Blog | Legal Insights | The Law Office of Heidi A. Gifford

A person in a business suit separating two halves of a house-shaped wooden puzzle with a hand gesture. The left side features icons of a family and money, while the right side shows a dog and a car, symbolizing asset division during a divorce.

What Happens to Real Estate in a New York Divorce?

In New York, real estate acquired during a marriage is usually marital property and is divided under equitable distribution, which means a fair split based on the facts, not an… Read More »What Happens to Real Estate in a New York Divorce?

An office setting shows a tense meeting between three people, likely a woman and two men, possibly representing a divorce mediation or legal consultation. The woman sits in the center, looking away with a dismissive gesture, her hands raised as if to stop the conversation. To her left, a man in a dark suit leans back with a frustrated expression, pointing a finger toward her. In the foreground, the back of another man's head and shoulders are visible as he observes the confrontation across a white table.

What Happens to Your Business During Divorce?

A business can be one of the hardest assets to sort out in a divorce. It may involve income, debt, equipment, client lists, payroll, family labor, and years of growth.… Read More »What Happens to Your Business During Divorce?

An extreme close-up shows a man sitting on a couch and removing a silver wedding band from his ring finger. In the blurred background, a woman sits on the same couch with her arms crossed, looking away from him.

Prenuptial Agreements and Divorce Outcomes in New York

A prenuptial agreement can shape many parts of a divorce. It may set rules for property, debt, support, and business interests before a conflict starts. It can also raise questions… Read More »Prenuptial Agreements and Divorce Outcomes in New York

A smiling young girl with long brown hair hugs an older woman with short white hair from behind as they sit at a wooden table in a bright, modern room. In the foreground, a glass of orange juice and a pair of black eyeglasses rest on the table.

Grandparent Custody Rights and What Families Should Know

Custody disputes can feel painful for grandparents who love a child and want steady contact. Courts usually place parents first, but grandparents may still have legal options. The path depends… Read More »Grandparent Custody Rights and What Families Should Know

An eye-level, medium shot shows a man and a woman's hands on a wooden desk. They are on opposite sides of a white paper. Both of their hands are clenched together in front of them. The man's hands are on the left and the woman's hands are on the right. In the center of the paper is a blue and silver pen and two gold wedding rings. The background is a plain white wall. The lighting is bright and even.

When Courts Still Change a Final Divorce Order

A divorce decree may look final, yet life can shift after the court signs it. A job loss, a move, or a change in a child’s needs can prompt one… Read More »When Courts Still Change a Final Divorce Order

A woman with dark, curly hair, wearing a black and white plaid shirt, sits at a table with her chin resting on her hands, looking pensive or bored. In front of her are a laptop, a calculator, papers, and a mug, suggesting she is dealing with finances or work at home.

Divorce Taxes That Can Surprise You

Divorce can affect your taxes in unexpected ways. Filing status, support payments, and how you divide assets can change everything. You might file as single or head of household, which… Read More »Divorce Taxes That Can Surprise You

A man in a camouflage military uniform and a woman in a light blue sweater and jeans sit side-by-side on a teal sofa. Both have their arms crossed and are looking away from each other, suggesting a sense of conflict, distance, or tension between them.

Military Divorces and the Rules You Need to Know

Divorce can be complicated, but when one or both parties serve in the military, it adds a unique set of rules. From division of assets to child custody, military divorce… Read More »Military Divorces and the Rules You Need to Know

A mother holding a young child, in silhouette, looking out an airport window at a plane taking off on a cloudy day.

Understanding Jurisdiction in International Divorce Cases

When facing an international divorce, understanding which jurisdiction applies can be overwhelming. The rules governing international divorces vary significantly between countries. Jurisdiction dictates where your divorce case will be heard… Read More »Understanding Jurisdiction in International Divorce Cases

What Happens When Domestic Violence Becomes Part of Your Divorce?

When a marriage ends because of abuse, it changes everything about how your divorce unfolds. The safety of everyone involved becomes the court’s top concern, and that protection extends far… Read More »What Happens When Domestic Violence Becomes Part of Your Divorce?

Two gold wedding rings resting on a document titled "Decree of Divorce".

Key Challenges in High Net Worth Divorces

Divorce can be complex, but high net worth divorces bring their own set of unique challenges. When large assets are involved, the situation becomes more intricate. This includes managing finances,… Read More »Key Challenges in High Net Worth Divorces