Getting the Right Information from Your Attorney

While the issues contained in any family law case will depend on the specific facts of the case, there are a few general categories into which each of those issues can be placed. Make sure that you seek advice from your family law attorney about the following subjects:

1) Grounds for Divorce.

Most states have various grounds for divorce, not all of them created equal and not all of them very easy to prove. Separation grounds are most common, meaning that the parties have been separated for the statutory period required to obtain a divorce (usually one or two years). Additionally, many states have grounds for divorce based on adultery, cruelty or other domestic violence, desertion, and incarceration of one spouse for a specified period of time.

2) Child Custody.

Child custody and visitation issues are often times the most emotional. Many parents do not realize how much separation and, more specifically, their actions during and after separation affects the child or children. Instead of "our child," it becomes "my child," and instead of "the child's time with me," it becomes "my time with the child." These types of selfish thoughts run contrary to the standard in most states for determining child custody and visitation arrangements - the best interest of the child. Factors that the court uses to determine the best interest of the child vary wildly from state to state, but the most important factor is how to give the particular child the best chance of thriving in the future.

Family law attorney, Eric M. Gansberg, Esq., is located on Staten Island, New York, and represents men and women with divorce, child support and family law throughout the New York City area, including Staten Island, Annadale, Arden Heights, Bay Terrace, Dongan Hills, Eltingville, Emerson Hill, Fort Wadsworth, Graniteville, Grant City, Grasmere, Great Kills, Greenridge, Grymes Hill, Heartland Village, Huguenot, Lighthouse Hill, Midland Beach, New Dorp, New Springville, Oakwood, Old Town NY, Pleasant Plains, Prince's Bay, Randall Manor, Richmond Valley Richmondtown, Rosebank, Rossville, Shore Acres, Silver Lake, South Beach, St. George, Tottenville Beach, Ward Hill, Westerleigh, Willowbrook, Woodrow, other areas of Staten Island, New York City, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Long Island, Suffolk County, Nassau County, Westchester County, and Rockland County.