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  • Conduct of Trial
    • Order of Trial - In General
    • Order of Trial - Opening and Closing statements: When and how to make them
    • Order of Trial - Motion to Dismiss After Opening Statementage
    • Conduct of Trial - Right to Cross-Examination of Witness
    • Conduct of Trial - Right to Call Witnesses for Direct Examination
    • Conduct of Trial - Scope of Cross-Examination - Making Adverse Witness Own Witness
    • Conduct of Trial - Redirect Examination
    • ​Conduct of Trial - Redirect Examination - Rule of Completeness
    • Conduct of Trial - Re-Cross Examination of Witness
    • Conduct of Trial - Motion to Dismiss for failure to establish a Prima Facie Case
    • Conduct of Trial - Courtroom Decorum for Counsel and Court - Addressing the Judge - Approaching the Bench
    • Conduct of Trial - Calling a Witness to the Stand to Testify
    • Conduct of Trial - Method of Calling a Witness to the Stand - Presenting Witnesses
    • Conduct of Trial - Requirement that Witness Have Personal Knowledge
    • Conduct of Trial - Examination of Witnesses - Method of Examination - Improper Questions
    • Conduct of Trial – Importance of Objections to Inadmissible Evidence or Improper Questions
    • Conduct of Trial - Method of Making an Objection
    • Conduct of Trial - Voir Dire to Challenge Foundation for Introduction of Evidence
    • Conduct of Trial - Leading Questions - What they are and when they are permitted
    • Conduct of Trial - Method of Making Objection to Leading Question
    • Conduct of Trial - Refreshing the Witness’s Recollection
    • Conduct of Trial - Questions for Refreshing Witness Recollection
    • Conduct of Trial - Refreshing Recollection of Witness - Past recollection recorded
    • ​Conduct of Trial - Motion for Reconsideration of Prior Ruling
    • Conduct of Trial - Method of Making Motion to Reconsider Prior Ruling
    • ​Conduct of Trial - Motion to Adjourn Trial - Defendant’s Objection to proceed with Defense before Plaintiff Rests
    • ​Conduct of Trial - Method of Making Motion to Adjourn - Objection to proceed with Defense before Plaintiff Rests
    • Conduct of Trial - Continuing Objection
    • Conduct of Trial - Motion to Strike Evidence Improperly Admitted
    • Conduct of Trial - Motion to Strike Evidence Admitted Subject to Connection
    • Conduct of Trial - Offer of Proof - What is it?
    • Conduct of Trial - Method of Making an Offer of Proof
    • ​Conduct of Trial - Exclusion of Witnesses from Courtroom
    • Conduct of Trial - Method of Making Request to Exclude Witnesses
    • Conduct of Trial - Discretion of Judge to Question Witnesses
    • Conduct of Trial - Right of Court to Compel Testimony
    • Conduct of Trial - Right of Trial Judge to Call own Witness.
  • Trial Testimony
    • Trial Testimony - Right to Confer with Counsel
    • Trial Testimony - Right to Interpreter for Person Who Can Not Communicate with Court
    • Trial Testimony - Calling the Adverse Party as a Witness
    • Trial Testimony - Cross Examination - Modes of impeachment
    • ​Trial Testimony - Cross - Examination - Impeachment of Witnesses
    • Trial Testimony - Cross-Examination - Impeachment Limited by Collateral Evidence Rule
    • Trial Testimony - Cross Examination - Impeachment - Reputation for Veracity
    • Trial Testimony - Cross Examination - Reputation for Veracity - Laying Foundation for Impeachment Testimony of Bad Reputation for Veracity
    • Trial Testimony - Cross Examination - Reputation for Veracity - Questions for Impeachment Testimony of Bad Reputation for Veracity
    • Trial Testimony - Cross - Examination - Impeachment of Witness by Prior Inconsistent Statement and Questions for Introduction
    • Trial Testimony - Testimony of Child
    • Trial Testimony- Cross - Examination – Inadmissibility of Proof of Prior Arrest, Indictment or Conviction for Petty Crime
    • Trial Testimony - Cross - Examination - Attempt to Procure False Evidence Competent as an Admission
    • Trial Testimony - Cross-Examination - Impeachment of Witness by Criminal Conviction
    • ​Trial Testimony - Cross-Examination - Impeachment of Witness by Showing Bias, Hostility, or Interest
    • ​Trial Testimony - Cross - Examination - Impeachment by Showing Witness Hostile to Party
    • Trial Testimony- Cross - Examination - Impeachment by Showing Predisposition
    • Trial Testimony - Questions for Impeaching Witness on Cross - Examination by Showing Hostility
    • ​Trial Testimony - Impeaching own Witness
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Use of Depositions at Trial or Hearing
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Use of Deposition from Prior Action
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Effect of using deposition.
    • ​Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Use of Deposition Subject to Rules of Evidence
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Questions for Impeaching Witness on Cross Examination by Prior Deposition Testimony
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Use of Answers to Interrogatories
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Use of Answers to Interrogatories from Prior Action
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Effect of using Answers to Interrogatories.
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Use of Answers to interrogatories Subject to Rules of Evidence
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Questions for Impeaching Witness on Cross Examination by Answers to interrogatories
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Admission of Prior Testimony
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Admission of Prior Testimony Subject to Objection
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Necessity of Foundation for Admission of Prior Testimony
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Questions for Impeaching Witness on Cross Examination by Prior Testimony
    • Trial Testimony - Method of Marking Documents as Exhibits for Identification and Offering them into Evidence
    • Trial Testimony - Method of Offering Exhibit Marked for Identification into Evidence - Standard Questions
  • Rules of Evidence in Matrimonial Actions
    • Rules of Evidence - In General
    • Evidence and Proof - Competent and Material
    • ​Admissibility of Evidence - General Rule
    • Burden of Proof - Standards of Proof
    • Burden of Proof - Fair Preponderance of Credible Evidence - Clear and Convincing Evidence
    • Burden of Proof - Clear and Convincing Evidence in Matrimonial Actions
    • ​Burden of Proof - Presumptions
    • ​Burden of Proof - “Competent Proof” in Family Court Proceedings
    • ​Standards of Proof for Overcoming Presumptions in Matrimonial Actions
    • ​Foundation for Evidence - Fundamental Error and Harmless Error
    • Foundation for Evidence - Stare Decisis - The Doctrine of Precedent
    • Foundation for Evidence - Law of the Case
    • Foundation for Evidence - Judicial Estoppel
    • Foundation for Evidence - Rule Against Inconsistent Positions
    • Foundation for Evidence - Estoppel from Presenting Evidence at Trial Based Upon Contents of Response to Discovery Demand
    • Foundation for Evidence - Judicial Notice of Law and Facts
    • Foundation for Evidence - Method of Asking Court to Take Judicial Notice of a Fact
    • Foundation for Evidence - Judicial Notice of Testimony at Prior Pendente lite Hearing
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Settlement Offers Not Admissible
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Admissions and Letters by Party’s Attorney Admissible in Evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Presumption that Only Admissible Evidence Was Considered By the Trial Court.
    • Admissibility of Evidence – Rule against Hearsay
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay Applicable in Matrimonial Case
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Verbal or operative acts and State of Mind
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - State of Mind
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Present Sense Impression and Excited Utterance/Spontaneous Declaration
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay - Not Necessary to Lay Foundation For Admission of Certified Non-Party Business Records Produced Pursuant to Subpoena - CPLR 3122-a.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Expressions of Intent
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Evidence of Abuse or Neglect in Custody and Child Protective Proceedings
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Former Testimony
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Admissions
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Admission of New Spouse
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Past recollection recorded
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Business Records
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Laying a Foundation for and Questions for Offering Business Records into Evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay - Business Records - Admission of Hospital bills and Records, Records and Reports of Genetic Marker or DNA tests, and Payment Records
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Admission of Certified Hospital, Library, and Government Records.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay - Admission of Business Records - Other Certification Substitutes for Foundation Testimony.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay - Admissibility of Medical Reports - Not admissible As Business Records Where They Contain Doctor's Opinion or Expert Proof
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Laying a Foundation for Admission of Business Records and Records of Municipality into Evidence - Summary of Rule
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Questions for Laying a Foundation for and Offering Business and Municipality Records into Evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Method of Laying a Foundation for and Offering into Evidence Certified Records of Business or Municipality
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Business Records Rule - Business Duty
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Results of Lie Detector Test Inadmissible
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Testimony of One Spouse against the Other. - Action founded Upon Adultery - In General
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Expert Report Inadmissible Without Consent
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Testimony of One Spouse against the Other- Action Founded Upon Adultery - As to Non-access
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Testimony of One Spouse Against the Other – Actions for Divorce, Separation or Annulment - Confidential Communications.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Testimony of One Spouse against the Other - Confidential Communications - Waiver
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Confidential Communications - Waiver
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Testimony of One Spouse for the Other - Action founded Upon Adultery
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Confessions and Admissions - Action Founded Upon Adultery
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Conduct Prior to Marriage - Action Founded Upon Adultery.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Attorney - Client Privilege - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4501.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Psychologist - Patient Privilege - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4507.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Physician, dentist, podiatrist, chiropractor and nurse Privilege - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4507.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Clergy - Penitent Privilege - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4505.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Social worker - Patient Privilege - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4508(a).
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Rape crisis counselor - client Privilege - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4510.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Practice Point - Privilege - Confidential Communications
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Fifth Amendment Privilege against Self-Incrimination
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Method of Making Objection to Question on Fifth Amendment Grounds
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Adverse Inference from Failure of Party to Testify and Failure to Call Favorable Witness - Missing Witness Rule in Civil Case
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - New York Privilege against Self-incrimination - Civil Practice Law and Rules §4501.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Electronic Communication of Privileged Communications - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4548
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Evidence Illegally Obtained. – Unlawful Entry, Search and Seizure and Electronic Surveillance of Family Conversations – Exceptions for Custody and Article 10 Cases
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Suppression of Illegally Obtained Eavesdropping Evidence - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4506(a) - Vicarious Consent for Child
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Motion to Suppress Illegally Obtained Eavesdropping Evidence under CPLR § 4506
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Illegal Interception of Electronic Evidence - Electronic Evidence Defined
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Social Networking Sites
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Admissibility of Electronic Evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Authentication of Instant Message
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Authentication of Text Message and Questions for Introduction into Evidence
    • Questions to Lay Foundation for Introduction of text message into evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Authentication of Blogs and Websites
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Authentication of email and Questions for Introduction
    • Questions to Lay Foundation for Introduction of email into evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Evidence Obtained By Spyware - CPLR 4506
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Admissibility of Audio and Visual Recordings
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Admissibility of Audio and Visual Recordings - Foundation for Admission of Recordings
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Questions for Laying Foundation for Admission of Recorded telephone call into Evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Questions for Laying Foundation for Admission of Transcript of Sound Recorded telephone call into Evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Best evidence rule
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Parol Evidence Rule
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Authentication of Foreign Records and Documents for Use at Trial
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Spoliation - Unfavorable Inference - Preclusion
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Inadmissibility of Evidence Protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Admissibility of Foreign Language Exhibits and Affidavits and Papers
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Authentication of official record of court or government office in the United States
    • Practice Point - Admissibility of Charts and Summaries Counsel may be permitted to use charts to summarize documents already in evidence where the charts are based solely on information already in evidence. A foundation must be laid, demonstrating that
    • Practice Point – Testimony about Out of Court Statements Made by Third Party.
    • Practice Point - No Client - Expert Privilege.
    • Practice Point - Trial Evidence not Limited by Scope of Pretrial Disclosure
    • Practice Point - Effect of the Failure of a Party to Deny or Contradict Evidence or Pleadings
    • Practice Point - Effect of withholding Evidence in Your Possession, or Failure to Call a Witness
  • Opinion Evidence
    • Opinion Evidence and Need for Expert Opinion
    • Opinion Evidence - Form of expert opinion
    • Opinion Evidence - Admissibility of Expert Testimony - Basis for Admission of Expert Opinion
    • Opinion Evidence - Impeaching Your Own Expert Witness.
    • Opinion Evidence - Opinion of Ordinary Witness as to ownership, intent, belief and value of property or services.
    • Opinion Evidence - Cross Examination of Expert Witnesses - Impeaching the Expert
    • Opinion Evidence
    • Opinion Evidence – Qualification of Expert and Weight of Testimony
    • Opinion Evidence - Expert Cannot Be Compelled to Testify
  • Custody Proceedings - Rules of Evidence
    • Custody Proceedings - Evidence - Admissibility of Hearsay
    • Custody Proceedings - Evidence - Use of Experts, Evaluations, and Reports
    • Custody Proceedings - Evidence - Investigations
    • Custody Proceedings – Evidence - In-camera and Lincoln interviews
    • Custody Proceedings – Evidence - Confidential communications - Waiver in Custody Cases
    • Custody Proceedings - Evidence - Child Permitted to Assert Psychologist - Patient Privilege
    • Custody Proceedings - Evidence - Admissibility of child abuse reports
    • Custody Proceedings - Evidence - Child as a Witness
  • Questions for the Examination of Witnesses
    • Questions for Placing Stipulation on the Record and Allocution
    • Questions for prima facie economic case - Direct Examination of Client – General Questions
    • Questions for Prima Facie Custody Case -Direct Examination of Party
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Opinion Evidence - Opinion of Ordinary Witness as to ownership, intent, belief and value of property or services. 
​
          The general rule is that a witness must testify to facts and not to opinions or conclusions drawn from the facts.  It is the sole province of the court to draw inferences from the facts.[1]    

           However, an ordinary witness may give his opinion on a question at issue whenever the facts involved are of such a nature that they cannot be described so as to enable persons, who are not eyewitnesses, to form proper conclusions regarding them.  The rationale is that there is no way of expressing the results of the witness' observations other than by his conclusions. [2]

          An ordinary witness may testify directly to the ownership of property even though ownership is in issue, where the fact of ownership is within his own personal knowledge.[3]
          However, title to personal property cannot be determined by relying solely upon an invoice.  An invoice is defined as "[a] list of goods sent or services provided, with a statement of the sum due for these.” "An invoice…is not a bill of sale, nor is it evidence of a sale. It is a mere detailed statement of the nature, quantity, or cost of the goods, or price of the things invoiced, and it is as appropriate to a bailment as a sale. Hence, standing alone, it is never regarded as “evidence of title".  An invoice cannot be said to be dispositive of ownership. The purpose of the invoice is not to identify the titled owner.[4]
 
          An ordinary witness may testify as to his own intent or belief where it is material.  If the doing of an act is not disputed but its validity or effect depends upon the intent with which it was done, the person who did the act may testify as to what his intention was at the time he did the act. [5]

           The Court of Appeals has held that: “As a rule, witnesses must state facts, and not draw conclusions, or give opinions. It is the duty of the jury, or court, to draw conclusions from the evidence, and form opinions upon the facts proved. The cases in which opinions of witnesses are allowable, constitute exceptions to the general rule, and the exceptions are not to be extended or enlarged, so as to include new cases, except as a necessity to prevent a failure of justice, and when better evidence cannot be had... On questions of value, a witness must often be permitted to testify to an opinion as to value, but the witness must be shown competent to speak upon the subject. He must have dealt in, or have some knowledge of the article concerning which he speaks. Persons should be conversant with the particular article, and of its value in the market, as a farmer or dealer, or a person conversant with the article, as to the value of lands, cattle, produce, etc. These stand upon the general ground of peculiar skill and judgment in the matters about which opinions are sought. “[6]
            Opinion evidence is admissible as to the value of real and personal property and personal services by anyone with a reasonable basis for the opinion. However, a witness must provide a basis of knowledge for his statement of value before it can be accepted as legally sufficient evidence of such value.[7]

            There is no rule of law defining how much a witness must know of property before he can be permitted to give an opinion of its value. He must have some acquaintance with it, sufficient to enable him to form some estimate of its value, and then it is for the jury to determine how much weight to attach to such estimate. Where, the witnesses were carpenters and had a general acquaintance with the house; they knew its shape, location, external appearance, and to some extent, its internal condition; and one of them had worked inside of it the Court of Appeals held that the court did not err in allowing their opinions of its value to go the jury for what they were worth.[8]
            To establish the inadequacy of the price of land named in the deed, a number of witnesses were called for the plaintiffs, who resided in the neighborhood, of whom inquiry was made as to the value of the land. The witnesses were farmers, and residents of the immediate neighborhood where the land was situated. Some of them were then engaged in mechanical pursuits, but had been engaged in farming at some time in their lives. The value of land in the vicinity is usually understood by all of the residents of a farming neighborhood. The Court of Appeals held that the value of property forms one of the admitted exceptions to the necessity for expert opinion as to value and that the witnesses were competent to give evidence of its value.[9]
            Where the witness testimony was to the effect that he was familiar with certain personal property; that he had bought and sold that grade of property, and had for eight years been engaged in the business of keeping a saloon and in buying and selling fixtures and saloons, it was held that he was competent to express his judgment as to the value of the property.[10]

            Witnesses who had dealt in sheep, and were acquainted with their varieties and with their market value, were competent to testify to the value of sheep such as those injured. The knowledge of the witnesses was not great, nor their experience wide, but it was enough to make their evidence of value competent.[11]

          The value of services is commonly shown by the opinions of qualified witnesses. [12]
          Witnesses may give opinions as to the value of services of which they have peculiar knowledge. They may base their opinions upon what they know of the services rendered, or upon a hypothetical case, including some or all the facts proven and the jury will determine from the skill of the witnesses and all the other circumstances the weight to be given to the opinions.  Where the plaintiff knows all about the services he rendered and he has some general knowledge of the value of such services, he will be competent to give evidence of its value. Knowing the precise nature of the service rendered, he must have some knowledge of its value, and he is thus competent to give his opinion. It may not be worth much. Its weight, however, is for the jury.[13]
          A party himself is competent to testify to the value of his own services.[14]
          A party may testify as to his disabilities he suffered as a result of his age and medical condition where the effect of these conditions on his ability to work is readily apparent without the necessity of expert testimony. [15]


[1] Morehouse v. Mathews, 2 N.Y. 514; Moran v. Standard Oil Co., 211 N.Y. 187.

[2] Collins v. New York Central Hudson River R.R. Co., 109 N.Y. 243; Fellows v. Inter-borough Rapid Transit Co., 117 misc. 64, 190 N.Y.S. 547.

[3] Pichler v. Reese, 171 N.Y. 577; DeWolf V. Williams, 69 N.Y. 621.

[4] Anonymous v. Anonymous,150 AD3d 91, 51 N.Y.S.3d 66
(1st Dept., 2017) (citing (Sturm v. Boker, 150 US 312, 328 [1893])

[5] McKown v. Hunter, 30 N.Y. 625; Davis v. Marvine, 160 N.Y. 269; Noonan v. Luther, 206 N.Y. 105; People v. Levan, 295 N.Y. 26.

[6] Terpenning v Corn Exch. Ins. Co., 43 N.Y. 279, 281–82 (N.Y. 1871) (citing Nelson, Ch. J., Lincoln v. Schenectady and Saratoga R. R. Co. (23 W. R., 433); Bull v. Flagler (23 Wend., 354); Norman v. Wells (17 Wend., 136); Lamoure v. Caryl (4 Denio, 370).  Nelson Ch. J., Lincoln v. Schenectady and Saratoga R. R. Co. (23 W. R., 433); Bull v. Flagler (23 Wend. 354); Norman v. Wells (17 Wend. 136); Lamoure v. Caryl (4 Denio, 370).

[7] People v Lopez, 79 N.Y.2d 402, 404–05 (N.Y. 1992)

[8] Bedell v Long Is. R.R. Co., 44 N.Y. 367, 368–70 (N.Y. 1871) (citing Clark v. Baird, 9 N. Y., 183; Beans v. Capley, 10 N. Y., 93.)

[9] Robertson v Knapp, 35 N.Y. 91, 91–93 (N.Y. 1866)

[10] Hangen v Hachemeister, 114 N.Y. 566, 573 (N.Y. 1889) (citing Hoffman v. Conner (76 N. Y. 121-124).

[11] Holsapple v Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburgh R.R. Co., 86 N.Y. 275, 279 (N.Y. 1881) (citing Teerpenning v. Corn Exch. Ins. Co., 43 N. Y. 279.)     

[12] Edgecomb v. Buckhout, 146 N.Y. 332, 40 N.E. 991; Keenan v. Getsinger, 1 App. Div. 172, 37 N.Y.S. 826.

[13] Mercer v Vose, 67 N.Y. 56, 58 (N.Y. 1876)

[14] Mercer v. Vose, 67 N.Y. 56.

[15] In Battinelli v Battinelli, (1991, 1st Dept) 174 App Div 2d 503, 571 NYS2d 280 the court held that general testimony by the wife as to disabilities she suffered as a result of her age and medical condition was properly admitted since the effect of these conditions on the wife's ability to work was readily apparent without the necessity of expert testimony.
​
​

​The material on our website is from  the New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook , by Joel R. Brandes of the New York Bar. It focuses on the procedural and substantive law, as well as the law of evidence, that an attorney must have at his or her fingertips when trying a New York matrimonial action or custody case.  It is intended to be an aide for preparing for a trial and as a reference for the procedure in offering and objecting to evidence during a trial.  There are numerous questions for the examination and cross-examination of witnesses. 
​Joel R. Brandes Consulting Services, Inc. ​publishes The ​New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook . It is available in Bookstores, and online in the print edition at  Amazon,  Barnes & Noble, Goodreads and other online book sellers.  

The New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook  is  available in Kindle ebook editions and epub ebook editions for all ebook readers in our website bookstore and in hard cover at our Bookbaby Bookstore. 
Joel R. Brandes Consulting Services, Inc.   
2881 NE 33rd Court (At Dock)
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33306.
Telephone (954) 564-9883.
email to:divorce@ix.netcom.com.


​​Joel R. Brandes Consulting Services, Inc is a Florida corporation  which is owned and operated  by 
​Joel R. Brandes of The New York Law Firm of Joel R. Brandes. P.C. 
​This website is published by ​Joel R. Brandes Consulting Services, Inc., and written by Joel R. Brandes of The Law Firm of Joel R. Brandes. P.C.  Mr. Brandes has been recognized by the Appellate Division* as a "noted authority and expert on New York family law and divorce.” He is the author of  the treatise Law and The Family New York, 2d (9 volumes),Law and the Family New York Forms 2d (5 Volumes), Law and the Family New York Forms 2019 Edition (5 volumes)(Thomson Reuters),  and the New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook. Click here to visit New York Divorce and Family Law ™ the definitive site on the web for New York divorce and family law, presented by Joel R. Brandes of the Law Firm of Joel R. Brandes, P.C., 43 West 43rd Street, New York, New York 10036. (212) 859-5079.

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  • Home
  • Bookstore
    • New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook
    • New York Matrimonial Trial Handbook 2022 Update Pdf Edition
    • Books about Divorce and Family Law
  • Conduct of Trial
    • Order of Trial - In General
    • Order of Trial - Opening and Closing statements: When and how to make them
    • Order of Trial - Motion to Dismiss After Opening Statementage
    • Conduct of Trial - Right to Cross-Examination of Witness
    • Conduct of Trial - Right to Call Witnesses for Direct Examination
    • Conduct of Trial - Scope of Cross-Examination - Making Adverse Witness Own Witness
    • Conduct of Trial - Redirect Examination
    • ​Conduct of Trial - Redirect Examination - Rule of Completeness
    • Conduct of Trial - Re-Cross Examination of Witness
    • Conduct of Trial - Motion to Dismiss for failure to establish a Prima Facie Case
    • Conduct of Trial - Courtroom Decorum for Counsel and Court - Addressing the Judge - Approaching the Bench
    • Conduct of Trial - Calling a Witness to the Stand to Testify
    • Conduct of Trial - Method of Calling a Witness to the Stand - Presenting Witnesses
    • Conduct of Trial - Requirement that Witness Have Personal Knowledge
    • Conduct of Trial - Examination of Witnesses - Method of Examination - Improper Questions
    • Conduct of Trial – Importance of Objections to Inadmissible Evidence or Improper Questions
    • Conduct of Trial - Method of Making an Objection
    • Conduct of Trial - Voir Dire to Challenge Foundation for Introduction of Evidence
    • Conduct of Trial - Leading Questions - What they are and when they are permitted
    • Conduct of Trial - Method of Making Objection to Leading Question
    • Conduct of Trial - Refreshing the Witness’s Recollection
    • Conduct of Trial - Questions for Refreshing Witness Recollection
    • Conduct of Trial - Refreshing Recollection of Witness - Past recollection recorded
    • ​Conduct of Trial - Motion for Reconsideration of Prior Ruling
    • Conduct of Trial - Method of Making Motion to Reconsider Prior Ruling
    • ​Conduct of Trial - Motion to Adjourn Trial - Defendant’s Objection to proceed with Defense before Plaintiff Rests
    • ​Conduct of Trial - Method of Making Motion to Adjourn - Objection to proceed with Defense before Plaintiff Rests
    • Conduct of Trial - Continuing Objection
    • Conduct of Trial - Motion to Strike Evidence Improperly Admitted
    • Conduct of Trial - Motion to Strike Evidence Admitted Subject to Connection
    • Conduct of Trial - Offer of Proof - What is it?
    • Conduct of Trial - Method of Making an Offer of Proof
    • ​Conduct of Trial - Exclusion of Witnesses from Courtroom
    • Conduct of Trial - Method of Making Request to Exclude Witnesses
    • Conduct of Trial - Discretion of Judge to Question Witnesses
    • Conduct of Trial - Right of Court to Compel Testimony
    • Conduct of Trial - Right of Trial Judge to Call own Witness.
  • Trial Testimony
    • Trial Testimony - Right to Confer with Counsel
    • Trial Testimony - Right to Interpreter for Person Who Can Not Communicate with Court
    • Trial Testimony - Calling the Adverse Party as a Witness
    • Trial Testimony - Cross Examination - Modes of impeachment
    • ​Trial Testimony - Cross - Examination - Impeachment of Witnesses
    • Trial Testimony - Cross-Examination - Impeachment Limited by Collateral Evidence Rule
    • Trial Testimony - Cross Examination - Impeachment - Reputation for Veracity
    • Trial Testimony - Cross Examination - Reputation for Veracity - Laying Foundation for Impeachment Testimony of Bad Reputation for Veracity
    • Trial Testimony - Cross Examination - Reputation for Veracity - Questions for Impeachment Testimony of Bad Reputation for Veracity
    • Trial Testimony - Cross - Examination - Impeachment of Witness by Prior Inconsistent Statement and Questions for Introduction
    • Trial Testimony - Testimony of Child
    • Trial Testimony- Cross - Examination – Inadmissibility of Proof of Prior Arrest, Indictment or Conviction for Petty Crime
    • Trial Testimony - Cross - Examination - Attempt to Procure False Evidence Competent as an Admission
    • Trial Testimony - Cross-Examination - Impeachment of Witness by Criminal Conviction
    • ​Trial Testimony - Cross-Examination - Impeachment of Witness by Showing Bias, Hostility, or Interest
    • ​Trial Testimony - Cross - Examination - Impeachment by Showing Witness Hostile to Party
    • Trial Testimony- Cross - Examination - Impeachment by Showing Predisposition
    • Trial Testimony - Questions for Impeaching Witness on Cross - Examination by Showing Hostility
    • ​Trial Testimony - Impeaching own Witness
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Use of Depositions at Trial or Hearing
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Use of Deposition from Prior Action
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Effect of using deposition.
    • ​Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Use of Deposition Subject to Rules of Evidence
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Questions for Impeaching Witness on Cross Examination by Prior Deposition Testimony
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Use of Answers to Interrogatories
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Use of Answers to Interrogatories from Prior Action
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Effect of using Answers to Interrogatories.
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Use of Answers to interrogatories Subject to Rules of Evidence
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Questions for Impeaching Witness on Cross Examination by Answers to interrogatories
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Admission of Prior Testimony
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Admission of Prior Testimony Subject to Objection
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Necessity of Foundation for Admission of Prior Testimony
    • Trial Testimony - Prior Testimony - Questions for Impeaching Witness on Cross Examination by Prior Testimony
    • Trial Testimony - Method of Marking Documents as Exhibits for Identification and Offering them into Evidence
    • Trial Testimony - Method of Offering Exhibit Marked for Identification into Evidence - Standard Questions
  • Rules of Evidence in Matrimonial Actions
    • Rules of Evidence - In General
    • Evidence and Proof - Competent and Material
    • ​Admissibility of Evidence - General Rule
    • Burden of Proof - Standards of Proof
    • Burden of Proof - Fair Preponderance of Credible Evidence - Clear and Convincing Evidence
    • Burden of Proof - Clear and Convincing Evidence in Matrimonial Actions
    • ​Burden of Proof - Presumptions
    • ​Burden of Proof - “Competent Proof” in Family Court Proceedings
    • ​Standards of Proof for Overcoming Presumptions in Matrimonial Actions
    • ​Foundation for Evidence - Fundamental Error and Harmless Error
    • Foundation for Evidence - Stare Decisis - The Doctrine of Precedent
    • Foundation for Evidence - Law of the Case
    • Foundation for Evidence - Judicial Estoppel
    • Foundation for Evidence - Rule Against Inconsistent Positions
    • Foundation for Evidence - Estoppel from Presenting Evidence at Trial Based Upon Contents of Response to Discovery Demand
    • Foundation for Evidence - Judicial Notice of Law and Facts
    • Foundation for Evidence - Method of Asking Court to Take Judicial Notice of a Fact
    • Foundation for Evidence - Judicial Notice of Testimony at Prior Pendente lite Hearing
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Settlement Offers Not Admissible
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Admissions and Letters by Party’s Attorney Admissible in Evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Presumption that Only Admissible Evidence Was Considered By the Trial Court.
    • Admissibility of Evidence – Rule against Hearsay
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay Applicable in Matrimonial Case
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Verbal or operative acts and State of Mind
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - State of Mind
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Present Sense Impression and Excited Utterance/Spontaneous Declaration
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay - Not Necessary to Lay Foundation For Admission of Certified Non-Party Business Records Produced Pursuant to Subpoena - CPLR 3122-a.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Expressions of Intent
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Evidence of Abuse or Neglect in Custody and Child Protective Proceedings
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Former Testimony
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Admissions
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Admission of New Spouse
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Past recollection recorded
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Business Records
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Laying a Foundation for and Questions for Offering Business Records into Evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay - Business Records - Admission of Hospital bills and Records, Records and Reports of Genetic Marker or DNA tests, and Payment Records
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Admission of Certified Hospital, Library, and Government Records.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay - Admission of Business Records - Other Certification Substitutes for Foundation Testimony.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay - Admissibility of Medical Reports - Not admissible As Business Records Where They Contain Doctor's Opinion or Expert Proof
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Laying a Foundation for Admission of Business Records and Records of Municipality into Evidence - Summary of Rule
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Questions for Laying a Foundation for and Offering Business and Municipality Records into Evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Method of Laying a Foundation for and Offering into Evidence Certified Records of Business or Municipality
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Exceptions to the Rule against Hearsay - Business Records Rule - Business Duty
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Results of Lie Detector Test Inadmissible
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Testimony of One Spouse against the Other. - Action founded Upon Adultery - In General
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Expert Report Inadmissible Without Consent
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Testimony of One Spouse against the Other- Action Founded Upon Adultery - As to Non-access
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Testimony of One Spouse Against the Other – Actions for Divorce, Separation or Annulment - Confidential Communications.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Testimony of One Spouse against the Other - Confidential Communications - Waiver
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Confidential Communications - Waiver
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Testimony of One Spouse for the Other - Action founded Upon Adultery
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Confessions and Admissions - Action Founded Upon Adultery
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Conduct Prior to Marriage - Action Founded Upon Adultery.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Attorney - Client Privilege - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4501.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Psychologist - Patient Privilege - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4507.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Physician, dentist, podiatrist, chiropractor and nurse Privilege - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4507.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Clergy - Penitent Privilege - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4505.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Social worker - Patient Privilege - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4508(a).
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Rape crisis counselor - client Privilege - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4510.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Practice Point - Privilege - Confidential Communications
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Fifth Amendment Privilege against Self-Incrimination
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Method of Making Objection to Question on Fifth Amendment Grounds
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Adverse Inference from Failure of Party to Testify and Failure to Call Favorable Witness - Missing Witness Rule in Civil Case
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - New York Privilege against Self-incrimination - Civil Practice Law and Rules §4501.
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Privilege - Electronic Communication of Privileged Communications - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4548
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Evidence Illegally Obtained. – Unlawful Entry, Search and Seizure and Electronic Surveillance of Family Conversations – Exceptions for Custody and Article 10 Cases
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Suppression of Illegally Obtained Eavesdropping Evidence - Civil Practice Law and Rules § 4506(a) - Vicarious Consent for Child
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Motion to Suppress Illegally Obtained Eavesdropping Evidence under CPLR § 4506
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Illegal Interception of Electronic Evidence - Electronic Evidence Defined
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Social Networking Sites
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Admissibility of Electronic Evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Authentication of Instant Message
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Authentication of Text Message and Questions for Introduction into Evidence
    • Questions to Lay Foundation for Introduction of text message into evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Authentication of Blogs and Websites
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Authentication of email and Questions for Introduction
    • Questions to Lay Foundation for Introduction of email into evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Evidence Obtained By Spyware - CPLR 4506
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Admissibility of Audio and Visual Recordings
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Admissibility of Audio and Visual Recordings - Foundation for Admission of Recordings
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Questions for Laying Foundation for Admission of Recorded telephone call into Evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Questions for Laying Foundation for Admission of Transcript of Sound Recorded telephone call into Evidence
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Best evidence rule
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Parol Evidence Rule
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Authentication of Foreign Records and Documents for Use at Trial
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Spoliation - Unfavorable Inference - Preclusion
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Inadmissibility of Evidence Protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Admissibility of Foreign Language Exhibits and Affidavits and Papers
    • Admissibility of Evidence - Authentication of official record of court or government office in the United States
    • Practice Point - Admissibility of Charts and Summaries Counsel may be permitted to use charts to summarize documents already in evidence where the charts are based solely on information already in evidence. A foundation must be laid, demonstrating that
    • Practice Point – Testimony about Out of Court Statements Made by Third Party.
    • Practice Point - No Client - Expert Privilege.
    • Practice Point - Trial Evidence not Limited by Scope of Pretrial Disclosure
    • Practice Point - Effect of the Failure of a Party to Deny or Contradict Evidence or Pleadings
    • Practice Point - Effect of withholding Evidence in Your Possession, or Failure to Call a Witness
  • Opinion Evidence
    • Opinion Evidence and Need for Expert Opinion
    • Opinion Evidence - Form of expert opinion
    • Opinion Evidence - Admissibility of Expert Testimony - Basis for Admission of Expert Opinion
    • Opinion Evidence - Impeaching Your Own Expert Witness.
    • Opinion Evidence - Opinion of Ordinary Witness as to ownership, intent, belief and value of property or services.
    • Opinion Evidence - Cross Examination of Expert Witnesses - Impeaching the Expert
    • Opinion Evidence
    • Opinion Evidence – Qualification of Expert and Weight of Testimony
    • Opinion Evidence - Expert Cannot Be Compelled to Testify
  • Custody Proceedings - Rules of Evidence
    • Custody Proceedings - Evidence - Admissibility of Hearsay
    • Custody Proceedings - Evidence - Use of Experts, Evaluations, and Reports
    • Custody Proceedings - Evidence - Investigations
    • Custody Proceedings – Evidence - In-camera and Lincoln interviews
    • Custody Proceedings – Evidence - Confidential communications - Waiver in Custody Cases
    • Custody Proceedings - Evidence - Child Permitted to Assert Psychologist - Patient Privilege
    • Custody Proceedings - Evidence - Admissibility of child abuse reports
    • Custody Proceedings - Evidence - Child as a Witness
  • Questions for the Examination of Witnesses
    • Questions for Placing Stipulation on the Record and Allocution
    • Questions for prima facie economic case - Direct Examination of Client – General Questions
    • Questions for Prima Facie Custody Case -Direct Examination of Party
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