fbpx
Skip to content
 

Child SupportDivorceProperty DivisionNew York’s New Divorce Laws

October 11, 2010

This is an historic week in divorce law in New York.  The recently enacted no fault divorce law becomes effective October 12, 2010.    In addition to no fault divorce, three other divorce laws become effective this week including:

1.   a new procedures for setting awards of temporary maintenance while a divorce is pending;

2.  a procedure for reviewing and modifying child support awards; and

3.    a law making it easier for the less monied spouses to receive an award of attorneys’ fees during the divorce.

Here are the highlights of the new laws:

  • No Fault Divorce

The law creates a new cause of action for divorce. Couples can now seek a divorce when the marriage has irretrievably broken down for a period of six months preceding the commencement of the divorce action.

  • Temporary Maintenance 

The new law provides that maintenance is to be awarded during the divorce when one parties’ income is less than 2/3’s of the other spouse’s income.

The amount of maintenance is to be the lesser of a) 30% of the payor’s income minus 20% of the non-payor’s income or b) 40% of the combined income minus the non payor’s income.  (New York Temporary Maintenance Calculator)

  • Counsel Fees
  The  counsel fee bill creates rebuttable  presumption that the “monied”  spouse should pay to the “non-monied” spouse interim counsel fees in all divorce or family law case.  The purpose of the law is to
”even the playing field.”
  •  Modification of Child Support

The Family Court Act (“FCA”) was amended to allow modification of an order of child support due to “substantial change in circumstances”.

In addition, unless parties specifically opt out, the court can modify a post October 13, 2010 order where three years have passed since the last order was entered, modified, or adjusted. Substantial change in circumstances is generally defined in a change in either party’s gross income by 15% or more. A reduction in income shall not be considered as a ground for modification unless it was involuntary and the party has made diligent attempts to secure employment.

 

The information contained in this website has been provided for general informational purposes only and DOES NOT constitute legal advice; there is no warranty on this information and it does not in any way constitute an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. All individuals are encouraged to seek independent counsel for advice regarding their specific situation and facts. 

THIS SITE SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR COMPETENT AND INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE.

Further, e-mails or other correspondence with any member of this firm does not create an attorney-client relationship without the explicit written agreement between the parties

Call Now Button