Monthly Archives: December 2025
When Domestic Violence Shapes Custody Decisions: Understanding Wissink v. Wissink
When parents separate, one of the most difficult issues is deciding where their children should live. In New York, courts must base every custody decision on the best interests of the child. And when there is a history of domestic violence, that factor becomes especially important. The case of Wissink v. Wissink, a 2002… Read More »
When Change Matters: Matter of Chad KK. v. Jennifer LL. and Contested Custody in New York
In Matter of Chad KK. v. Jennifer LL., the court delivered a key decision on contested custody modification proceedings. The case illustrates how New York family courts handle requests to modify residential and legal custody, how they evaluate “change in circumstances,” and the continuing viability of joint legal custody even under dispute. Background of… Read More »
When Maintenance Isn’t Awarded: Diop v. Gueye and the Discretion of Spousal Support in New York
In the contested divorce case of Diop v. Gueye, the appeals court addressed the trial court’s decision to decline awarding spousal maintenance (alimony) to either spouse. This case highlights how New York law treats maintenance under its formulaic guidelines and the extent of judicial discretion. Background of the case The couple got married back… Read More »
Contract Enforcement After Divorce: A Look at Gravlin v. Ruppert, 98 N.Y.2d 1 (2002)
When couples divorce, their separation agreements become legally binding contracts. But what happens when one parent’s failure to follow the agreement makes it impossible for the other parent to meet their obligations? The New York Court of Appeals addressed this issue in the case of Gravlin v. Rupper, a leading case on enforcing and… Read More »