The law used to require an extremely high standard of marital fault in equitable distribution because marriage was viewed by courts as an economic partnership entitled to a fair sharing of assets upon divorce.  However, in a significant departure, a 2020 amendment to Domestic Relations Law §236 included domestic violence as a factor to consider when determining equitable distribution. Presenters will discuss this historic change in the law and explore its impact on case law and practice since its passage several years ago.  Panelists:  Laura A. Russell, Esq., Citywide Director of the DV/Family Unit, Legal Aid Society of New York City; Lee Rosenberg, Esq., Managing Partner, Saltzman Chetkof & Rosenberg LLP; Gracja M. Nowak, Esq., Staff Attorney of the Victims Legal Assistance Project, The Legal Project.

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