Long Island Collaborative Divorce Professionals, Islandia, NY (2025)

08/25/2025

This Family’s House Was Targeted With Hatred. So They Turned It Around In A Surprising Way

https://www.spiriolaw.com/The-Latest-News-Blog/2025/8/This-Family%E2%80%99s-House-Was-Targeted-With-Hatred-So-They-Turned-It-Around-In-A-Surprising-Way

After their home was vandalized with anti-LGBTQ+ graffiti, a family in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, turned the hateful message into one of love and pride.

Becky Willems woke up on the morning of August 11th to a text from her son, Sam, who found the words “family of f**s” spraypainted on their garage door as he left for work.

At the suggestion of their neighbor, rather than "fighting fire with fire", The Willemses painted over the anti-gay slur and added hearts and rainbows so that the message on their garage door now reads “Proud family of 2SLGBTQ+.”

The community’s response to the hateful message has been overwhelmingly positive. “We are proud of who we are, we’re proud of ourselves as a family and we’re proud of the 2SLGBTQ+ people in our family, in our community, and within our friends,” Willems told CTV News.

Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation Newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Selected excerpt(s) and linked article courtesy of John Russell, lgbtqnation(dot)com
Royalty-free photo courtesy of Google's Gemini

Concetta Spirio. A Compassionate Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Mediator & Peacemaker Providing The Highest Level of Legal Representation For Over 35 Years.

08/18/2025

Supreme Court Formally Asked To Overturn Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

https://www.spiriolaw.com/The-Latest-News-Blog/2025/8/Supreme-Court-Formally-Asked-To-Overturn-Landmark-Same-Sex-Marriage-Ruling

Ten years after the Supreme Court extended marriage rights to same-sex couples nationwide, the justices this fall will consider for the first time whether to take up a case that explicitly asks them to overturn that decision.

Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk who was jailed for six days in 2015 after refusing to issue marriage licenses to a gay couple on religious grounds, is appealing a $100,000 jury verdict for emotional damages plus $260,000 for attorneys fees.

In a petition for writ of certiorari filed last month, Davis argues First Amendment protection for free exercise of religion immunizes her from personal liability for the denial of marriage licenses.

More fundamentally, she claims the high court's decision in Obergefell v Hodges -- extending marriage rights for same-sex couples under the 14th Amendment's due process protections -- was "egregiously wrong."

The petition appears to mark the first time since 2015 that the court has been formally asked to overturn the landmark marriage decision. Davis is seen as one of the only Americans currently with legal standing to bring a challenge to the precedent.

It's important to note that the Lower Courts have dismissed Davis' claims and most legal experts consider her bid a long shot. A federal appeals court panel concluded earlier this year that the former clerk "cannot raise the First Amendment as a defense because she is being held liable for state action, which the First Amendment does not protect."

If the ruling were to be overturned at some point in the future, it would not invalidate marriages already performed, legal experts have pointed out. The 2022 Respect for Marriage Act requires the federal government and all states to recognize legal marriages of same-sex and in*******al couples performed in any state -- even if there is a future change in the law.

Selected excerpt(s) and linked article courtesy of Devin Dwyer, abcnews(dot)go(dot)com
Royalty-free photo courtesy of Pixabay

Concetta Spirio. A Compassionate Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Mediator & Peacemaker Providing The Highest Level of Legal Representation For Over 35 Years.

08/11/2025

If You Truly Understand These 10 Things About Relationships, You're A Rare Gem Of A Person

https://www.spiriolaw.com/The-Latest-News-Blog/2025/8/If-You-Truly-Understand-These-10-Things-About-Relationships-Youre-A-Rare-Gem-Of-A-Person

Widely known as one of the best books on relationships is Dr. George Pransky’s Relationship Handbook, originally published in 1991.

A lot of the advice still applies, even if it may confuse younger generations.

It's helped many couples sidestep common challenges in all relationships, including platonic ones, so they could enjoy the thrill of a powerful and long-lasting connection.

Selected excerpt(s) and linked article courtesy of Alex Mathers, yourtango(dot)com
Royalty-free photo courtesy of Google Gemini

Concetta Spirio. A Compassionate Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Mediator & Peacemaker Providing The Highest Level of Legal Representation For Over 35 Years.

07/22/2025

Innocent Behaviors That Are Actually Cheating In Disguise

Cheating isn’t always as obvious as physical intimacy with someone else. Many behaviors that appear innocent on the surface can actually represent forms of emotional or psychological infidelity that damage relationships just as deeply as physical affairs. These subtle betrayals often fly under the radar because they masquerade as normal social interactions or innocent friendships, making them particularly dangerous to committed relationships.

The challenge with these seemingly innocent behaviors lies in their gradual progression and the ease with which they can be rationalized. What starts as harmless interaction can slowly evolve into emotional intimacy that competes with or replaces the connection between romantic partners. Understanding these patterns helps couples recognize potential problems before they escalate into relationship-ending betrayals.

Here are 11 seemingly harmless actions can destroy trust and damage relationships.

Selected excerpt(s) and linked article courtesy of Tega Egwabor, rollingout(dot)com
Royalty-free photo courtesy of Pixabay

Concetta Spirio. A Compassionate Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Mediator & Peacemaker Providing The Highest Level of Legal Representation For Over 35 Years.

07/14/2025

10 Unexpected Realities Of Getting Divorced That Everyone's Afraid To Be Honest About

There are a few unexpected realities of getting divorced it wouldn't hurt to know as you sever your former "forever" relationship.

•It will affect your child

•Don't use friends for legal advice

•Make your divorce agreement as detailed as possible

•A new partner will be a new adjustment

•A new partner may change your ex

•It takes time to adjust to all the changed

•Be aware of imputed income

•Separation should be separation - period

•It's more common to do 50/50 custody these days

•Spending time together might be awful

No one can truly prepare you for divorce, but before you decide to end your marriage, talk to divorced people and educate yourself. That way, if you do take this road, you will be prepared as best as possible, for better or for worse.

Selected excerpt(s) and linked article courtesy of popsugar, yourtango(dot)com

Royalty-free photo courtesy of Pixabay

Concetta Spirio. A Compassionate Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Mediator & Peacemaker Providing The Highest Level of Legal Representation For Over 35 Years.

07/07/2025

Why Couples Who Communicate In These 8 Ways Stay Together Forever

https://www.spiriolaw.com/The-Latest-News-Blog/2025/7/Why-Couples-Who-Communicate-In-These-8-Ways-Stay-Together-Forever

In all aspects of life, communication is key. But in marriage, if there’s a breakdown in communication skills, it can bring the whole thing down. As such, couples need to have effective communication. Unfortunately, that’s usually a lot easier said than done.

Here are some simple communication tactics to help keep the love alive.

Selected excerpt(s) and linked article courtesy of Fatherly, yourtango(dot)com
Royalty-free photo courtesy of Pixabay

Concetta Spirio. A Compassionate Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Mediator & Peacemaker Providing The Highest Level of Legal Representation For Over 35 Years.

07/01/2025

The 3 Most Common Precursors to Divorce Today

https://www.spiriolaw.com/The-Latest-News-Blog/2025/6/The-3-Most-Common-Precursors-to-Divorce-Today

Marriage is meant to be a safe place where you feel seen, supported, and deeply connected. But what happens when that connection quietly begins to unravel? When conversations turn into cold silences, intimacy fades, or every little disagreement feels like a battle? These aren’t just rough patches, but warning signs that the foundation of your relationship is starting to crack.

Here are three significant challenges modern marriages face that are often heralds of divorce.

Selected excerpt(s) and linked article courtesy of Mark Travers, Ph.D., psychologytoday(dot)com
Royalty-free photo courtesy of Pixabay

Concetta Spirio. A Compassionate Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Mediator & Peacemaker Providing The Highest Level of Legal Representation For Over 35 Years.

06/24/2025

This Is The Exact Moment You ‘Lose’ a Fight With Your Partner

https://www.spiriolaw.com/The-Latest-News-Blog/2025/6/This-Is-The-Exact-Moment-You-%E2%80%98Lose%E2%80%99-a-Fight-With-Your-Partner

All couples fight. Conflict is normal, and often healthy, in relationships. Let’s be honest, though: Everyone likes to win. And when you’re arguing about something important, losing feels especially hard.

But here’s the truth: Losing a fight with your partner isn’t about not getting your way. It’s when the relationship takes a back seat to the issue at hand. It’s when you stop seeing yourself as a team and start putting your own ego first.

You see your partner not as a collaborator, but as a competitor, and that is when you really lose a fight.

A real win is when both partners leave the conversation feeling more understood, not more armored, and here are some suggestions on how to get where you need to be.

Selected excerpt(s) and linked article courtesy of Brianne Hogan, huffingtonpost(dot)co(dot)uk
Royalty-free photo courtesy of Pixabay

Concetta Spirio. A Compassionate Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Mediator & Peacemaker Providing The Highest Level of Legal Representation For Over 35 Years.

06/11/2025

Had a wonderful time with a great showing by our BIG BAR of Lawyers and allies at the Patchogue Pride Parade!

SCPD also came out to protect and serve.

https://www.spiriolaw.com/The-Latest-News-Blog/2025/6/Patchogue-Pride-Parade

Concetta Spirio. A Compassionate Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Mediator & Peacemaker Providing The Highest Level of Legal Representation For Over 35 Years.

06/09/2025

SAVE THE DATE: Friday, June 20th: What Legal Practitioners Should Know To Protect LGBTQ+ Clients, Their Families, and Their Assets

https://www.spiriolaw.com/The-Latest-News-Blog/2025/6/SAVE-THE-DATE-Friday-June-20th-What-Legal-Practitioners-Should-Know-To-Protect-LGBTQ-Clients-Their-Families-and-Their-Assets

I'm proud to be speaking at The Dean's Hour: What Legal Practitioners Should Know To Protect LGBTQ+ Clients, Their Families, and Their Assets on Friday, June 20th at 12:30pm.

Attendees will learn about specific considerations for protecting LGBTQ clients’ familial relationships, medical decisions, and assets. Panelists will also discuss the current landscape for marriage equality at the 10th anniversary of the Obergefell Supreme Court decision recognizing same-sex marriage nationally.

Event Information:

Dean’s Hour: What Legal Practitioners Should Know to Protect LGBTQ+ Clients, Their Families, and Their Assets (HYBRID)
Friday, June 20, 2025 12:30PM - 1:30PM

Nassau County Bar Association
133 15th Street,
Mineola NY 11501

Guest Speakers:
Jess A. Bunshaft, Chair, NCBA LGBTQ Committee
Johanna C. David, Of Counsel, Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP
Concetta G. Spirio (she/her), Collaborative Divorce Attorney and Mediator

Contact me directly for information on how to register for this event!

Hope to see you there!

Concetta Spirio. A Compassionate Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Mediator & Peacemaker Providing The Highest Level of Legal Representation For Over 35 Years.

05/28/2025

Concetta G. Spirio Addressing The Fears & Unique Challenges Facing The LGBTQI Community And Their Families

https://www.spiriolaw.com/The-Latest-News-Blog/2025/5/Concetta-G-Spirio-Addressing-The-Fears-Unique-Challenges-Facing-The-LGBTQI-Community-And-Their-Families

This video captures a speech and workshop I delivered two years ago for the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation. In it, I addressed the fears and unique challenges facing the LGBTQI community and their families, and spoke directly to fellow mediators about the critical importance of recognizing and responding to these concerns. I also offered practical strategies for creating safer, more inclusive mediation spaces.

Today, this message is more urgent than ever. In light of ongoing efforts to roll back our rights, it’s imperative that we, as professionals, remain vigilant, informed, and proactive in supporting LGBTQI individuals and families navigating separation, divorce, and co-parenting.

Concetta Spirio. A Compassionate Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Mediator & Peacemaker Providing The Highest Level of Legal Representation For Over 35 Years.

05/19/2025

Shock Link Found Between Marriage And Risk of Developing Dementia

https://www.spiriolaw.com/The-Latest-News-Blog/2025/5/Shock-Link-Found-Between-Marriage-And-Risk-of-Developing-Dementia

Finding a special soulmate and tying the knot is, of course, cause for celebration, but new research highlights a surprising potential downside of getting married: it may significantly increase your risk of dementia.

What makes the findings unexpected is that many previous studies have shown a variety of health benefits to getting married – benefits that include lower heart disease risk and living to an older age.

The team behind the latest study, led by researchers from the Florida State University College of Medicine, suggests further investigations will be needed into the reasons why single people may be less likely to get dementia – or perhaps are less likely to have it diagnosed.

Selected excerpt(s) and linked article courtesy of David Nield, sciencealert(dot)com
Royalty-free photo courtesy of Google's ImageFX

Concetta Spirio. A Compassionate Collaborative Divorce Attorney, Mediator & Peacemaker Providing The Highest Level of Legal Representation For Over 35 Years.

Long Island Collaborative Divorce Professionals

08/25/2025

08/18/2025

08/11/2025

07/22/2025

07/14/2025

07/07/2025

07/01/2025

06/24/2025

06/11/2025

06/09/2025

05/28/2025

05/19/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share