The Top 10 Mistakes Men Make in New York City Divorces and How to Avoid Them

As a man going through a divorce, it's crucial to be aware of common mistakes that can significantly impact the outcome of your matrimonial case. In my experience dealing with hundreds of cases for both genders, here are the top 10 mistakes men make during divorce and how to avoid them to ensure a smoother and more favorable outcome.

1. Moving Out Without a Plan

One of men's biggest mistakes is moving out of the marital home without a solid plan, especially when children are involved. Moving out can lead to complications regarding custody, child support, and access to your children. Before deciding to vacate the marital residence, work out a clear custody and parenting time schedule and understand the financial implications of maintaining two households.

2. Not Filing for Divorce First

Although your legal rights are the same whether you are the Plaintiff or a Defendant in a New York State divorce filing, filing first allows you to set the narrative, control the timing, and potentially secure advantageous court orders regarding custody, property, and financial matters. Don’t wait for your spouse to file first—being proactive can make a significant difference in your case.

3. Choosing the Wrong Attorney

Selecting an experienced divorce attorney is crucial. Many men make the mistake of hiring an attorney who isn’t specialized in family law, often based on recommendations or cost. Don’t call your cousin Larry’s college roommate who does real estate closings to deal with your divorce, you only get one chance to get it done right and calling us at Mindin & Mindin, P.C. for a consultation is a good starting point. In New York City, where divorce laws and proceedings can be particularly complex, it’s essential to choose a lawyer who specializes in divorce and has a deep understanding of the local courts and judges. We only practice family and matrimonial law at Mindin & Mindin, P.C. and are equipped to provide you with highly experienced and competent representation.

4. Hiding Money or Assets

Attempting to conceal assets or hide money during a divorce is a critical error that can lead to severe legal consequences. New York courts require full financial disclosure, and failure to be transparent can result in penalties or unfavorable rulings. Always be honest with your attorney and disclose all assets to avoid complications. Remember that there is always a paper trail and the law allows for broad discovery to be conducted in all matrimonial proceedings!

5. Not Being Involved with Your Children

If you have children, it’s essential to be actively involved in their lives, especially during a divorce. Courts in New York look favorably on parents who are engaged and committed to their children’s well-being. Make sure you know your children’s schedules, participate in their activities, and maintain a strong relationship with them.

6. Settling Too Early

Settling your divorce case too early, without having all the necessary information, can lead to unfavorable outcomes. Whether it’s about dividing assets, determining child support, or arranging custody, avoid making hasty decisions. Take the time to gather all facts, consult with your attorney, and carefully consider the long-term implications of any settlement.

7. Using Social Media Carelessly

Social media can be a dangerous platform during a divorce. Anything you post can be used against you in court. A screenshot is worth a thousand words! In New York City, where privacy is already a concern, it’s best to avoid social media altogether during your divorce proceedings. If you must use it, be extremely cautious and avoid posting anything that could be misconstrued.

8. Not Following Court Orders

Ignoring court orders is a serious mistake that can lead to legal penalties, including being held in contempt of court (which in some instances comes with handcuffs and an all-expenses paid trip to Riker’s Island). Whether it’s related to custody, property, or financial obligations, always comply with court orders. If you believe an order is unfair, consult your attorney about the possibility of modifying it legally. Don’t take it into your own hands.

9. Removing Your Wife from Health Insurance

Don’t make the mistake of removing your wife from health insurance or other beneficiary designations prematurely. In New York, making unilateral decisions about financial matters during a divorce can lead to legal complications and make you look unfavorable in the eyes of the court. Always maintain the status quo until there is a legal agreement in place.

10. Refusing to Compromise

Divorce is a negotiation process; refusing to compromise can prolong the process and increase legal costs. Being rigid and unwilling to negotiate can backfire whether it’s about custody, property, or financial matters. Approach your divorce with an open mind and be willing to find common ground with your spouse.

Divorce in New York City is often complex and challenging, but by avoiding these common mistakes, you can protect your interests and achieve a more favorable outcome. The key to success is being proactive, choosing the right attorney, and staying informed throughout the process.

If you're facing a divorce in New York City and want to avoid these common pitfalls, contact us at Mindin & Mindin, P.C. today to for a free consultation. Our experienced divorce attorneys can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions to protect your future.

What will happen to my conditional Green Card if I am going through a divorce?

It’s not uncommon for foreign nationals who marry U.S. citizens and to submit to the green card process through USCIS. When the marriage itself is less than two years in duration the foreign national is typically granted a conditional green card status rather than a permanent green card. There is a waiting period for the permanent green card in order to allow immigration officials to investigate the validity and legitimacy of the marriage.

To remove the conditions on the marriage-based green card, you must file a USCIS form I-751 in the 90 day period before the expiration of the conditional green card. Form I-751 is always filed with additional proof that the marriage is legitimate. (affidavits from friends and family attesting to the legitimacy of the marriage, proof of cohabitation such as bills and leases and proof of joint property and assets).

What Happens to Your Green Card if You Get Divorced Before 2 Years Has Passed?

Generally the Form I-751 must be filed jointly by the conditional permanent resident and U.S. citizen spouse. When the couple separates or gets a divorce or annulment around the time the I-751 must be filed, the conditional permanent resident can request a waiver of the joint filing requirement. This waiver is known as the good faith waiver, where the marriage was entered into in good faith but was validly terminated through divorce or annulment. If a divorce or annulment has occurred, a good faith waiver must be accompanied by supporting documentation, including the divorce decree or other document terminating or annulling the marriage and evidence of an actual marital relationship to prove the marriage was legitimate.

Are there any other Options to Keep My Conditional Green Card if I’m heading towards a divorce?

Other waivers of the joint filing requirement may be available where a foreign national can show that removal would cause extreme hardship or where the person can show that they entered the marriage in good faith and one of the following situations arose: (1) the U.S. citizen spouse subsequently died or (2) the foreign national was subject to battery and/or extreme cruelty by the U.S. citizen spouse.

All waivers of the I-751 joint filing requirement are discretionary and require a significant amount of supporting documentation.

Justin Bieber & Hailey Baldwin: What Part Of His $250 Mil Fortune She’ll Get Without Prenup

Leon Mindin, Esq. was featured in an article in Hollywood Life on October 4, 2018 regarding Justin Bieber’s surprise marriage to Hailey Baldwin. Check out the original article over at https://hollywoodlife.com/2018/10/04/hailey-baldwin-justin-bieber-prenup-money-marriage/

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Did Justin Bieber give Hailey Baldwin his fortune by saying ‘I Do’? After getting married without a prenup, a lawyer EXCLUSIVELY tells us what Hailey could get in a divorce.

In this day and age, it seems insane that a major celebrity like Justin Bieber, 24, would get married to anyone without a prenup. Yet, he supposedly wed Hailey Baldwin, 21, without such an agreement in place. Does that mean his estimated $250 million fortune is up for grabs if this marriage goes sour? “Hailey is not legally entitled to any of Justin’s premarital assets,” Leon Mindin, Esq., a New York family law attorney of the Law Offices of Mindin & Mindin, P.C., tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY.

“All of Justin’s premarital property remains his,” Leon tells HollywoodLife.com, “but his royalties from his music that get paid after the marriage are likely to be considered income and would be marital property. These royalties may very well count into his post-marital assets, which would have to be split in the event of a divorce. Every penny he makes after their date of marriage is considered marital and what is left after the bills are paid is their joint marital property.”

So, every penny Justin makes after Sept. 13, 2018 – the date he and Hailey reportedly tied the knot in a NYC courthouse – would be split in the event of a divorce. Leon does stress that the terms of the divorce would also be determined by which state they get divorced in. So, is there a way for Justin to protect his royalties? “It is likely that his money is wrapped up in trusts and other investments that are difficult to touch,” Leon says. ”Celebrities and high net worth individuals don’t get divorced like regular people. Everything financial is worked out in a settlement, the court battles are usually left when it comes to issues with kids.”

“This isn’t your average guy,” Leon adds. “He’s had very smart and experienced people set up his assets in a way to minimize his exposure to risk from lawsuits, divorce, etc.”

Would Hailey be entitled to any spousal support if they were to split? Plus, what happens if they have a kid? “If they have a child and Hailey was to seek child support in New York, Justin would have to support the child based on a formula, this is the case for almost all the states,” Leon tells HollywoodLife.com. “New York applies a formula based on the Child Support Standards Act. Child support would require Justin to provide a basic level of support depending on the needs and lifestyle of the child along with additional funds for add-on expenses such as necessary childcare, educational, healthcare and extracurricular expenses.”

Justin, according to Leon, would likely just settle with Hailey to provide child support. “This is definitely not a case you will see in family court.” As for spousal support?

“If Hailey is the less-monied spouse she can seek spousal support. In New York, it is known as ‘maintenance’,” he adds. “If her earnings are in the six figures, she might not be eligible for maintenance. Much like child support, maintenance is determined by a formula. The purpose of maintenance is to help divorcing people get back on their feet financially, I don’t know what her finances look like but I also don’t see this issue being litigated in open court.”

New York State's Temporary Spousal Support has changed

Spousal maintenance or alimony as it is commonly known has had some loopholes for many years. Often times, as long as an ex was awarded alimony and never remarried and cannot afford to live as comfortably as when they were married, the support payments can continue almost indefinitely.

New York State Governor Cuomo has signed a bill into law that attempts to amend this often controversial system so that it may be more temporary and fair. The bill does so by setting up a formula for judges to follow when ruling on divorce cases, rather than giving them ability to rule at their discretion.

Bill A-7645 brings about several changes, primarily lowering income caps to $175,000 from $543,000. Additionally, the major changes appear in the area of "Duration of marriage" Spousal support will now only last an amount of time directly related to the length of the marriage. The shorter you and your ex-spouse were married, the shorter the duration of maintenance. For example, if your marriage lasted five years, you might only need to pay alimony for as little as nine months, depending on the situation. This frees people caught in the perpetual monthly cycle of providing money to someone they might be trying to otherwise forget about and move on.

Also the big change comes to "Enhanced earnings". To reduce the level of payment that must be made to ex-spouses, the bill also calls for the elimination of enhanced earning potential from marital property. This means that increases to your salary due to your advanced education or certifications is more likely to stay in your own pocket.

NEED HELP UNDERSTANDING THE NEW SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE RULES?

Spousal support is not a straightforward system, If you are going through a divorce and need help with spousal maintenance or any other aspect of the process, call (888) 501-3292 to speak with a New York City divorce attorney from Law Offices of Mindin & Mindin, P.C.