Houlon, Berman, Finci & Levenstein

08/08/2026

Navigating tax rules after a divorce or legal separation requires carefully updating your filing status, adjusting tax withholdings, and managing complex asset or retirement transfers. Partnering with an experienced family law attorney ensures you avoid costly filing mistakes, remain compliant with IRS guidelines, and maximize eligible deductions or dependent credits. https://www.irs.gov/individuals/filing-taxes-after-divorce-or-separation

08/07/2026

While both divorce and annulment end a marriage, they handle your legal rights differently. A divorce dissolves a valid marriage, while an annulment legally erases it as if it never existed. Knowing which option applies to your situation can impact how property, debt, and future responsibilities are handled.

https://www.verywellmind.com/difference-between-divorce-and-annulment-2302038

08/06/2026

Receiving a citation or a ticket both mean you must address a violation, but they carry different consequences. While traffic tickets usually involve paying a simple fine, legal citations often require a mandatory court appearance. Knowing which one you received helps ensure you protect your rights and follow the required steps.

Learn how a citation and a ticket are the same thing, the types of citations, what to do if you get a citation or ticket and how it affects your insurance.

08/05/2026

Navigating a gray divorce requires carefully managing complex financial decisions, such as equitable asset division, QDRO ex*****on for retirement accounts, and tax implications on home sales. Partnering with an experienced family law attorney ensures your wealth is protected and long-term retirement security is preserved.

Managing an equitable division of assets, selling a home, negotiating alimony and splitting retirement accounts are among the money matters that weigh as heavily as emotional issues.

08/04/2026

In many places, property owners are legally responsible for preventing underage drinking on their property, even if they did not personally supply the alcohol. Understanding social host laws helps adults know their duties when hosting events or social gatherings. Taking proactive steps to ensure minors do not have access to alcohol helps protect everyone involved.

https://alcohol.org/laws/supplying-alcohol-to-a-minor/

08/03/2026

When an insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss, owners are generally paid the actual cash value of the car right before the incident, rather than the original purchase price or repair cost. Understanding how insurance policies handle vehicle depreciation and payouts can help drivers protect their financial interests after a major accident.

https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/totaled-car/

08/01/2026

Securing clear legal authority through custody, guardianship, or adoption is essential for grandparents raising grandchildren to ensure seamless access to healthcare, school enrollment, and financial assistance. Partnering with a family law attorney helps you select the best legal path for your family's needs while protecting your rights and financial stability.

As a grandparent raising grandchildren, there are many practical issues to consider—including legal, financial, and caregiving support.

07/31/2026

Starting the divorce process involves key legal and financial decisions that can shape your future. Both spouses have specific rights regarding property division, debt responsibility, and full financial disclosures. Knowing what you are entitled to and what you owe helps ensure a fair outcome for everyone involved.

https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/life-events/how-to-start-the-divorce-process

07/30/2026

When you purchase a product, you have a right to expect it to operate safely during normal use. Under product liability standards, an item is considered defective if it is more dangerous than an average consumer would reasonably expect. These safety protections apply to everyone involved in selling the product, including the manufacturer and the store where you bought it.

The consumer expectation test judges whether a product is defective based on what an ordinary consumer would reasonably expect from it.

07/30/2026

A criminal record should not be a life sentence of limited opportunities. New record sealing and expungement laws are giving millions of Americans a fresh start. If you are wondering how recent legislative changes might affect your past criminal history, read this policy update. Contact our legal team today to discuss your options for post-conviction relief.

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/clean-slate-laws-boost-the-economy-and-public-safety/