Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources (2)
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Family Court Updates (Video)
This is a video and fact sheet with information about Legal Services and Family Courts in New York's Ninth Judicial District (Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester) during the COVID-19 Crisis. Read More
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What to know if you have a family court issue & live in Sullivan & Ulster Counties
This is a video about how the family court in Sullivan and Ulster counties are operating during the public health emergency. It is important to note in the description that the video is current as of May 22nd and that as the situation improves, there may be additional updates about operating status. Content Detail
I want a divorce (4)
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CourtHelp's divorce page
This is the court's website and it has information on obtaining a divorce in New York State. Here you will find general information and free divorce forms with instructions. Content Detail
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New York Divorce
General information about divorce, including the grounds (reasons) for divorce, links to the necessary forms and step by step instructions. Explains how to contest a divorce that you do not want, what you might get in a divorce and whether your children's last name will change because of a divorce. Content Detail
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Frequently asked questions about divorce, annulment and separation agreements
Questions and answers about annulment, divorce and separation agreements. Explains the difference between uncontested and contested divorces. Explains the difference between marital property and separate property. Content Detail
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Create your own court forms for an uncontested divorce (online program)
An uncontested divorce is where both you and the person you want to divorce agree to divorce and there is an agreement about what will happen to your finances and property after the divorce. You file an uncontested divorce yourself and you can create the paperwork online. The link will take you NYCourts.gov. Read More
I want to serve my spouse with divorce papers (3)
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Directions for personal service in New York State
In New York, personal service is required in divorce. Read this 1-page fact sheet to learn who can serve your spouse with divorce papers and when the papers can be served. Read More
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How to effect service by publication
Read this 36-page booklet if you want to file for divorce but you do not know where your spouse lives or works. It explains that your only choice may be to file for divorce and do "service by publication." This booklet explains how to do service by publication. This booklet is for people who live in New York City, but it may also be useful to people who live outside of New York City. Content Detail
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How to keep your address private in court filings
This resource includes a link to the form you need to keep your address confidential in court and a link to the web page on NYCourts.gov about address confidentiality. Read More
I have assets I need to divide with my spouse (house, car, pension) (3)
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How to take control of retirement benefits in a divorce
Retirement funds are marital property. Read this booklet to learn how you can protect yourself against losing the retirement assets you are entitled to receive. This booklet also explains the importance of a QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order). Content Detail
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Fact sheets on divorce and widowhood
Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER) has written many fact sheets on divorce and widowhood. They cover pensions and divorce, IRAs and divorce, protections for widows and widowers in pension plans, and more. Content Detail
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What happens to property after a divorce?
Explains what is considered marital property and what is considered separate property in a divorce. Also explains how to protect yourself from having to pay your spouse's debts. Content Detail
I am divorced and filing for Social Security (2)
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Social Security benefits if you are divorced
If you are divorced, but your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, you can receive benefits on your ex-spouse's record (even if they have remarried). Click to learn more. Content Detail
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Social Security and divorce: what you need to know
This fact sheet explains the Social Security benefits that you may be entitled to based on your ex-spouse's work record and when you may be entitled to collect it. Content Detail
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
I want alimony (maintenance) or spousal support (3)
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I want to know more about spousal support
This link will take you to information on the New York Court's website about filing for spousal support. Read More
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Temporary spousal maintenance guidelines calculator
This is a calculator to figure out temporary maintenance based on the revised temporary maintenance guidelines. This applies to divorces filed on or after October 25, 2015. Content Detail
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Spousal support or maintenance
Spousal support is court ordered money paid to support a spouse. Maintenance or “temporary maintenance” is support ordered to be paid for an ex-spouse, or while a divorce case is pending in court. Click here to read more information on spousal support including what court issues the orders, how the amount is determined, and how it can be changed. Content Detail
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
I am afraid the other parent may kidnap our child (3)
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If I think that the other parent may kidnap my child, is there anything I can do?
This page includes information about parental kidnapping, also called custodial interference. There is also a page for general information that you may find helpful. Custody and kidnapping are particularly complicated and it is important to try to find an experienced lawyer to help you with your case. Content Detail
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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International parental child abduction
Learn about the steps you can take to prevent your child from being wrongfully taken to or wrongfully kept in another country. Content Detail
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Countries that allow dual citizenship
If considering becoming a U.S. Citizen, learn which countries allow dual citizenship after U.S. naturalization. This resource may also be useful to parents who have concerns about international parental child kidnapping. Content Detail
My spouse filed for divorce (3)
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What do I do if I have been served with divorce papers?
Explains how long you have to respond to divorce papers and what can happen if you do not respond. Content Detail
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What if I am served with divorce papers?
This 35-second video explains what to do if you are served with divorce papers in New York State. Content Detail
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How to contest a divorce
If you have been served with divorce papers but you do not want a divorce, you can say no to the divorce. Here's how. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
I want to legally separate from my spouse (2)
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Understanding legal separation
This resource explains what legal separation is, how it’s different from divorce, the pros and cons of legal separation, and alternatives to legal separation. Read More
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What should my separation agreement say?
This resource explains what issues should be covered in a legal separation agreement. Read More
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