Family Law in New York

Family Law is basically state law. While federal law mandates child support guidelines, state law sets them. While federal law prohibits parental kidnapping, state law determines what constitutes 'kidnapping,' and what distinguishes it from 'rescue.' From the prerequisites for entering into marriage through the grounds for divorce and the 'equitable' distribution of marital property, state law governs and state law varies, often widely. This book provides a cogent but comprehensive introduction to family law, for students as well as practitioners, as it is practiced in New York.

New York deserves its own family law text for several reasons. First, family law in the state of New York is unique. New York was the last state to hold out against the 'no-fault revolution,' for example. In 2010, when it finally succumbed, it became one of the first states to provide a formula for temporary alimony. It is the only state which considers a degree (such as a law degree) acquired during marriage part of divisible 'marital property.' Like California, New York can be seen as a leader in family law reform. But it is often a leader with few followers. Family Law in New York explores these anomalies and offers some explanations.