Modification of a Child Support Order or Agreement

On May 5, 2010, in Family Law, by John A. Weber IV, ESQ.

There are an increasing number of modification questions coming into our firm.  Modification of a child support order is slightly different than modification of a child support agreement.  It is more rare that a court will order a modification of a child support agreement because it interferes with parties right to contract.  Child support agreements are however incorporated into judgments of divorce and are enforced the same as a child support order.  It is just a more difficult burden to meet in order to have the court modify the agreement.

If you have a child support agreement or child support order and are having problems making payments or having problems collecting monies owed to you, feel free to call the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC, at (516) 858-2620 to speak with a family law attorney!

Please visit our Family Law and Divorce categories to learn more about Family Law and Divorce issues.

Evicting a Problem Tenant

On May 3, 2010, in Landlord-Tenant, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

So, you have had it with your tenant and want them out. Evicting a tenant can be a tricky and lengthy process.

The following is very general overview of the eviction process*:

1. Determine the status of the person occupying the premises (i.e. tenant);

2.Determine what grounds you have to evict (i.e. breach of lease terms);

3. Determine the type of action you can bring (i.e. non-payment);

4. Determine what notice must legally be given to the occupant (i.e.  3 days);

5. Give the occupant the appropriate notice in the appropriate manner;

6. File the appropriate petition in the appropriate court;

7. Have the tenant appropriately “served”;

8. File proof of service with the court;

9. Wait for tenant to answer or default;

10. Go to court!

*The above is merely an overview of the eviction process.  Additional or different steps may be required to evict a particular tenant.

If you are having trouble evicting a tenant we may be able to help you evict them so that you can re-let your apartment, sell your home, etc. We were recently successful in using the landlord-tenant court to get a tenant, that had not paid rent for over eight (8) months, out of a landlord’s apartment building in a matter of days.

Nassu County Eviction Attorney

As always, the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC is here to assist you.  We are conveniently located in the heart of Nassau County, Long Island.

We proudly assist residents of Long Island: Nassau county, Suffolk county, New York City: Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan with their landlord tenant matters.

Call (516) 858-2620 to arrange a FREE consultation with a Landlord Tenant attorney!

Grounds for Divorce in New York

On April 28, 2010, in Divorce, Family Law, by John A. Weber IV, ESQ.

Many New York residents are unclear about what it takes to qualify for divorce.  Putting residency requirements aside and before you get into property dispute issues, there exists a hurdle that must be met under New York law.  This is to say that you need a legally acceptable reason to terminate a marriage.  New York is not a state that accepts Irreconcilable Differences in its Domestic Relations Law.  This has caused a great deal of controversy and has garnered much attention over the years.  A March 31, 2009 article in the New York Daily News by Jose Martinez touched on how this has caused New York couples unnecessary aggravation (http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/state_of_shame/2009/04/01/2009-04-01_how_albany_is_divorced_from_real_world_n.html).

Domestic Relations Law in New York provides the acceptable divorce grounds to be:

1) cruel and inhuman treatment

2) abandonment for a period of 1 year or longer

3) imprisonment for a 3 year period subsequent to the date of marriage

4) adultery

5) conversion of a judgment of separation

6) conversion of a separation agreement after 1 year

Please note that New York now allows a no-fault divorce under DRL  section 170(7).

Not sure if you fall into one of these categories?  Call the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC today at (516) 858 – 2620!

Please visit our Family Law and Divorce categories to learn more about Family Law and Divorce issues.

New York Foreclosure Law

On April 23, 2010, in Foreclosure, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

In 2009, Governor Paterson signed foreclosure legislation aimed at protecting homeowners and tenants.

Protection For Homeowners:

NY foreclosure law now requires that a 90-day pre-foreclosure notice be sent to all homeowners facing foreclosure. This notice is sent prior to the start of the foreclosure action and allows additional time for many homeowners to work with their lenders to prevent foreclosure. Previously, this notice was only sent to homeowners who had sub-prime loans. Caveat:  The 90-day notice period shall not apply, or shall cease to apply,  if the homeowner   does not occupy the 1-4 family dwelling as their principal residence.

This legislation also expanded the scope of the mandatory foreclosure settlement conference to include borrowers of all home loans.  The foreclosure settlement conference provides the homeowner with an opportunity to negotiate a loan modification with their lender. Previously, foreclosure settlement conferences were only available to homeowners who had sub-prime loans.

Protection For Tenants:

NY foreclosure law now requires that tenants, residing in foreclosed properties, receive written notification of the change in ownership of the property. The law also requires that the tenant be allowed to remain in  the  the foreclosed home for the remainder of their lease term or 90 days, whichever is longer.

New York Foreclosure Attorney

As always, the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC is here to assist you.  Contact us at (516) 858-2620 to arrange a consultation with a foreclosure defense attorney.

Please visit our Foreclosure category to learn more about foreclosure issues.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation. This website is Attorney Advertising. It does not form an attorney-client relationship. We are a debt relief agency and a law firm that helps people file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code – Title 11. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Proudly assisting residents of Long Island, Nassau county, Suffolk county, New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan