New York Divorce Statistics 2026
New York recorded a divorce rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents in 2023, placing it among the lowest divorce rates in the country. But statewide averages mask sharp differences between boroughs, income brackets, and demographics. The Bronx stands out: it has the lowest marriage rate of any county in New York, yet simultaneously carries the […]
What Are Abandoned Spouse Rights in New York City?
An abandoned spouse in Manhattan retains full legal rights to spousal maintenance, child custody, child support, and equitable distribution of marital property, even when the other spouse has left without warning. Marriage creates legal duties that do not end when one partner walks out the door. These rights remain intact until a court issues a […]
At What Age Can a Child Refuse to See a Parent?
There is no specific age at which a child can legally refuse to see a parent in New York. Under New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 240, custody and visitation orders remain binding on both parents until the child turns 18. Courts may consider a child’s preferences as they mature, but a child’s wishes […]
What Is One Signature Divorce in New York?
In New York, a “one signature divorce” usually means one spouse moves the divorce forward without the other spouse signing the papers. This can happen when the other spouse is properly served and does not respond, or when the court allows another method of service because the spouse cannot be located. New York’s no-fault divorce […]
Can a Spouse Throw Out My Belongings During a Divorce?
No, a spouse cannot legally throw out your belongings during a divorce in Manhattan or anywhere in New York. Domestic Relations Law (DRL) Section 236(B)(2) imposes automatic orders that prohibit either spouse from selling, transferring, concealing, or disposing of any property once a divorce action begins. These protections apply to both marital property and separate […]
Can Phone Records Be Used to Prove Adultery?
Yes, phone records can be used to prove adultery in a New York divorce. Call logs, location data, text message metadata, and app communications may all support a claim of infidelity. However, the records must be obtained through legal means and satisfy specific admissibility requirements before a court will consider them. At Juan Luciano Divorce […]
What Is the Difference Between Dissolution of a Domestic Partnership and Divorce in New York?
If you and your partner are ending your relationship in New York, the legal path forward depends entirely on how you formalized that relationship. Domestic partnership dissolution and divorce are two very different processes, with different rules for property, financial support, and court involvement. Choosing the wrong path or skipping a required step can leave […]
What Are a Father’s Chances of Getting 50/50 Custody in NY
In New York, a father can obtain 50/50 custody, but there is no automatic presumption that equal parenting time will be ordered, and outcomes vary widely when parents do not agree. In custody and visitation cases, the court must decide what arrangement is in the child’s best interests. New York law does not automatically favor […]
Domestic Partnership vs. Marriage in New York: What Are the Key Differences?
In New York, both domestic partnerships and marriage are legally recognized relationships, but they carry very different rights, benefits, and legal consequences. Marriage is governed by the New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and recognized at both the state and federal levels. A domestic partnership, registered under New York City Administrative Code §§ 3-240 through […]
What Are Non-Biological Parent Rights in Same-Sex Divorce in New York?
Non-biological parents in same-sex divorces can have full parental rights in New York, but the strength of those rights depends on how legal parentage was established. If you completed a second-parent adoption, obtained a judgment of parentage, or were married when the child was born through assisted reproduction, you may have the same custody and […]