Joel R. Brandes concentrates his statewide practice onappeals indivorce, equitable distribution, custody, and family law cases, as well as in post-judgment enforcement and modification proceedings.He also serves as counsel to attorneys with all levels of experience assisting them with their difficult appeals and litigated matters. He has been recognized by the New York Appellate Division as a "noted authority and expert on New York family law and divorce.”
He is also the author of the treatise Law and The Family NewYork, 2d (9 volumes) (Thomson Reuters),and Law and theFamily NewYork Forms (5 volumes) (ThomsonReuters)and their annual updates. Mr. Brandes writes Bits and Bytes, ™ an electronic newsletter for the New York divorce and family law bench and bar, a website, New York Divorce and Family Law ( www.nysdivorce.com), and two blogs, “New York Divorce and Family Law” (https://brandeslaw.blogspot.com/) and “A Child is Missing: The International Child Abduction Blog”( https://joelbrandes.blogspot.com/). Mr. Brandes was counsel in the landmark New York Court of Appeals cases of Morone v Morone, Tucker v Tucker and McSparron v McSparron.
Education:
New York University (LL.M., in Corporate Law, 1974). Brooklyn Law School (J.D., 1968). University of Tampa and Queens College B.A. 1965).
Publisher of “Bits and Bytes”, bi-monthly electronic newsletter since 2003 (15 volumes, 24 issues each) devoted to New York Divorce and Family Law distributed to the New York bench and Bar.
Member, Scribes, The American Society of Writers on Legal Subjects
Principal Business:
March 6, 2019 – Present. The Law Firm of Joel R. Brandes, P.C. Advisor and counsel to the legal profession in complex matrimonial litigation, trials, appeals and international child abduction cases. Concierge legal services provided to individual clients.
2003 – Present. President of Joel R. Brandes Consulting Services, Inc. located at 2881 NE 33rd Court (At Dock), Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33306. Telephone (954) 564-9883. From 2002 to 2015 company operated as a paralegal service, which was conducted over the Internet. In that capacity Mr. Brandes advised and coached matrimonial and family law attorneys with regard to difficult litigated matrimonial, custody, child abduction and Family Court matters pending in all of the courts of the state of New York, and international child abduction cases in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States. He drafted litigation papers, motions and questions for attorneys to use in the examination and cross-examination of witnesses in State and Federal court actions. He drafted briefs and advised attorneys with regard to many international child abduction cases in the United States Court of Appeals, and one case in the United States Supreme Court. In 2015 Joel R. Brandes Consulting Services, Inc. is a creative writing and publishing company, providing expert matrimonial and family law content for client newsletters, law firm websites and attorney or law firm blogs. It also assists lawyers with drafting articles for legal journals and preparing presentations and materials for lectures and seminars. It is the publisher of the New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook, and Mr. Brandes website and blogs.
Academic Appointments and Publications of Joel R. Brandes
Educational:
Instructor in Matrimonial Law, Adelphi University, 1976-1981 Continuing Legal Education Faculty, New York State Bar Association, 1979-1992 Visiting Lecturer, Hofstra University, School of Law, Advanced Practice Institute, 1981
Public Service:
Member, State of Florida, 11th Judicial District Guardian Ad Litem Panel 2010-Present Served as guardian ad litem for non-verbal autustic child from 2010-2013
Author:
Foster, Freed & Brandes, Law and the Family New York, 2d Edition [volumes 1, 2, 3, 4] (Westgroup, Rochester, New York)
Freed & Brandes, Law and the Family New York, 2d Edition, [volumes 5 & 6] (Westgroup, Rochester, New York)
Freed, Brandes & Weidman, Law and the Family New York, 2d Edition, Revised [ volumes 3, 3A & 3B] (Westgroup, Rochester, New York)
Brandes, Law and the Family New York, 2d Edition, Revised [volumes 4, 4A & 5] (Westgroup, Rochester, New York)
Brandes & Weidman, Law and the Family, New York Forms [5 volumes] (1998 Westgroup, Rochester, New York)
Digest of Equitable Distribution Cases, 1981, New York State Bar Association A Comprehensive Analysis of All Reported Equitable Distribution Cases to Date, 1982, New York State Bar Association
Equitable Distribution Case Law, 1983, New York State Bar Association
Contributor:
A Practical Guide to the New York Equitable Distribution Law, 1980, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich
New York State Bar Association Pamphlet, Divorce and Separation in New York State
Contemporary Matrimonial Law Issues, 1986, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich (Contributor)
Encyclopedia of Matrimonial Practice, 1991, Prentice Hall Law and Business (Contributor)
Articles Published in New York Law Journal Column, "Law and the Family"
Freed and Brandes, "Family Law Takes a Back Seat Again," N.Y.L.J., 7-8-88, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "No More Messin With Hessen," N.Y.L.J., 8-17-88, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Joint Custody: The Choices," N.Y.L.J., 9-27-88, P. 3, Col. 3 Freed and Brandes, "Dump the Dum Casta Law," N.Y.L.J., 10-25-88, P. 3, Col. 3 Freed and Brandes, "The Cases of Mindy Sue Schwartz," N.Y.L.J., 11-29-88, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Are Necessaries Still Necessary?" N.Y.L.J., 12-29-88, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Equitable Distribution: Academic Degrees and Other Things of Value," N.Y.L.J., 124-89, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Child Support Guidelines -- The Final Chapter?" N.Y.L.J., 228-89, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Surrogate Parenting; Alternative Reproductive Techniques," N.Y.L.J., 3-30-89, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Alimony and Maintenance: Is There a Difference," N.Y.L.J., 4-25-89, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Modification of Maintenance Provisions," N.Y.L.J., 5-23-89, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Custody-Then and Now," N.Y.L.J., 6-27-89, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Celebrity Marriage and Common Law," N.Y.L.J., 7-25-89, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "New Legislation on Child Support Standards," N.Y.L.J., 8-2289, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "The Child Support Obligation," N.Y.L.J., 9-26-89, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Spousal Support: The Distinctions," N.Y.L.J., 10-31-89, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "The Hague Convention," N.Y.L.J., 11-28-89, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Pendente Lite Property Awards and Dispositions," N.Y.L.J., 12-26-89, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Supreme Court and Family Court Orders of Protection," N.Y.L.J., 1-23-90, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Dischargeability of Support, Property Awards in Bankruptcy," N.Y.L.J., 2-27-90, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Antenuptual Agreements: Who Holds the Trump Card?" N.Y.L.J., 3-27-90, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Modifications of Child Support Awards," N.Y.L.J., 4-24-90, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Service of Process and Ancillary Relief," N.Y.L.J., 5-30-90, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "Equitable Counsel Fee Awards," N.Y.L.J., 6-26-90, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed and Brandes, "The Ethics of Getting Paid," N.Y.L.J., 7-31-90, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Merger of Professional Licenses," N.Y.L.J., 8-3190, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Agreements to Divorce," N.Y.L.J., 9-25-90, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "What is the Value of Your Law Practice?" N.Y.L.J., 11-15-90, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "What is Separate Property?" N.Y.L.J., 1-30-91, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Married Women's Rights," N.Y.L.J., 2-26-91, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Gifts to Spouses," N.Y.L.J., 3-26-91, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "The Valuation Date," N.Y.L.J., 4-23-91, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Convenience Bank Accounts," N.Y.L.J., 5-29-91, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Attorneys Liens," N.Y.L.J., 6-25-91, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Tracing Assets to Their Source," N.Y.L.J., 7-23-91, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Appreciation of Separate Property," N.Y.L.J., 8-2791, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Visitation Rights of Grandparents, Siblings and Others," N.Y.L.J., 9-24-91, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Whose Child is It? -- Habeas Corpus Proceedings," N.Y.L.J., 10-23-91, P.3 Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Abandonment: When is Sexual Refusal Justified," N.Y.L.J., 11-26-91, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Relocation: A Child's Dilemma," N.Y.L.J., 12-3191, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Constructive Trusts," N.Y.L.J., 1-28-92, P. 3, Col. 3 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Custody, Experts, Evaluations and Reports," N.Y.L.J., 3-12-92, P. 3, Col. 3 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Unconscionability' in Matrimonial Agreements," N.Y.L.J., 3-24-92, P. 3, Col. 3 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Cut-Off Dates for Marital Property," N.Y.L.J., 4-2992, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "This Year's Changes in Child Support Guidelines," N.Y.L.J., 5-26-92, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Foreign Divorce," N.Y.L.J., 6-24-92, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Boden and Brescia," N.Y.L.J., 7-28-92, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Religious Contracts and Divorce," N.Y.L.J., 8-3192, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Support Enforcement Under DRL '244, The `Baker' Problem," N.Y.L.J., 9-22-92, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Modification of Maintenance Provisions," N.Y.L.J., 10-27-92, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Religion and Custody Disputes," N.Y.L.J., 11-2492, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "The Violi Problem," N.Y.L.J., 12-22-92, P. 3, Col. 3 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Electronic Surveillance of Family Conversations," N.Y.L.J., 1-26-93, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Surrogate Parenting Contracts," N.Y.L.J., 2-26-93, P. 3, Col. 3 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Long Arm Jurisdiction," N.Y.L.J., 3-23-93, P. 3, Col. 3 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Understanding and Obtaining a Distributive Award," N.Y.L.J., 4-27-93, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "O'Brien and the Real World," N.Y.L.J., 5-25-93, P. 3, Col. 3 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Transfers of Pension Benefits," N.Y.L.J., 6-22-93, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Pre-Commencement Sequestration," N.Y.L.J., 727-93, P. 3, Col. 1 Freed, Brandes and Weidman, "Insurance Coverage and Medical Support Enforcement," N.Y.L.J., 8-2493, P. 3, Col. 1 Brandes and Weidman, "Adultery as a Ground for Divorce," N.Y.L.J., 9-28-93, P. 3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman, "International Child Abduction," N.Y.L.J., 10-26-93, P. 3, Col. 1 Brandes and Weidman, "The Relocation Dilemma Revisited," N.Y.L.J., 11-23-93, P. 3, Col. 1 Brandes and Weidman, "Living Apart Grounds for Divorce," N.Y.L.J., 12-28-93, P. 3, Col. 1 Brandes and Weidman, "The Disappearance of Enoch Arden," N.Y.L.J., 1-25-94, P. 3, Col. 1 Brandes and Weidman, "Annulment for Incurable Mental Illness," N.Y.L.J., 2-2294, P. 3, Col. 1 Brandes and Weidman, "Regulating Divorce Lawyers Conduct," N.Y.L.J., 3-22-94, P. 3, Col. 1 Brandes and Weidman, "Calendar Control of Disclosure," N.Y.L.J., 4-26-94, P. 3, Col. 1 Brandes and Weidman, "Private School and College Expenses," N.Y.L.J., 5-24-94, P. 3, Col. 1 Brandes and Weidman, "The Age of Majority and Emancipation," N.Y.L.J., 6-28-94, P. 3, Col. 1 Brandes and Weidman, "The Role of the Law Guardian," N.Y.L.J., 7-26-94, P.3, Col. 1 Brandes and Weidman, "Amendment to Rules of Conduct for Divorce Lawyers," N.Y.L.J.,8-23-94, P. 3, Col. 1. Brandes and Weidman, "More Changes to Calendar Control and Arbitration Rules," N.Y.L.J., 9-27-94, P.3 Col.1 Brandes and Weidman, "Arbitration of Custody & Visitation Disputes," N.Y.L.J., 10-25-94, P.3 Col.1 Brandes and Weidman, "The Valuing of Law Practices," N.Y.L.J., 11-22-94, P.3, Col. 1 Brandes and Weidman, "Court Appointed Experts in Custody Decisions," N.Y.L.J., 12-27-94, P.3 Col.1 Brandes and Weidman," Visitation and Child Support: Emerging Rights of Children," N.Y.L.J., 1-24-95, P.3 Col.1 Brandes and Weidman," When the Custodial Parent Relocates," N.Y.L.J., 2-24-95, P.3 Col. 1 Brandes and Weidman," Child Support, Agreements and the Rights of Children," N.Y.L.J., 3-28-95, P.3 Col.6 Brandes and Weidman," Equitable Distribution of Pension Benefits," N.Y.L.J., 425-95, P.3 Col.3 Brandes and Weidman," The Changes in Calculating Child Support," N.Y.L.J., 523-95, P.3 Col.3 Brandes and Weidman,"' Hartog' and 'Price': The 'Price' Is Right," N.Y.L.J., 6-2795, P.3 Col.3 Brandes and Weidman," Social Security, Disability Benefits and Child Support,"N.Y.L.J., 7-25-95, P.3 Col.1 Brandes and Weidman," Full Faith and Credit to Child-Support Orders," N.Y.L.J., 8-22-95, P.3 Col.1 Brandes and Weidman," Where the Buck Stops for Law Guardians," N.Y.L.J., 926-95, P.3 Col.1 Brandes and Weidman," Privacy: Whose Right Is It Anyway," N.Y.L.J., 10-24-95, P.3 Col.1 Brandes and Weidman," The Child's Best Interests in Adoption Cases," N.Y.L.J., 11-28-95, P.3 Col.3 Brandes and Weidman," McSparron': The Demise of the `Merger' Fiction," N.Y.L.J., 12-26-95, P.3 Col.3 Brandes and Weidman," New Efforts to Eliminate Domestic Violence," N.Y.L.J., 123-96, P.3 Col.3 Brandes and Weidman," An Abused Child's Emergency Removal from Home," N.Y.L.J., 2-27-96, P.3 Col.3 Brandes and Weidman," Social Security, and Child Support Revisited," N.Y.L.J., 3-26-96, P.3 Col.1 Brandes and Weidman," Relocation Resolved," N.Y.L.J., 4-23-96, P.3 Col.1 Brandes and Weidman," The Rights of Unwed Fathers," N.Y.L.J., 5-28-96, P.3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman," Failure to Pay Support and the Suspension of Licenses,"N.Y.L.J., 6-25-96, P.3 Col.1 Brandes and Weidman," Collection of Support Arrears Without a Money Judgment," N.Y.L.J., 7-23-96, P.3 Col.1 Brandes and Weidman" Looking Out for The Children of Domestic Violence," N.Y.L.J., 8-27-96, P.3 Col.1 Brandes and Weidman "Wiping Out Domestic Violence," N.Y.L.J., 9-24-96, P.3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman "Automatic Enforcement and Modification of Support Awards," N.Y.L.J., 10-2296, P.3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman "Child Support: The Increasing Right of Children," N.Y.L.J., 11-26-96, P3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman "Valuation of a Professional License," N.Y.L.J., 12-24-96, P.3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman, "Same-Sex Marriage," N.Y.L.J., 1-28-97, P. 3, Co. 1 Brandes and Weidman, "Contempt for Spouse Who Defaults in Payments," N.Y.L.J., 2-25-97, P.3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman, "Division of Real Property in Divorce Proceedings," N.Y.L.J., 3-25-97, P.3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman, "Costs and Sanctions for Frivolous Actions," N.Y.L.J., 422-97, P.3, Col. 1 Brandes and Weidman," Conflicts and the Appearance of Impropriety," N.Y.L.J., 5-27-97, P.3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman, "Custody Jurisdiction Under the UCCJA and PKPA", N.Y.L.J, 6-24-97, p.3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman, "Enforcement of Support Orders by Tax Department", N.Y.L.J., 7-22-97, p.3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman, "Statues of Limitation", N.Y.L.J., 8-26-97, p.3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman, "Habitual Residence Under the Hague Convention", N.Y.L.J., 9-23-97, p.3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman, "McSparron ' and Maintenance Awards", N.Y.L.J, 10-2897, p.3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman, "Joint Custody and Child Support Awards", N.Y.L.J, 1125-97, p.3, Col.1 Brandes and Weidman, "Additional Award for Child Support", N.Y.L.J,12-23-97, p.3, Col.1 "The Federalization of Family Law", N.Y.L.J., 1-27-98, P.3, Col.1 "No Safe Harbor for Open-Court Stipulations", N.Y.L.J., 2-24-98, P.3, Col.1 "Termination of Maintenance Provisions", N.Y.L.J, 4-6-98, P.3, Col.1 "The Role of Court Appointed Valuation Experts", N.Y.L.J., 4-28-98, P.3, Col.1 "Continuing Jurisdiction Over Support Orders", N.Y.L.J, 5-26-98, P.3, Col.1 "Termination of Child Support Agreements", N.Y.L.J, 6-23-98, P.3, Col.1 "Compensation of Law Guardians", N.Y.L.J, 7-28-98, P.3, Col.1 "Shared Custody and Support Awards", N.Y.L.J., 8-25-98, P.3, Col.1 "The Custody rights of Parents", N.Y.L.J., 9-22-98, P.3, Col.1 "The Return of Engagement Gifts", N.Y.L.J., 10-27-98, P.3, Col.1 " Sexual Relations and Abandonment", N.Y.L.J., 11-24-98, P.3, Col.1 "The Validity of Prenuptial Agreements", N.Y.L.J., 12-22-98 "Surrender Agreements in Adoption Proceedings", N.Y.L.J., 1-26-99, P.3, Col.1 "Judging the Best Interest of The Child", N.Y.L.J., 2-23-99, P.3, Col.1 "Substitution of Counsel," N.Y.L.J., 3-23-99, P.3, Col. 1 "Child Support Awards and Joint or Shared Custody," N.Y.L.J., 4-27-99, P.3, Col. 1 "Support Awards:’Cassano Revisited’", N.Y.L.J., 5-25-99, P.3, Col. 1 "Direct Enforcement of Support Orders Under UIFSA", N.Y.L.J., 6-22-99, "Full Faith and Credit to Protective Orders, N.Y.L.J., 7-27-99, P.3, Col. 1 "More Equitable Counsel Fee Awards," N.Y.L.J., 8-24-99, P.3, Col. 1 "Survival or Merger of Agreements," N.Y.L.J., 9-28-99, P.3, Col. 1 "McSparronizing Distributive Awards," N.Y.L.J.,10-26-99, P.3 Col 1 "Contempt of Court," N.Y.L.J., 11-26-99, P.3, Col. 1 "Nonparent Visitation: Whose Best Interest?", N.Y.L.J., 12-28-99. P.3, Col. 1 "Hessen Revisited - The Cruelty Ground for Divorce", N.Y.L.J., 1-26-00, P.3, Col 1 "Motion Practice Renewed", N.Y.L.J., 2-22-00, P. 3, Col. 1 "Parental Alienation", N.Y.L.J., 3-26-00, P. 3&4, Col. 1-3 "Imputed or Attributed Income", N.Y.L.J., 4-25-00, P. 3, Col. 1 "Open Court Stipulations in Matrimonial Agreements", N.Y.L.J., 5-23-00, P. 3, Col.1 The Role of the Law Guardian", N.Y.L.J., 6-27-00, P. 3, Col. 1 "Fee Dispute Arbitration", N.Y.L.J., 7-27-00, P. 3, Col. 1 "McSparron Revisited, Reaffirmed and Refined", N.Y.L.J., 8-22-2000, P.3, Col.1 "Grandparent Visitation Rights, New York State and the Constitution", N.Y.L.J. 97-00, P. 3, Col. 1 "Re-Examining the Role of the Law Guardian", N.Y.L.J., 10-24-00, P. 3, Col. 1 "Child Custody: History, Definitions, New York Law", N.Y.L.J., 11-28-00, P. 3, Col.1 "Psychological Parenthood", N.Y.L.J., 12-26-00, P.3, Col. 1 "Child Custody Evaluations", N.Y.L.J., 1-11-01, P.3, Col. 1 "The Hague Convention’s Psychological Harm Defense", N.Y.L.J., 1-30-2001, P.3, Col.1 "Distribution of Retirement Benefits", N.Y.L.J., 2-27-01, P.3, Col. 1 "A Good Smack Never Hurt Nobody", N.Y.L.J, 3-27-01, P.3, Col. 1 "Defining Marital Property", N.Y.L.J., 4-24-01, P.3, Col. 1 "Invalid Child Support Agreements", N.Y.L.J., 5-27-01, P.3, Col.1 "Observations on Abuses of the Subpoena", N.Y.L.J., 6-26-01, P.3, Col. 1 "Invalidity of Prenuptial Agreements", July 24, 2001 "Authority of Judicial Hearing Officers", August 28, 2001
Articles Published in Law Reviews Brandes & Brandes, "The Ultimate Matrimonial Motion Practice Primer", 15 Touro Law Review 177 Family Law, 1983 Survey of N.Y. Law, 35 Syracuse Law Review 385 Family Law, 1984 Survey of N.Y. Law, 36 Syracuse Law Review 315 Family Law, 1985 Survey of N.Y. Law, 37 Syracuse Law Review 505 Family Law, 1986 Survey of N.Y. Law, 38 Syracuse Law Review 333 Family Law, 1987 Survey of N.Y. Law, 39 Syracuse Law Review 367 Family Law, 1988 Survey of N.Y. Law, 40 Syracuse Law Review 391
Articles Published in the New York State Bar Association - Family Law Review
"Recent Decisions, Legislation and Trends", Vol. 8, No. 1 through Vol. 31, No. 2 (95 Articles) "The Disclosure Battle Continues," Vol. 8, No. 2 "Enforcement and Modification of Supreme Court Foreign Decrees in the Family Court", Vol. 9, No. 4 "The Child Support Obligation", Vol. 11, No. 3 "Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Disclosure (But Were Afraid to Ask)", Vol. 12, No. 2 "Modification and Enforcement of Agreements and Judgments", Vol. 13, Nos. 2, 3, and 4 "Disqualification of Counsel for Conflict of Interest or Appearance of Impropriety, Vol.28, No.4
Member of Board of Editors, Fairshare - The Matrimonial Law Monthly
Articles published:
"New York Equitable Distribution Law: Pleading Hints," Vol. 1, No. 1 "How Three State Equitable Distribution Laws Measure Up," Vol. 1, No. 3 "Playing the Discontinuance Game: Retroactivity in Equitable Distribution," Vol. 1, No. 4 "Digging for Marital Property and Weeding Out Separate Assets: Role of the Client", Vol. 1, Nos. 6 & 8 "Digging for Marital Property and Weeding Out Separate Assets: Role of the Attorney", Vol. 1, No. 9 "Digging for Marital Property: Safe Deposit Boxes", Vol. 1, No. 10 "Use of Checking Accounts to Locate Marital Property", Vol. 1, No. 11 "Digging for Marital Property: Use of Federal Income Tax Returns", Vol. 1, No. 12 "Devising a Game Plan", Vol. 2, No. 3 "The Equitable Distribution of Tax Shelters", Vol. 2, No. 5 and Vol. 2, No. 6 "Proving the Value of a Homemaker", Vol. 2, No. 11 and Vol. 2, No. 12 "The ABC's of Selecting Valuation Experts", Vol. 3, No.5 "Taking Over a Matrimonial Case", Vol. 4, No. 11 and No. 12, Vol. 13, No. 1 "Valuation of Preferred Stock After a Freeze Recapitalization", Vol. 6, No. 12
Articles Published inThe New York Law Journal (co-author or contributor): Federal Criminal Enforcement of Child Support Obligations, by Hon. George B. Daniels and Joel R. Brandes, New York Law Journal, December 9, 2011 Enforcement of Unacknowledged Marital Agreements, by Bari Brandes Corbin and Evan B. Brandes, New York Law Journal, October 15, 2012 Defining the Practice of Law after Matter of Brandes, by Chris McDonough, February 15, 2017
Reported Decisions and Appeals: Abitbol v. Abitbol 179 AD2d 595, 579 NYS2d 70 (1st Dept 1992) Ahern v. Ahern 94 AD2d 53, 463 NYS2d 238 (2nd Dept.) Antonvich v. Antonvich 84 AD2d 799, 444 NYS2d 158 (2nd Dept.) Areinoff v. Areinoff AD2d NYS2d (2nd Dept.) Beal v. Beal 196AD2d471, 601 NYS2d 24 (2nd Dept. 1993) Becker v. Becker Misc2d 541 NYS2d 699 (Sup. Ct. Nass. Co., 1989) Beckerman v. Beckerman 126 AD2d 591, 511 NYS2d 33 (2nd Dept.) Bellack v. Bellack AD2d NYS2d (2nd Dept.) Bennett v. Bennett 52 AD2d 782, 392 NYS2d 457 (1st Dept.) Blauner v. Blauner 60 AD2d 215, 400 NYS2d 335 (1st Dept.) Brandes v. Harris 78 AD2d 638, 432 NYS2d 116 (2nd Dept.) Brody v. Brody 98 AD2d 702, 469 NYS2d 99 (2nd Dept.) Brown v. Brown 112 Misc2d 849, 472 NYS2d 550 (Sup. Ct., Queens Co) Brown v. Brown 122 AD2d 762, 505 NYS2d 648 (2nd Dept.) Brown v. Brown 142 AD2d 624, 531 NYS2d 5 (2nd Dept., 1988) Brown v. Brown 50 AD2d 570, 375 NYS2d 30 (2nd Dept.) Brown v. Brown 54 AD2d 553, 387 NYS2d 3 (2nd Dept.) Capone v. Capone 148 AD2d 565, 539 NYS2d 35 (2nd Dept., 1989) Cordero v. Cordero 135 AD2d 483, 521 NYS2d 724 (2nd Dept., 1987) Culp v. Culp 117 AD2d 700, 498 NYS2d 846 (2nd Dept.) Deangelis v. Deangelis 88 AD2d 580, 450 NYS2d 246 (2nd Dept.) Delatorre v. Delatorre 183 AD2d 744, 583 NYS2d 479 (2nd Dept.) Dietz v. Dietz 203 AD2d 879, 610 NYS2d 981 (3rd Dept., 1994) Dimascio v. Dimascio 88 AD2d 966, 451 NYS2d 812 (2nd Dept.) Douek v. Douek 112 Misc2d 882, 447 NYS2d 664 (Sup. Ct., Queens Co.) Edwards v. Edwards 165 AD2d 362, 567 NYS2d 645 (1st Dept.) Eisenberg v. Eisenberg 48 AD2d 275, 469 NYS2d 136 (1st Dept.) Fein v. Fein AD2d NYS2d (2nd Dept.) Fishkin v. Fishkin 201 AD2d 202 615 NYS2d 899 (2nd Dept., 1994) Flatto v. Flatto 39 NY2d 880, 386 NYS2d 223 (Court of Appeals) Foote v. Foote 74 AD2d 839, 433 NYS2d 737 (2nd Dept.) Forrest v. Forrest 131 AD2d 425, 516 NYS2d 79 (2nd Dept., 1987) Frank v. Frank 65 AD2d 599, 409 NYS2d 421 (2nd Dept.) Frankel v. Frankel 106 AD2d 540, 483 NYS2d 67 (2nd Dept.) Frankel v. Frankel 67 AD2d 219, 412 NYS2d 649 (2nd Dept.) Frankel v. Frankel 82 AD2d 796, 439 NYS2d 218 (2nd Dept.) Friedman v. Exel 116 AD2d 433, 501 NYS2d 831 (1st Dept.) Rybicki v. Gluge 217AD2d 603, 629 NYS2d 461 (2d Dept., 1995) Hinden v. Hinden 119 AD2d 547, 500 NYS2d 721 (2nd Dept., 1986) Hinden v. Hinden NYLJ, 1/31/86, P.15, Col.3 (Sup. Ct., Nass Co. (Wager) Hinden v. Hinden 155AD2d 517, 547 NYS2d 580 (2d Dept., 1984) Hirschfeld v. Hirschfeld 96 AD2d 473, 464 NYS2d 789 (1st Dept.) Hoppl v. Hoppl 50 AD2d 59, 376 NYS2d 524 (1st Dept.) Joye v. Schechter 112 Misc2d 172, 446 NYS2d 884 (Fam. Ct., Nassau Co.) Joye v. Schechter 118 Misc2d 403, 460 NYS2d 992 (2nd Dept.) Kalin v. Bernstein NYLJ, 4/29/88, P.20, Col. 3 (Supreme Ct., Nass. Co. McCaffrey, J) Kaplan v. Kaplan 60 AD2d 594, 400 NYS2d 21 (2nd Dept.) Karafoil v. Karafoil AD2d, NYS2d (2nd Dept.,1999) Katz v. Katz 68 AD2d 536, 418 NYS2d 99 (2nd Dept., 1979) Katz v. Katz 75 AD2d 839, 427 NYS2d 866 (2nd Dept., 1980) Katz v. Katz 82AD2d 910, 441 NYS2d 985 (2nd Dept., 1981) Keingarsky v. Keingarsky 145 AD2d 537, 536 NYS2d 92 (2nd Dept.) Kleinberg v. Frankel 89 AD2d 556, 452 NYS2d 117 (2nd Dept.) Knobel v. Knobel 60 NY2d 672, 468 NYS2d 102 (Court of Appeals) Knobel v. Knobel 95 AD2d 845, 464 NYS2d 380 (2nd Dept., 1983) Largiader v. Largiader 151 AD2d 724, 542 NYS2d 789 (2nd Dept., 1989) Lavi v. Lavi 103 AD2d 400, 480 NYS2d 338 (2nd Dept.) Leigh v. Leigh 66 AD2d 735, 411 NYS2d 320 (1st Dept.) Levy v. Levy 49 AD2d 531, 370 NYS2d 107 (2nd Dept.) Lipset v. Lipset 150 AD2d 648, 541 NYS2d 523 (2nd Dept., 1989) Litman v. Litman 123 AD2d 310, 506 NYS2d 345 (2nd Dept.) Mattana v. Mattana 79 AD2d 702, 434 NYS2d 267 (2nd Dept.) Mcdermott v. Mcdermott 119 AD2d 370, 507 NYS2d 390 (2nd Dept.) McSparron v. McSparron 190 AD2d 74, 597 NYS2d 743 (3rd Dept., 1994) McSparron v. McSparron 87NY2d275, 639 NYS2d 265 (Court of Appeals) Mehrberg v. Mehrberg AD2d NYS2d (2nd Dept.) Milts v. Milts 85 AD2d 779, 449 NYS2d 231 (1st Dept.) Morone v. Morone 50 NY2d 481, 429 NYS2d 592 (Court of Appeals) Morone v. Morone 85 AD2d 768, 445 NYS2d 695 (3rd Dept.) Morton v. Morton 130 AD2d 558, 515 NYS2d 499 (2nd Dept.) Nemet v. Nemet 112 AD2d 359, 491 NYS2d 810 (2nd Dept.) Nemet v. Nemet 99 AD2d 878, 472 NYS2d 425 (2nd Dept.) Nemet v. Nemet NYLJ, 3/19/85, P,14, Col.4 (Sup. Ct., Nass. Co. McCaffrey, J.) Ostriker v. Ostriker 203 AD2d 343 609 NYS2d 922 (2nd Dept., 1994) Parker v. Parker 73AD2d 688, 423 NYS2d 844 (2nd Dept., 1979) Perlmutter v. Perlmutter 65 AD2d 601, 409 NYS2d 424 (2nd Dept.) Perrotta v. Perrotta NYLJ, 1-6-84, P.15, Col.3 Sup. Ct., Nass. Co. (Berman, J) Piro v. Piro 82 AD2d 783, 440 NYS2d 665 (1st Dept.) Preston v. Preston 147 AD2d 464 537 NYS2d 824 (2nd Dept., 1989) Roofeh v. Roofeh 138 Misc2d 889, 525 NYS2d 765 Sup. Ct., Nass. Co. 1988 Roscoe v. Roscoe 85 AD2d 516, 444 NYS2d 6 (1st Dept.) Rosen v. Rosen 97 AD2d 837, 468 NYS2d 723 (2nd Dept.) Rosen v. Brandes 105 Misc2d 506, 432 NYS2d 597 (Sup. Ct., 1980) Rosenblitt v. Rosenblitt 107 AD2d 292, 486 NYS2d 741 (2nd Dept.) Rubin v. Rubin 99 AD2d 774, 472 NYS2d 24 (2nd Dept.) Schnee v. Schnee 127 AD2d, 581, 511 NYS2d 548 (2nd Dept., 1987) Schnee v. Schnee 152 AD2d 665, 544NYS2d 18 (2nd Dept., 1989) Schoenfeld v. Schoenfeld NYLJ, 7/6/88, P.27, Col.6 (Sup. Ct., Nass. Co. (Brucia, J.) Siegfried v. Siegfried 92 AD2d 916, 460 NYS2d 131 (2nd Dept.) Skolnick v. Skolnick 142 AD2d 570, 530 NYS2d 235 (2nd Dept., 1988) Steinman v. Steinman 80 AD2d 892, 436 NYS2d 901 (2nd Dept.) Steinman v. Steinman 85 AD2d 649, NYS2d (2nd Dept.) Tallering v. Tallering AD2d NYS2d (2nd Dept.) Thomas v. Thomas 145 AD2d 477, 535 NYS2d 736 (2nd Dept., 1988) Tucker v. Tucker 116 Misc 2d 76 455 NYS2d 162 (Sup. Ct., Queens Co.) Tucker v. Tucker 55 NY2d 378, 449 NYS2d 683 (Court of Appeals) Tucker v. Tucker 80 AD2d 244, 438 NYS2d 810 (2nd Dept.) Tucker v. Tucker 97 AD2d 461, 467 NYS2d 432 (2nd Dept.) Wegman v. Wegman 37 NY2d 940, 380 NYS2d 649 (Court of Appeals) Wegman v. Wegman 46 AD2d 098, 362 NYS2d 202 (2nd Dept.) Wyser-Pratte v. Wyser-Pratte 111 AD2d 99, 89 NYS2d 232 (1st Dept.) Wyser-Pratte v. Wyser-Pratte 66 NY2d 715, 496 NYS2d 991 (Court of Appeals) Yedvarb v. Yedvarb 92 AD2d 791, 459 NYS2d 482 (2nd Dept.) Yunger v. Yunger 133 AD2d 451, 519 NYS2d 666 (2nd Dept.) Zawislak v. Schwartz 84 AD2d 695, 443 NYS2d 733 (1st Dept.)
Lectures and Seminars: March 1976 New York State Assembly Subcommittee on Revision of the Domestic Relations Law October 15, 1977 Nassau County Bar Association, Family Court Subcommittee "Respondent's Position in Enforcement and Modification Proceedings" June 10, 1978 Nassau County Bar Association, Matrimonial Law Committee "Disclosure in Matrimonial Actions" March 28, 1979 New York State Trial Lawyers "Matrimonial Appellate Practice" April, 1979 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Seminar "Enforcement and Modification" April 25, 1979 Westchester County Bar Association "Child Support Under Boden" September 19, 1979 Richmond County Bar Association "Recent Developments in Matrimonial Law; An Update" November 19, 1979 Suffolk County Bar Association "The Child Support Obligation" March 3-5, 1980 Nassau County Bar Association "Matrimonial Trial Practice" March 4, 1980 New York State Trial Lawyers "New Criteria for Alimony and Child Support" April 14, 1980 New York Bar Association "Trial Practice" April 23, 1980 New York State Bar Association Seminar entitled "Administering and Managing and Equitable Distribution Case" Topic: "Recent Decisions" May 16, 1980 Suffolk County Bar Association "The Equitable Distribution Bill" September 23, 1980 New York State Bar Association "Equitable Distribution" September 24, 1980 Richmond County Bar Association "Equitable Distribution in a Nutshell" October 1, 1980 Nassau County Bar Association "Agreements Under the Equitable Distribution Law" October 18, 1980 New York State Trial Lawyers "Retroactive and Prospective Application of Equitable Distribution" October 24-25, 1980 Federation of Bar Associations of the 4th Judicial District October 28, 1980 Nassau County Bar Association Committee of Accountants - CPA's "Role of the Attorney and the Accountant Under Equitable Distribution" November 3, 1980 Queens County Bar Association "Recent Developments in Modification of Custody Orders and Decrees" January 1981 Nassau County Bar Association "Recent Developments in Modification and Enforcement" March 30, 1981 The American Orthopsychiatric Association "Mock Custody Trial" April 3, 1981 New York State Bar Association, Family Court Practice Seminar "Modification and Enforcement Proceedings Regarding Separation Agreements and Decrees" April 6, 1981 Hofstra University, School of Law, Advanced Practice Institute "Child Custody and Recent Changes in Law" June 22, 1981 Nassau County Bar Association, 1981 Seminar on Tricks of the Trade "Trial Techniques" September 10, 1981 New York State Bar Association Seminar entitled "Equitable Distribution One Year Later" Topic: "Decisional Law Since July 19, 1980" October 5, 1981 Queens County Bar Association Seminar on How to Handle a Divorce Case Under Equitable Distribution Topic: "Disclosure Under Equitable Distribution" November 18, 1981 New York State Bar Association Seminar on Practical Skills in Family Law Practice Topic: "Trial Practice: Domestic Relations" November 19, 1981 Richmond County Bar Association Topic: "Equitable Distribution: A Review of Decisions Since July 19, 1980" April 23, 1981 New York State Bar Association May 5, 1982 Association of the Bar of the City of New York Topic: "Financial Disclosure Under Equitable Distribution Law" May 14, 1982 Seminar entitled "Administering and Managing and Equitable Distribution Cases" June 11, 1982 Topic: "Recent Decisions" July 10, 1982 New York State Bar Association Seminar entitled "A Comprehensive Analysis of All Reported Equitable Distribution Cases to Date" July 21, 1982 Law Journal Seminars-Press Seminar entitled "Central Issues in Equitable Distribution" Topics: "Financial Disclosure Under the Equitable Distribution Law" "Techniques in the Use of Disclosure Devices" September 24, 1982, October 22, 1982, November 5, 1982, December 5, 1982: New York State Bar Association Seminar entitled "Trial of an Equitable Distribution Case: A Practical Approach" October 5, 1982 New York State Trial Lawyers Association Seminar entitled "Essential Elements of a Winning Case, Equitable Distribution Today" Topic: "Update '82 - Recent Decisions Under Equitable Distribution" October 6, 1982 Queens County Bar Association Seminar entitled "How to Handle a Divorce Case Under Equitable Distribution" Topic: "Disclosure" October 12, 1982 Brooklyn Law School Topic: "Enforcement and Modification of Decrees and Agreements" November 10, 1982 Nassau County Bar Association November 13, 1982 Seminar entitled "Matrimonial Law, Update '82" Topic: "Evaluation and Distribution of Pensions" November 23, 1982 New York County Lawyers Association, Matrimonial Practice Program Topic: "Enforcement and Modification of Matrimonial Decrees" January 12, 1983 New York City Legal Secretaries Association Topic: "Marital Fault - Do the Courts Care?" March 4, 1983, April 8, 1983: New York State Bar Association: Moderator of Seminar entitled "Negotiating and Drafting of Marital Agreements" Topic: "Recent Decisions" March 5, 1983 New York State Trial Lawyers Seminar entitled "New Direction in Matrimonial Practice Under Equitable Distribution" Topic: "Update - 1983" May 3, 1983 Richmond County Bar Association Topic: "Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Matrimonial Law Since Last Time" June 24-25, 1983 Nassau County Bar Association Moderator of Annual Seminar on Matrimonial Law (Montauk Yacht Club) August 26, 1983 New York State Bar Association Moderator of Seminar entitled "Selected Valuation Problems in Equitable Distribution Cases" (New York City) Topic: "Recent Decisions and Comments" September 23, 1983 (Albany), October 14, 1983 (N.Y.C.): New York State Bar Association Moderator of Seminar entitled "Child Custody and Visitation" Topic: "The Contested Custody Case from the Lawyers Perspective" October 26, 1983 New York State Trial Lawyers Seminar Topic "Disclosure Under the Equitable Distribution Law" October 31, 1983 Brooklyn Bar Association Seminar Topic: "Enforcement and Modification of Agreements and Decrees" November 29, 1983 New York State Bar Association Moderator of Program on Family Court Practice Topic: "Trial Practice, Strategy and Counsel Fees" January 1984 Nassau County Bar Association, Academy of Law Moderator of Seminar entitled "Matrimonial Practice: A Practical Skills Course" March 7, 1984 Brooklyn Law School, Guest Lecturer Topic: "Enforcement and Modification" March 13, 1984 New York State Trial Lawyers Association Topic: "How to Compel or Resist Financial Disclosure" April 13, 1984, May 4, 1984, June 8, 1984: New York State Bar Association Moderator of program entitled "Matrimonial and Family Law Update '84" April 28, 1984 Nassau County Bar Association, Academy of Law, Volunteer Lawyers Program Topic: "Initial Client Intake" May 12, 1984 Staten Island Women's Bar Association Topic: "Recent Decisions Under Equitable Distribution" May 27, 1984 Brooklyn Law School Homecoming Lecture Topic: "Matrimonial Update" July 13-14, 1984 New York State Bar Association Moderator of Program entitled "Recent Decisions Under the Equitable Distribution Law" Topic: "Disclosure" September 25, 1984 Nassau County Bar Association, Academy of Law Program entitled "Matrimonial Update" Topic: "Disclosure" October 16, 1984 New York State Bar Association Moderator of the Basic Matrimonial Practice Program Topic: "Overall and General Survey of the Equitable Distribution Law" October 17, 1984 Brooklyn Bar Association Topic: "The Domestic Relations Tax Reform Act of 1984" October 18, 1984 New York Law Journal Seminars entitled" "The Nuts and Bolts of Equitable Distribution" Topic: "Disclosure, Maintenance and Child Support" October 24, 1984 Brooklyn Law School Topic: "Enforcement and Modification" November 9, 1984, November 30, 1984, December 7, 1984, December 14, 1984: New York State Bar Association Moderator of Program entitled "New York Equitable Distribution Practice" Topics: "Recent Decisions and Developing Trends" "Direct Examination of an Expert Witness." January 10, 1985 New York State Trial Lawyers Association Topic: "Financial Disclosure" January 22, 1985 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, New Jersey Chapter Topic: "Matrimonial Discovery: Advanced Litigation Techniques" April 17, 1985 Westchester County Bar Association, Family Law Section Topic: "Enforcement and Modification of Agreements and Judgments" May 3, 1985 New York State Bar Association Moderator of Program entitled "Successful Motion Practice in Matrimonial Cases" Topic: "Recent Decisions and Developing Trends" May 22, 1985 Nassau County Bar Association, Academy of Law Topic: "Real Estate Appraisals and Valuation of Real Estate" May 23, 1985 New York State Bar Association Moderator of Program entitled "Successful Motion Practice in Matrimonial Cases" Topic: "Recent Decisions and Developing Trends" October 3, 1985 Law Journal Seminars Press Seminar entitled "The Nuts and Bolts of Equitable Distribution and Matrimonial Tax" Topic: "Disclosure Under the Equitable Distribution Law" October 11, 1985 Brooklyn Law School Topic: "Preparation for and Trial of a Matrimonial Action" October 24-27, 1985 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Fall Meeting, Bolton Landing, New York, Co-Chairman "New Developments in Matrimonial Law" Topic: "Recent Decisions" October 29-30, 1985 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section, Practical Skills Course Chairman - New York City Topic: "Techniques of Practice in Family Court" November 15, 1985, December 12, 1985: New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Co-Chairman of Seminar entitled "Negotiating and Drafting Marital Agreements under Equitable Distribution" Topic: "Recent Decisions" May 2, 1986, June 13, 1986: New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Moderator and Speaker Seminar entitled "New York Matrimonial Practice" May 22, 1986 Richmond County Bar Association Topic: "Recent Developments in Matrimonial Law" July 17-20, 1986 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Summer meeting, moderator and speaker Seminar entitled "Recent Developments in Matrimonial Practice" August 12, 1986 American Bar Association, Family Law Section Seminar entitled "Family Law in the Fifty States" August 12, 1986 American Bar Association, Litigation Section Seminar entitled "Anatomy of a Matrimonial Trial" September 18, 1986 New York State Trial Lawyers, Matrimonial Practice Seminar Topic: "Discovery A-Z" November 5-6, 1986 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Overall Planning Chairperson, Fall 1986 Practical Skills Course: "Basic Matrimonial Practice", Westbury, New York November 14, 1986, December 12, 1986: New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Co-Chairman of Seminar entitled "Trial of an Equitable Distribution Action" Topic: "Recent Decisions and Review of Developing Trends in Matrimonial Law" March 10, 1987 The Nassau Academy of Law Participant in Seminar entitled "Anatomy of a Matrimonial Case" Topic: "Financial Disclosure" March 31, 1987 The Suffolk Academy of Law Topic: "Recent Decisions in Matrimonial Law" May 15, 1987, June 12, 1987: New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Co-Chairman of Seminar entitled "Matrimonial and Family Law 1987 - Valuation Taxes, Pensions and Post Litigation Problems" Topic: "Recent Decisions and Developing Trends October 9-12, 1987 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Fall Meeting, Program Co-Chairman "Developments in Child Custody, Child Support Guidelines and Surrogate Parenting" October 28-29, 1987 The Nassau Academy of Law November 10, 1987 Seminar entitled "The Art of Cross-Examination" Topic: "Techniques for Cross-Examination of Expert Witnesses: Economic Witnesses and Actuaries" November 13, 1987, December 4, 1987, December 11, 1987: New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Co-Chairman and Speaker of Seminar entitled "Matrimonial and Family Law Update" Topics: "Disclosure Motions, Pendente Lite Maintenance and Child Support" "Injunctions and Exclusive Occupancy of the Marital Home Pendente Lite" (Albany) "Equitable Distribution Decisions and the Support Enforcement Act of 1987" (Uniondale and New York City) December 1, 1987 Richmond County Bar Association Topic: "Annual Update of Developments in Matrimonial Law" January 19, 1988 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Symposium on "Practical Aspects of Matrimonial Practice" Albany Law School, Albany, New York Topic: "Discovery" April 6, 1988, May 10, 1988, May 13, 1988: New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Co-Chairman and Speaker of Seminar entitled: "Pensions, QDROS and Motion Practice - What the Matrimonial Practitioner Needs to Know" Topics: "Methods of Valuing a Retirement Plan and Direct Examination of a Pension Expert (Albany) "Substantive Motions" (Uniondale) July 21-24, 1988 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section, Program Chair of Summer Meeting Program entitled "Recent Developments in Matrimonial and Family Law" Topic: "Pendente Lite Motions and Disclosure" October 12-13, 1988 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Overall Planning Co-Chairman and Moderator Fall 1988 Practical Skills Course: "Basic Matrimonial Practice" Westbury, New York October 20, 1988, December 2, 1988, December 9, 1988, December 16, 1988: New York State Bar Association Seminar entitled "Update 88" Topic: "Matrimonial Practice" New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Co-Chair of Seminar entitled "The Anatomy of a Matrimonial Trial" Moderator (Albany) and Speaker (New York and Uniondale) Topic: "Direct Examination of the Real Estate Appraiser" January 14, 1989 Litigation Support Committee, Nassau Chapter New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants Seminar entitled "Role of the CPA as an Expert Witness" (Uniondale, NY) Topic: "Mock Trial - Cross Examination of Expert Witness" March 13, 1989 Brooklyn Bar Association/Appellate Division, Second Department Seminar entitled "Selected Topics and New Developments in Matrimonial Law, 1989" Topic: "Tax Consequences of Maintenance, Child Support and Property Transfers" April 15, 1989 Nassau County Bar Association, Bi-County Committee of Attorneys/Accountants Participant in Matrimonial Mock Trial on "Valuation of a Master's Degree" May 11, 1989 Suffolk Academy of Law, Bi-County Committee of Attorneys/Accountants Participant in Matrimonial Mock Trial on "Valuation of a Master's Degree" May 12, 1989 (Albany), June 2, 1989 (N.Y.C.), June 16, 1989 (L.I.): New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Co-Chairman of Seminar entitled "Thorny Valuation Problems in Equitable Distribution Litigation" Co-Moderator (Albany) Topic: "Direct Case on Valuation of a Business" (Albany) September 14-17, 1989 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Fall Meeting, Lake George, New York Program Co-Chair and Sponsor of Seminar entitled "Child Support Guidelines -- They're Here" Topic: "Miscellaneous Considerations" September 26-27, 1989 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Overall Program Chair and Moderator of Fall 1989 Pretrial Skills Program entitled "Basic Matrimonial Practice" October 13, 1989 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section (White Plains) Full Program, Planning Chair and Moderator "Child Support Guidelines -- They're Here!! December 2, 1989 (L.I.), December 9, 1989 (Albany), December 18, 1989 (N.Y.C): Speaker on all Topics October 16, 1989 Litigation Support Committee, Nassau Chapter New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants Topic: "The Child Support Standards Act" October 21, 1989 Association of the Bar of the City of New York Program entitled "The Child Support Standards Act" October 26, 1989 New York State Bar Association, General Meeting White Plains, New York Topic: "The Child Support Standards Act" November 4, 1989 New York State Bar Association Seminar entitled "Update 89" Topic: "Matrimonial Practice" November 9, 1989 Nassau County Bar Association. Lecture on The Child Support Standards Act November 28, 1989 Brooklyn Bar Association Participation in Program on Custody Topic: "The Hague Convention" April 25, 1990 Westchester County Bar Association Topic: "Child Support Guidelines Update" May 8, 1990 Brooklyn Law School, Annual Home Coming Participant in Program entitled "Prenuptial Agreements: How to Play The Trump Card" May 25, 1990 (Albany), June 1, 1990 (L.I), June 15, 1990 (N.Y.C.), New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Co-chair of Program entitled "Successfully Handling and Settling a Divorce Case" July 13-16, 1990 New York State Bar Association, Summer Meeting, Manchester, Vermont Program Co-Chair and Speaker at Seminar entitled "Happy 10th Birthday EDL" Topic: "Ethical Considerations Relating to Getting Paid" October 19, 1990 (L.I.), November 9, 1990 (Albany), November 30, 1990 (Syracuse), December 14, 1990 (N.Y.C.): New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Fall Program, Planning Chair and October 23-24, 1990 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Overall Program Chair and Moderator Program entitled "Basic Matrimonial Practice" November 2, 1990 New York State Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education Committee Seminar entitled "Update 90" Topic: "Matrimonial Law and Practice" December 6, 1990 Kiwanis Club, Merrick, New York Speaker Topic: "Equitable Distribution" April 18, 1991 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section (Melville, L.I.) Overall Program Chair Program entitled "Family Court Practice" May 2, 1991 Suffolk Academy of Law Participant in program entitled "A Matrimonial Mock Trial" May 9, 1991 Nassau Academy of Law Participant in program entitled "The Evolution of an Equitable Distribution Case" Topic: "Discovery" May 24, 1991 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Overall Program Chair and Moderator Program entitled "The Trial of an Equitable Distribution Case" July 10-14, 1991 New York State Bar Association, Summer Meeting, Manchester, Vermont Program Co-Chair and Moderator at Seminar October 15-16, 1991 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Overall Planning Chair and Moderator, New York City Program entitled "Basic Matrimonial Practice" November 8, 1991 New York State Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education Committee Seminar entitled "Update 91" Topic: "Matrimonial Law and Practice" November 22, 1991 (L.I.), December 6, 1991 (Albany), December 13, 1991 (N.Y.C.): New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Overall Program Chair and Moderator, Fall Program entitled "How to Handle a Custody Case" May 1, 1992 (Albany), May 8, 1992 (L.I.), May 22, 1992 (Syracuse), May 29, 1992 (Newburgh) June 12, 1992 (N.Y.C.): New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Overall Program Chair and Moderator, Spring Program entitled "Matrimonial and Family Law Update" September 22, 1992 New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section and 23, 1992 Overall Planning Chair and Moderator: New York City Program entitled "Basic Matrimonial Practice" November 6, 1992 (N.Y.C.) New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Program entitled: "Update 92". Topic: "Matrimonial Law." October 30, 1992 (L.I.), November 6, 1992 (Newburgh), November 20, 1992 (Albany), December 11, 1992 (N.Y.C.): New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Program Chair and Coordinator, Program Entitled: "How to Handle New Developments in Matrimonial Law." May 3, 1993 Brooklyn Bar Association - Matrimonial Law Seminar Topic: Trial Techniques "How to Establish a Prima Facie case for Dissolution" May 7, 1993 New York State Bar Association, Committee on Professional Discipline, Statewide seminar, Moderator of "Divorce in the 90's: Lawyer Ethics, Client Relations and Legal Fees" April 25, 1994 Dutchess County Bar Association Seminar, Lecture entitled "Recent Decisions" November 16, 1994 Orange County Bar Association, Lecture entitled "Valuation of Professional Practices & Licenses." May 31, 1995 Nassau County Bar Association, Matrimonial Law Committee Topic: "Custody, Experts, Evaluation and Reports" October 27, 1995 Staten Island Women's Bar Association Topic: Full Faith and Credit to Child Support Orders January 24, 1996 Nassau County Bar Association, Matrimonial Law Committee Topic: McSparron v. McSparron March 5, 1996 New York County Lawyer's Association, Matrimonial Law Section Topic: Practical Effects of the Court of Appeals Decision of McSparron v. McSparron on Valuation of Professional Licenses May 16, 1996 Nassau County Bar Association, Academy of Law Topic: The Evaluation and Distribution of a Professional License- Post McSparron "Evolution of the Present Law...O'Brien to McSparron" November, 1999 New York County Lawyers Association, Matrimonial Law Committee "McSparronizing Maintenance Awards" April 18, 2000 New York County Lawyers Association, Seminar Entitled "Update on Matrimonial Law" Topic: Equitable Distribution May 5, 2001 Marino Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Topic: Matrimonial Agreements June 20, 2001 New York County Lawyers Association, Seminar Entitled "Basic Matrimonial Law Practice in New York" Topic: Equitable Distribution
Miscellaneous:
Member of Panel, American Arbitration Association, 1974-1982 Arbitrator, Civil Court of the City of New York, 1971-1977 Guest, WINS News Conference, WINS Radio, June 5, 1980 Guest, "THE BOB BARSHAY SHOW", Cablevision 12, June 5, 1982 Guest, "THE JIM SAUNDERS SHOW", WGLI, November 3, 1982, and March 15, 1983 Host of "ASK THE EXPERT", WGLI Radio, 1982-1983 Listed in Who's Who in American Law, 3rd Edition through Current Edition Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, Seeview/Putnam, New York, 1987-1998 Guest, "Long Island Viewpoint", Group W Cable, September 12, 1983 Guest, Island Exchange, Cablevision 27, July 10, 1984 Guest, "Heart of the Matter", CBS, February 14, 1985 Guest, WMCA Radio 1987; Guest, The Bob Grant Show, WABC Radio, November 28, 1988 Guest, "Lawyers Live", Manhattan Cable, September 19, 1990 Guest, "9 Broadcast Plaza", WWOR, Channel 9, Secaucus, New Jersey, September 25, 1990 Member, Scribes, The American Society of Writers on Legal Subjects Columnist, New York Law Journal, "Law and The Family", 1988-present Guest Commentator, Courtroom Television Network, May 4, 1992 Guest, Newstalk TV, September 5, 1996 Guest, Fox News TV, January 28, 1997 Author and Creator of New York Divorce and Family Law, at www.brandeslaw.com
Bar Association Memberships and Committees
New York State Bar Association 1971-2002; 2019- Committee on Appellate Practice 1988 - 2002 Committee on Child Custody, 1997- 2002 Committee on Professional Discipline, 1992-1994
Family Law Section, 1975-2002; 2019- Secretary, 1992 Financial Officer, 1990-1992 Family Law Review Editorial Board, 1975-2002 Secretary, Committee on Legislation, 1975-1977 Committee on Continuing Legal Education, 1980-1992 Chairman, Committee on Continuing Legal Education, 1982-1992 General Practice Section, 1993-1997
American Bar Association 1971-2002 Family Law Section Associate Editor, Family Law Newsletter, 1971-1978 Litigation Section, Trial Evidence Committee, 1975-1977 Executive Member, Child Custody Committee, 1982-1983 Member of Panel, "Law in the Fifty States" 1986-1987 Member of Custody Committee, 1993 - 2002 Member of Federal Legislation and Procedures Committee, 1994- 2002
Nassau County Bar Association 1975-2002 Committee on Matrimonial and Family Law, 1975-2002 Newsletter Subcommittee, 1976 Chairman, Legislative Subcommittee, 1978-1980 Chairman, Continuing Legal Education Subcommittee, 1980-1982 Chairman, Committee on Matrimonial and Family Law, 1982-1984
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers 1976-2002 Committee on Continuing Legal Education 1994 - 2002 New York Chapter Legal Education Committee, 1978 New York Chapter Board of Managers 1979-1983 New York Chapter Board of Examiners, 1979-1980 New York Chapter Chairman, Legislation Committee, 1979-1980 New York Chapter Committee on Legal Fees in Matrimonial Matters, 1980-1981 New York Chapter Ad Hoc Committee on Revision of the Equitable Distribution Law, 1980-1981
International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 1988-2002
American Judges Association 1974-1978
Brooklyn Bar Association 1974-1978 Committee on Legal Education and Admission to the Bar, 1972-1974 Family Law Committee, 1973-1978
Association of the Bar of the City of New York - 1972-1992; 2019-present Committee on Legal Education and Admission to the Bar, 1972-1974 Family Law Committee, 1973-1978 Committee on Women in the Courts, 1990 -1992
New York County Lawyers Association - 1972-1974 Committee on the Family Court, 1974
[1] See Matter of Brandes, 2015 WL 4664743, 2015 N.Y. Slip Op. 81096(U) (2d Dept.,2015). See also argument before Court of Appeals on September 8, 2017: ‘He is..he is a noted authority.” (Judge Abdus-Salem)