Child Custody Lawyer in NYC

Custody Arrangements for Divorcing & Unmarried Parents

Unmarried or divorcing parents must work out an arrangement regarding the custody of their child or children. Child custody cases, now referred to as time sharing or parental responsibility in New York, need to be resolved with professionalism and care. The courts in New York will always seek the arrangement that is in the best interests of the children. Our child custody lawyers NYC can help you establish and maintain custody of your children. For fathers navigating a custody case, we also focus on fathers’ rights in New York.

When Parents Disagree on Custody

Custody can be established by agreement between the parents but, where parents disagree with each other about which of them should have custody of their child, judges face some of the most sensitive and difficult cases that can be brought before a court. Custody disputes need to be resolved with the highest degree of professionalism and care. To find the best child custody lawyers for you, look for lawyers who can understand your child’s unique needs.

Putting Your Child’s Best Interests First

The needs of each child vary and having a professional who will truly have your child’s best interests in mind will help great deal. Top rated child custody lawyers NYC know that custody battles are decided on the basis of individual circumstances. While litigation over custody can be a very difficult process, it is important to protect your rights and the well being of your child. Our child custody lawyers have more than 40 years of combined courtroom experience presenting these cases.

A Strategy Tailored to Each Child

We understand the importance of paying attention to each child’s unique situation in order to present our clients’ custody cases effectively. Parents do not have a presumptive right to custody of their own children in New York. [D.R.L. Sec. 70] Custody is never viewed through the lens of parental rights in New York. Instead, the welfare of the child is the primary focus of the state’s concern, and parents are awarded custody according to their abilities to provide for that individual child’s needs. Generally, parents may work out their own arrangements regarding the custody of their own children by simply agreeing between themselves. It is still important that they have these agreements written by an experienced family court attorney. If not, their agreement may be unenforceable later. In cases where parents disagree over the custody of their child or children, either parent may ask the court to decide the issue for them.

Custody & Visitation Modifications

Even after custody and visitation have been decided — regardless of whether that was done by agreement or by litigation — it may still be possible to ask the court to change its decision later. If a party can show (1) that circumstances have changed since the court made its original decision and (2) that the change was not foreseeable at the time when the court made its original decision, then that party is permitted to bring a petition for a change of custody.

Navigating Child Custody in New York

Figuring out which parent will have custody of children in New York is a difficult process. You may feel unsure what your rights are and how the law will apply to your specific situation. Our child custody lawyers NYC are ready to take your hand and guide you through the process of establishing custody and protecting your rights.