This office can assist you with your matrimonial and family law issues whether you are in a same sex or opposite sex relationship. As a mediator, Darren’s role is to work with couples to iron out an agreement that is agreeable and going to work for both sides. If Darren M. Shapiro, Esq. is your attorney, he can advise you about the statutes and case laws and how they apply to same sex couples. Darren is sensitive to the certain nuances that might come into play when dealing with the application of family law to same sex couples. A female spouse of a woman that gives birth in New York would be presumed to be the parent of the newborn, which is not automatically the same to a male spouse of the biological father. The fact that a child born to a married woman is presumed to be the child of the spouse married woman, however, would not preclude a paternity case from someone claiming to be the father of the child. Adoptions are one way to clarify parental rights over a child and to help ensure the recognition by other places that do not have marriage equality laws. Darren can arm you with the information you need to make informed decisions. He will effectively guide or represent you to deal with your matrimonial and family law issues.
This office believes in applying the law that same sex married couples deserve all the same rights that opposite sex couples enjoy. Equal protection to same sex couples is the law and Mr. Shapiro will stand up to ensure your rights are protected. The law applies in New York whether a couple is married here or somewhere else that recognizes same sex marriage. As with opposite sex couples, there are residency requirements to be able to proceed with a matrimonial proceeding in New York, regardless of whether a couple was married in state or out of state.
Mediation, Collaborative law, settlement negotiations, and litigation are the different processes available for everyone to enter into binding legal agreements regarding their marriage, children, and family law issues. Darren is a trained mediator, collaborative law attorney and litigator that tries hard to gauge when it is appropriate to talk settlement or to take a more aggressive stance. Regardless if you choose one of the alternatives to litigation like mediation or collaborative law or the more traditional litigation approach, this office can help. There are options and different processes available to resolve your family law and matrimonial matters. Let us help you pick the approach that is best for you to tackle your issues.
Pre-nuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, separation agreements, maintenance (formerly called alimony), child custody, child support, equitable distribution of marital assets and debt, the necessity of any orders of protection, and divorce grounds are all areas that need to be discussed when dissolving a same sex relationship. Darren M. Shapiro, Esq. has experience handling all of these topics. He is easy to speak with and makes himself available which is helpful in strategizing for each person’s individual situation. Darren has handled many cases in Suffolk and Nassau County Long Island, Queens, New York City and the surrounding areas over the years.
Here, at the Law and Mediation Office, we want to help you move on with your life, in a comfortable way, as soon as practicably possible. We know that it is important for people to resolve their family law issues quickly, if possible. Darren does not mind taking whatever time is needed to speak with his mediating couples and clients, however, as some cases require extra attention and cannot be resolved overnight. He is a patient listener that will dedicate the time to get you through this situation. Mr. Shapiro is ever mindful that your time is important while working through your case. Here, we try to keep our prices reasonable while providing effective representation.
In litigation, at times, a settlement can be negotiated early on in the case. In other situations, a settlement can often be reached after some litigation. Mr. Shapiro, is an experienced trial lawyer that can and will, if required, zealously handle your case through a trial. During a collaborative law case, everyone will be trying to work together to form a binding agreement, but you will receive legal advice from Darren, if he is your lawyer, through the entire process. Please click around the website and blog for more information about collaborative law, divorce mediation, and all areas of practice.
Same sex couples finally are receiving recognition under the law here in New York. There are subtle, and not so subtle differences from opposite sex couples when there are legal issues with the relationship. Call to speak or meet with an experienced professional. Mediating couples are invited to take advantage of a half hour no fee consultation together. Individuals that want the representation of an attorney are offered free initial consultations. Please call to discuss your situation. It would be our pleasure to speak with you about it.