What Is the Difference Between Divorce and Legal Separation?
By: Thomas Hartin
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February 13, 2026
What is the difference between divorce and legal separation? The main difference is that divorce ends your marriage completely, while legal separation lets you` stay legally married while living apart. Many married couples face confusion when their marriage hits a rough patch. About 10% of married couples in the United States are currently separated. New […]
Does Child Support Count as Income?
By: Thomas Hartin
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February 13, 2026
No, child support does not count as income for federal tax purposes. Many parents feel confused about how child support payments affect their taxes and overall financial picture. The IRS treats child support differently from wages, alimony payments, or other forms of taxable income. Understanding these tax laws helps you plan your finances during and […]
What Does Child Support Cover?
By: Thomas Hartin
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February 13, 2026
What does child support cover? Child support payments cover the basic needs of a minor child. These needs include housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and education expenses. The answer depends on your state's child support guidelines and your specific court order. In New York, courts follow the Child Support Standards Act when calculating child support obligations. […]
How Far Behind in Child Support Before a Warrant Is Issued?
By: Thomas Hartin
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February 13, 2026
A warrant for unpaid child support can be issued when you owe several months of past due payments or a specific dollar amount, though the exact threshold varies by state. Falling behind on child support creates stress for many parents. The fear of legal consequences can feel overwhelming. Enforcement actions range from wage garnishment to […]
What Happens If Child Support Is Not Paid? Enforcement and Penalties
By: Thomas Hartin
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January 28, 2026
What Happens If Child Support Is Not Paid? Enforcement and Penalties Many parents worry about what happens if child support is not paid and what enforcement and penalties may follow. Child support is a court-ordered obligation, and failure to pay can lead to serious legal consequences. Hartin Family Law helps parents understand how child support […]
What Happens to the House in a Divorce?
By: Thomas Hartin
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January 27, 2026
What Happens to the House in a Divorce? Divorce often raises one major question: what happens to the house in a divorce, especially when the family home holds emotional and financial value for both spouses. The house is not just real estate, but a place tied to marriage, children, and daily life. Hartin Family Law […]
Relocation and Child Custody: Can a Parent Move Out of State?
By: Thomas Hartin
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January 27, 2026
Relocation and Child Custody: Can a Parent Move Out of State? Relocation and child custody can be very stressful when a parent wants to move out of state and worries about how it may affect their child’s life. These situations often raise questions about parental rights, custody orders, and how courts protect a child’s stability. […]
How Long Does a Divorce Take?
By: Thomas Hartin
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January 27, 2026
How Long Does a Divorce Take? Many people ask how long does a divorce take when a marriage is ending and emotions are already high. The answer depends on several factors like whether spouses agree, what issues are disputed, and how busy the court system is. Hartin Family Law helps people understand the divorce process, […]
Legal Separation vs Divorce
By: Thomas Hartin
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December 10, 2025
When a married couple begins thinking about living apart, it is normal to wonder about legal separation vs divorce and how each one affects daily life. These choices can feel overwhelming because the court process can change a person’s marital status, finances, parenting time, and long-term plans. It helps to understand the difference between the […]
Annulment vs Divorce
By: Thomas Hartin
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December 10, 2025
Many people feel unsure about the difference between annulment vs divorce, especially when emotions run high and the future feels unclear. Both options change your marital status, but they do so in very different ways under New York state laws. Each choice also carries important legal ramifications, so understanding the legal process is very important […]
