Stephan F. Shattuck, Esq.
Many times the leading cause that brings someone into my office to discuss a potential divorce is because of financial stressors in their relationship; especially when only one spouse is employed. New York City continues to be the most expensive city in the US to live. Having dual incomes is no longer a luxury but…
When embarking on the path of divorce in New York, many individuals ask me about the timeline of the entire process. Understandably, they seek clarity on how long it may take to finalize their divorce and move forward with their lives. It is a fair question, but one that the approximate duration can vary depending…
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The tired adage “you can win the battle but lose the war” applies well to the practice of family law, if not all other types of cases. A Pyrrhic victory (which name derives from the Greek king who defeated the Romans in battle but lost the war) is a success that comes with greater losses…
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UPDATE: On April 2, 2020 the New York State Legislature passed the Child Parent Security Act (CPSA) and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill legalizing gestational surrogacy. The CPSA went into effect on February 15, 2021. In layman’s terms, surrogacy is simply arranging a woman to carry and give birth to a child. The…
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There is an undeniable decline in marriages (22% between 1960 and 2016 according to the Pew Research Center). While my viewpoint as a divorce attorney may seem self-serving when I encourage couples to marry (if only to get divorced later), rest assured it comes from a sincere place. I have had many people tell me…
Read More “Get Married: Why Couples Should Get Married If Only to Get Divorced” »
For some it would be a dream, literally played out during sleepless nights: Suing your husband’s mistress, making her squirm before a packed courtroom and having the audience gasp as you point your finger at her and say “Isn’t it true, you knew he was married!” This might be justice, and being financially awarded for the pain and humiliation might seem…
Read More “Rewarding Revenge: Husband Sues Wife’s Lover and Wins $8.8 Million” »
Beginning July 1, 2018 Arizona implemented a policy that custody of disputed embryos must be given to the party who intends to help them “develop to birth.” Last month in June, here in New York, the NYC Appellate Division of the Supreme Court awarded the husband in a divorce proceeding the remaining frozen embryo in…
