Child custody / visitation /support can be one of the most contentious areas of the law. These issues arise between parents whether married or unmarried. When the parents are married these can be handled either as part of the divorce or as independent actions in family court. If the parents are not married, they would go to family court. You will need an aggressive advocate to protect your rights one who is a compassionate advisor and a skilled negotiator and understands your circumstances and works diligently to achieve your goals. Our firm excels in these areas and can help you understand current child custody and support laws that effect:

• Child custody and visitation (relocation, supervised visitation, extended visitation)
• Attorney’s for the Child, also known as Law guardians (court-appointed attorneys for the children)
• Grandparents' visitation rights
• Joint Custody – There are two types of custody: — Physical custody and Legal custody. Physical custody determines with whom the child lives. Legal custody specifies which parent makes decisions related to the health, education and welfare of the child.
• Relocation - In relocation matters the court must take into consideration, the child's relationship with the noncustodial parent and the custodial parent’s reason for leaving or for seeking permission to leave.

Throughout New York, child support is determined according to state statutes and varies depending on the number of children involved. There is a specific formula used to calculate child support payments. Parents may also be responsible for certain add-ons to the child support award, such as babysitting — where the noncustodial parent often helps out — and unreimbursed medical expenses.

Our firm will work tirelessly so you will receive the most equitable solution possible. In addition, circumstances do change along with a child’s needs and our firm can help you address possible modifications of past court orders.