Child Custody
Child Custody
Child custody decisions can be emotionally draining. By seeking guidance from an experienced New York child custody lawyer, however, you will gain guidance to reduce uncertainty while protecting what matters most—your child’s best interests. New York courts base custody decisions solely on what’s best for the child by considering factors like which parent has been the primary caregiver, each parent’s ability to meet children’s needs, and home environment stability, among other considerations.
Custody cases often involve child support too. Working with an experienced child support attorney makes managing these financial obligations way easier. In New York, child support typically continues until your child turns 21. Support orders can be issued during custody proceedings or through a separate petition filed in Family Court.
Top Benefits of Working With a Child Custody Lawyer in NYC
- A child custody lawyer represents your interests in negotiations and court, helping you build the strongest case possible
- We apply deep knowledge of custody law NY so your strategy lines up with the factors courts actually consider when awarding custody
- A child support attorney makes sure financial matters get addressed clearly and fairly alongside custody
- We prepare all your evidence, documentation, and strategy so you feel confident whether you're in court or mediation
- Having experienced legal support gives you peace of mind so you can focus on your child's well-being instead of stressing about legal technicalities
Why Professional Legal Help Really Matters in Custody and Support Cases
Focused Advocacy
Your child custody lawyer helps highlight your parenting strengths and priorities in a way the court will actually understand and value.
Understanding Custody Law NY
We guide you through the legal standards about legal and physical custody and explain how judges interpret the "best interests" standard in real cases.
Support Guidance
A child support attorney helps calculate fair support amounts and files petitions for enforcement or modification when circumstances change.
Preparation for Hearings
We organize your records, caregiving history, and parenting plans to show the court your genuine commitment as a parent.
Clarity and Confidence
With sound legal guidance at hand, you know exactly what to expect at each step in the custody process—without surprises or confusion.
Need help with your uncontested divorce? Contact us today : (914) 481-8822
Step-by-Step Guide for the Custody Process in New York
Custody cases usually start in Family Court when you file a custody petition in the county where your child lives. If custody is part of a divorce, you might file it with your divorce case in Supreme Court instead.
Once your petition is filed, it must be personally served on both parents—they require official notice that has been given them of its existence. The court then arranges an initial conference or mediation session between you and the other parent(s) to facilitate discussions about temporary parenting arrangements. If all parents can agree upon terms, a judge can issue custody/visitation orders based on mutual agreement; otherwise, if no agreement can be made by all involved, then evidence from hearings is reviewed before issuing custody orders tailored towards what’s best for your child.
Key Steps
- File a custody petition in Family Court or as part of your divorce case
- Serve the other parent with the custody petition officially
- Attend conferences, mediation sessions, or pre-hearing meetings
- Prepare and present evidence at hearings to support your case
- The judge issues custody and visitation orders based on the evidence
- Address child support obligations with a child support attorney
Required Documents
- Child's Birth Certificate—Confirms legal parentage
- ID Proof – Government-issued IDs for both parents
- Proof of Residence – Shows which county the child lives in
- Caregiving Records—School reports, medical records, activity schedules
- Financial Records – Income statements for calculating support
Managing Partner
Questions Parents Actually Ask
What does a child custody lawyer actually do?
A child custody lawyer helps you present your case in negotiations and court, guiding everything under custody law in NY and clearing up confusion so you understand what’s happening
When should I hire a child support attorney?
It’s smart to bring in a child support attorney early, especially when financial obligations need to be sorted out alongside custody orders.
How does NY decide custody?
Custody gets decided based on the child’s best interests. The court looks at factors like caregiving history, each parent’s stability, and which arrangement benefits the child most.
Can custody and support be changed later?
Yes, definitely. If your circumstances change—like a job loss, relocation, or major life event—you can petition the court to modify custody or support orders.
Will I need to go to a hearing?
If both parents agree on the terms, a judge might enter orders without a full hearing. If you can’t agree, there’ll be a hearing where the judge evaluates evidence and decides custody.
Can grandparents get custody or visitation?
Yes. Someone with a strong connection to the child, like a grandparent, can petition for custody or visitation if it serves the child’s best interests.