Author Archives: Maurice J. Verrillo
New York Small Estate Administration: How it Works
Probate, a court process for settling decedents’ estates, can be expensive and time consuming. If an estate is small, the cost of a traditional probate might consume most of the assets, leaving little for the heirs. That is why New York law permits some smaller estates to go through a faster, less expensive process called […]
Are Children’s Preferences Considered in Custody and Visitation Cases?
In a divorce or separation, it can be difficult to formulate child custody and visitation arrangements that work for everyone in the family. Each parent has their own opinions about what the schedule should be. When the parents can’t agree, a judge must weigh numerous factors to decide on the right arrangement. Since every family […]
How Can You Get Your Criminal Records Sealed in New York?
A criminal conviction can follow you long after you’ve completed your sentence. The conviction appears on your criminal record, which can hinder your ability to get a job, pursue education or find a place to live. Fortunately, in recent years, New York has expanded the availability of record sealing, allowing more people to keep their […]
Strategies for Contesting Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence refers to emotional, physical, psychological or economic abuse between family members, those sharing a home or people in intimate relationships. There is no specific crime called domestic violence under New York law. Rather, these types of conduct are prosecuted as other crimes — such as assault, menacing, stalking or strangulation — and are […]
Defenses in New York Drug Possession Cases
The crime of drug possession means that a person willfully holds or has physical control of an illegal substance, such as methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine or unlawfully obtained prescription drugs. Depending on the type of drug and the quantity involved, possession charges can lead to serious criminal penalties including fines and prison time. Although being caught […]
Key Ways to Help Your Lawyer With Your Accident Lawsuit
If you were injured in an accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to be fully compensated for your losses. Such litigation is complex and requires retaining an experienced attorney. However, your involvement in the case doesn’t end there. There are things you should do […]
Living Wills and Other Advance Directives Help You Plan for Emergencies
Estate planning is not just about how you want your property handled following your death. It can also be a vital part of ensuring your health and economic well-being later in life. This includes planning for emergency situations in which you may be unable to make decisions for managing your healthcare and financial affairs. By […]
What Happens to the Family Home in a Divorce?
One of the most difficult issues that comes up during a divorce is what to do with the family home. More than just another asset to be divvied up, the home is the place where the family gathered for evening meals, where holidays were shared and where children grew up. In addition to holding this […]
How to Prove Another Driver’s Distraction Caused Your Accident
If you were hurt in an auto accident that you think may have happened because the other driver was distracted, there’s a good chance you’re right. Distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents in the nation. If you suffer serious injuries beyond what your no-fault insurance will cover, you’ll need to prove […]
Relocating With the Children After Divorce
After a divorce, the parent with primary custody of the children may have a need to relocate to another area for work, family or other reasons. Whether a court will grant a custodial parent’s request to move depends on what is deemed to be in the children’s best interests. One consideration for a court deciding […]
