Divorce

Published on: January 15, 2012

Woman’s Wrongful Death Suit Reinstated by Appeals Court

by Stephen Bilkis

“A state appeals court reinstated a woman’s lawsuit,” a New York Family Lawyer reports. The wrongful death suit was over a man she had considered to be her husband for four years, but who was not divorced from his previous wife before their wedding day.

The Sixth District Court of Appeals in ruled that someone who “believed in good faith” that he or she was legally married is, indeed, entitled to marital rights – including the right to sue in the case of wrongful death. This ruling goes against more than 20 years of opposing rulings in the cases of “putative spouses.”

A putative spouse is one who mistakenly believes they are married. California courts have recognized the rights of such spouses for a century or more. Legislation affirmed those same rights in 1969.

Published on: January 15, 2012

Marriage Counselor Owed $10,000

by Stephen Bilkis

A lady hired marriage counseling services in 2009 and the bills mounted up to $10,476. The fees were high because she wanted a Pennsylvania based counselor to fly to Los Angles for the counseling. Then she failed to pay any of the fees, or travel expenses. The couple has since received their divorce noted a New York Family Lawyer.

The woman is currently being sued by Creative Energy Options because she did not agree to pay them the money that she owed. The marriage counseling services were provided in 2009, but she refuses to pay.

The divorce between the couple was finalized in December 2009. But earlier in the year she is said to of hired a Pennsylvania based marriage counseling firm. She asked them to fly all the way to Los Angeles to offer counseling services. The company explained that she was made fully aware of the costs, and the fact that she would have to pay for traveling expenses.

Published on: November 24, 2011

Divorce Numbers Rise as Economic Recession Passes

by Stephen Bilkis

The Recession of 2007-2009 presented many people worldwide with problems that most had never seen before in their lifetimes. Although the global economy continues to struggle, most would agree that the recession is easing and many are beginning to put their lives back in order. A Brooklyn Divorce Lawyer has learned that although many couples are getting their finances back on track, there are others who have decided to call it quits as a couple.

Those who have studied certain points in history, such as the Great Depression, and various recessions and depressions that have occurred since, have indicated that most couples have a tendency to stick together during times of economic hardship. However, once better times begin to emerge, there is usually an increase in the number of divorces that are filed. While there is some discussion as to the exact cause for this, many do agree that when the prospects appear better to exit a bad marriage, that many people will take that path. This often occurs more whenever financial prospects appear better than when it does not.

While the economic recession may be concluding for many, there are perhaps just as many who continue to have financial difficulties. The number of personal bankruptcies being filed remain at similar levels, and that the financial stress continues to cause many couples to have problems. Financial stress is one of the biggest reasons that couples file for divorce. Many couples continue to struggle with mortgage payments that both parties submitted to without issues during better economic times, but when the economy soured so did their credit scores and bank accounts.Not to mentioin, if children are involved, the high legal costs asscoiated with a child custody battle, equitable distribution or child support payments.

Published on: November 12, 2011

More Couples Divorcing as Recession Eases

by Stephen Bilkis

There has been an increase in the number of divorce cases in recent months. One possible reason for this happening is because of the recession becoming much less serious. It’s thought that several people who were in troubled marriages simply waited until the financial crises have eased slightly. People start to feel more comfortable in their abilities and future and so will start divorcing.

A previous employee of Disney World decided that it was the right time for her to divorce, and leave her partner. She explained to a Suffolk County Divorce Lawyer that she had been in a troubled marriage for several years before deciding to leave.

It has been explained that during the real estate boom a couple of years ago, her husband took some of the equity from their home to buy apartment units. The apartment units were bought through the spouses name to benefit from a better credit rating, it was explained. However, due to the financial crisis many of these apartments remained empty. This meant that unpaid rent notices and loan payments were quickly becoming out of control. The couple had no choice other than declare bankruptcy.

Published on: November 4, 2011

Actor Michael C. Hall to Divorce Wife

by Stephen Bilkis

At least he didn’t kill her. Star of the hit TV Show DEXTER, Michael C. Hall has filed for divorce from his soon to be former wife, Jennifer Carpenter, said a New York Family Law Lawyer. The two had been married for roughly two years. The split was said to be amicable, with both sides releasing their own press releases. It has been consistent that each press release noted that the two still cared for one another, that they would always be friends, but that they had simply grown apart over the years.

One potential source of strain may have been Hall himself, reports a person close to the situation. The famed actor, who portrays a vicious serial killer on TV, has battled cancer for the past few years. He is reportedly finally clear and free of the disease, having completed treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma earlier in two thousand and ten. A NY City Family Law Lawyer noted that often times it is difficult for a marriage to survive such an ordeal. While the couple typically stays together throughout the difficult period of time, the strain is so much that it damages the love in the long run. There is no report this was the case with Hall and Carpenter, however.

The TV Show DEXTER stars Hall as a serial killer who kills other serial killers. He satisfies his violent urges by only killing the guilty. It is a hit for SHOWTIME and seen all over in places like Brooklyn and Suffolk County.

Published on: November 2, 2011

Divorce Hearing in Judge’s Chambers Ends in Brutal Attack

by Stephen Bilkis

A New York Family Lawyer reports on a brutal attack that took place in judge’s chambers. An ex-Marine and his wife, also a former Marine, were meeting in judge’s chambers for their final divorce hearing when the husband viciously and ‘without provocation’ attacked his wife. The attack resulted in extensive facial and head trauma.

Authorities rushed the 23-year old woman to the hospital where she, bruised and swollen, was listed as ‘in stable condition,’ but because of the worry of a head injury, she had to be kept overnight in the intensive care unit for observation. She sustained a facial fracture, torn lip, and broken nose.

Her husband, the attacker, had to be subdued with a stun gun and is being held in the local jail on the charges of felony battery, domestic violence and resisting arrest without violence, according to police reports.

Published on: October 25, 2011

Robin Givens and Mike Tyson had an interesting divorce

by Stephen Bilkis

Robin Givens and Mike Tyson are matched against each other in a fight which is bound to end up in a Knockout… probably with Tyson taking the blows and winding up on the canvas.

With visitation and child custody in the balance, you should hire a New York Family Lawyer when confronted by a divorce. An attorney with knowledge and experience is your best way to achieve the goals you need to reach in these troubled waters..

After months of fighting and slinging claims back and forth, they both filed for divorce. Tyson countersued Givens after she filed in court. She claimed that he beat her and made her life unbearable while he blamed the mother-in-law, Ruth Roper for many of the problems. He says that Roper lied to him about Robin being pregnant to force him into marriage. He also said that both his wife and her mother had tried to keep him away from his old friends in Manhattan and Suffolk County, particularly his Black friends.

Published on: October 13, 2011

Former Gotti Insider Alleges Legal Malpractice of Former Attorney

by Stephen Bilkis

Mobster John Gotti’s former “right-hand man and adopted son,” says that Florida lawyers, one in particular, are bigger crooks than the Mafia ever was, a New York Family Lawyer was told. The former mobster and current government witness is suing his former divorce attorney for alleged “extortion of fees, legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract.” He is seeking more than $2 million in damages.

The alleged legal malpractice stems from the time when the “adopted son” was going through a divorce from his estranged wife in Palm Springs, FL. The suit alleges that when he was exiting the courthouse at Delray Beach, FL, when he says he saw his divorce attorney in a compromising physical position. He went on to add that, in his own words, “I was walking out in the parking lot after a court hearing when I saw them together and he had his tongue down her mouth.” As part of his statements that are included in the lawsuit, his lawyer had an ongoing relationship with his wife’s attorney.

While his former attorney vehemently denies the allegations, the former “right-hand” of Gotti, refers to another incident that occurred in the courtroom when he raised the allegations during his divorce proceedings. He states that the female attorney rushed out of the courtroom, while in tears and with her client with her. She reportedly then went to the restroom and “laid on the floor kicking and screaming.” It was reported that his ex-wife had to calm the attorney before returning to the courtroom.

Published on: October 10, 2011

Gay Ex-Governor’s Divorce Trial Is On

by Stephen Bilkis

Gov. McGreevey and his estranged wife have started to move towards their divorce by entering court. This comes after many months of chaos and public scrutiny. There is no word of a settlement so far as the Judge, Karen Cassidy, hears arguments about the custody of the McGreevey’s daughter who is in Kingergarten.

The couple has been arguing over custody and money for the past few months.

Dina Matos McGreevey, 41, is asking for $600,000 for injury sustained because her husband had to resign in disgrace after admitting he was gay and had an affair with a male staffer who says he was harassed and was not a willing sex partner of the governor’s. If this situation happened in Brooklyn and Manhattan it would be wise to consult with a NY Family Lawyer.

Published on: September 26, 2011

Paul McCartney’s Wife Acting As Own Lawyer-Don’t Imitate Her, Get A New York Divorce Lawyer

by Stephen Bilkis

Miss Mills is ending her two year relationship for financial reasons, or so it seems. The x-Beatle has been able to hold her off and avoid the long and winding road which will lead to a big pay day for Heather. Paul believes in yesterday. She is thought to have received only a relatively small interim payment. Child abuse and neglect are not at issue here so, no order of protection has been put into effect. Being her own council will enable Mills to question McCartney. This should be very interesting and throw off some high powered fire works.

New York City Family Lawyers as well as those in Manhattan handle these high profile divorces all the time. McCartney seems to be in this situation every few years. Fortunately for him the royalties keep coming in so he can afford the alimony and legal fees.

The firm of Stephen Bilkis & Associates with convenient locations thorughout the Metropolitan Area, including servicing Greenwich Village, can be of invaluable assistance to you if you find yourself a party to a case. Facing the Court without professional representation could lead to disastrous results. If you are embroiled in a family dispute like divorce, it is very important to consult with N.Y. Family Lawyer. He will explain the issues of visitation, joint custody and full custody which will likely be involved. A well qualified attorney increases the chances of your coming to a fair resolution to the difficulties you and your family are facing.