Ivan Alter, Esq, P. C.

05/26/2026

Fear about money is usually one of the biggest concerns for people going through a divorce. The best financial decisions come from thoughtful planning, not panic. Taking the opportunity to look closely at your finances, explore different options, and build a realistic plan for your future is important so you can move forward with greater confidence. Thankfully, the Collaborative Divorce process (and often the Mediation process as well) helps you ask and answer the critical questions concerning your post-divorce financial situation so you can make decisions that leave you feeling secure.

Fear about money is usually one of the biggest concerns for people going through a divorce. The best financial decisions come from thoughtful planning, not

05/18/2026

Historically, the divorce process has been addressed within a system that is designed for conflict. But treating divorce like a war often leads to more stress, expense, and dissatisfaction. Luckily, when it comes to your divorce, whether or not to go to war is your choice. When you focus on problem-solving in the divorce process and choose more supportive processes like Collaborative Divorce or Mediation, you can confidently chart the course to your future without the casualties or collateral damage of litigation.

Historically, the divorce process has been addressed within a system that is designed for conflict. But treating divorce like a war often leads to more

05/04/2026

Keeping your divorce private is about maintaining control over your personal, financial, and family information. Sensitive personal information can be vulnerable to exposure both during and after the divorce process. Choosing a private divorce process, such as Mediation or Collaborative Divorce, can go a long way toward keeping your divorce private.

Keeping your divorce private is about maintaining control over your personal, financial, and family information. Sensitive personal information can be

03/16/2026

It’s important to begin by acknowledging that when a marriage really isn’t working, sometimes divorce can truly be the best option. It can allow each party to live a healthier and more fulfilling life. But people often ask, what can married couples do to try to help avoid the deterioration of their marriage in the first place? Of course, there is no single solution that applies to every couple. But as someone who has heard many divorce stories throughout my career, I have noticed some common themes. And so, it stands to reason that attention to these significant issues during the marriage might help couples to address problems before they escalate. The strongest advice I can offer may sound simple, but it is not easy; the key is learning to truly hear and understand your partner. Many marriages falter not because of one single issue, but because communication breaks down over time. Listening to understand, not just to respond, and clearly showing your partner that you hear what matters to them can be deeply healing for a marriage.

It’s important to begin by acknowledging that when a marriage really isn’t working, sometimes divorce can truly be the best option. It can allow each party to

02/09/2026

There are certain realities of divorce that people expect. But in my experience, people are frequently surprised by other aspects of the process and its ongoing significance in their lives.

Focusing on what’s to come and choosing a process like Mediation or Collaborative Divorce that aligns with your values can affect much more than just the legal outcome.

It can deeply impact your future well-being, relationships, and sense of personal satisfaction.

There are certain realities of divorce that people expect. But in my experience, people are frequently surprised by other aspects of the process and its

01/05/2026

Most divorcing couples genuinely desire to protect their children from the harm they fear it can cause. However, the emotional turbulence and uncertainty

12/29/2025

Divorce lawyers tell an old story about a contentious custody battle. The parents are unable to agree about anything regarding their children and each spouse shouts over the other hoping the Judge will agree with their point of view.

After having heard their endless disagreements, the Judge finally asks each of the parents “do you love your kids?” “Of course!” each of them insists. “I thought so,” said the Judge, “but you know what? I don’t even know them. So why would you want me to make the important decisions in their lives?”

Divorce lawyers tell an old story about a contentious custody battle. The parents are unable to agree about anything regarding their children and each spouse

12/08/2025

While Mediation and Collaborative Divorce share similarities, like keeping all decisions in the hands of the divorcing couple, they differ in structure, the level and type of support they offer, and cost. Mediation generally provides less professional support and is often less expensive. Collaborative Divorce offers more structure and assistance through specially-trained attorneys and neutral experts, to guide and advise both parties using a team-based approach.

While Mediation and Collaborative Divorce share similarities, like keeping all decisions in the hands of the divorcing couple, they differ in structure, the

12/01/2025

When there is an affair in a marriage, it often feels like a breaking point. For some, infidelity can be the final straw that leads to divorce. The emotional weight of betrayal can be overwhelming and ignoring it is nearly impossible. But when it comes to the legal process, does an affair actually matter? The answer depends on what you mean by “matter.”

When there is an affair in a marriage, it often feels like a breaking point.  For some, infidelity can be the final straw that leads to divorce. The

11/17/2025

Getting a divorce in New York has evolved in recent years from an entirely blame-based, unpredictable, and solely adversarial model to offer options for a more compassionate and structured process. Key changes include the shift to no-fault divorce, standardized support guidelines, and the growing use of “out of court” options like Mediation and Collaborative Divorce.

Getting a divorce in New York has evolved in recent years from an entirely blame-based, unpredictable, and solely adversarial model to offer options for a