Law Office of David Bliven

10/28/2026

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Divorce & Family Law Attorney: “New York Child Custody: The Mistake That Can Hurt Your Case” *** If you appreciated the information in this video, please share, “like,” subscribe & follow. Thank you! ***

“If you're fighting for custody in New York, don't make the mistake of spending your entire case proving what a terrible person your ex is.”
Here's why. New York courts decide custody based upon the best interests of the child. So your case should ultimately answer a much more important question: Why is the parenting arrangement you're requesting best for your child? Courts can consider many factors, including each parent's caregiving history, stability, home environment, ability to meet the child's needs, and willingness to support an appropriate relationship with the other parent. Of course, serious misconduct can matter enormously—particularly where safety, domestic violence, substance abuse or other significant concerns are involved. But ordinary marital grievances don't necessarily prove who's the better custodial parent. In a custody case, think like a judge. Focus your evidence on the children and their best interests. Follow me for more New York custody strategies, and if you're facing a contested custody case, contact my office to schedule a consultation.”

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Div...

10/28/2026

Do you need dramatic grounds like cheating or cruelty to get divorced in New York? The reality is, almost nobody uses fault-based grounds anymore. New York allows for no-fault divorce, meaning you only need to state under oath that the marriage has been broken down irretrievably for at least six months. However, "no-fault" doesn't mean instantaneous—the real time is spent resolving finances, property, and child custody. Reach out to our office to get a clear, realistic picture of what lies ahead in your divorce process.

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10/27/2026

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Divorce & Family Law Attorney: “Can Your Spouse Stop You From Getting Divorced in New York?” *** If you appreciated the information in this video, please share, “like,” subscribe & follow. Thank you! ***

“Your spouse says, ‘I'm not giving you a divorce.’ Can they actually stop you in New York?”
Generally, no. New York recognizes irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months as a ground for divorce. Your spouse can certainly contest the issues in the divorce. They can fight over custody. They can dispute maintenance or child support. They can litigate how marital property should be distributed. And they can make the process much more difficult. But simply saying, “I refuse to divorce you,” doesn't give one spouse an indefinite veto over the other spouse ending the marriage. The real question in a contested New York divorce usually isn't whether the marriage will ultimately end. It's how the financial and parenting issues will be resolved along the way. Follow me for more answers about New York divorce law. And if your spouse is threatening to fight you every step of the way, contact my office to discuss a litigation strategy.”

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Div...

10/27/2026

Many people assume "separated" and "divorced" mean the same thing under the law, but they don't. In New York, a legal separation is its own distinct process that lets you formalize finances, living arrangements, and parenting time without officially ending the marriage. Whether you need time to decide, have religious or insurance considerations, or want to set a structured foundation for divorce down the road, it carries real legal implications.

If you are weighing separation versus divorce, get in touch with our office today and we’ll help you determine the right path for your situation.

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10/24/2026

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Divorce & Family Law Attorney: “How Divorce Can Actually Make You Stronger” *** If you appreciated the information in this video, please share, “like,” subscribe & follow. Thank you! ***

“It may not feel like it now—but this divorce could become the moment that makes you stronger than ever.” Divorce has a way of shaking you to your core. It challenges your identity, your confidence, and your sense of direction. But within that challenge is something powerful: growth. I’ve seen it time and time again—people who walk into this process feeling broken, only to come out stronger, more confident, and more self-assured than they’ve ever been. Not because divorce is easy—but because they faced it, worked through it, and rebuilt themselves along the way. My role is to support you through that process—to handle the legal side so you have the space to rebuild your life. Because strength isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about rising through it. And this moment, as difficult as it is, can be the turning point where you discover just how strong you really are. You are not defined by this divorce. You are strengthened by it. And I’m here to help you come out the other side with clarity, confidence, and control.”

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Div...

10/23/2026

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Divorce & Family Law Attorney: “The Biggest Mistake High-Net-Worth Clients Make in Divorce” *** If you appreciated the information in this video, please share, “like,” subscribe & follow. Thank you! ***

“Silence and procrastination cost more than anything else.” The wealthy often delay—giving their spouse control of the narrative. Many also don't realize that it's the divorce filing which cuts off accrual of marital assets as well as presumptive duration of spousal maintenance. I help clients take proactive, discreet steps that protect assets from day one. Don’t wait. Contact me now.”

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Div...

10/22/2026

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Divorce & Family Law Attorney: “Dividing Intellectual Property & Royalties” *** If you appreciated the information in this video, please share, “like,” subscribe & follow. Thank you! ***
Your ideas have value—sometimes more than physical assets.” Books, patents, media rights, and royalties must be valued. I work with experts to assess ongoing income streams. Don’t give up IP blindly.”

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Div...

10/21/2026

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Divorce & Family Law Attorney: “Who Gets the Marital Home in a New York Divorce?” *** If you appreciated the information in this video, please share, “like,” subscribe & follow. Thank you! ***
“Your spouse says, ‘I'm keeping the house.’ Here's the problem: they don't get to make that decision by themselves.”
The marital residence is often one of the biggest sources of conflict in a New York divorce. But there isn't a rule that automatically says the husband gets it, the wife gets it, or the spouse whose name appears on the deed gets it. First, we need to determine the property's marital and separate property components. Then there are practical questions. Will one spouse buy out the other? Should the house be sold? Can the spouse who wants to keep it actually afford the mortgage, taxes and expenses? And when children are involved, custody and housing considerations can become important as well. The house isn't just an asset. For many families, it's the financial and emotional center of the divorce. Don't agree to sell it—or fight to keep it—until you understand the long-term consequences. Follow for more New York divorce information, or contact my office to discuss your particular situation.”

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Div...

10/20/2026

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Divorce & Family Law Attorney: “Dividing Stock Options in Divorce” *** If you appreciated the information in this video, please share, “like,” subscribe & follow. Thank you! ***

"Stock options can be worth a fortune—but easy to overlook." Unvested and vested options may be marital property. Valuation and division require expertise. "Let’s make sure your stock options aren’t forgotten."

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Div...

10/18/2026

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Divorce & Family Law Attorney: “What If My Spouse Cheated? Does Infidelity Matter in a NY Divorce?” *** If you appreciated the information in this video, please share, “like,” subscribe & follow. Thank you! ***

“Cheating may destroy a marriage — but does it destroy someone’s rights in court?”
Many people assume that if their spouse cheated, the court will punish them financially or with custody. But New York doesn’t always work the way people think. I’m David Bliven, Bronx & Westchester Divorce Attorney. Let’s talk about how infidelity actually impacts a divorce. 1. New York Is a No-Fault Divorce State. You don’t need to “prove” bad behavior to end the marriage. “Irretrievable breakdown” is enough. So does cheating matter at all? 2. Infidelity Does NotAutomatically Affect: Asset division. Child support. Spousal support. Custody decisions. Judges don’t punish someone for moral failings. 3. But Infidelity Does Matter When Money Was Spent. If your spouse used marital money on an affair: Trips, Hotels, Gifts, Secret accounts, Rent or living expenses of another person, …this is called wasteful dissipation. A judge can force your spouse to repay you through the asset division. 4. Infidelity Matters When It Harms the Children. If the cheating: Exposed children to inappropriate situations, Created instability, or Involved dangerous people, then…judges do consider that in custody determinations. 5. Infidelity Matters If It Shows Poor Judgment. Even if the children weren’t directly harmed, bringing new partners around too soon can influence custody. 6. Infidelity Can Affect Negotiations Emotionally. Not legally — but emotionally. And emotion drives litigation more than law does. The Bottom Line: Cheating affects your divorce only when: Marital money was wasted, or The children were negatively impacted. If your spouse cheated and you’re unsure what financial or custody effects that may have, reach out to my office. I’ll help you understand your rights and your leverage.”

David Bliven, Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney - Bronx Div...