Richard Tannenbaum practices matrimonial and family law in Long Island, Manhattan and Queens in the following specific areas:

Child Custody and Visitation

Although each case is different, what is in the best interest of the child is often in dispute. Richard takes these issues very seriously and will fight for the client's rights to fully participate in the major decisions affecting the child as well as enjoy regular and meaningful contact with the child. In appropriate cases, Richard will fight for sole custody in order to protect and preserve the parent-child relationship and recognize the needs of the child.

Equitable Distribution

A distribution of the marital assets is one of the most important aspects of a divorce and an equitable distribution does not necessarily mean equal. The Court distributes the marital assets in accordance with enumerated factors set forth in the Domestic Relations Law and it is incumbent on the attorney to know which particular factor(s) weigh most heavily in the client's favor and which do not. Separate property, as defined in the law, generally remains separate except to the extent it appreciates due, in part, to the efforts of the other spouse. The issue of valuation of an asset plays a vital role in equitable distribution and Richard's office will assure the client that the value of the particular asset is an accurate one in order to arrive at as favorable a percentage of distribution as possible.

Maintenance and Child Support

Support is both temporary as well as permanent and is based on certain formulas and factors set forth in the Domestic Relations Law. Richard will pursue every avenue to see that the client pays and/or receives only what is fair, just and reasonable under the totality of the circumstances, including, but not limited to, the age and health of the parties, the income and property of the parties, the contributions (or lack thereof) to the marriage, the pre-separation standard of living and the tax consequences. When warranted, Richard also handles modifications of support based on a substantial change of circumstances, unforeseen events and/or extreme hardship.

Separation Agreement

Richard negotiates and prepares separation agreements for those clients who want an agreement encompassing all of the required terms and conditions of a divorce settlement but wish to remain legally married nevertheless. In the event a party lives separate and apart pursuant to a written separation agreement for one year or more, then such circumstance constitutes a ground for divorce irrespective of any other grounds.

Pre-Nuptial Agreements

Richard also negotiates and prepares "pre-nups" and "post-nups". Prior to, and during the marriage, the parties are free to agree to equitable distribution, maintenance and other financial relief in the event of a divorce so long as they enter into such agreements freely, voluntarily and intelligently.

Electronic Discovery

Richard has lectured fellow lawyers at Bar Associations and has written numerous articles on e-discovery. He also acts as a court-appointed Referee to hear and determine all discovery issues in a complex divorce case. Since practically everyone stores information on computers and there is virtually no limit to stored electronic data from e-mails, instant messaging, digital voicemail, text messaging, etc., Richard's clients receive the benefit of his experience in this rapidly emerging area of the law.