?
From uncontested cases resolved in a few months to contested divorces that span years, the timeline depends heavily on your circumstances. Here’s what to expect in New York and specifically in Erie County courts.
Read Article →How Is Child Support Calculated in New York?
New York uses a statutory income formula under the Child Support Standards Act. Learn how the percentages work, what add-ons apply, and when courts can deviate from the formula.
Read Article →Child Custody Laws in New York: What Parents Need to Know
New York courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Understand the difference between legal and physical custody, joint vs. sole arrangements, and how Erie County courts approach these cases.
Read Article →How to File for Divorce in New York: A Step-by-Step Guide
From meeting residency requirements to serving papers, discovery, and obtaining your final judgment — a plain-language walkthrough of every step in the New York divorce filing process.
Read Article →New York Divorce Laws: What You Need to Know in 2026
A comprehensive overview of current New York divorce law — no-fault grounds, equitable distribution, the maintenance formula, child support percentages, and what to expect when you go to court.
Read Article →How to Modify a Child Custody Order in New York
Life changes after divorce. Learn what counts as a substantial change in circumstances, how to file a modification petition, and what judges look for in Erie County custody modification hearings.
Read Article →New York Spousal Support & Maintenance Guidelines: 2026 Guide
How New York’s statutory maintenance formula works, how duration is calculated, when courts deviate from the formula, and the interaction between maintenance and child support in Erie County cases.
Read Article →Orders of Protection in New York Family Court: A Complete Guide
Who qualifies, what conduct triggers court jurisdiction, the difference between stay-away and refrain-from orders, the Erie County petition process, and what happens when an order is violated.
Read Article →Domestic Violence and Child Custody in New York: What the Law Requires
How domestic violence affects custody determinations under DRL §240, the range of outcomes from supervised visitation to denial of parenting time, and how to document abuse effectively for a custody case.
Read Article →Divorce & Property
How Is Property Divided in a New York Divorce? Equitable Distribution Explained
New York divides marital property based on fairness, not a 50/50 split. Learn what qualifies as marital vs. separate property and how courts decide.
Read Article →Divorce Process
The Discovery Process in New York Divorce: What to Expect
Discovery requires both spouses to fully disclose their finances. Learn the tools attorneys use and what happens when a spouse hides assets.
Read Article →Divorce & Property
Finding Hidden Assets in a New York Divorce
Suspect your spouse is concealing money or property? Learn the warning signs, investigation tools, and what courts do when assets are hidden.
Read Article →Divorce & Finances
Dividing Retirement Accounts in a New York Divorce: QDROs Explained
401(k)s, pensions, and IRAs are often the largest marital asset. Learn how QDROs work and how to divide retirement accounts without tax penalties.
Read Article →Divorce Process
Mediation vs. Litigation: Which Path Is Right for Your New York Divorce?
Compare the costs, timelines, and outcomes of mediation vs. going to court so you can choose the path that fits your situation.
Read Article →Child Custody
Parental Alienation in New York: What It Is and What You Can Do
Parental alienation can damage custody outcomes and your relationship with your child. Learn to recognize it, document it, and what courts can do.
Read Article →Child Custody
Can I Move With My Child After a New York Divorce?
Relocating with a child after divorce requires court approval or the other parent's consent. Learn the legal standard and how to build your case.
Read Article →Child Custody
Fathers’ Rights in New York Child Custody Cases
New York law does not favor mothers over fathers. Learn your rights, what courts consider, and how to build a strong custody case as a father.
Read Article →Divorce & Finances
How Is a Business Valued in a New York Divorce?
Own a business? The marital portion may be subject to equitable distribution. Learn how valuation works and how to protect what you’ve built.
Read Article →Divorce & Finances
Who Is Responsible for Debt in a New York Divorce?
Debt is divided in divorce just like assets — equitably, not equally. Learn which debts are marital and how to protect your credit during proceedings.
Read Article →Divorce & Planning
Are Prenuptial Agreements Enforceable in New York?
Prenups are fully enforceable in New York when properly executed — but courts throw some out. Learn what makes one valid and what can invalidate it.
Read Article →Divorce & Finances
Tax Implications of Divorce in New York: What You Need to Know
Alimony, property transfers, the family home, and retirement accounts all have tax consequences. Plan ahead before you sign a settlement.
Read Article →Divorce & Finances
Gray Divorce: Financial Considerations for Divorcing After 50 in New York
Divorce after 50 presents unique financial challenges — retirement, Social Security, healthcare, and long-term security all require careful planning.
Read Article →Divorce Process
Legal Separation vs. Divorce in New York: What Is the Difference?
New York allows legal separation as an alternative to divorce. Learn the differences, when separation makes sense, and how it can convert to divorce.
Read Article →Divorce Process
How to Prepare for Your First Divorce Attorney Consultation in New York
Get the most out of your first meeting. Here is exactly what to bring, what to expect, and what questions to ask your divorce attorney.
Read Article →Child Custody
Grandparent Visitation Rights in New York: What the Law Says
Grandparents can seek court-ordered visitation in New York under certain circumstances. Learn when they have standing and what courts consider.
Read Article →High-Conflict Divorce
Divorcing a Narcissist in New York: What to Expect
Divorcing a narcissistic spouse is different from an ordinary divorce. Learn the patterns to expect, the legal strategies that work, and how to protect yourself and your children.
Read Article →Post-Divorce
Post-Divorce Modifications in New York: When Can You Change a Court Order?
Life changes after divorce. Learn what counts as a substantial change in circumstances and how to modify custody, support, or maintenance orders in New York.
Read Article →Hiring an Attorney
How to Choose a Divorce Attorney in New York: 10 Questions to Ask
Choosing the right attorney may be the most important decision you make during your divorce. Here are 10 essential questions to ask at your first consultation.
Read Article →Military Divorce in New York: SCRA, USFSPA, and Pension Rights
Federal law creates a separate set of rules for military divorces — from staying proceedings during deployment to dividing a pension after 26 combined years of service. Here is what applies in New York.
Read Article →Child Relocation in New York: What Tropea v. Tropea Actually Means for Your Case
New York’s 1996 Tropea decision replaced rigid relocation rules with a holistic best-interests analysis. Here’s what courts consider and what each parent must show.
Read Article →High-Conflict Divorce in New York: Strategies for Protecting Yourself and Your Children
When one or both parties cannot cooperate, courts have tools to impose structure. Learn what those tools are, how contempt and fees awards work, and how to protect your children from the conflict.
Read Article →Topics We Write About
Our blog covers the full range of divorce and family law questions we hear from Western New York clients. Articles cover spousal maintenance and the maintenance formula, what to expect in Erie County Family Court and Supreme Court, how property is divided in a New York divorce, navigating co-parenting after a high-conflict divorce, and more.
If there is a topic you would like us to address, contact us or mention it when you schedule your consultation.
Free Resources
Beyond our blog articles, Weinrieb Law offers two free tools for Western New York families: