INTRODUCTION

This chapter discusses legal issues relating to marriage, divorce, and various family court matters in NYS.

FAMILY

While the traditional family of a wife, husband, and children constitutes the majority of “families” in the United States, the law also recognizes that families are blended, single-parent, same-sex spouses/parents, and a host of other variations. While it is now very common for couples to live together, marriage is still an option many couples take part in. Part I will discuss what constitutes a valid marriage in New York State. Part II will discuss annulments, divorce, and all the issues typically encountered in divorce cases. Part III will discuss family law matters pertaining to adoption, paternity, and juveniles in Family Court accused of crimes.