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Pannell Law Group, P.C.
Our Blog Posts
The Pannell Law Group Blog shares practical information to help individuals understand family law issues and prepare for important decisions. Read clear explanations of New York divorce processes, including contested and uncontested timelines, child support formulas, and factors that may affect a judge’s decision. Find guidance on protecting assets and navigating the legal system with greater confidence. These articles are intended to provide general information, not legal advice for a specific case or situation. Crystal S. Pannell and the team at Pannell Law Group serve clients in Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Queens. Browse the Blog for helpful insights, and contact the firm to discuss your individual circumstances.
Do I Have Grandparent Rights in New York? Understanding Visitation & Custody
For grandparents, few things are more heartbreaking than being denied access to their grandchildren. Whether due to a family dispute, divorce, or the passing of a parent, grandparents often wonder: Do I have legal rights to see or care for my grandchildren in New York? Navigating New York family law can be complex. Understanding how the courts approach visitation and custody is the first step toward protecting your relationship with your grandchildren. 1. Grandparent Visitati
Crystal Pannell
4 days ago2 min read
Divorce Later in Life: Why It Is Never Too Late to Leave an Unhealthy Relationship?
“Am I too old to get divorced?” is a painful question, and often it does not come out of nowhere. It may come after years of being dismissed, controlled, blamed, ignored, or simply exhausted by a marriage that no longer feels safe or healthy. The short answer is no. Age does not take away the right to peace, dignity, or safety. Divorce later in life can feel complicated. There may be retirement accounts, a paid-off home, adult children, health insurance concerns, or decades o
Crystal Pannell
5 days ago5 min read
Helping Your Child Cope during a Divorce: What to Say and What to Avoid?
Divorce changes a child’s world before they have the words to explain how it feels. Even when the decision is the healthiest path forward, children may feel confused, guilty, angry, worried, or torn between two people they love. The good news is that parents can make a real difference. You do not need perfect words. You need reassuring words, calm actions, and a clear message that your child is loved, safe, and not responsible for the divorce. Quiet, steady conversations help
Crystal Pannell
6 days ago5 min read
What Information Must You Disclose to Your Spouse in a Divorce?
If money, property, support, or children are involved, both spouses must give each other enough truthful information to let the court and the parties make fair decisions. That does not mean handing over every private thought, every text message, or every document you have ever saved. It does mean being honest about finances, property, debts, income, expenses, and facts that affect parenting or support. This blog explains necessary disclose in a New York divorce, why the discl
Crystal Pannell
7 days ago7 min read
How to Modify Child Support in New York?
Child support orders are not always permanent. A job loss, a raise, a change in parenting time, a change in the child's needs, or a shift in household finances can make an existing order unfair or unworkable. In New York, a parent who wants to change child support must file a petition and show that there has been a change of circumstance allowing the court to revisit the order. The process is not automatic. Until a court changes the order, the current amount remains in effect
Crystal Pannell
Nov 35 min read
If I have custody, can I move out of New York with my Child?
Q: I have custody of my child. Can I simply pack up and move out of New York State whenever I want? A: Many parents assume that having primary or sole custody gives them an automatic right to relocate. However, under New York law, having custody does not mean you can move out of state or a significant distance away without permission. Even with custody, moving out of New York is considered a relocation if it substantially interferes with the other parent's court-ordered paren
Crystal Pannell
Nov 22 min read
How to Start a Divorce in New York and Understand Contested vs Uncontested Timelines
Starting a divorce can feel like standing at the bottom of a staircase without knowing how many steps are ahead. In New York, the answer depends on what needs to be resolved, how much the spouses agree on, and how quickly the court can review the paperwork. Some divorces move through the system with little conflict. Others take time because property, parenting, support, or business interests need to be sorted out. The biggest early question is whether the divorce is uncontest
Crystal Pannell
Oct 309 min read
Understanding Child Support in New York Divorces: Formulas, Maintenance, and When Judges Deviate
When clients walk into my office for an initial consultation about a divorce or separation, child support is almost always top of mind. Parents naturally want to know: How much will I receive to care for my kids? or How much am I going to be required to pay each month? While New York uses a specific formula to calculate child support, it is far from a one-size-fits-all equation. The state’s guidelines set a baseline, but special rules apply when spousal maintenance (alimony
Crystal Pannell
Oct 234 min read
Protecting Your Assets: Family Law Tips and Legal Resources
Navigating family law can be a daunting task. Whether you are going through a divorce, dealing with child custody issues, child support issues, or planning your estate, understanding how to protect your assets is crucial. This blog post will provide you with practical tips and resources to help you safeguard your financial future. Family law encompasses a wide range of issues, and each situation is unique. However, there are common strategies that can help you protect your as
Crystal Pannell
Sep 25 min read
Navigating a Divorce: Expert Insights and Guidance
Divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences in life. It often brings a whirlwind of emotions, financial concerns, and legal complexities. Understanding divorce law is crucial for anyone facing this situation. This blog post aims to provide expert insights and guidance to help you navigate the often murky waters of divorce law. Whether you are considering divorce or are already in the process, this guide will help you understand the key aspects of divorce law, inclu
Crystal Pannell
Apr 16 min read
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