Law Changing Cases (incomplete list)

Paris vs. Paris, 95 AD2d 857 (1983). Forensic psychiatric reports are to be used by a judge as a guideline to assist in his decision regarding custody but the decision must be based upon the totality of the record.  Therapy can not be ordered as a condition of visitation nor can the visitation order be delegated to the therapist's discretion.  As reported in the New York Law Journal, Thurday, July 7, 1983.

Watkins vs. Watkins, (1984). The first divorce after the enactment equitable distribution property laws dealing with lotto winnings. As reported New York Post and New York Edition Newsday, August 22, 1984.

In the matter of Thomas S. (Anonymous) vs. Kathleen Z. (Anonymous), (1989) 149 AD2d 599, 540 NYS2d 681, 198.  Absent extraordinary circumstances, where visitation would be detrimental to a child's well-being, a non-custodial parent has a right to reasonable visitation privileges.

Isabel M. vs. Thomas M., (1995) 164 Misc. 2d 420, 624 NYS2d 356  (see               McKinney's Domestic Relations Law 3a, paragraph 30 Practice Commentaries) Due process was given to support order in foreign divorce judgment in a U.S.D.L. support proceeding.  Prior to this case, prior support orders were ignored in U.S.D.L. proceedings

Shirley D. vs Carl D., 648 NYS 2d 650, 234 AD2d 60 (2d. Dept.1996) Jurisdiction found to exist over out of state respondent (putative father) in paternity proceeding even though respondent never resided in N.Y.S.  Prior to this case the respondent father had to have, at some point in the past, resided  in N.Y.S. in order to for the court to obtain long-arm jurisdiction over him.  (As reported, New York Law Journal first page, October 21, 1996.)

Felecia B. vs Carl B., 678 N.Y.S.2d 231, (2d Dept 1998) Enforcement of support Family Court jurisdiction to enforce divorce stipulations.  (see decision)