Not all attorneys have the same experience. Not all attorneys have the abilities. Not all attorneys respond to client’s promptly. AND ATTORNEYS DO NOT ALL CHARGE THE SAME FOR THE SAME WORK!!!! What does this mean for you? READ Read over the family court or matrimonial retainer agreement they give you very By the way, …
I often have parents who tell me that their child’s therapist supports their position and insist that I tell the Court and the Attorney for the Child to be sure and take that position into consideration before rendering a recommendation, position or decision. For over 30 years, with NO exception, therapists are seldom the supportive …
IS A FATHER’S RIGHTS ATTORNEY A REAL THING? Just for the record, there is no formal training or certification for being what is referred to by some as a “Father’s Rights Attorney”. When used it is simply a label a lawyer gives themselves to induce men to hire them. Ask yourself what does a “Father’s …
When someone comes in to meet with me because they want to modify or change their custody order or arrangement, I begin each FREE CONSULTATION with this question: What do you want the Court to do? This is the single most important question in a modification of custody matter. What do you want a new or …
The GOP tax bill signed by Trump late last year changed drastically how maintenance/alimony will be handled. One way the Republican tax bill writers tried to raise revenue to compensate for the cuts was through maintenance/alimony. Under the new bill, alimony paid by one spouse to the other will not be tax deductible, and the …
Considering Divorce? You Need a Divorce Plan! If you’re considering leaving your spouse, considering divorce, you need a solid divorce plan. So often people start consulting with their attorney only after the divorce process has begun and everyone is in the thick of things. I often say to clients that they should have come to …
Staying CHILD CENTERED is not as easy as one would think. For almost 30 years I have represented parents, grandparents, children and even myself in divorce and Family Law matters and putting our children first takes real work and constant attention. Why this is so important: First, because statements and facts that are not child …
Last month the New York State Appellate Division (Second Dept) rendered a decision in Repetti v. Repett which reminded us that the Court may direct a parent to contribute to a child’s college expenses, however, when college is several years away, and no evidence is presented as to the child’s academic interests, ability, possible choice …
Stacey O’Neill Balduf, Esq. a Syracuse Divorce Lawyer, wife and mother of a blended family herself, concentrates her practice specifically in divorce and 
family law.
