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Tips for Dispute Resolution & Navigating a Collaborative Divorce

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:15:20 GMT

Tips for Dispute Resolution & Navigating a Collaborative Divorce

Divorce can be one of the most emotionally and financially challenging experiences a person faces. However, not every divorce needs to become a contentious courtroom battle. With the right approach—and guidance from an experienced divorce lawyer—many couples can resolve disputes more efficiently through collaborative methods that prioritize communication, respect, and mutual agreement.

Below are practical tips to help you navigate dispute resolution and make the most of a collaborative divorce process.

Understanding Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorce is a structured, out-of-court process where both spouses work together—with their respective attorneys—to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Instead of litigating, the parties commit to resolving issues through negotiation and cooperation.

This approach often includes a team of professionals, such as financial advisors or mental health specialists, to help address complex issues like asset division and parenting arrangements.

The goal is simple: reduce conflict while maintaining control over the outcome.

Why Choose Collaborative Divorce?

Many couples are turning to collaborative divorce and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods because they offer several key advantages:

Less Adversarial: Focuses on cooperation rather than conflict
Greater Control: Couples—not a judge—make the final decisions
Privacy: Keeps personal matters out of the public courtroom
Efficiency: Often faster and more cost-effective than litigation

These methods emphasize communication and negotiated solutions instead of court-imposed outcomes.

Key Tips for Effective Dispute Resolution

1. Prioritize Open Communication

Clear, respectful communication is the foundation of any successful dispute resolution process. Being willing to listen and engage in constructive dialogue can significantly reduce tension and help both parties move forward.

2. Work with the Right Divorce Lawyer

Even in a collaborative setting, having a knowledgeable divorce lawyer is essential. Each spouse typically has their own attorney to provide legal guidance and ensure their interests are protected throughout negotiations.

An experienced attorney can:

Help you understand your rights and obligations
Provide strategic advice during negotiations
Draft legally sound agreements

3. Stay Focused on Long-Term Goals

It’s easy to get caught up in short-term disagreements, but successful dispute resolution requires focusing on long-term outcomes—especially when children are involved.

Ask yourself:

What arrangement is best for my family moving forward?
How can we minimize future conflict?

Keeping these priorities in mind can help guide more productive discussions.

4. Be Willing to Compromise

Collaborative divorce is not about “winning.” It’s about reaching a fair and workable agreement for both parties. Flexibility and a willingness to compromise are essential for success.

5. Use Neutral Professionals When Needed

Complex issues such as financial planning, property division, or child custody can benefit from neutral experts. These professionals provide objective insight and help both parties make informed decisions.

6. Commit to the Process

One defining feature of collaborative divorce is that both parties agree to resolve their issues without going to court. This shared commitment encourages everyone involved to stay focused on reaching a resolution.

7. Know When Alternative Methods Are Appropriate

While collaborative divorce works well for many couples, it may not be suitable in every situation—particularly where there is significant conflict or imbalance of power.

Consulting with a divorce lawyer can help you determine whether collaborative divorce, mediation, or litigation is the best path forward based on your unique circumstances.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Navigating a divorce doesn’t have to mean entering a prolonged legal battle. With the right mindset, professional guidance, and a commitment to cooperation, collaborative divorce can provide a more respectful and efficient path forward.

If you’re considering divorce and want to explore your options, Lauren B. Abramson, Esq. is here to help. Contact our office in Westchester County, NY today to speak with a trusted divorce lawyer and take the first step toward a smoother, more collaborative resolution.

When Should You Hire a Divorce Mediation Attorney?

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:48:05 GMT

When Should You Hire a Divorce Mediation Attorney?

Divorce is rarely easy. Even when both spouses agree that separating is the right step, the legal, financial, and emotional complexities can quickly become overwhelming. Many people assume that hiring a traditional divorce lawyer automatically means preparing for a courtroom battle, but that isn’t always the easiest or most cost-effective path.

In many cases, working with a divorce mediation attorney can help couples resolve their differences more efficiently, privately, and amicably. The key question is: when is the right time to hire one?

What is a Divorce Mediation Attorney?

A divorce mediation attorney is a trained legal professional who helps divorcing spouses negotiate and resolve issues outside of court. Rather than taking sides, the attorney acts as a neutral facilitator, guiding discussions around critical matters such as:

Division of marital property and debts
Child custody and parenting plans
Child support and spousal maintenance
Separation agreements and divorce terms

Unlike a traditional divorce lawyer, who advocates for one party’s interests against the other, a divorce mediation attorney focuses on collaboration and mutually acceptable solutions.

When is Divorce Mediation an Appropriate Choice?

1. When Both Spouses Are Willing to Communicate

If you and your spouse can have respectful conversations, including difficult ones, mediation may be an excellent option. A divorce mediation attorney helps keep discussions productive and legally grounded, preventing emotions from derailing the process. You don’t have to agree on everything from the start. Mediation is especially helpful when both parties are open to compromise but need guidance to reach fair outcomes.

2. When You Want to Avoid a Lengthy Court Battle

Litigated divorces handled by a traditional divorce lawyer can take months or years to resolve. Court schedules, motions, and hearings often create delays and added stress. A divorce mediation attorney helps streamline the process. Because mediation takes place outside of court, sessions can be scheduled at your convenience, often leading to faster resolutions and lower overall costs.

3. When Privacy Is a Priority

Court proceedings are a matter of public record. For many families, especially professionals or business owners, privacy is a major concern. Divorce mediation is confidential. Working with a divorce mediation attorney allows you to resolve sensitive financial and personal matters discreetly, without airing details in open court.

4. When Children Are Involved

Divorce can be especially challenging for children. Mediation encourages cooperation and problem-solving, which can help parents establish healthier co-parenting relationships moving forward. A divorce mediation attorney helps parents craft customized parenting plans that focus on the best interests of the children, rather than leaving these deeply personal decisions up to a judge who doesn’t know your family.

5. When You Want More Control Over the Outcome

In litigation, a judge has the final say. In mediation, you do. A divorce mediation attorney empowers both spouses to make informed decisions together, rather than risking outcomes imposed by the court. This flexibility often leads to more practical, sustainable agreements, especially when compared to the rigid structure of courtroom rulings pursued by a divorce lawyer.

Contact Our Trusted Divorce Mediation Attorney to Learn More

If you’re considering divorce and want a more respectful, efficient path forward, professional guidance can make all the difference. The attorneys of Lauren B. Abramson, Esq. provide experienced, compassionate support for individuals and families throughout Westchester County, NY . Whether you’re exploring mediation or need advice on whether to work with a divorce mediation attorney or a divorce lawyer, contact us to schedule a consultation to further discuss your legal needs.

How to Prepare for a Child Custody Hearing

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 18:58:13 GMT

Child custody cases can get messy, especially if you do not come prepared with necessary documents and a child custody lawyer. Here are some things you should do to prepare for a child custody hearing.

Get a family lawyer - One of the most important steps that you should not skip before having a child custody hearing is hiring a competent family lawyer. A family lawyer specializing in child custody cases can walk you through the process before you go to court. A family lawyer can also help you understand the legal side of your case and assist you in navigating the court system. Additionally, your family lawyer will be able to provide you with advice on what to do and what not to do while you are fighting for custody.

Keep documentation of your child’s best interests - You should gather any legal documents that can prove that the child is better off living with you such as school records, medical records, and any communication that happened between you and the other parent to help support your case. A family lawyer will be able to help you decide which documents would be best to show your child is better off in your care. The judge will be looking for documents and conversations that support your claim that you have been the primary caregiver for your child.

Maintain a safe and stable home environment for your child - The court wants to know and see that your home is safe, stable, and free of anything that could be harmful to your child. It is common for you to be asked about a typical day for your child and how well you can support their physical and emotional needs.

Keep your relationship with the co-parent amicable - A common piece of advice that a family lawyer will give is to keep the relationship with your child’s co-parent amicable. No matter what they say to you, it is important to stay calm and respond in a diplomatic way.

Let Our Child Custody Lawyer Assist You

Contact Lauren B. Abramson, Esq if you are looking to meet with a family lawyer in Westchester County, NY . She can schedule an appointment with you to see if she will be a good fit for your child custody case.

Benefits of a Collaborative Divorce

Tue, 23 May 2023 02:00:22 GMT

Benefits of a Collaborative Divorce

A collaborative divorce is a diplomatic approach to the divorce process. It’s a process in which the separating couple decides to discuss and finalize their divorce outside of the courtroom. Here are some benefits of collaborative divorce:

Avoid court battles - Collaborative divorce allows a former couple to have a safe, calm setting to finalize things about their divorce. Court battles are typically the exact opposite of a safe environment. Skip the stress of fighting and neutralize the setting by opting for the collaborative divorce process.

Both parties can still get a lawyer - Not going to court doesn’t necessarily mean no lawyers. It’s a good idea for both parties to get lawyers if you are both unsure of how to split your assets and custody of children if you have them. It’s never a bad idea to get professionals involved to help both parties navigate the collaborative divorce process.

Children won’t be as affected - Having a few different visits to court to argue about assets and child custody agreements will be more detrimental to a child’s mental health than the collaborative divorce process. If possible, try to settle your differences with your ex-partner through collaborative divorce instead of court.

Save time & money - Getting the court involved in the divorce process will take longer than the collaborative divorce process. However, time is not the only thing you’ll save. You will undoubtedly save money as well.

Contact a Knowledgeable Divorce Attorney to Learn More

Contact L auren B. Abramson, Esq for more information on the collaborative divorce process. We want to help ex-couples peacefully end their marriage in the Westchester County, NY area.

What Can A Prenuptial Agreement Cover?

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 03:00:13 GMT

Have you thought about hiring a prenuptial agreement attorney? It may be helpful to know what can be covered by a prenuptial agreement . Similar to a relationship itself, a prenuptial agreement is not “one size fits all.” A “prenup” can cover a vast array of different things. There are many issues that should be considered in a prenuptial agreement.

Finances

This is important in a relationship. As you and your partner prepare for marriage, you will need to discuss your financial information if you are pursuing a prenup. The information disclosed will include debts, assets, and anything else pertaining to one’s financial position.

Assets Acquired During Marriage

Property or assets acquired during the duration of a marriage are typically referred to as marital property. These are subject to equitable distribution in the event of a divorce.

Assets Acquired Before Marriage

Any assets or property brought into the marriage are considered to be separate property and would remain that party’s property even in the event of a divorce. However, certain actions during marriage can turn separate property into marital property. A prenup can outline specific stipulations and rules surrounding marital or separate property.

Social Media

More often, couples are including terms as to what may or may not be posted on social media about them. This is in order to protect both parties from the dissemination of any private information. Often consent is required before anything may be posted online.

Maintenance

Maintenance, or alimony, occurs when one party is required to financially support the other in the event of a divorce. Many couples choose not to include this in their prenuptial agreements. An attorney can discuss what goes into waiving this right.

Reach Out to Speak with a Prenuptial Agreement Attorney

If you are seeking a prenuptial agreement attorney in the Westchester County, NY area, rely on Lauren B. Abramson, Esq. Our team has many years of experience and we are read y to help you. Contact La uren B. Abramson, Esq today to learn more about how we can help when you need a prenuptial agreement attorney. Lauren B. Abramson, Esq has been practicing law since 1987.

How COVID-19 Is Affecting Custody Battles & Visitation

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 19:18:40 GMT

How Does Social Distancing Apply?

Tips from Our Child Custody Attorney

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has changed our everyday lives here in the United States and across the globe, we've received many questions about child custody schedules and visitation rights. Most of the time, the parent is simply concerned about spreading the virus, and is not acting out of any malice or ill will toward the other parent. While most "stay at home" orders incorporate child custody and visitation, the answer is not always straightforward.

Let's say a child is in the custody of a parent who begins to show symptoms of COVID-19. It would not be in anyone's interest to potentially spread the virus by having the child live with the other parent. Similarly, if one parent has an underlying condition that makes him or her more susceptible to the virus, any custody arrangement may have to be modified temporarily to prevent its spread.

Of course, these answers assume that both parents and the child have no problems with changing the custody and/or visitation schedule. We all know this isn't always the case. Please keep in mind that nearly everyone is making sacrifices during this time. If the situation becomes tenuous, be sure to keep track of all time missed using a journal or other method. Also make sure to note any reasons given for the missed time. If you feel that the child's other parent has not given you a sufficient reason, you may let him or her know, but do so respectfully and clearly in writing. Try to work with the other parent on some form of compensatory time. This way, once things return to normal, he or she will be able to make up for lost time with the child.

Finally, please keep in mind that the courts are not open as they normally are during this time. While motions may be filed, no hearings will be held except in very limited circumstances. Therefore, you should not expect to gain relief from the courts right now. While we understand this may not be the answer some of our clients wanted to hear, we must advise that you try and work together during this difficult time, and place the child's interests above all else.

Please feel free to contact the offices of Lauren B. Abramson, Esq., a family lawyer and mediator serving Westchester County, NY if you have any additional questions.

Check out the article linked below as well to learn more about custody determinations:

Op-Ed from Judge Jeffrey Sunshine: Custody and Visitation During the Current Pandemic

The Heart of the Matter? Try the Hard Drive

lemaster@digitalproductsuite.com — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 09:02:35 GMT

Social media searches often provide electronic evidence in divorce cases — but make sure not to overlook the hard drive.

While Internet infidelity leaves its footprints in chat rooms and email, information essential to your divorce matter could also reside on a home or business computer.

New York follows a rule of equitable distribution . This means a court splits the assets and property of your marital estate fairly — not necessarily equally — by dividing wealth based on documents and evidence offered by both parties.

In many cases, one party deletes or revises important financial information stored on a computer. What can you do?

Forensic computer examination is essential to ensure the details of a marital estate are clear. During a divorce, consider requesting the cloning and/or imaging of hard drives from devices including:

Computers and laptops
Personal digital assistants
Cell phones and digital cameras

Even if business and personal information is deleted or revised, a forensic expert can usually restore data and offer testimony on the intended deception. Basic material reviewed during an investigation includes:

Saved and named files
Deleted and revised files
Temporary files
File slack that may contain unintentionally saved information

Courts take a dim view of parties who conceal assets and destroy evidence during a divorce matter .

Inside or outside of your computer, electronic data can influence custody, alimony or property division. As previously discussed in an earlier blog post, social media searches can locate unwitting — and potentially damning — comments that can be used in court. Thorough forensic investigation of a hard drive could also reveal useful financial or personal information.

Our Divorce Lawyer is Here to Help

When you need to get to the heart of the matter about the use of electronic evidence during divorce in New York, speak with an experienced family law attorney in White Plains. Call today .

The Importance of Establishing Paternity

lemaster@digitalproductsuite.com — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 09:01:45 GMT

Get in Touch with a Dedicated Family Lawyer

Paternity is the legal term for determining the father of a child. In New York, when parents are married at the time a child is born, the husband is presumed to be the father. Parents can also establish paternity through a voluntary, signed acknowledgement, or, when there is disagreement, through a court order.

Whether the parents agree or disagree on who the father is, establishing paternity is important for both parents and children. For children, paternity has a significant emotional benefit in that it gives them a sense of identity and the reassurance that both parents care about them. This also gives children valuable insight into their family medical history. In addition, paternity provides the child with financial support by both parents:

Child support
Social Security benefits
Veterans’ benefits
Medical and insurance coverage
Inheritance

Mothers and fathers also benefit from establishing paternity. For mothers, paternity means you can share responsibility for your child, including care of the child and financial support, insurance benefits, medical coverage and other benefits. If a father disagrees, paternity may be the only way to obtain a child support order and enforce it. Mothers also benefit from knowing the father’s medical history when treating young children.

There are many reasons for fathers to seek a paternity establishment. Without a determination of paternity, a father may have no right to custody of his children, including parenting time and decision-making rights in the upbringing of his children. Paternity also gives a father the right to be informed about adoption proceedings, as well as other legal proceedings. For example, if the mother wishes to give up the child, the child has been removed from her care, or if the mother has remarried and her new spouse wishes to adopt the child, a paternity order may be useful for the father. Without paternity, a father’s rights to his child could be cut off by the new husband.

Paternity establishment may be as simple as seeking genetic testing and a court order or as complicated as proving the husband at the time of birth is not the real father. An experienced New York family law attorney can assist parents and children through all types of paternity issues and related matters.

Study Suggests Divorce is Contagious

Fri, 04 Aug 2017 09:00:55 GMT

The flu isn’t the only thing families should watch out for this season. According to a new study from Brown University, divorce may also be contagious.

Research by Brown University political science professor Rose McDermott, and colleagues from Harvard University and the University of California, San Diego, shows that divorce spreads through social networks like a disease. According to researchers, this “social contagion” occurs when divorcing couples spread information, attitudes and behaviors through their social network, including coworkers, friends and family members.

Data collected from 12,000 people over three decades revealed a startling trend:

The divorce of a close friend increases your likelihood of divorce by 75 percent
A coworker’s divorce increases your likelihood of divorce by 55 percent
The divorce of a friend of a friend increases your likelihood of divorce by 33 percent
A divorced sibling increases your chances of divorce by 22 percent

Physical proximity matters less than emotional or psychological closeness and, while the “divorce disease” spreads even to friends of friends, thankfully that’s where it ends. This means a divorce three degrees removed from you — your friend’s friend’s friend — should not have any effect on your likelihood of divorce.

Psychotherapist Talia Filippelli has a different take on the divorce study . According to Filippelli, divorce itself is not contagious, but emotions often are. For example, if you are frequently around someone in an unhappy relationship, you can become more critical of your own relationship, increasing the probability of divorce. Filipelli suggests avoiding associating your own relationship with that of your friends, while McDermott believes you can avoid the divorce contagion by providing support for the marriages of your friends.

Our Family Lawyer is On Your Side

If you are contemplating divorce , or want to avoid it by enumerating each spouse’s rights and responsibilities in the marriage ahead of time, an experienced family law attorney in Westchester and Putnam counties can help . Call today .

Collecting Overdue Child Support

lemaster@digitalproductsuite.com — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 08:58:29 GMT

Child support can be an essential part of a divorce or custody arrangement, but sometimes obtaining the initial order for support is only half the battle. Even after a support order is issued, many parents fail to pay, miss payments or stop paying over time. Child support enforcement is key to ensuring your children benefit from the standard of living of both parents and have the financial support to pay for daily needs such as food and clothes, school, medical care and other costs.

In many situations, parents can enforce child support orders through administrative procedures without going to court. In an administrative proceeding, notice is sent to the parent who owes support explaining when payments are due and how to comply or challenge the enforcement action. In New York, child support enforcement services are provided by local Child Support Enforcement Units and Support Collection Units. These units provide a variety of services for collecting child support , including overdue support, by:

Locating parents who owe support
Collecting, tracking and disbursing child support
Collecting child support automatically through payroll deductions from the noncustodial parent’s paycheck
Collecting child support through other enforcement actions
Referring the case for collection to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

To request an enforcement action through the court, you must file a petition with the Family Court for willful nonpayment or violation of a child support order. After evidence is presented in a court hearing , a judge or support magistrate may enforce the order in a variety of ways including issuing a money judgment or sentencing the parent to jail for up to six months.

Trust Our Team to Earn You the Child Support You Deserve

Enforcing an order in court may be the only solution against a parent who willfully fails to pay child support. A knowledgeable family law attorney in Westchester and Putnam counties can guide you through your enforcement and collection options to help obtain the financial support your child needs. Contact us today .

Modification of an Order/Judgment of Divorce in New York

lemaster@digitalproductsuite.com — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 08:57:23 GMT

So much can change after a divorce. Ex-spouses may remarry, obtain new jobs or promotions, lose income, or relocate. The needs of children may change or be affected by their parent’s decisions. When circumstances change significantly after a divorce, it is time to seek a modification.

Modification of child custody

Parents and children can face a change in circumstances after a final order that necessitates a modification in custody arrangements. Parents can agree to modify a custody order or go to a court for a hearing, but either way the court reviews the proposed changes to ensure they are in the best interest of the child. In order for a court to approve a modification, a change in circumstances must also be substantial, such as:

Relocation
Remarriage
Financial changes, such as a new job or promotion, loss of employment or transfer
Changes in physical or mental health
Changes in the relationship between the parents
Increased or decreased parental involvement
Domestic violence or criminal conviction of a parent
Other changes making the arrangement difficult to follow

Child support modifications

Child support is calculated based on guidelines that take into consideration factors such as the parents’ incomes and the number of children. When there is a substantial change in circumstances, child support may be modified , such as when:

A parent loses his or her job or income or gains income.
There is a change in physical custody or parenting time.
The child’s costs increase.

Child support may also be adjusted for cost of living.

Modifying alimony

In general, spousal maintenance is awarded for a certain length of time, such as for a set period, temporarily until a spouse secures employment, or permanently until the spouse receiving support either dies or remarries. However, a spouse may seek a support modification when there is a significant change in circumstances regarding finances, including job loss or promotion, inheritance, illness, or a good faith retirement.

Reach Out to Our Experienced Family Lawyer Today

Changing a final divorce, custody or support order is not always easy, but an experi enced New York family law attorney can make the situation manageable and provide the support families need. Call today .

Domestic Violence in Divorce and Orders of Protection

lemaster@digitalproductsuite.com — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 08:55:26 GMT

Trust Our Family Lawyer to Help Set Things Right

Domestic violence is a serious — sometimes deadly — problem for family and household members in New York and across the United States. Such violence can include all types of abuse, including physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and financial.

In New York, a domestic violence victim can file a petition in Family Court for an order of protection against an abuser when the parties:

Are related by blood or marriage
Are or were legally married
Have a child together
Are or were in an intimate relationship

The goal of an order of protection is to restrict the actions of an alleged abuser, including forbidding the abuser from injuring, threatening or harassing you or your children. It may require the abuser to do any number of things:

Leave your shared home
Stay away from you and your children
Follow custody arrangements
Not carry a gun or other weapon or surrender to the Police Department a gun or other weapon

Domestic violence may affect many different aspects of divorce and child custody arrangements. If a parent is found guilty of domestic violence by a preponderance of the evidence, he or she may face the loss of child custody, restricted or supervised visitation rights, or restricted contact, depending on what the court determines is in the child’s best interest.

Many parents who are victims of abuse are afraid to file a petition for child support because of their fear of violence. However, parents who are victims of domestic violence can request to have their information kept private, including removing addresses from court forms, keeping work and residence addresses private and leaving the court separately. When awarding spousal maintenance , courts may consider domestic violence as a factor when it inhibited or continues to inhibit a spouse’s earning capacity or ability to obtain meaningful employment.

Allegations of domestic violence are serious and should not be taken lightly. Spouses and parents who are wrongfully accused of abuse face serious repercussions and should act quickly to protect their rights. A knowledgeable family attorney in Westchester and Putnam counties in New York can provide families with the help they need to protect their rights and safety during divorce.

How Does Domestic Violence Affect My Child Custody Arrangement in New York?

lemaster@digitalproductsuite.com — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 08:53:13 GMT

Family courts treat domestic violence claims seriously. A history of domestic violence involving parents, children or other relatives can greatly influence the outcome of a custody dispute.

According to New York laws , domestic violence is defined as any physically, sexually, emotionally, psychologically or economically abusive behavior among two or more people in an intimate relationship. It’s common to assume that domestic violence can only occur between family members. However, the term “intimate relationship” actually encompasses all of the following:

Those related by blood or marriage
Those married or formerly married
Those currently or formerly in a dating relationship
Parents and their biological or adopted children
Cohabitants or former cohabitants who are related by neither blood nor marriage (partners, roommates)
Two people with one or more children in common, even if they never married and never lived together

Custody is decided based on what is in the best interests of the child. Clearly, safety is of the utmost importance when determining best interests , and the court will not grant custody to a parent or guardian believed to pose a risk to child’s health or well-being. But there is also a general belief that children benefit most from having healthy relationships with both parents, if possible, and courts generally favor joint custody arrangements. In fact, there is current pending legislation in the New York State Senate that would establish a legal presumption that shared or joint custody is in a child’s best interests.

Additional factors that affect a child’s best interests include the following:

Health of the child and parents
Ability of each parent to care and provide for the child
Willingness of each parent to encourage the child to maintain a relationship with the other parent
Relationships the child has with siblings and other family members
The child’s wishes, if he or she is of appropriate age and maturity level

Our Child Custody Attorney Can Be Your Guide

Clea rly, child custody is a complicated issue, especially when domestic violence is a factor. Consult a family law attorney in Westchester County for guidance and support.