Family Law

• Divorce
  Q: Hello. I am writing on behalf of my friend that does not speak English. She was married to her husband on June 18th, 2012. They have 3 kids together. The husband ran off with some other woman and forced her into signing a divorce agreement with threats. She signed on or about December 2022 in front of a notary… Read More
• Child Support
  How do I help my friend proceed with a recent divorce that she was tricked into signing with no child support? - Law Offices Of David Bliven
• Child Custody and Visitation
  “Mr. Bliven is an excellent advocate for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to a client in need. He is also an asset to the Avvo Community, providing invaluable resources to those seeking help.” – Derek Jacques, Child custody Attorney
• Adoption
  Law Offices of David Bliven is able to assist in all manner of adoption considerations, including stepparent adoption, same-sex adoption and adoption of children from foster care.
• Paternity
• Premarital Agreement
• Spousal Support
  Law Offices of David Bliven, we understand your fears, and are here to help ensure your financial needs are met. We help individuals seeking to obtain spousal support, as well as those who have been ordered to pay. With more than 20 years of experience, we represent spouses in Greater White Plains and the Bronx.
• Legal Separation
  A: Many potential clients ask whether it's better to merely get a legal separation, or proceed with filing a divorce case. This Guide will explain the basic pros & cons of each.
• Child Abuse
  The Family Court Act of New York defines child abuse as an act, or failure to act, by any parent or caretaker that results in the bodily or emotional harm of a child, which may include sexual or physical abuse. Child neglect may be the failure to provide abadequate food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, or educational opportunity.

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  A: Is your case pending in Family Court or Criminal Court? That said, either way, you’d need to marshal evidence at trial in an attempt to prove you’re “not guilty.” If your case is pending in Family Court, then schedule a consult with a Westchester Domestic Violence attorney for a full assessment (otherwise contact a criminal defense attorney).
• Sex Crimes
  In a family law context, domestic violence doesn’t exclusively refer to violence between married spouses, or even between people in romantic and/or sexual relationships. It can also refer to violence between family members or violence between roommates. It also doesn’t exclusively refer to physical violence: rather, it refers to a wide range of behaviors, including threats/intimidation, harassment, and coercion in addition to physical violence, sexual assault, and theft.
• Theft
• Assault
• Restraining Order
  If you are a victim, you should take immediate legal action. You do not have to suffer at the abusive hands of your spouse, family member or significant other. Through protection or restraining orders, we will do whatever it takes to help you feel safe.

Employment Law

• Workers Compensation
  Other forms of income count too! Some people don't realize that if they have rental income, dividend income, or income from investments that it counts as income for child support purposes as well. Additionally, if you receive a tax refund, then guess what? That's income as well. The good rule of thumb to use is: any money coming into your wallet is probably going to be considered income for child support purposes. Be forewarned! Other types of income are: workers' compensation, disability benefits, unemployment insurance benefits, social security benefits, veterans benefits, pensions and retirement benefits, fellowships and stipends, annuity payments, and receipt of alimony or maintenance from a prior relationship.
• Severance Agreement

Immigration Law

• Green Cards

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Common forms of separate property are premarital property & assets, inherited property/assets, gifted property/assets (when clearly gifted to only 1 spouse) and personal injury compensation. The bottom line is that these are general rules & there are many exceptions made to the general rules. Each case is ultimately decided on its own merits and each situation brings to the table unique facts.

Trusts and Estates

• Trusts
  Another thing to consider is division of assets and/or maintenance (i.e., alimony). If your spouse is disabled & his/her living expenses are covered by the government (usually via SSD or Medicare), then you may be best advised to set up a “Special Needs Trust.” This is a vehicle allowing for transfer of money and/or assets to your spouse and having same administered by a trustee (who usually charges a nominal fee). The primary purpose of same is to avoid the government considering that money or assets to be your spouse’s – and thus reduce or eliminate their qualification for government benefits.