Patrick Bisogno, an attorney representing his sister in a Staten Island Family Court child support matter, was arrested after allegedly assaulting his former brother-in-law. In reports by the New York Law Journal and the Staten Island Advance (SILive.com), Bisogno was accused of punching the father, John Libertella, of Valley Stream, in the nose. Bisogno, of … Continue Reading
Not every representation of one spouse during a marriage will disqualify an attorney from representing the other spouse in the couple’s divorce. Such was the holding of the Second Department in its December 5, 2012 in Gabel v. Gabel. In doing so, the appellate court reversed Richmond County Supreme Court Justice Barbara Irolla Panepinto’s disqualification … Continue Reading
Update: In a decision issued December 6, 2012, the Appellate Division, Third Department, disbarred Mr. Melendez for his failure to disclose to the Committee on Professional Standards his child support arrears and other related misconduct: Respondent is guilty of very serious professional misconduct. He exhibited a lack of candor on his application for admission. As … Continue Reading
Monica and Mitchell Mandell were married in 1998. They have three children. After Mr. Mandell moved out last year, his wife retained attorney Ellen Jancko-Baken to represent her. Ms. Mandell was interested in pursuing the “Collaborative Law” process. After three perhaps “preliminary” meetings, the contemplated Collaborative Process fell apart. Ms. Mandell used her same attorney to … Continue Reading
With the addition on August 13, 2010 of D.R.L. §170(7), making New York the 50th state to grant no-fault divorces, Governor Patterson also signed an amendment to D.R.L. §237. That amendment creates a rebuttable presumption that while a divorce action is pending, the “less monied” spouse shall be awarded counsel and expert fees and expenses … Continue Reading
