Legal Question in Family Law in New York

Re: What rights do I have if we aren't married?

If your name is not on the deed, you did not make any monetary contribution to the house purchase and you are not a spouse, You do not have any rights, title or interest in the house.

You are not; and cannot be considered a "commonlaw wife" in NY.

A non custodial parent can be ordered to pay "basic child support," (which is a set percentage of the Non Cust, parent's income), carry health insurance and pay deductibles; pay a SHARE of child care costs, in order to permit the custodial parent to attend work or school; And, pay a share of other "Add Ons," that the Court may decide is appropriate and in the child's best interests.

Suggest: That you Discuss calmly w/ the father, a Plan, Timetable, and Finances.

Explain that you need his help, in order for you both to move on with your lives. The sooner you can get a dependable source of income, move, get day care, and etc., the better it will be for you and your child; and the father.

Tell him that you want to Get on with your life and expect that he wants the same thing; and that he will be fair, considerate and helpful.

Ask for his ideas and thinking about how you both should proceed.

DO NOT make the mistake of "telling him" what you think he "has to do;" or what you feel you are entitled to get.

Good luck,

Phroska L. McAlister,ESQ