In the News

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Below is a roundup of Blank Rome Matrimonial and Family Law partners’ recent awards, recognitions, media, and other accomplishments from around the country.

Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani: Co-Parenting from Parallel Paths
April 27, 2026: Blank Rome partner Morgan F. Mouchette authored this Forbes article discussing how the divorced Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale handles raising their children. 
Parental Alienation in Divorce: Judicial Insights
April 23, 2026: Blank Rome partner Alan R. Feigenbaum authored this New York Law Journal article discussing how courts define parental alienation within custody dispute cases. 
Inside the ‘Financial Infidelities’ That Tear Marriages Apart
April 20, 2026: Blank Rome partner Marilyn B. Chinitz was featured in this Wall Street Journal article discussing financial infidelities within marriages. 
Ask Stacy – What Your Garden Can Teach You About Divorce
April 16, 2026: In this LinkedIn Article, Stacy D. Phillips answers questions from her readers and podcast listeners and shares her “hot takes” and insights on the issues.
Ask Stacy – Divorce is No Laughing Matter … Or is It?
April 15, 2026: In this LinkedIn Article, Stacy D. Phillips answers questions from her readers and podcast listeners and shares her “hot takes” and insights on the issues.
Ask Stacy – Surviving the Chill of Divorce
March 30, 2026: In this LinkedIn Article, Stacy D. Phillips answers questions from her readers and podcast listeners and shares her “hot takes” and insights on the issues.
Inside the Stunning Downfall of NBA Icon Dwight Howard as New Bodycam Footage Lays Bare Latest Feud
March 23, 2026: Blank Rome partner Sarah M. Luetto was featured in this Daily Mail article discussing potential repercussions for the former Los Angeles Lakers star Dwight Howard amid recent abuse allegations.
Blank Rome Welcomes New Matrimonial & Family Law Of Counsel Jackielyn H. Abellada in Los Angeles
March 23, 2026: Blank Rome is pleased to announce that Jackielyn H. Abellada has joined the firm’s Los Angeles office as an of counsel in the Matrimonial & Family Law practice group
Michelle Piscopo Joins Financial Planning: Explained
March 20, 2026: Blank Rome of counsel Michelle Piscopo joined host Michael Menninger on Financial Planning: Explained, a weekly educational show that discusses unique approaches to financial planning.
Groundbreaking Decision on Authentication of Video Evidence
March 19, 2026: Blank Rome partner Alan R. Feigenbaum authored this New York Law Journal article discussing how even amid disturbing facts and concerns about child safety, video evidence must meet strict evidentiary standards, particularly in an era of potential digital manipulation.
What the Oscars Gift Bag Says About Divorce Planning
March 18, 2026: Blank Rome partner Morgan F. Mouchette authored this Forbes article discussing the “Everybody Wins” gift bags given to top Oscar nominees and the notable inclusion of a custom prenuptial agreement within.
Brett S. Ward Joins the Disrupting Divorce Podcast
March 13, 2026: Blank Rome partner Brett S. Ward joined host Rhonda Noordyk on the Disrupting Divorce podcast to discuss the concept of “alienation of affection” and its role in modern divorce disputes.
Stacy D. Phillips and Kristina Royce Named 2026 Top Family Lawyers by Daily Journal
March 13, 2026: Blank Rome partners Stacy D. Phillips and Kristina Royce, who also serves as co-chair of the firm’s Matrimonial and Family Law practice group, have been named 2026 Top Family Lawyers by the Daily Journal.
The Gates’ Divorce: Insights for Affluent Couples Who Run Foundations
March 13, 2026: Blank Rome partners Morgan F. Mouchette and Kyle G. Durante were featured in this Inside Philanthropy article discussing charitable giving in the wake of the divorce between Bill and Melinda Gates.
Whose Charity Is It Anyway? How Family Law Treats Philanthropy Made During Marriage
March 11, 2026: Blank Rome partners Jackie Combs and Sarah Luetto authored this National Law Review article discussing how charitable giving can spark disputes in high-net-worth divorces.
Zendaya’s Secret Wedding: The Legal Art of Keeping Love Private
March 6, 2026: Blank Rome partner Morgan F. Mouchette authored this Forbes article discussing how actors Zendaya and Tom Holland kept their marriage largely hidden from the public eye. 
Michelle M. Gervais Recognized in the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Global Leaders in Crisis Management Guide
March 2, 2026: Blank Rome is pleased to share that partner Michelle M. Gervais has been named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Global Leaders in Crisis Management guide.
Gen Z Is Embracing the Prenup, Says Family Law Attorney: ‘The Taboo of Divorces Is Long Gone’
February 28, 2026: Blank Rome partner Jackie Combs was featured in this CNBC Make It article discussing how more Gen Z prenuptial agreements are trending.    
Marilyn B. Chinitz on Life After Divorce
February 26, 2026: Blank Rome partner Marilyn B. Chinitz recently appeared on PIX11 News to discuss why divorce isn’t a failure, but an opportunity for healing, growth, and stronger relationships ahead.
Influencer Prenups Are on the Rise. How the Legal Arrangement Differs from a Traditional Prenup
February 20, 2026: Blank Rome partner Alan R. Feigenbaum was featured in this PEOPLE article discussing some of the difficulties in developing prenuptial agreements. 
‘Who You Marry Is the Biggest Financial Decision in Your Life,’ Says Attorney: Ask These 6 Money Questions on a First Date
February 18, 2026: Blank Rome partner Jackie Combs was featured in this CNBC Make It article discussing interesting financial questions to ask a potential partner on a first date.   
Equitable Distribution Agreements Are Final Agreements
February 19, 2026: Blank Rome partner Alan R. Feigenbaum authored this New York Law Journal article discussing how equitable distribution provisions in divorce settlements are final and binding, even when a party later obtains new information that could have altered the deal.
Diamonds Are Forever, Divorce Rings Are for What Comes After
February 13, 2026: Blank Rome partner Jackie Combs was featured in this Wall Street Journal article discussing the significance of engagement and marital rings after a divorce.
Kyle Cooke & Amanda Batula Skipped a Prenup, Is Loverboy in the Lurch?
February 10, 2026: Blank Rome partner Morgan F. Mouchette authored this Forbes article discussing the recent separation of reality stars Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula.
Highly Attractive Partners Have ‘Financial Stability’—but These 4 Money Red Flags Doom a Relationship, Survey Finds
February 10, 2026: Blank Rome partner Jackie Combs was featured in this CNBC Make It article discussing financial alignment when choosing a marital partner.  
Marilyn B. Chinitz Joins the I Do, Part 2 Podcast
February 4, 2026: Blank Rome partner Marilyn B. Chinitz joined host Jennifer Fessler on I Do, Part 2, an iHeartRadio podcast.

Business Valuation in Divorce: Judicial Discretion Reigns

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Alan R. Feigenbaum ●

New York Law Journal, May 19, 2026 —

At some point in life, you probably had this discussion: is medicine a science or an art? The same question might be posed when it comes to valuing a spouse’s business interest in divorce.

Perhaps, as with medicine, the answer is that business valuation comes down to a combination of science and art.

At least one thing is certain, and that is this: if you ask a trial court to decide the value of a divorcing spouse’s business interest, the trier of fact—after considering the evidence presented by the lawyers and the experts—will be tasked with making the final call in answering “what is this worth”?

That brings us to the Judge Ronald Castorina Jr.’s recent decision of AP v. RP, 2025 NY Slip Op 52138(U) (Sup. Ct., Richmond Cty.).

In AP, the parties married in 2008, with one child of the marriage. The defendant owns a 25% interest in “AOC”, a construction company that builds laundromats. The defendant’s brother (CP) also owns 25%, and the remaining 50% of AOC is owned by the defendant’s father (RJP, Sr., referred to in the decision as “Senior”).

The court issued an order for an appraisal and current valuation of AOC to be performed by KLG Business Valuators and Forensic Accountants, LLC (“KLG”) as a neutral. KLG issued a report, which provides that the fair market value of the defendant’s 25% interest is worth $7,900.

The plaintiff in AP filed a motion seeking to have the court reject KLG’s valuation as it was “conducted based on limited documentation and without the participation of all business members, noting that RJP, Sr., who owns 50% of AOC, was not interviewed independently by the evaluators”. According to the plaintiff, “the absence of Senior’s input renders the valuation inherently incomplete and unreliable as to the true fair market value of the business”. The plaintiff also moved to amend the complaint to add Senior as a third-party defendant, however that aspect of the motion is not the subject of this article.

In response, the defendant argued that KLG stated it “was able to attain all information it required” without Senior’s participation from appropriate sources including “the accountant who had all intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the business”. Further, an email from KLG, which responded to inquiries regarding the “need for an interview with Senior”, read as follows: “we did not feel it was necessary to speak to the father as we received all of the information we required”.

Read more on our website.

Attorney Spotlight: Ory Apelboim—New York

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Stacy D. Phillips ●

With this edition of Attorney Spotlight, I am pleased to feature one of our esteemed New York colleagues in Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law group: Ory Apelboim.

Ory Apelboim
Partner

With over two decades of legal experience, Ory is a valued and indispensable member of our Matrimonial & Family Law team. A graduate of The Bronx High School of Science, University of Buffalo, State University of New York, and Brooklyn Law School, Ory has built a successful practice representing clients in a broad range of complex and high‑conflict matrimonial matters, including divorce, equitable distribution, and child custody issues.

Ory was born and raised in Queens, New York, spending his formative years in New York City. He attended the Bronx High School of Science, where he studied with students from all five boroughs of NYC, an incredibly unique experience that strengthened his connection to his hometown and helped shape his path toward a legal career. Ory began his practice in commercial litigation at a boutique firm before joining a mid-sized firm that offered family law services. As high-net-worth divorces are at times akin to a business dissolution, Ory transitioned naturally into this practice. In doing so, he gained the opportunity to support clients not only with professional legal matters but also through the profound personal decisions that significantly impact their lives.

Read more on our website.

When Divorce Hurts: Understanding the Stages of Grief

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Stacy D. Phillips ●

Change in life can be painful, especially after losing someone who is or was once dear to your heart. In moments like these, grief can feel overwhelming, but understanding it is often the first step toward healing. Divorce, in particular, often carries a sense of loss comparable to the death or serious illness of a family member. Recognizing that grief and learning to process it are vital steps to moving forward.

Years ago, a psychological framework was developed to help explain the emotional responses of individuals facing terminal illness or death. Known as the Kübler-Ross model, this framework has been widely applied to experiences of personal grief and loss. The model describes five primary emotional stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Though these stages are not necessarily linear and may recur over time, they offer a helpful framework for understanding emotional responses to loss, including grief that can accompany divorce.

The Winds of Change Move Quickly

Change is inevitable, regardless of the stage of life we find ourselves in. Unlike the death of a loved one, grief after a divorce often unfolds in quieter, more complex ways. Although the marriage has ended, the person we have lost often remains with us, not only in our memories, but sometimes woven into everyday moments. This lingering presence can create uncertainty and complex emotions, often requiring patience and resilience as individuals learn to navigate a new reality.. However, when continued interaction is necessary, particularly when children are involved, the emotional weight can deepen, stretching grief over time rather than allowing it a clear ending. Denial is often the first response, and one that can come surprisingly easily. Although life undergoes significant transitions, divorce represents a deliberate decision that can alter an individual’s self-perception, identity, and self-worth. The impact of such changes differs from person to person and may occur in unforeseen ways. These shifts are often most apparent in relationships with friends and family, as well as in the daily social adjustments required in this new chapter of life.

Read more on our website.

Parental Alienation in Divorce: Judicial Insights

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Alan R. Feigenbaum, Judge Richard A. Dollinger*, and Deepti Shenoy* ●

New York Law Journal, April 23, 2026 —

Parental alienation has been characterized by the appellate courts as an act so—alien—to a child’s best interests as to render a parent presumptively unfit to have custody of the child. Given the ubiquity of claims of parental alienation in custody litigation, and the significance of findings of alienation on the outcome of custody decisions, it bears inquiring: what, in fact, is parental alienation? How does it affect a child’s best interests? And in what circumstances should it play a determinative role in a custody decision?

Last month, these authors presented an online CLE titled “Parental Alienation: A Primer”. In that CLE, we addressed Justice Richard Dollinger’s (Ret.) decision in J.F. v. D.F., 2018 NY Slip Op 51829(U) (Sup. Ct. Monroe Cty., 2018). J.F. stands out as arguably the most comprehensive effort in New York caselaw to drill down on these questions and explore the concept of parental alienation in depth.

In J.F., Justice Dollinger wrote that “The tort of intentional infliction of emotional distress

consists of four elements: (i) extreme and outrageous conduct; (ii) intent to cause, or disregard of a substantial probability of causing, severe emotional distress; (iii) a causal connection between the conduct and injury; and (iv) severe emotional distress…Simple word substitution—‘parental alienation’ for ‘emotional distress’—creates an equivalence between this tort designed to protect an individual’s emotional status and the family law concept to protect and preserve a parent’s relationship with their children. If the substitution works, then parental alienation consists of four elements: (i) extreme and outrageous conduct; (ii) intent to cause, or disregard of a substantial probability of causing, severe alienation of any parent from a child; (iii) a causal connection between the alienating conduct and the child’s rejection of a parent; and (iv) severe parental alienation.”

We spoke with Judge Dollinger in an effort to solicit his view as to the state of the discourse on parental alienation and what remains for practitioners, courts, and interested parties to consider as we continue to explore the concept of parental alienation and the role it should play in custody matters. What followed was an illuminating discussion—a view from the bench—which we present in Q&A form below:

1. In J.F., you wrote that parental alienation is an “undefined concept” in New York family law. How is it that a concept which is at stake in so many contested custody disputes remains undefined?
Judge Dollinger: The concept is undefined because of the complex factors at play in intra-family squabbles that come to the courts. Trying to isolate and prioritize facts, when contested by fathers, mothers, and often children, and to then evaluate those facts in complicated family relationships that are aggravated by separation, defies easy definition. 

Read more on our website.

*Richard A. Dollinger is a retired member of the Court of Claims and served as an acting Supreme Court Justice in the 7th Judicial District where he supervised matrimonial cases. Deepti Shenoy is senior counsel at Aronson Mayefsky and Sloan.

Groundbreaking Decision on Authentication of Video Evidence

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Alan R. Feigenbaum and Brett S. Ward ●

New York Law Journal, March 19, 2026 —

The Court of Appeals’ decision in ‘Matter of M.S.’ marks a significant development in the law governing the authentication of video evidence in Family Court proceedings.

If, as an attorney, your practice in any way shape or form involves hearings, trials, arbitrations, etc. where you are called upon to lay a foundation to authenticate videographic evidence, it is imperative that you read the Court of Appeals’ recent decision in Matter of M.S., 2026 NY Slip Op 00825.

The facts of M.S. are deeply disturbing. The Family Court (Erie County) found that the mother (M.H.) abused her daughter (M.S.) and derivatively abused her son (G.H). This finding was based upon three videos from May, June, and July 2019 that, according to the majority opinion, “appeared to show M.H.’s former live-in boyfriend, D.K., sexually abusing M.S.” “In one of the videos, M.H. can be seen leaving the room a few minutes before D.K. is shown touching and caressing M.S.”

The videos were not discovered in the family home or on any camera or computer belonging to the mother or her boyfriend. In the course of an FBI investigation into persons suspected of trading child pornography, agents executed a search warrant on B.W.

During questioning by FBI agent Martin Baranski, B.W., in an unsworn statement said (according to Agent Baranski) he had been “hack[ing] into security web cameras for the past few years,” had “watched a lot of security camera footage” of the house where M.H. lived, and “hacked” into a video in 2019 showing what he thought was an adult male sexually abusing his 15-year old stepdaughter.

M.H. (the mother) told police that screenshots of two people taken from the videos depicted D.K. and her daughter, M.S.

The majority opinion writes that the daughter, M.S., “denied that she had any sexual contact with D.K.” and claimed she was “conflicted” and “confused” by the allegations and description of the video.

Justice Shirley Troutman’s dissent places particular weight on the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) interview, emphasizing that while the child made no express disclosures, her demeanor and responses were consistent with fear and trauma rather than fabrication.

In the words of Justice Troutman: “Nothing about this interview supported the argument that [the daughter] honestly denied being abused. On the contrary, she presented as an abused child who was afraid to speak honestly.”

On motion by Erie County, the children were removed from their mother, a stay-away order was issued directing D.K. to have no contact with the children, and the children were ultimately placed into a foster home. While the case was pending, M.S. turned 18 and aged out of foster care, and the son (now 16), remains in foster care.

At the hearing, neither the mother nor her boyfriend testified. The mother joined her boyfriend’s objection to admitting the videos obtained from B.W. Erie County tried to lay the foundation for the videos through testimony of Agent Baranski and Gary Mahoney, one of the state police officers who searched the mother’s home. Agent Baranski testified about how he found the videos, and Investigator Mahoney noted that the living room at the house “matched the living room in the video” and noted he observed cameras in the house and “there were sex toys of the kind depicted in the videos.”

Read more on our website.

In the News

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Below is a roundup of Blank Rome Matrimonial and Family Law Partners’ recent awards, recognitions, media, and other accomplishments from around the country.

Postnuptial Agreements as Risk Management Tools for Executives and Entrepreneurs
January 26, 2026 – Blank Rome partner Jackie Combs authored this National Law Review article discussing how a postnuptial agreement is both a personal and strategic business tool for executives and entrepreneurs.

What Is Alienation of Affection? Attorney Breaks Down Rare Legal Concept That Cost a Tiktoker $1.75 Million
January 26, 2026 – Blank Rome partner Brett Ward was featured in this PEOPLE article discussing how social media can play a role in civil cases surrounding alienation of affection.

STI Transmission & Divorce: A Form of Domestic Violence
January 22, 2026 – Blank Rome partner Alan R. Feigenbaum authored this New York Law Journal article discussing how domestic violence includes non-physical harm such as the reckless transmission of STIs.

Attorney Jackie Combs on National Divorce Month
January 21, 2026 – Blank Rome partner Jackie Combs was featured in this PIX11 News’ New York City Living article discussing why January is often known as “National Divorce Month.” 

Continue reading →

Equitable Distribution Agreements Are Final Agreements

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Alan R. Feigenbaum ●

New York Law Journal, February 19, 2026 —

Among the many terms of art you may hear on a golf course is the word “mulligan”, i.e., a request for a “do-over” or second chance to hit the ball from the tee.

In many respects, life gives us second chances, whether with respect to something as silly as requesting a mulligan because you didn’t like your tee shot, changing careers, starting a new chapter post-divorce, and more. When you enter into a divorce agreement, however, you should expect that generally speaking, finality will trump any request for a second chance.

That brings us to Justice James L. Hyer’s recent decision in M.G. v. D.G., 2025 NY Slip Op 52020(U) (Westchester Cty., 2025). In M.G., the plaintiff-husband filed a motion to, inter alia, (a) stay the enforcement of the marital home buyout provisions in the parties’ judgment of divorce, which required the husband to pay the wife $156,762.91, and (b) grant to the husband an equitable credit and/or offset or otherwise adjust the enforcement of the buyout provision in light of a newly obtained refinance appraisal that valued the marital residence at $490,000 versus $625,000.

Without me writing another word, you have likely already figured out what happened in M.G.—the marital home was appraised during the divorce action as having a certain value, which formed the basis of a buyout computation in a settlement agreement.

Then, after the parties’ settlement agreement was signed, one party (the payor in the buyout scenario) got a subsequent appraisal that, if applied in place of the value used in the settlement agreement, would significantly reduce the buyout payment. Which appraisal do you think controls for equitable distribution purposes?

Read more on our website.

Attorney Spotlight: Ali Fishbein—New York

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Stacy D. Phillips ●

With this edition of Attorney Spotlight, I am pleased to feature one of our esteemed New York colleagues in Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law group—Ali Fishbein.

Ali L. Fishbein
Partner

With over a decade of legal experience, Ali is a valued and indispensable member of our Matrimonial & Family Law team. A graduate of the George Washington University Law School, Ali has successfully represented clients in a wide range of high‑stakes cases involving substantial marital assets. Her experience, dedication, and keen understanding of family law make her exceptionally equipped to handle even the most complex legal challenges.

I have had the privilege of knowing Ali since she was about five years old. I have worked with her father for many years, and it has been my pleasure to watch Ali grow both as a lawyer and a person. Back when Ali was pursuing her legal degree, she got involved with the family justice clinic in her third year at law school and fell in love with the practice of family law.

Read more on our website.

The Road to Change: How We Shape the Approach to Divorce

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Stacy D. Phillips ●

The decision to divorce, and the legal process that follows, can be a deeply personal and often overwhelming experience for anyone. Divorce can stem from an intense period of conflict or simply from gradually drifting apart. All the same, this kind of life change can bring out emotions and stress, which are natural responses to the fear and uncertainty of major transitions. 

Throughout the divorce process, a range of emotions, personalities, and possible pathways can emerge. Each path reflects a different way of responding to the challenges that arise. Over the course of my career in family law, I have encountered countless perspectives, concerns, and uncertainties from the clients I serve. The key is recognizing, and, more importantly, choosing the path that supports the healthiest and most constructive way forward.

The Apprehensive vs. Aggressive Path

A client is typically best served by a lawyer whose personality type and style align with their needs; that does not mean matches for similarity, rather a type that is compatible and one who can adapt to a complementary approach. Sometimes clients need their lawyers to help them navigate reactions or impulses that could work against their best interests. Others may feel overwhelmed or fearful and require steady guidance and reassurance that a good family lawyer can provide.

Read more on our website.