When parents no longer live together, or have never lived together, the New York Courts must determine which parent should have physical custody over the children and if either party gets child support.
Although the formula is complicated, lawyer Nicholas Hicks explains that essentially, each parent’s income is calculated in combination with the number of children involved. Once child support payments are set, it stays the same unless someone asks for a reevaluation. It is extremely common for New York Family Courts to reconsider child support payment amounts in light of changed circumstances.
When one parent loses their job or…
If you are starting a divorce, you already know that the process is not simple and straightforward. When a marriage has reached its end, parties must decide how their debts and assets should be split. Another big topic is determining who will have primary custody over the children. However, lawyer Nicholas Hicks notes that some divorce strategies are better than others.
For those couples who are on good terms and would like to avoid litigation, lawyer Nicholas Hicks recommends seeking divorce mediation. The process allows the pair to talk about achievable outcomes and negotiate things like spousal support, child support…
As this year comes to a close, Governor Andrew Cuomo rolls out his agenda for 2020. A focal point on the agenda is his new proposal to limit gun licenses. He believes that people convicted of serious misdemeanor crimes in other states should not be allowed to have access to gun licenses in New York. Attorney Nicholas Hicks explains that serious offenses could include domestic violence, assault, and other sex offenses.
In a statement, Governor Andrew Cuomo said he feels the law would save lives by keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people. Gun licensing entities would be…
To help clarify child custody laws used in New York, lawyer Nicholas Hicks shines a light on the meaning of ‘extraordinary circumstances’.
Parents always have preference over non-parents when it comes to claiming custody over a child. For a parent to not be chosen as a guardian, the court must determine that extraordinary circumstances exist. Lawyer Nichols Hicks explains that in 1976, the standard was set in place due to the Bennet v. Jeffreys case. Since then, additional court cases have shed more light on the legal meaning of ‘extraordinary circumstance’.
The general guidelines state that extraordinary circumstances include surrender…
When people think of bankruptcy, they often assume it’s from overspending. Nicholas Hicks, an attorney specializing in debt relief, explains that, more often than not, debt is actually the result of uncontrollable circumstances. Research has found that medical bills are surprisingly the number one cause of personal bankruptcies. Additionally, families must manage credit card debt, student loan debt, and a mortgage.
Filing for bankruptcy comes with severe consequences for your credit score, and can even result in the loss of property. Attorney Nicholas Hicks notes that it should only be used as a last resort. …
Contrary to popular beliefs, Attorney Nicholas Hicks explains why fathers have the same rights as mothers in child custody battles.
In the past, mothers were usually given custody preference over fathers, especially with young children. Attorney Nicholas Hicks notes that many people in New York still believe it is the norm. Fathers continue to fear family courts because they think they will automatically lose custody over their children generally or after divorce. However, attorney Nicholas Hicks notes that in New York custody based on the “best interests of the child.”
Our court system has one main goal, and that is…
According to attorney Nicholas Hicks, lawmakers are making progress for the rights of immigrants in the state of New York.
It is widely believed that many accomplishments were made by lawmakers in New York last year surrounding immigration policy. Attorney Nicholas Hicks notes that one group, in particular, a progressive organization backed by various business groups, wants to make sure that those accomplishments will actually be followed through. The two new measures are very progressive, marking a turning point for the rights of non-citizens.
The first measure allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license legally. The “Green Light Law”…
As this year comes to a close, Governor Andrew Cuomo rolls out his agenda for 2020. A focal point on the agenda is his new proposal to limit gun licenses. He believes that people convicted of serious misdemeanor crimes in other states should not be allowed to have access to gun licenses in New York. Attorney Nicholas Hicks explains that serious offenses could include domestic violence, assault, and other sex offenses.
In a statement, Governor Andrew Cuomo said he feels the law would save lives by keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people. Gun licensing entities would be…
New York’s Democratic Governor, Andrew Cuomo, recently proposed a plan that would create more transparency for medical costs. Attorney Nicholas Hicks explains that the measure is focused around the idea of a website that would allow New Yorkers to compare prices and procedures across in-state hospitals. Additionally, the site would offer advice to patients who were surprised by their final medical bills.
In a statement, Andrew Cuomo said that “New York has made tremendous progress protecting consumers from unreasonably expensive medical care.”
This measure was made in response to the rise of healthcare costs in recent years. According to Attorney…
If you’re struggling to make ends meet with child support payments, attorney Nicholas Hicks of New York is available to help.
In most cases where parents do not live together, one parent will likely be court-mandated to pay child support payments. Depending on your circumstances, those monthly payments might be a little too high for your budget. Attorney Nicholas Hicks notes that if this is your situation, there are many avenues for help. The New York court system is usually willing to help you find a solution to your payment problems.
If you are failing to make your child support…
Attorney Nicholas W. Hicks
Graduated form C.C.C, U.B and U.B Law School. Have been in private law practice for over 20 years.
