Recent Blog Posts

Husband Arrested for Wife's Murder

Long Island Family Lawyer — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Police in San Diego County have a suspect in custody for the murder of a Marine's wife. The suspect is allegedly the last person to have seen her alive, according to the police report. Marine Staff Sgt. L.R.P., 45, was taken into custody by officers with the Sheriff's Department. His arraignment is scheduled for later this week. While the police had been looking at him as a possible suspect since the body of 22-year-old B.K. was discovered, it took time for the sheriffs to obtain enough evidence to get a judge to agree to sign an arrest warrant. In addition to the murder charge, he faces unrelated charges of possession of an assault weapon and receiving stolen property.

Eyewitness testimony states that the victim was last seen leaving her home in an evening gown with the suspect. The two appeared to be going out on a date. Another suspect has also been detained on suspicion of contributing to the murder. J.L.L., 25, was charged with first-degree murder last week. She has yet to enter a plea for her charges. It has been reported that the victim and her husband were considering divorce prior to the murder. If you are going through a tough divorce and want to have a legal advocate on your side that you can count on, contact the Meyers Law Group now to enlist the representation of a dedicated Long Island family law attorney.

Mother Seeks Restraining Order against Daughter's Bully

Long Island Family Lawyer — Fri, 18 May 2012 02:35:00 GMT

Although they are rare, restraining orders against children can be obtained. One mother in the state of Kentucky is seeking a protective order against the young boy she claims has been bullying her daughter. The mother has petitioned the court to get a restraining order against a boy in the fourth grade at her daughter's school. She claims that the young boy has been tormenting her daughter for nearly two years, and has even been physically abusive against her. The little girl is reported to have been kicked in the chest and chased with scissors while at school.

In a phone interview with the mother's attorney, she revealed that the abuse started last year and continued as the two have been forced to share the same classroom during the fourth grade. Not only is the mother concerned for her daughter's safety, but her mental condition as well. The boy in question reportedly weighs twice as much as the little girl, making it difficult for her to fight back, even if she wanted to. Do you need help obtaining an order of protection in the state of New York? Take the time to discuss your situation with a Long Island family lawyer who can be of assistance by contacting the Meyers Law Group today!

Halle Berry's Ex Seeking Increased Child Support Payments

Long Island Family Lawyer — Sat, 12 May 2012 17:20:00 GMT

The terms of a child custody arrangement between actress Halle Berry and her former boyfriend, model Gabrial Aubry, has been in dispute for some time now. Howveer, it was recently reported that Aubry wants Berry to pay $500,000 to cover his legal expenses. He also wants the actress to pay $20,000 a month in child support. Aubry went to court in Los Angeles, California to argue his case, but it was ruled to be continued as his paperwork was not filled out correctly. Now, he will have to wait for another court date to be scheduled so a judge can make a decision regarding both the legal fees and the increased child support payment request.

Berry and Aubry have a 4-year-old daughter together named Nahla. Currently, Nahla has been sharing her time between her parents, but news sources say that Berry would like to relocate to Paris which may impact the judge's child support ruling. Are you hoping to obtain an increase in your child support order? If so, now is the time to discuss your circumstances with a Long Island family law attorney from our firm who can determine if you might be eligible for an increase. To arrange a consultation, contact the Meyers Law Group now!

You May Need a Fathers' Rights Advocate

Long Island Family Lawyer — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:30:00 GMT

By law, if you are the biological father of a child, you have the same rights as the mother of the child. The law is very specific in stating that men and women have equal rights during family law matters. However, there are times when fathers' rights may be compromised in the state of New York. During those times, it is advised that dads take the time to consult a Long Island family lawyer from our office. Our attorneys are fathers' rights advocates and we can help you when:

You need to establish your parental rights by taking a DNA test to prove your paternity. You may need to do this if you hope to obtain child custody or even visitation.
You have recently experienced a decrease in your wages or lost your job and need to modify the terms of your child support order.
The mother of your child refuses to let you have contact with your son or daughter. Or, the mother of your child is engaging in parental alienation, making it difficult for you to bond with your child.
You stand accused of domestic violence, but did not commit any form of abuse and it is impacting the outcome of certain family law proceedings.

If you find yourself in need of a lawyer that believes in protecting fathers' rights, contact the Meyers Law Group today to get immediate assistance and legal help. Schedule your initial case evaluation today to recieve immediate assistance.

Kim Kardashian Wants Divorce to Move Forward

Long Island Family Lawyer — Fri, 11 May 2012 03:25:00 GMT

In Los Angeles, California, news outlets have reported that reality TV star and brand ambassador, Kim Kardashian, wants her divorce to move forward. However, Kris Humphries' legal team wants to continue to pursue an annulment on the basis of fraud. When asked about the divorce, Kardashian's lawyer told reporters that the proceedings have lasted longer than her client's 72 day marriage. She also said that if Humphries continues to pursue an annulment on the grounds of fraud, it could get quite expensive due to the legal fees involved as she will request that he pay Kardashian's litigation costs if the case goes to trial.

Kris' lawyer also spoke with reporters and said that he was still taking depositions before deciding how to proceed. Are you going through a divorce that has become contentious and is taking too much time? If so, you may wish to get help from a Long Island family lawyer from our team who can get involved to expedite matters on your behalf. To enlist our services, contact the Meyers Law Group now and arrange a time to discuss your case with our legal team.

Violence Against Women Act Challenged by Republican Party

Long Island Family Lawyer — Sat, 05 May 2012 20:15:00 GMT

A piece of legislation is in danger as members of the Republican Party want to eliminate it. However, news sources report that Vice President Joe Biden is leading the Democratic effort to ensure that the 1994 Violence Against Women Act will remain in place. Several politicians are already getting behind Biden to support the old, yet relevant Act. These include Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett, Attorney General Eric Holder and Sharon Love, the founder of the nonprofit One Love Foundation. If the law were to be reauthorized, increased funding could be requested by organizations that educate and help victims of domestic violence.

The measure has been rejected by Republican politicians on the grounds that it will provide funding to illegal immigrants. Under the terms of the reauthorized bill, illegal immigrant victims would be able to claim battery. In addition, same-sex couples would also be given certain protections in regard to domestic abuse, a segment of society that was not covered by the Act before. If you are a victim of domestic violence in the state of New York and are wondering how the law protects you from such harm, contact the Meyers Law Group now to arrange a time to meet with a compassionate Long Island family lawyer at our firm.

New Jersey and Dominican Republic to Cooperate on Child Support Cases

Long Island Family Lawyer — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Tracking down parents who owe child support sometimes involves crossing national borders. In some cases, states must work with different nations to establish agreements in order to enforce outstanding child support payments. This month New Jersey added a new country to its list of parties on whom it can rely to enforce these court orders. The Department of Human Services Commissioner announced this month that the Dominican Republic is now the 22nd country that New Jersey has established a relationship with regarding child support enforcement.

The agreement states that both entities will work together to enforce any child support orders that originate within their boundaries. This is an achievement for the Department which reports that an additional 536 cases will be affected since one of the parties lives in the Dominican Republic. Now, parents that have had difficulty obtaining funds from their partners living abroad could finally have access to the funds that they have previously been denied. If you are owed past due child support payments and want to know how you can seek delinquent financial contributions, contact the Meyers Law Group now to set up a consultation with a Long Island family lawyer from our team.

Financing Your Divorce

Long Island Family Lawyer — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:25:00 GMT

Did you know that one of the greatest concerns regarding divorce is being able to afford it? The process of getting a divorce can be one of the most expensive things that you will have to fund. If you are concerned about paying for your divorce, but are serious about obtaining one, you do have options. In some cases, people need to obtain a short-term loan to finance their divorces. This can be done through a bank, although obtaining a loan can be difficult for small amounts as banks prefer to loan out larger amounts.

You can always ask your friends and family to help you through this difficult time, which will cut down on your costs by eliminating interest rates on loans or cash advances from credit cards. Another option is to speak with your attorney about your situation to see if you can set up a payment plan. If you can reduce your payments to smaller chunks over time, your divorce will be more affordable and less stressful. To learn what options you have throughout your divorce, take the time to contact the Meyers Law Group so you can get immediate information from a Long Island family lawyer.

Study Shows Children with Cancer Do Not Impact Divorce Rates

Long Island Family Lawyer — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 17:40:00 GMT

A study released by Danish researchers found that parents who have a cancer-stricken child are not more likely to divorce then parents with healthy children. This goes against some schools of thought that believe that the health of children can affect marriages positively or negatively. The study was conducted using data compiled from public registry data between the years 1980 and 1997. A total of 2,450 children who had been diagnosed with cancer during that time were compared to the families of children who were healthy. Researchers then looked at the two groups to determine if there was indeed a higher divorce rate amongst the families with cancer-stricken children.

In addition to looking at the health of the child, researchers also compared the education and employment of the parents, as well as whether the child survived the illness. What the researchers found at the end was that there was little difference in the divorce rates for families with healthy children and those with children who had been diagnosed with cancer. Whatever reason you may have for your divorce, it is advised that you work with a Long Island family lawyer that can help you navigate through the process. To get immediate legal assistance, contact the Meyers Law Group today!

Alec Baldwin Gets Restraining Order against Actress

Long Island Family Lawyer — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Celebrities having stalkers is not uncommon. However, for one celebrity to be stalked by another actor is rare, but that is exactly what has been happening for actor Alec Baldwin. He claims to have a Canadian actress stalker for whom he was recently granted a restraining order. According to Baldwin's attorney, actress G.S. was brought to a New York City court last week for her arraignment. The judge read the charges of aggravated harassment and stalking against the Canadian actress and then released her on her own recognizance.

Baldwin was granted a temporary order of protection. Reports indicate that he will be due back in court in a few months to discuss the possibility of extending the order or having it dropped. Has someone threatened your safety lately? If so, contact the Meyers Law Group today to speak with a Long Island family lawyer about how you can obtain a temporary or even permanent order of protection. Such an order can protect you from further harassment in the state of New York.

Economy May Lead to More Domestic Violence Incidences

Long Island Family Lawyer — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Several studies have shown a relationship between an increase in domestic violence when the economy is sluggish. Researchers believe that during a bad economy, stress levels at home can rise, leading to more incidences of domestic violence. This can be evidenced by several factors that revealed themselves earlier this year in the city of Philadelphia. According to a national hotline for domestic violence victims in Philadelphia, there was a 21% increase in call volume last year. Police in the city have noticed the increase in domestic violence calls first-hand as there has been a steady incline since 2009. Shelters across the city are packed with domestic violence victims that cannot return home due to fear of their attackers.

Between 2009 and 2010, 67 people lost their lives in domestic violence-related incidents. While women are more likely to become victims, domestic violence can affect the whole family unit, especially young children. Additionally, news sources say that an estimated 325,000 women are beaten by their loved ones while pregnant, which has led to more gynecologists screening for the possibility of violence in the homes of pregnant women. If you have been abused by a loved one, contact the Meyers Law Group now to see how a Long Island family lawyer can help protect you from future harm.

Wife of Bob Weinstein Seeks Restraining Order

Long Island Family Lawyer — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 15:23:00 GMT

A wife of a famous producer is seeking an order of protection from her husband. She claims that the two are going through a difficult divorce and she fears that he will induce "bodily harm" on her. Bob Weinstein now claims that his wife was going through an alcoholism intervention when she overreacted and rushed to seek police protection. The interventionist working with Anne Weinstein supported her husband's claims that no abuse took place during their relationship and that any claim she made of such abuse with unfounded.

Several family members were present at the intervention according to Weinstein, all of whom hoped to convince Anne to seek treatment for her apparent addiction. Although Weinstein is saying that his wife's statements are completely false, a judge may decide to grant her a restraining order. Anne is currently not living with her husband but does have custody of their two children. This is the second divorce for the movie producer. Going through a contentious divorce? Take the time to contact the Meyers Law Group now to enlist the advice and representation of a Long Island family lawyer from our team who can help you get through the legal process while protecting your best interests.

Two Women Denied Divorce in Maryland

Long Island Family Lawyer — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:25:00 GMT

Two women are effectively trying to change Maryland law by bringing their case to the state Supreme Court. If they succeed, the decision will impact divorces for same-sex couples across the state. The two women were married in California but now live on the East Coast. When they decided to seek a divorce, they were denied by a lower court judge since Maryland does not grant same-sex marriages. Their lawyers are arguing that since the women are not asking to get married in Maryland, but rather divorced, the state should grant them the same privileges as heterosexual married couples.

While their argument is solid, some experts say, it is short-lived since the state is supposed to start allowing same-sex marriages in 2013. There are several opponents of the bill that would allow gay marriage that are working to have it overturned. A referendum is being drafted that could be included on the ballot this year that could change the policy once again. If you are in a same-sex or domestic partnership and you have questions related to family law in the state of New York, contact the Meyers Law Group today. Once contacted, you will have the chance to ask a Long Island family law attorney your questions and get answers from an experienced legal professional.

Cohabitation and Its Impact on Alimony

Long Island Family Lawyer — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Are you currently receiving spousal support but plan on moving in with a new partner in New York? If so, you need to be aware that your alimony payments may be impacted as a result. Understanding the law before you make any big life changes can protect you in the future, which is why you may wish to discuss your situation with a Long Island family lawyer. In most states, cohabitation can signify the end of one spouse's obligation to make maintenance payments. Each state has its own laws regarding alimony and cohabitation, however, so it is important to seek out understanding of your own state's laws. Some states are more lenient when it comes to cohabitation, stating that alimony must end if the new partner supports the alimony recipient. In other states, the moment that a recipient starts living with someone of the opposite sex, alimony payments come to an end.

In New York, before spousal support can be terminated, a person must cohabitate with another and per the law "hold herself/himself out as the wife/husband". With this being the case, maintenance is very rarely terminated due to a spouse moving in with a new partner, but it does happen. Do you have additional questions related to New York's alimony laws? If so, contact the Meyers Law Group today to get immediate answers from an attorney at our office by arranging your initial case evaluation.

St. Petersburg May Create Domestic Partnership Registry

Long Island Family Lawyer — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 18:05:00 GMT

There are several reasons why a city may decide to establish a domestic partnership registry. While some cities do it for economic or social reasons, one city counselor thinks that it is just the right thing to do. St. Petersburg City Counselor S.K. will lead a public meeting this week to discuss the benefits of establishing such a registry. According to reports, once a couple registers, they will be conferred some of the same legal benefits that married couples enjoy. These include end-of-life decisions, emergency care visits and postmortem benefits. S.K. told the media that he applauds fellow Floridian city Tampa for passing the vote for a similar domestic partnership registry.

He also added that in addition to the creation of a registry being the right thing to do, it could also be financially advantageous to St. Petersburg. Counselor S.K. mentioned that it could bring businesses and individuals to the city that want to take advantage of the benefits offered by the registry. Both heterosexual and homosexual couples will be allowed to register if the vote is passed. If you live in New York and want to learn more about the benefits of a domestic partnership, take the time to contact the Meyers Law Group so you have a chance to receive information from a knowledgeable Long Island family lawyer.