What Should Be Included in an LLC Operating Agreement?

When you're navigating a divorce in Long Island or anywhere in New York, an experienced local spousal support and alimony attorney can help you understand your financial rights and obligations. Alimony isn't a given, and whether you're trying to get it or fighting an unfair demand, a lawyer can help you learn where you stand. The Formula Courts Use in New York The formula used here in New York looks at the higher-earning spouse (called the payor) and the lower-earning spouse (the payee) and only applies the guideline math to the payor's income up to the current statutory cap of $241,000. Anything above that cap gets handled separately through the court's discretion. The Calculations There are two basic calculations: When the payor also pays child support When there is no child support If the payor is also paying child support, then the calculation for alimony is 20% of the payor's income (up to the cap) minus 25% of the payee's income. When there is no child support or when the payor is the custodial parent, the calculation is 30% of the payor's income (up to the cap) minus 20% of the payee's income. A second combined-income check is then performed in both situations, where the courts add the two incomes, take 40% of the total, then subtract the payee's income. The guideline award is whichever of the two calculations is smaller (or zero if the result is negative). If the guideline calculations would leave the payor below the self-support reserve, the court adjusts it so the payor keeps at least that minimum amount for their basic needs. How Long Does Alimony Last? Once the amount is set, the court ultimately decides how long payments should last, but there are state guidelines that give advisory ranges based on the length of the marriage. For marriages of 15 years or less, the law suggests that alimony be paid for 15 to 30% of the marriage length. For marriages between 15 and 20 years, the range rises to 30-40%. For marriages longer than 20 years, the range is 35 to 50%. Judges can go outside these ranges, but they must explain their reasoning on the record. Maintenance ends if either spouse dies or if the recipient remarries, and it can also be modified later if there is a substantial change in circumstances. How a Spousal Support and Alimony Attorney Can Help You Prepare Even though the formulas given above provide a starting point, the outcome in any given case often depends on how the facts are presented and your arguments about whether the guideline result would be unjust or inappropriate. That is where experienced legal help can make an enormous difference. Your attorney will gather and organize all the detailed income information the court requires, identify which of the statutory factors might justify a higher or lower amount for the alimony, and then build an argument for what's fair to you. This is just one of the key steps in getting divorced that your lawyer will take on for you. For help with your spousal support concerns or any issues related to divorce or family law, contact the Stone Studin Young & Nigro Law Group in Woodbury, NY right away. We help families throughout Long Island.

When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important concerns is determining who will make decisions for the child and where the child will primarily live. Child custody disputes can be emotionally challenging, but understanding how New York courts evaluate custody matters can help parents prepare for the process and make informed decisions. If you are facing a custody dispute in Long Island, working with an experienced family law attorney can help protect your parental rights and your child's best interests. Understanding the Different Types of Child Custody In New York, custody is generally divided into two categories: Legal Custody Legal custody refers to a parent's authority to make important decisions regarding a child's upbringing, including: Education Healthcare Religious upbringing Extracurricular activities Legal custody may be awarded jointly to both parents or solely to one parent. Physical Custody Physical custody refers to where the child primarily resides. One parent may have primary physical custody while the other receives parenting time or visitation rights. In some situations, parents may share physical custody through a joint custody arrangement. How New York Courts Decide Child Custody Cases The primary consideration in any custody case is the "best interests of the child." New York courts evaluate numerous factors when determining what arrangement best serves the child's needs, including: Each Parent's Ability to Care for the Child The court will consider: The parent's physical and mental health Ability to provide a stable home environment Involvement in the child's daily life History of caregiving responsibilities The Child's Relationship with Each Parent Judges often examine the strength of the relationship between the child and each parent, including: Emotional bonds Communication Parental involvement Consistency and reliability Stability and Continuity Courts generally prefer arrangements that provide stability for children. Factors may include: Maintaining the child's current school Remaining in the same community Preserving important family relationships Willingness to Foster a Relationship with the Other Parent New York courts favor parents who encourage healthy relationships between the child and the other parent. Attempts to alienate a child from the other parent may negatively impact a custody determination. Domestic Violence and Safety Concerns Any history of domestic violence, abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or other safety concerns will be carefully considered by the court. Does the Child Have a Say? Depending on the child's age and maturity level, a court may consider the child's preferences. However, a child's wishes are only one factor among many and do not automatically determine the outcome. The court's primary obligation remains protecting the child's best interests. Can Parents Create Their Own Custody Agreement? Yes. In many cases, parents can negotiate a custody agreement outside of court through: Mediation Attorney negotiations Collaborative divorce Reaching an agreement often allows families to avoid lengthy litigation and maintain greater control over the outcome. However, the court must still approve the agreement to ensure it serves the child's best interests. What Happens if a Parent Violates a Custody Order? If one parent refuses to comply with a custody order, the other parent may seek enforcement through Family Court. Common violations include: Refusing visitation Failing to return the child on time Interfering with communication Relocating without permission Courts have the authority to enforce custody orders and may modify existing arrangements when necessary. When Can Custody Orders Be Modified? A custody order may be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as: Relocation Changes in employment Safety concerns Changes in the child's needs Repeated violations of court orders A judge will evaluate whether modifying the order is in the child's best interests. How a Long Island Child Custody Attorney Can Help Child custody disputes can have a lasting impact on both parents and children. Whether you are seeking custody, modifying an existing order, or facing a contested custody battle, experienced legal guidance can make a significant difference. An attorney can help: Protect your parental rights Gather evidence supporting your case Negotiate parenting agreements Represent you in Family Court Pursue modifications when circumstances change Contact Stone Studin Young & Nigro Law Group If you have questions about child custody, visitation, or parental rights in Long Island, the experienced family law attorneys at Stone Studin Young & Nigro Law Group can help. Our team understands the challenges families face during custody disputes and works diligently to pursue solutions that protect both our clients and their children. Call today to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your legal options.

Business owners here on Long Island have some unique challenges in getting the right commercial space. Finding and securing the right spot often comes down to negotiating skill, so here's a few commercial lease negotiation tips from a business lawyer that can help you avoid costly mistakes. Commercial Lease Negotiation Tips for Long Island Businesses Know what you want and need Do your research Talk to a lawyer Look at everything Be clear about maintenance Know What You Want and Need Before you talk to any one, define exactly what your business requires in terms of square footage, layout, parking, utilities access, and room for growth. Calculate every occupancy cost, including base rent, common area maintenance charges, taxes, insurance, utilities, and any anticipated fit-out expenses. Then, when you're in negotiations, ask specific questions upfront about minimum lease length, whether utilities are included, and who covers any changes that might be needed for your particular use, such as ventilation or soundproofing. Do Your Market Research Market research gives you concrete numbers to work with instead of guesses. Look up recent lease rates for similar properties in the area so you know what landlords currently accept and where you have room to push back. You also protect yourself by keeping more than one property under consideration at the same time. When you have real alternatives, you negotiate from a place of choice rather than pressure. Get a Lawyer's Eye on the Lease The lease document itself needs a direct legal review from an attorney familiar with these agreements. A business law attorney will be able to spot any provisions in the lease that push unexpected costs or risks onto you and flag any problematic language that could come back to bite later. Make Sure All the Points Are Covered Lease agreements typically specify the rent amount, the length of the term, who handles maintenance, and options to renew, among other details. You want clarity on each of these points: never, ever assume. If you ever think you have a question but figure, “Oh, it's probably X or Z,” stop and ask specifically. Be Clear About Maintenance Common area maintenance charges can include everything from landscaping to major repairs. It's important to know what you're getting into and negotiate caps, audit rights, and exclusions for costs that should not fall on tenants. Maintenance responsibilities in the rest of the property are usually split between structural items that the landlord handles and interior upkeep that you manage. That's fine, but make sure there's clear language that prevents the landlord from passing along costs for building-wide issues you did not cause. A thoughtfully negotiated lease gives your business a stable foundation and protects you from hidden obligations that could cause trouble down the line. For help in developing a lease, reviewing it, or in negotiations, call the Studin Young & Nigro Law Group in Woodbury, NY to schedule a consultation. We know you've worked hard to build what you have, and we're committed to helping you protect it.