New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook

The New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook, by Joel R. Brandes, of the New York Bar, is devoted solely to the trial of a New York matrimonial action. It is a courtroom reference book to be used during the trial to enable counsel to successfully handle unusual evidentiary issues that frequently arise only in matrimonial actions. It is also an encyclopedia of questions for the direct and cross-examination of the parties and witnesses. It contains thousands of questions to ask in order to establish each element of a party's cause of action and requests for ancillary relief. The New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook has one purpose - to help an attorney try a matrimonial action. Its scope is limited to that part of a matrimonial action that begins after trial preparation has been completed, and ends with the conclusion of the trial. The New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook is divided into five parts. Part 1 deals with preliminary matters, how to conduct a trial and the rules of evidence. Part 2 covers obtaining a divorce, separation, or annulment with questions to establish a prima facie case. Part 3 is devoted to obtaining maintenance, child support, exclusive occupancy of the marital residence, counsel fees and other ancillary relief. Part 4 deals with equitable distribution of marital property and the determination of separate property. Part 5 contains extensive coverage of custody litigation. Each Part of the Handbook includes the relevant substantive and procedural law, and the law of evidence related to that Part, and contains suggested questions for the examination and cross-examination of the parties and their witnesses.