Who Gets the Children for Thanksgiving After a Divorce in Buffalo, New York?

Thanksgiving table with a child’s place setting and a sweater draped over a chair in a Buffalo home

In New York, neither parent automatically receives Thanksgiving parenting time after a divorce. Your custody order or parenting agreement usually determines where your children spend the holiday. If the order does not address Thanksgiving, you and the other parent may agree on a schedule, or you may need legal guidance about the options available under […]

Can Thanksgiving Travel Affect a New York Custody Schedule? What Buffalo Parents Should Know

Can-Thanksgiving-Travel-Affect-a-New-York-Custody-Schedule-What-Buffalo-Parents-Should-Know

Yes. Thanksgiving travel can affect a New York custody schedule when travel dates overlap with court-ordered parenting time or conflict with a holiday provision. A trip does not automatically authorize either parent to change an existing order. In Buffalo and throughout Western New York, you should review the specific holiday terms, any travel-notice or consent […]

What Happens If a Home Closing Is Delayed Until Winter in Buffalo, New York?

What-Happens-If-a-Home-Closing-Is-Delayed-Until-Winter-in-Buffalo-New-York-280x280

When a home closing is delayed until winter in Buffalo, New York, buyers and sellers may face additional concerns involving contract deadlines, mortgage approvals, heating systems, property damage, and moving arrangements. A delayed closing does not automatically cancel a real estate contract, but the consequences depend on its terms and New York law. Snow, ice, […]

Should You Buy a House in New York Before the End of 2026? What Buyers Need to Know

10-should-you-buy-a-house-in-new-york-before-the-end-of-2026

Buying a house in New York before December 31, 2026, can make sense if you find a suitable property, have dependable financing, and can complete inspections, title review, and closing preparations without rushing. In Buffalo and Western New York, fall and early winter may offer negotiating opportunities, but seasonal timing alone does not make a […]

Holiday Parenting Time in New York: What Happens When Plans Conflict?

Two parents review a holiday parenting calendar in a New York home.

Holiday parenting time in New York can affect your regular custody schedule when your custody order or parenting agreement includes separate rules for holidays, school breaks, vacations, birthdays, or other special occasions. A family gathering, vacation, religious observance, or change in school plans does not automatically replace court-ordered parenting time. Your first step should be […]

Can a New York Child Custody Schedule Change During the School Year?

Two parents review a colorful school-year calendar with a child’s backpack nearby.

Yes. A child custody or parenting schedule can change during the school year in New York. A new school routine does not automatically change an existing custody order, though. Whether a change requires court involvement depends on the current order, the nature of the scheduling problem, whether the parents agree, and whether the proposed modification […]

Who Pays for Repairs Discovered Before a New York Home Closing?

13-Who-Pays-for-Repairs-Discovered-Before-a-New-York-Home-Closing

When a home inspection or final walkthrough reveals a repair issue before a New York closing, responsibility usually depends on the purchase contract, inspection provisions, later written agreements, and when the problem occurred. A seller is not automatically required to repair every problem an inspector finds, and a buyer is not necessarily required to accept […]

Can Overtime Pay Affect Child Support in New York? A Buffalo Parent’s Guide

Can Overtime Pay Affect Child Support in New York? A Buffalo Parent's Guide

Yes. Overtime pay can affect child support in New York because overtime that you actually earn can be included in the income used to calculate support. New York courts may review tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, year-to-date earnings, employment history, and evidence showing whether overtime remains available. If your overtime changes from month to […]