Category Archives: Jean Mahserjian Blog

How New Relationships During Summer Can Affect a Custody Case in Saratoga, New York

How New Relationships During Summer Can Affect a Custody Case in Saratoga, New York

A new romantic relationship during the summer does not automatically change custody in New York, but it can become relevant if it affects a child’s stability, safety, schedule, or emotional well-being. Summer often brings longer parenting time, vacations, childcare changes, and more social activity, which can make a new relationship more visible to the other […]

Can You Modify a Custody Agreement Before the New School Year Starts in Saratoga, New York?

Can You Modify a Custody Agreement Before the New School Year Starts in Saratoga, New York?

Yes, a custody agreement may be modified before the new school year starts if there has been a meaningful change in circumstances and the proposed change serves the child’s best interests. For Saratoga, New York parents, school schedules, transportation, after-school care, relocation, academic needs, and changes in a parent’s availability may all affect whether a […]

What to Do if Your Ex Violates a Summer Visitation Schedule in New York

What to Do if Your Ex Violates a Summer Visitation Schedule in New York

When a summer visitation schedule is not followed, it can disrupt a child’s routine and create serious conflict between co-parents. In New York, custody and visitation orders are legally binding, and there are clear remedies available when one parent does not comply. The right response depends on the wording of the court order, the pattern […]

International Travel With Your Child After Divorce in New York: Custody Rules, Consent, and Court Requirements

International Travel With Your Child After Divorce in New York: Custody Rules, Consent, and Court Requirements

 International travel with a child after divorce in New York is governed by custody orders, parental rights, and court oversight. Most parents must obtain consent or court permission before taking a child outside the United States. Disputes often arise when custody agreements do not clearly address travel, creating legal risk and urgency. Proper documentation and […]

How Vacation Homes and Lake Houses Are Divided in a New York Divorce

How Vacation Homes and Lake Houses Are Divided in a New York Divorce

 Vacation homes and lake houses often become some of the most emotionally charged and financially significant assets during separation in New York. Under state law, these properties are generally subject to equitable distribution, meaning they are divided in a manner the court considers fair based on ownership history, financial contributions, and overall marital circumstances. In […]

Summer Break Custody Disputes: What New York Parents Need to Know

Summer Break Custody Disputes: What New York Parents Need to Know

 Summer custody disputes in New York often arise when parents struggle to align vacation plans, travel schedules, and parenting time during school breaks. These situations can quickly become stressful when communication breaks down or when one parent believes the custody order is not being followed. In Saratoga, New York, courts continue to enforce custody arrangements […]

What Happens to Child Support When Summer Parenting Time Changes?

What Happens to Child Support When Summer Parenting Time Changes?

Summer parenting time can bring new challenges for families in Saratoga, New York. Mahserjian & Mahserjian-Ortiz, PLLC, works with parents to understand how child support obligations may or may not shift when summer schedules change. In most cases, child support does not automatically adjust simply because a parent gains additional time with a child during […]

Can a Parent Take a Child on Vacation Without Permission in New York?

Can a Parent Take a Child on Vacation Without Permission in New York?

In New York, whether a parent can take a child on vacation without the other parent’s permission depends on the custody order, parenting schedule, destination, and whether the trip interferes with the other parent’s rights. A short vacation during your scheduled parenting time may be allowed if the order does not restrict travel, but out-of-state […]

Summer Divorce Scheduling Tips for Parents Sharing Custody in New York

Summer Divorce Scheduling Tips for Parents Sharing Custody in New York

 For parents sharing custody in New York, summer can present unique challenges when it comes to scheduling parenting time. Mahserjian & Mahserjian-Ortiz, PLLC, helps clients in Saratoga navigate these seasonal transitions, ensuring children maintain strong relationships with both parents while avoiding conflicts. Proper planning, clear communication, and flexibility are crucial for co-parenting success during the […]

How Summer Camps, Childcare, and Activities Are Handled in New York Child Support Orders

How Summer Camps, Childcare, and Activities Are Handled in New York Child Support Orders

In New York, child support orders often include more than the basic monthly payment. Childcare costs related to work, school, or vocational training may be added to a support order and divided between parents based on their income shares. Summer camp, sports, music lessons, tutoring, and other activities may also be addressed, but the way […]

Can Inherited Retirement Accounts Be Divided in a New York Divorce?

Can Inherited Retirement Accounts Be Divided in a New York Divorce?

Inherited retirement accounts are often treated differently from retirement savings built during a marriage. In New York, property division depends on whether an asset is marital property, separate property, or a mix of both. An inherited IRA, inherited 401(k), or inherited pension interest may remain separate if it was received by one spouse and kept […]

What Assets Are Considered Separate Property in a New York Divorce?

What Assets Are Considered Separate Property in a New York Divorce?

 In New York, the distinction between marital and separate property is crucial for anyone navigating a divorce. Mahserjian & Mahserjian-Ortiz, PLLC has extensive experience helping Saratoga residents protect their separate property while ensuring a fair resolution of marital assets. Separate property is generally defined as assets owned prior to marriage, gifts or inheritances received individually, […]

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