Family Law
Thoughtful legal guidance for family transitions involving significant assets, complex financial questions, and long-term consequences.
Lead Attorney
Lina Li, Esq.
Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2024–2026
Family law matters often involve more than legal questions—they can affect financial security, personal relationships, and a family’s long-term future.
At Alpha Law, we take a comprehensive approach, combining thoughtful legal planning, financial insight, and strategic advocacy.
We represent clients in divorce, custody, support, and premarital and postnuptial matters, from straightforward agreements to complex disputes involving significant assets, financial interests, and long-term obligations.
Featured Matters
Securing the Return of a Child to New York
During divorce proceedings, a spouse removed the parties’ minor child from New York and refused to return the child to our client.
The child had lived with our client in New York since birth, establishing New York as the child’s home state. During the divorce proceedings, the other parent took the child to another state, withheld the child from our client, and refused to arrange the child’s return.
We presented evidence of the child’s longstanding residence in New York, the established caregiving arrangement, and New York’s jurisdiction over the custody dispute. We sought immediate court intervention to protect our client’s parental rights and restore stability for the child.
The court ordered the other parent to return the child to New York and to our client, preserving the child’s established home and allowing the custody proceedings to continue in the appropriate jurisdiction.
Uncovering Hidden Assets to Achieve an Equitable Property Division
Suspected concealed accounts and asset transfers placed our client’s financial interests at risk during divorce proceedings.
Our client believed the other spouse had concealed income and transferred marital assets, including funds held in bank and investment accounts and property placed in the names of third parties. The lack of complete financial disclosure created a significant obstacle to a fair division of the marital estate.
Through targeted discovery and a detailed analysis of financial records, we traced asset transfers and sought court-authorized measures to investigate undisclosed holdings. This process identified multiple assets that had not been properly disclosed and ensured that they were included in the marital estate.
As a result, the client obtained an equitable property division based on a more complete and accurate picture of the parties’ finances.
Resolving a Multi-Issue Divorce Through a Comprehensive Settlement
A long-term marriage involving three children and significant marital assets required a coordinated strategy addressing custody, support, and property division.
The parties disagreed over custody of their three children, child support, and the division of property accumulated during the marriage. We carefully evaluated the children’s circumstances, caregiving history, and individual needs, and developed a custody strategy focused on their best interests and long-term stability.
Our client obtained custody of the children and a child support award based on the parties’ respective incomes and their proportional support obligations. We also analyzed each spouse’s contributions to the marriage and negotiated an equitable division of the marital assets.
The matter concluded with a comprehensive resolution that protected our client’s parental and financial interests while establishing a stable framework for the children’s future.
Scope of Representation
- Contested and uncontested divorce
- Legal separation and marital disputes
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Child support, custody and visitation matters
- Spousal support and alimony
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of matters fall under family law?
Divorce, custody, child support, spousal support, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and marital property disputes are the core areas.
What's the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce is one where spouses agree on the key issues — property division, custody, and support. A contested divorce involves disputes that require negotiation, mediation, or court intervention to resolve.
How is child custody determined in New York?
New York courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, weighing factors related to the child’s well-being, stability, and relationship with each parent.
Can a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement protect my assets?
Yes, when properly prepared. These agreements can establish financial expectations, protect assets, and add clarity on certain marital issues before they become disputes.
When should I speak with a family law attorney?
Early — consulting an attorney before a dispute escalates makes it easier to understand your options and protect your interests from the outset.
Can a divorce involve both family law and business or real estate issues?
Yes. Divorce involving business interests, investment properties, or significant assets often requires coordinated analysis of multiple areas of law. Our experience with real estate, business, and financial matters allows us to approach these issues from a broader perspective.
What happens if my spouse is hiding assets during divorce?
Divorce decisions depend on having an accurate understanding of the marital assets. When financial information is incomplete or disputed, we assist clients with reviewing financial records, pursuing discovery, and identifying information relevant to equitable property division.
How are property and assets divided in a New York divorce?
New York follows equitable distribution principles, meaning marital property is divided fairly rather than automatically equally. Complex matters may require analysis of real estate, investment accounts, retirement assets, and other financial interests.
Can custody arrangements be changed if a parent moves to another state?
Relocation can affect custody, visitation, schooling, and decision-making arrangements. We help parents evaluate legal options and develop solutions focused on maintaining meaningful parent-child relationships.
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Thoughtful Counsel for Your Family Law Needs
Our family law attorneys are here to listen, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions about the matters that matter most.