Practice Areas
Although you may find that you encounter many problems in life that you can handle yourself, sometimes, you may face a matrimonial or family law issue that requires you to seek extra help. When you're dealing with a complex situation involving the legal system - it's worth remembering that the different nuances of the law are complicated and capable of escalating quickly. In other words - not having the right lawyer or mediator could cost you more than you might think, in terms of assistance, crucial knowledge, resolutions or even positive results.
With his professional guidance and attentive personal care, Mr. Shapiro can lead you through the labyrinth of complications associated with court, and help you to strive for the outcome most preferable to your best interests. Since his original admittance into law, Mr. Shapiro worked as an associate throughout various offices, before finally opening his own office on Long Island, first in Suffolk County then at his current location in Nassau County. In 2004, he started his focus on family and matrimonial law, doing his best to assist his clients through the emotionally trying aspects of a complex legal sphere. With Mr. Shapiro, you get the knowledge and skill required to navigate everything from divorce and equitable distribution, to appeals and adoptions, paternity and child support, and even orders of protection.
Separation and DivorceRelationships come and go throughout everyone's lives in a lot of different shapes and sizes. Each couple is different, yet many can face the same issues that lead to difficulty in their marriage, or need for space away from one another. Sometimes, no matter what you do to try and save a relationship, it simply begins to dissolve, and you're left looking into solutions like divorce and separation.
Darren Shapiro has led numerous couples through the difficult aspects of separation and divorce, helping them to come to terms with the process through litigation, mediation, settlement negotiations, or collaborative law. Some of the additional issues that often need to be addressed when divorce and separation cases arise include matters such as child support, child custody, equitable distribution, and maintenance (fka alimony). Mr. Darren Shapiro can provide legal guidance for all of these circumstances, including matters such as:
- Separation
- Binding Separation Agreements from Mediation
- Divorce
- Children as Dependents under the New Tax Law
- Collecting Spousal Missed Payments in New York
- Divorce Discretion
- Divorce Processes
- Divorce Trials and Evidence
- High Net Worth Divorce
- Maintenance and Taxes After 2018
- Pendente Lite Motions
- Post Judgment Divorce Cases
- The 2015 and 2016 Maintenance (fka alimony) Law
- Maintenance and Cohabitation
- Maintenance and Spousal Support pre 2015 & 2016 Changes
- Maintenance and Spousal Support Violations
- Maintenance and Taxes After 2018
- Maintenance for Shorter Than the Guideline Duration
- Maintenance for Longer Than the Guideline Duration
- Understanding Spousal Maintenance for Cases Featuring High-Income Earners
- Spousal Support or Maintenance Below the Guideline Amount
- Business Income and Maintenance
- The Common Considerations in Divorce
- Attorney Fees and Agreements
- Counsel Fees
- Deferring the Sale of Marital Homes in New York Divorce Law
- Delaying the Sale of the Marital Home Following Divorce in New York
- Deviations in Final Awards for Divorce Judgments
- Divorce and Automatic Orders
- Residency Requirements for Divorce
- Residency Requirements for Divorce in New York
- Social Security Benefits and Divorce
- The Positive Side of Divorce
- Understanding Maintenance Jurisdiction When Parties Move From New York
- Understanding Marital Debt Distribution
- The Concerns for Mature and Senior Divorces
- Uncontested Divorces
- When Can a Divorce Be Withdrawn in New York?
- Client's Rights and Responsibilities in Divorce and Family Law Cases
- The Issue of Incorrect Information in Spousal or Child Support Income Executions
- New York Child Support and Unreimbursed Business Employee Expenses in Divorce and Child Support Cases
- Interpreting Vague Terms in a Stipulation of Settlement for New York Divorces
- Divorcing a Narcissist: What You Need to Know
- Do Children Have to Comply with Visitation Orders in New York?
- Health Insurance After a Divorce
- Understanding the Impact of the Updated Tax Rules for Divorcing Couples in New York
- Understanding Divorce and Litigation Bullet Points: Part 1
- Divorce Bullet Points Part 2: Settlement Agreements and Trials
- Divorce Litigation Guide Part 3: Expenses in Divorce
- Divorce Litigation Guide: Part 4: Medical Expense and Pension
- Divorce Litigation Guide Part 5: Children and Litigation Issues in Child Custody and Divorce Cases
- Divorce Litigation Guide Bullets Part 6: Spousal Maintenance Guidelines
- Divorce Litigation Guide Part 7: Spousal Maintenance, Economic Partnerships, and High Income in Divorce Litigation
- Divorce Litigation Bullet Points Part 8: Direct Examination and Opening Statements
- Divorce Litigation Guide (Part 9): Cross Examination and Closing Statements
- Divorce Litigation Bullets (Part 10): Choices and Service of Process
- Divorce Litigation Bullets (Part 11): Retirement Assets and Senior Divorces
- Divorce Litigation Bullet Guide (Part 12) Marital Debt and Property Issues
- Divorce Litigation Bullet Guide (Part 13) Temporary Orders and Pendente Lite
- Divorce Litigation Bullet Guide (Part 14): Residency Requirements, No Fault, and Withdrawing a Divorce
- Divorce Litigation Bullets Guide (Part 15): Equitable Distribution, Marital Effort, and Adultery
- Divorce Litigation Guide (Part 16): Separate and Marital Property, Tax and Businesses
- Divorce Litigation Guide (Part 17): Uncontested Divorce and Switching Away from Litigation
- Divorce Litigation Guide (Part 18): Vacating a Divorce and Post-Judgement Modifications
- Equitable Distribution
- Decisions on Equitable Distribution
- Egregious Conduct and Equitable Distribution in Divorce
- Equal or Unequal Distribution
- How Spouse Contributions and Efforts Affect Equitable Distribution
- New York Family Law and the Concept of Economic Partnerships
- Separate Property v. Marital property
- Understanding Equitable Distribution in New York Divorce Cases
- Medical Expenses
- Understanding the Basics of Debt Distribution in Divorce Mediation and Litigation
- Debt Distribution
- Pre-Nuptial Agreements, Post-Nuptial, Separation Agreements and Stipulations
- Family Court Overview
Family law issues that include considerations such as child custody, support, parenting time (visitation), and other matters involving children, are never easy. The truth is that they often lead to some disturbance between parties, and can require a great deal of sensitivity to handle correctly. It's important to be aware of the laws in New York regarding child custody, and know all of the matters you will need to cover when a matter such as this approaches the court. Most often, it's worth noting that decisions regarding your child will be made according to the legal definition of what is in their "best interests".
Whether you're managing an issue of paternity, coming to terms with the details of child support, applying for orders of protection, or simply addressing custody and visitation rights (parenting time), Mr. Shapiro can assist you in various aspects of family law associated with the consideration of children and their "best interests".
- Paternity
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Answering 10 Frequent Questions on Child Custody
- Abuse and Neglect in Custody Cases
- Attorney for the Children
- Best Interest Standard
- Primary Caretaker
- Child Custody Trials
- Children In Camera Testimonies within a Child Custody Case
- Designing Opening Statements for Child Custody Trials
- Child Custody Cases and Closing Statements
- Evidence at Custody Trials
- How Can You Use Direct Examination for Child Custody Trials?
- Tips on Children in Custody Cases
- Understanding Cross Examination for Child Custody Cases
- Child Relocations
- Child Specialists
- Decisions On Custody
- Evidence Time Period in Child Custody Modification
- Time Period for Change of Circumstances for Child Custody Modification
- Forensics
- When Forensics are Appropriate in Child Custody
- Hague Convention on Abduction
- Parental Alienation
- Custody Modification Due to Parental Alienation
- Parent Coordinators in Child Custody Cases
- Recording Conversations or Phone Calls in Divorce or Child Custody Cases
- Using Video Evidence In Child Custody, Divorce & Family Law Cases
- Uniform Custody Act - UCCJEA
- Managing Out of State Custody Orders in New York
- Child Custody and Pre-Conception Agreements
- Sobriety in Child Custody and Visitation
- Pre-Conception Agreements to Raise Children
- Determining State Jurisdiction in Divorces for Child Custody With an Out-of-State Child or Parent
- Handling the Consolidation of Child Custody Claims in the New York Courts
- Text Messages and Child Custody Cases
- Custody and Guardianship in New York: What You Need to Know
- Temporary or Pendente Lite Child Custody and Visitation Orders
- Bringing Mindfulness Into Child Custody Cases and Litigation
- Child Support
- Child Support Arrears
- Child Support Bullet Guide (Part 1): Temporary Orders and Guidelines
- Child Support Bullet Guide (Part 2): Paternity, Constructive Emancipation and Equitable Estoppel
- Child Support Bullet Guide (Part 3): Support Decisions and The Uniform Interstate Act
- Child Support Bullet Guide (Part 4): Discretionary Matters and Child Support Deviations
- Child Support Bullet Guide (Part 5): Support Orders, Incorrect Income Executions and Written Objections
- Child Support Bullet Guide (Part 6): New Significant Others and Stepparents
- Child Support Bullet Guide (Part 7): Proof of Income, Payments, and Self-Employment
- Child Support Bullet Guide (Part 8): Additional Components for Child Support Payments and Support Arrears
- Child Support Bullet Guide (Part 9): Post-Judgement Modifications and Support Violations
- Child Support Guide (Part 10): Remarriages and Claiming a Child as a Dependent
- Child Support College Expenses
- Child Support Discretion
- Child Support Modifications and New Calculations
- Child Support on All Income
- Child Support Proof of Payments
- Child Support Violations / Contempt
- Constructive Emancipation
- Crucial Things You Should Know About New York Child Support
- Deviations from the Guideline Child Support Amounts
- DNA in Child Support Cases
- Self-Employed and Income in Divorce, Child Support, Maintenance and Beyond
- Step-Parents, Child Support, and Paternity
- Support Based on Custody
- Support Collection Unit
- Support Magistrates
- The New Significant Other and Child Support
- Uniform Interstate Family Support Act
- Orders of Protection
- Bringing an Order of Protection Case or Family Offense Petition Court on a Child's Behalf
- Understanding Child Testimony in Family Offense / Order of Protection Cases
- Family and Criminal Court Orders of Protection
- New York Divorce: Does Surveillance Using a Private Investigator Violate an Order of Protection?
- Orders of Protection v. Restraining Orders
- Orders of Protection in Custody Cases
- Specific Family Offenses
Most of the time, when people think about dealing with legal issues, they picture a court situation where fierce litigation takes place. Although litigation is certainly a path that Mr. Shapiro can take if the circumstances call for it, it's worth noting that he also offers other methods of dealing with complications in family law. For instance, sometimes, it can be easier for family matters to go through mediation - particularly when there is some semblance of a good relationship, or hope of peace in the future, left over that parties want to maintain going forward. On the other hand, certain clients may choose to explore the route of collaborative law – a team method or resolution to family law matters.
- Divorce Mediation
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Child Support Mediation for Married and Unmarried Couples
- Divorce Mediation Agreements are Binding
- Divorce Mediation Benefits
- Divorce Mediation in High-Conflict Relationships
- Considerations Against Mediation for High Conflict Couples
- Divorce Mediator Standards
- Divorce Mediation Styles
- Communication Tips in Divorce Mediation
- Conflict De-Escalation
- Drafting and Review Attorneys
- Financial Neutrals in Litigation, Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Law
- How to Do Divorce Mediation the Right Way
- Material Misrepresentation of Assets in Divorce
- Preparing for Your Divorce Mediation
- Suggesting Mediation to a Spouse
- Why a Lawyer for Divorce Mediator?
- Why Not Divorce Mediation by Caucus?
- Considering Divorce Mediation by Caucus
- Child Custody Mediation Married v. Unmarried Parents
- Using Mediation for Parenting Time and Child Custody Decisions
- Dealing with Child Support Using Mediation
- Using Mediation to Consider Divorce Maintenance
- Simplifying Equitable Distribution Through Mediation
- What Will Divorce Mediation Look Like in 2019?
- Divorce Mediation in Long Island 2018
- What Will Divorce Mediation Look Like in 2019?
- Do You Need a Review Attorney or a Divorce Mediator?
- Prenuptial Agreements: What Do They Cover in New York?
- Costs of a Traditional Divorce vs. New York Mediation
- When Will Courts Uphold NY Divorce Mediation Child Custody Agreements?
- Changing Child Custody Divorce Mediation Agreements
- Do You Need Mediation with Private Preliminary Planning?
- Preliminary Planning Session Preparation
- How to Get an Uncontested Divorce with Mediation
- What Should You Include in a Separation Agreement?
- Why Questions are Crucial in Divorce Mediation
- Is Marital Mediation Right for You?
- Techniques to Prepare for Divorce Negotiations
- Is Divorce Mediation through Skype, Phone, or Video Call a Possibility?
- Your Guide to Mandatory Presumptive Mediation in Divorce
- Divorce Mediation: The Bullet Point Guide Part (1)
- Divorce Mediation Quick Bullet Points (Part 2)
- Divorce Mediation Bullet Points (Part 3)
- Divorce Mediation Bullet Point Guide (Part 4)
- Divorce Mediation Bullet Point Guide (Part 5)
- Divorce Mediation Bullet Point Guide (Part 6)
- Divorce Mediation by Zoom in New York
- Virtual and In-Person Divorce Mediation, New York City
- Virtual or In-Person Manhattan Divorce Mediation: A Flexible Solution for New York Residents
- Online Divorce Mediation in Brooklyn: In-Person and Virtual Solutions
- Collaborative Law
Mr. Darren M. Shapiro Esq. was admitted to practice law in 1999, and since then he has been honing his skills throughout various legal spheres as a collaborative law attorney, keen family lawyer, professional mediator, and passionate litigator. Over a period of more than fifteen years, Darren Shapiro has worked on a wide variety of different cases across Long Island and New York City - however, today the majority of his cases come from Nassau County, allowing him to garner a deep familiarity with the systems and practices of both the Supreme and Family Courts. Some of the other matters that he has experience in dealing with through family law include:
- Adoption
- Private Placement Adoption
- Annulments and Custody, Support, Maintenance & Equitable Distribution
- Appeals
- Are Appeals on Parenting Time and Child Custody Usually Successful in New York?
- Grandparent Rights and Guardianship
- Grandparent Standing
- Grandparent Visitation
- Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
- Grandparent Visitation and Children's Wishes
- Forensic Evaluations and Grandparent Visitation
- Name Changes
- How Courts Decide if Name Changes are in a Child's Best Interests
- Everything You Need to Know About Name Changes and Privacy in Family Law
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Transgender name changes
- Neglect and Abuse
- Practice Highlights
- Same Sex Relationships
- Same Sex Couples and Child Custody