COVID-19

Best Practices for a COVID Divorce in New York

There is never a good time for a divorce but trying to divorce in the middle of a worldwide pandemic can present a variety of other challenges to this already difficult procedure. Indeed, a "COVID Divorce," as it has become known, creates numerous special considerations. If you need to get a divorce during this tumultuous time period, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, courts are delayed. Thanks to the months where courts could not be in session, there is a huge backlog. If you actually need to appear before a judge, this may mean that your divorce will take longer than usual to finalize as the court’s calendars are quite long and backlogged. So getting time before a judge may take longer. This delay may put additional pressure on you to work out some sort of resolution through mediation and ensure that any legal work necessary can occur via teleconference, and not in an actual courtroom.

There is also no doubt that COVID will have an impact on the final arrangements of your divorce. It may alter child custody, moving dates, and more. Keep in mind that there will also be a variety of ancillary impacts in areas that you may not have thought about. For example, if you are selling your home, depending upon where it is located you may be able to sell it faster and at a higher price if people are fleeing other areas to your area where your house it. However, if you are in an area where people are fleeing from given the impact that COVID has had on the housing market, you may find yourself reducing the price to get it sold. Another consideration is where and whether you will be able to purchase a new home or find a place to rent at an affordable price. In New York, there are areas where prices are still quite competitive while there are areas that are already beginning to see a recovery in its real estate market and the prices are rebounding.

Additionally, keep in mind that COVID is believed to be an instigator for divorces, as people are forced to spend more time together in stressful situations. This will likely also add to the legal backlog facing many courtrooms and could further delay your ability to get divorced as quickly as possible. It also may mean that you have to look harder to find an attorney who is experienced and available to assist when you need it, as many of them are busier than ever. This, of course, can create real challenges for you.

If you need a divorce, you need to make sure you have an experienced New Your Divorce Attorney in the business working to protect you. The Sabra Law Group is experienced at handling divorce and divorce mediation – even if it’s a COVID divorce. Visit our website or call us today at 646-472-7971 for a confidential consultation.

What Are the Financial Implications of Divorce During the Pandemic?

It should come as no surprise that divorce can radically change an individual's lifestyle. It not only has a huge impact on how one's personal life will unfold going forward, but it also has a major financial impact on both parties. In these uncertain times, though, divorce can make finances seem even more uncertain than ever before. In fact, the financial implications of divorce during the pandemic have made divorce a far more complex topic than it was even a year ago.

The money that individuals bring in plays a big role in the divorce process. An individual's income is used to determine what, if any, kind of support he or she might pay towards the other partner when the divorce is finalized. With so many people losing their jobs during the early stages of the outbreak and many others having drastically reduced income, those choosing to get divorced during this time may face even more challenges.

What's even more difficult to deal with is how this situation has impacted business owners. Business valuation can be tricky to determine at even the best of times, but the pandemic has driven down values in ways that few can predict. Even worse, the necessity of taking out loans from various government agencies has drastically altered what balance sheets look like, making it harder for courts to figure out what the real value of a business is when deciding on issues like splitting assets.

These are all high-level issues that don't even get to one of the most important financial issues, which is dealing with the uncertainty of the future for many. Some individuals are experiencing temporary financial lulls, while others might find that there is no financial normal to which they will be able to return. Asking the courts to make decisions about what one's future earnings will look like seems almost impossible when the individuals themselves cannot honestly say that they know what their earnings potential will look like in the short-term.

Determining the financial implications of divorce at this time is more difficult than ever, with the lights at the end of the tunnel still seeming dim. This does not mean that divorces have stopped, though, nor does it mean that the issues that lead to them have been made any easier. If you are dealing with any issues pertaining to divorce and need advice, make sure to contact the Sabra Law Group at 646-472-7971 to get the help that you deserve.

How to Handle Child Custody During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Co-parenting and child custody can already be challenging but when you couple that with the COVID-19 Pandemic, it takes stress and uncertainty to a whole other level.

So much has changed because of the pandemic. Most day-care facilities remain closed, forcing parents to quit their jobs or take on the additional responsibilities of having to parent and work from home with no outside assistance. Many schools are still doing homeschool for the safety of the children and educational staff. What many parents are realizing is that what previously worked or was put in place regarding child custody no longer makes sense. For many parents, it’s time to re-evaluate child custody and parenting and modify existing child custody orders/plans.

Questions About Child Custody During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Are you wondering if you still have to comply with the custody schedule and order that was in place prior to the pandemic? The short answer is “yes”, however; any deviations made must be based on the best interest of your children. Because the COVID-19 Pandemic has put many travel restrictions on the public as well as state to state quarantine restrictions, traveling out of state to see your child may not be feasible. Instead of seeing your child in person, you may have to modify the order to be able to have video chats instead or if you are able to travel, to have an extended duration with your child in an effort to minimize the back and forth.

Another valid concern that many parents are having is the worry of exposing their child to COVID-19 at the other parent’s home if that parent works in a setting that makes it easier to contract the virus. If you have genuine concerns about the safety of your child, then it is best to communicate that to your ex and figure out an alternative game plan. In all fairness though, do not use the pandemic as an excuse to keep your child from your ex.

Another option is to discuss a temporary agreement that revolves around the new nuisances that the COVID-19 Pandemic has brought upon. If you are able to discuss a temporary agreement and come to an agreement, then it is important to also put the stipulations in writing.

If you are not able to come to amicable terms on your own, then it may be time to consider getting a New York Divorce Mediation Attorney involved who can help you both come up with a temporary agreement that best meets the needs of your child or children. Even with the assistance of a mediation lawyer, it is essential to be flexible and accommodating with your ex-spouse when it comes to child custody.

Contact Sabra Law Group today at (646) 472-7971 for assistance with handling child custody during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

How to Handle Co-Parenting and Child Custody During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, parenting was a challenge for separated or divorced couples; now with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more difficult to navigate.

There are some guidelines that you can follow to alleviate the struggles of parenting during this unprecedented time.

Even though the majority of parents may find themselves in a situation where the child custody schedules were already determined, it helps to be more flexible during this time.

What it Means to Be More Flexible

The COVID-19 pandemic presents new situations and stressors that definitely have to be considered. There are now remote work situations, remote learning/school, and the fact that families have to struggle to juggle it all (without access to daycare). At a time like this, both parents need to be flexible when following the parenting plan/schedule as what worked in the past will no longer suffice.

Be Understanding of Financial Situations

Many families are facing financial challenges that come with losing their job or being laid off from work or even reduced hours. Even the inability to work because you now have to take care of your children can hinder the opportunity to make money. This is why it is so important to be empathetic and understanding of your spouse or ex-spouses’ situation. Do not use this time to be petty or make the other person frustrated. It is best to find a way to be more accommodating and flexible for the sake of your children.

Use This Time as a Learning Opportunity

Set a good example for your children by tactfully mastering the art of conflict resolution. In life, there will certainly be adversity and challenges; but what’s more important is teaching your kids how to handle roadblocks. Children always look up to their parents as role models, so remember to put your best foot forward even during the most stressful times.

Even if both parents are keen to cooperate with each other, there will always be unforeseen challenges to deal with. There is a lot of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, it is best to focus on what we can control.

Certain stressful situations will always arise, but we can control how we react to these situations. Children are quite sensitive and can feel the negative energy between parents, so it is best to keep calm when it’s time to handle conflict with your spouse/ex-spouse.

Contact Sabra Law Group today for a confidential consultation at (646) 472-7971.

Options for Sending Your Children Back to School in New York

Are your kids planning to go back to school in New York? If so, then you may have choices with regard to what format that education will take. Here's a closer look at the most likely options.

In-Person

A limited number of school districts are choosing to re-open schools with in-person attendance. This may seem risky, but it can be accomplished safely if mask wearing and social distancing are strictly observed.

It's also essential that kids be encouraged to wash their hands frequently or to use hand sanitizer when hand washing isn't possible. Children may be counseled to refrain from touching their faces to better protect themselves.

Virtual

Another option available to students in many school districts is familiar to parents from the last school year. Virtual learning takes place using any computer, and it can be quite effective. In fact, many students thrive through being able to take on a more self-paced approach to learning.

Without a doubt, this can be a stressful option for parents, particularly those who work from home. It requires commitment and patience to take a larger part in your child's education, but attending virtual school is among the safest options for protecting your family from the Coronavirus.

Hybrid

In a few school districts, students will be attending school both in person and virtually. The precise configuration will vary from one school to the next. Certain students may attend in-person on alternating days so that fewer students are in the classroom at once. Alternatively, some students may attend in-person in the morning while the other half of the class attends in the afternoon.

A hybrid approach is incredibly flexible, and although it does involve some exposure from in-person instruction, the smaller group sizes mean less overall risk.

Homeschool

Alternatively, some parents are opting to teach their children themselves in a homeschool environment. In this approach, parents take on the majority of the responsibility for educating their children. They may devise their own curriculum or use curricula that have been prepared by other homeschool educators or businesses that specialize in educational materials.

Like virtual learning, this approach is the safest in terms of exposure to COVID-19, but it does require a huge commitment from parents.

Going back to school in New York carries some risk this year, but if you're thinking of making other changes, like getting a divorce, then call the Sabra Law Group at 646-472-7971.

Why the COVID-19 Pandemic is Causing More Divorces and Breakups

All of the quarantining that started back in March has been causing married couples to be forced to spend more time together. While for some lucky couples, the extra time spent together can be a blessing and bring them closer together; the opposite is true for most married couples.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on all types of stress: financial stress, career stress, emotional stress and more. Furthermore, it has brought on additional stress for couples who have children. The pressure of having to home-school or having to stay home to now take care of the children that were once in daycare can take a toll on parents and families across America.

Pre-existing problems in marriages are now exasperated because couples are being forced into quarantine. Couples who were already unhappy with their spouse and in the process of distancing themselves from each other are now in a predicament; because they are being forced into the opposite by having to quarantine together.

There is no doubt that the pandemic has been stressful on everyone, however; those with pre-existing problems are noticing that their problems are only getting worse due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacting finances, jobs, health, and emotional well-being.

For some married couples, this will bring them to their breaking point, and even though they have tried so hard to make their marriage work in the past; now the frustration of it all may be too much to handle. Arguments and fights that were once minor or once in a while occurrences may become the everyday norm.

Many couples will be faced with making some tough decisions when it comes to their marriage. The most important factor to consider when it comes to divorce is what is best for your children and your well-being. The last thing children need to see during a pandemic is their parents arguing and fighting in front of them.

Some questions that can help provide more clarity on staying together or divorcing are:

Was your marriage already facing problems prior to the pandemic or did the problems start when the pandemic did?
Have the problems in your marriage gotten worse during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Is your marriage taking a toll on your mental health?
Is your spouse abusive or becoming abusive (mentally or physically)
Have you considered seeing a marriage counselor?
Are your differences something that can be worked out or is it beyond the point of no return?
Are you financially prepared for divorce? Do you have a plan for supporting yourself and your children?

Do You Have Questions About If Divorce is the Right Option for You During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

If you or someone you know is struggling with their marriage, consult a knowledgeable New York divorce attorney who can guide you in the right direction. Call Sabra Law Group today for a confidential consultation at (646) 472-7971.

If you are looking for parenting resources during the pandemic, download this free guide created by Sabra Law Group.

What You Should Know If You Are Considering Marriage During COVID-19

The arrival of the Coronavirus has meant that many of life's events are being cancelled, postponed or reimagined. That is certainly the case where weddings are concerned.

Plans for lavish nuptials with hundreds of guests are on hold. While some couples are hoping to carry through with their plans when social distancing is at an end, others are appling online to get a marriage license – and are getting married virtually in New York.

Which of the many available options is right for you? Only you and your partner can decide that, but if you give it some thought, you may begin to see the COVID-19 delay as something of a blessing in disguise.

That's because you now have an opportunity to go over all of your wedding plans again. You can make adjustments to that big ceremony that you'll be having as soon as you're able or you may have discovered that your heart's really not into having an over-the-top ceremony.

Even more critical than planning your wedding is planning your marriage. Accordingly, you might choose to reflect on marriage during COVID-19. This provides you and your partner with an opportunity to talk about whether or not you want kids, and when you might want to start a family. Another important topic might include your family's financial future. Will you be combining bank accounts or keeping everything separate?

As you are formulating plans for the future, it makes sense to ask your partner about whether or not it makes sense to have a prenuptial agreement. These agreements are not just for wealthy couples who each bring considerable assets to their union. Frequently, prenups are drawn up for ordinary couples who want to take a loving and proactive approach in the event that their marriage doesn't succeed.

Prenuptial agreements can cover a variety of topics, including ensuring that each of you remains responsible for the debt that you bring to the marriage or that you'll be able to keep your grandmother's Tiffany lamp no matter what. Considerations for children from previous relationships, retirement accounts and real estate also may be included so that every aspect of your financial and personal lives receives the attention that it deserves.

If you are considering marriage during COVID-19 and would like to have a prenup drafted, then contact the Sabra Law Group at (646) 472-7971.

5 Things You Can Do to Prepare for Divorce During COVID-19

New York has now been on quarantine for over 3 months and tensions between married couples are at an all-time high. Being quarantined for over 3 months is stressful in itself; but when you combine that with an irritating spouse, it can really make you re-evaluate if you want to get out of the marriage.

If you are contemplating divorce during COVID-19, however; aren’t quite ready to pull the plug, there are ways you can start preparing now so that when the time comes, you can turn it into a seamless and harmonious divorce. It is also critical to keep in mind that divorce doesn’t happen overnight. The more prepared you are in advance, the smoother the divorce process will go in the future.

5 Things You Can Start Doing Now to Prepare for Divorce During COVID-19

Keep track of and records of how your spouse behaves and treats you. This is especially important if your spouse is becoming mentally, physically or emotionally abusive. Document the date/time/occurrence and keep the document in a safe, private place so that if you needed to present it for any reasons related to your divorce, that you are able to do so quickly.
Start “spring cleaning and organizing”: if you foresee that you may want to move out or separate from your spouse, it will be easier to do if you have all of your personal belongings in order. Furthermore, it may be easier for you to locate any financial or important documents that you may need for divorcing when and if the time comes.
Don’t hesitate to consult a New York Divorce Attorney: you are under no obligation to get a divorce simply because you consult a divorce attorney, however, it may give you the clarity you need on important topics such as alimony, custody, and divorce proceedings.
Put aside a separate budget for your divorce: start setting aside some money now as you may need those funds to provide a retainer to start the divorce or divorce mediation process.
Put together a list of assets and finances: start gathering details about any real estate that you own jointly with your spouse as well as any other investments and any businesses that you have a stake in.

For more tips on how to best prepare for divorce during COVID-19, request a complimentary consultation with Sabra Law Group by calling (646) 472-7971 and get your jumpstart guide to avoiding the 3 costliest mistakes that people make in their divorce.

How to Determine If Divorce is the Right Option During COVID-19

At first, you were excited about Zoom happy hours and not having to always go to places and get to take a break from the hustle and bustle. Unfortunately, the reality is that by now, you are sick of Zoom happy hours and your spouse is driving you crazy.

Like many other New Yorkers under quarantine, you are contemplating divorce; however, it makes you wonder if the quarantine has driven you to divorce or if your marriage was already failing prior to COVID-19?

There are some questions you can ask yourself and evaluate to determine if divorce is the right option during COVID-19. Below is a list of questions to consider:

1. What are you really fighting/arguing about? You have to ask yourself if your quarantine quarrels are a result of underlying issues that were pre-existing or if it is just the stress of being on lockdown for months with no sight of getting back to a “normal” lifestyle. The pandemic can cause stress to even the healthiest relationships and marriages. The stress of suddenly having to both work from home, homeschool the children and worry about losing jobs and finances can definitely take a toll and cause emotions to rise.

2. Is it possible that once the pandemic goes away that your problems with your spouse will also subside? This is a difficult question to answer when there seems to be no end in sight, however; there are some ways to get more clarity on this. One way is to determine if you were having lots of quarrels and fights prior to COVID-19; or did it all start with the stress of the pandemic?

3. Is the pandemic bringing out the worst in your mate? Are you shocked and baffled by the way your mate is behaving? If you are noticing that the existing negative characteristics of your mate or being amplified during the pandemic; you may need to evaluate if this behavior will only get worse or will it go away once things start going back to normal. You will need to follow your instincts on this one because only you know how your mate was prior to the pandemic and the changes you have noticed as of recently.

4. Do you feel unsafe or threatened? If you now feel worried for your safety or that of your children, you do need to take this feeling seriously. If your spouse has or may have the tendency to become physically or emotionally abusive – it may be time to consider getting out of the marriage. Even though it is always scary to leave an abusive relationship, you have to remind yourself that the behavior may only get worse.
Seek professional help if you are feeling like you are in an unsafe situation.

The most important element about determining if divorce is the right option during COVID-19 is to determine if the issues/problems you are having in your marriage are more permanent or temporary issues caused by a stressful environment.

If you need to get more information about divorcing during COVID-19, contact Sabra Law Group for a complimentary consultation at (646) 472-7971 or to find out how to avoid the top 3 costliest mistakes that smart people make in divorce.

Things to Consider Before Rushing Into a New York Remote Marriage Ceremony

On April 19, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the issuance of an executive order that allows marriage services to be conducted by clerks via video conference.

That's good news for couples who are anxious to begin their new life together, despite the pandemic. However, it does not necessarily follow that it's wise to jump into getting married remotely in New York.

It's still smart to think about all of the ways that marriage may change your lives. For instance, consider both of your career goals. Will your job or your future spouse's job someday force you to move to another city or another state? If so, is that a move that the other partner is willing to make?

For many couples, it similarly is critical to know and understand each other's finances. That means disclosing things like how much credit card and student loan debt each of you has. Moreover, you'll want to share any financial obligations that you have to a former spouse or a child from a previous relationship.

Talking about assets is just as important. To guide your financial conversation, consider entering into a prenuptial agreement before getting married remotely in New York.

Prenups may be short, simple, and straightforward or longer and more complex depending upon the couple's wishes and their financial situation. With a prenuptial agreement, it's possible to define that each partner will keep the debt that came into the relationship with them and that certain family heirlooms will remain the property of the spouse who brought it to the marriage. It's even possible to discuss potential spousal support terms.

Too many couples get married without knowing much about each other's finances. Having a prenuptial agreement drafted ensures that you're both aware of each other's financial standing. It also leads to helpful discussions regarding how you both approach money matters.

It may not seem romantic to pause to discuss a prenuptial agreement before getting married, but it nonetheless makes good sense. That is especially true during a time that is distinctly unsettled and unfamiliar. Most people's day-to-day lives look nothing like they usually do, and this can lead to decisions that one day may be regretted.

Recently, we drafted and negotiated the terms of a prenuptial agreement for a client who was initially planned to get married this summer – but his marriage was expedited shortly after Governor Cuomo’s announcement when his wife submitted for the opportunity to get married via video conference – and on television! So while a prenuptial agreement typically gets prepared and negotiated within 6-8 weeks, here we didn’t have the luxury of time and we got it done within 48 hours – even coordinating remote notarization of the agreement.

If you are considering getting married remotely in New York, then contact the Sabra Law Group at 646-472-7971. Having a prenup drafted by the Sabra Law Group is the common sense approach to getting married in these unprecedented times. Call or click here to schedule a time to speak with someone in our office.

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