Hiring a Family Law Attorney

Family law attorney Staten Island is an area that involves family relationships and issues. It can encompass anything from adoption finalization to divorce proceedings. No matter what type of family matters need to be decided, an attorney who specializes in this area of law will make the process a little easier.

A Staten Island family law attorney should be well versed in all areas of family law. Major life changes often take place as a result of the decisions made in these cases, and an experienced, compassionate staff can help clients survive the emotionally taxing process and win the case. It is important to choose a lawyer and firm that will handle each client on an individual basis, taking the time to get to know the client and family and understand the extenuating circumstances of each unique case.

A Staten Island family law attorney will be experienced in the various aspects of family law. The most common cases handled in this area are divorce settlements, where a competent attorney is essential to protect the rights of the client and ensure the settlement is fair and reasonable. Divorce is one of the most stressful events a person may ever experience, but the right lawyer can make that difficult time a little easier to handle.

Child custody is often an element of divorce proceedings and can be very emotional and stressful for all parties involved, including the children. It may be difficult to determine where the children should be raised - and who should raise them - when parents split up. When the parents cannot agree on this issue, it is up to the court to decide where the children should live. This is usually done in the "best interest of the child", although this can be difficult to determine. An experienced Irvine family law attorney can help ensure that a child custody case goes as smoothly as possible and that the rights of his client are firmly protected during the process.

Equitable Distribution of Maritable Property

One of the most difficult challenges in New York family law is the equitable distribution of marital property. The most prevalent property distribution issues are:

Classification: Is the property marital or separate?

Valuation: How much is the property worth?
Perfecting Interest: How do I protect my interest in the asset?


Allocating Debt: How do we handle distribution of debt?

Asset Classification

Before property can be divided between spouses, the property must be classified as marital property. Classification issues revolve around such terms as commingling or transmutation. Does this sound complicated? It can be.

Some of the more frequent classification issues include the following:

Property brought into the marriage
Inheritances
Pension and other deferred compensation
Degrees and Licenses
Businesses
Gifts
Stocks and Stock Options
Real estate
Bank accounts
Classification issues can be complicated. Eric Gansberg can assist you in preparing to present this issue in the best light to protect your interests.

Asset Valuation

Once the property is classified as a marital asset, it needs to be valued, so the distribution of the property can be equitable. Valuation issues include determining the point in time to value the asset, and the monetary value of the asset. These issues can arise with any asset, but some of the more common valuation issues include the following:

Trusts

Pension and retirement plans
Businesses (including doctors, lawyers, accountants, and other businesses)
Stocks and Stock Options
Collectibles
Real estate
Bank accounts

Eric Gansberg can assist you in obtaining the proper experts to value the asset, as well as assist in any negotiations and documentation for an amicable division of marital property or prepare your case for an adjudication of the property value. You need an experienced attorney to make sure that your interests are met first and foremost.

Perfecting Your Interest

Once the marital property is divided, you need to perfect your interest in the property to protect the property and yourself. Eric Gansberg can assist you with the preparing and filing the proper documentation and let you breather a little easier.


Eric M. Gansberg is here to protect your interests during this difficult time. He has a solid background and experience to put your interests first and foremost. Choose a Straten Island attorney you can turst, choose Eric M. Gansberg!