Brooklyn Child Custody Lawyer

Brooklyn Child Custody Lawyers: Fighting for Your Family’s Future

Levoritz Law Firm’s team of seasoned child custody attorneys is dedicated to guiding families through the fraught terrain of custody disputes. We prioritize the child’s well-being, working tirelessly to create personalized parenting plans, address child support matters, and handle modifications or relocation issues.

With an unmatched understanding of family law and an ethos of compassion, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for families in Brooklyn. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your needs.

Custody Laws in Brooklyn, NY

Child custody laws in Brooklyn follow the standards established by the state of New York. Courts will consider various factors when determining custody arrangements, including:

• The child’s age and preferences: Older children’s opinions may be considered, while younger children’s needs are prioritized.
• The parents’ ability to provide a stable environment: Such an environment includes financial security, housing, and emotional support.
• Each parent’s relationship with the child: The strength of the bond and the level of involvement in the child’s life are important considerations.
• The child’s physical and emotional well-being: Above all, the court aims to ensure the child’s safety and happiness.
• Any history of domestic violence or abuse: Protecting the child from harm is of the utmost importance.

In all custody-related matters in New York, the guiding principle is always the best interests of the child.

Different Types of Child Custody

Child custody cases can involve many different types of custody arrangements, each with specific implications for parents and children. Our attorneys are well-versed in these distinctions and can help you understand which arrangement best suits your family’s needs.

• Legal Custody

  Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religion.
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  With joint legal custody, both parents share the decision-making authority, requiring them to cooperate and agree on major choices for the child. With sole legal custody, one parent has the exclusive right to make decisions about the child’s life.

• Legal Custody

  Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religion.
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  With joint legal custody, both parents share the decision-making authority, requiring them to cooperate and agree on major choices for the child. With sole legal custody, one parent has the exclusive right to make decisions about the child’s life.

• Physical Custody

  Physical custody determines where the child lives and spends their time.
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  Joint physical custody is common. In this arrangement, the child spends significant time with both parents, with various schedules possible (e.g., alternating weeks, weekends, etc.). Sole physical custody, in which the child primarily lives with one parent (the custodial parent), is another option. The non-custodial parent typically has visitation rights.

• Hybrid Custody

  Hybrid custody combines elements of both legal and physical custody. For instance, parents might share joint legal custody but have one parent designated as the primary physical custodian.

What Do Child Custody Proceedings Look Like?

Going through child custody proceedings can be overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with the legal process. While the specifics of each case vary, here’s a general overview of what you can expect when working with the family law attorneys at Levoritz Law Firm.

Initial Consultation

We begin with a free consultation to discuss your situation, concerns, and desired outcomes. This allows us to better understand your specific needs and develop a personalized strategy.

Petition Filing

If you and the other parent can’t reach an agreement, we’ll file a petition with the Brooklyn Family Court to initiate the formal legal process of deciding custody.

Temporary Orders

While the case is pending, the court may issue temporary orders for custody, visitation, and child support to provide stability for the child.

Financial Disclosure

Both parents are required to provide detailed information about their income, assets, and expenses. This measure helps the court determine appropriate child support amounts and other financial arrangements.

Discovery

The parties must exchange information and evidence relevant to the case, such as school records, medical records, and any other documentation that supports their positions.

Mediation (Optional)

In some cases, the court may order or encourage mediation, a process where a neutral third party helps parents negotiate and reach a mutually agreeable custody arrangement.

Court Hearings/Trial

If agreeable terms are still out of reach following mediation, the case will proceed to court hearings or a trial, at which both sides will present their evidence and arguments.

Final Order

After hearing both parents’ arguments, the judge will issue a final order outlining the custody arrangement, visitation schedule, child support obligations, and other relevant details.

Modifications (If Needed)

Custody orders can be modified if circumstances change significantly. Your lawyer can assist you with requesting modifications to existing orders.

What Are the Grounds for Modifying a Custody Agreement?

In Brooklyn, as in the rest of New York, child custody agreements aren’t set in stone. Circumstances change, and sometimes, those changes necessitate the modification of an existing custody agreement.‍

However, modifications aren’t granted lightly. The court requires a demonstration of a “substantial change in circumstances” to justify changes.

A substantial shift in circumstances is one that affects the child’s well-being or necessitates a reevaluation of the current custody arrangement. Some examples include:

• Relocation: If one parent plans to move away, it could impact the child’s relationship with the other parent and require a custody modification.
• Change in a parent’s circumstances: This could be a change in employment, a major health issue, or a new relationship that affects the parent’s ability to care for the child.
• Parental conduct: If a parent engages in behavior that endangers the child, such as substance abuse or domestic violence, it could warrant a custody modification.
• The child’s needs: As children grow and develop, their needs change — a modification might be necessary to accommodate these evolving needs.
• The child’s preferences: While not the sole determining factor, the court may elect to honor the child’s wishes, especially as they get older and more mature.

To modify a custody agreement, you must file a petition with the Brooklyn or New York Family Court. The petition must clearly outline the change in circumstances and how the requested modification would be in the child’s best interests. The court will review the petition, hold hearings as needed, and gather evidence before making a decision.

Why Choose Levoritz Law Firm for Child Custody Proceedings in Brooklyn?

Securing the right legal representation for your child custody case is crucial. Here’s why Levoritz Law Firm stands out as the ideal choice for families in Brooklyn and elsewhere in New York.

• Proven Experience

  Our attorneys boast an impressive track record of success in handling complex child custody cases throughout New York. We know how to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.

• Extensive Knowledge

  Our team possesses an intimate understanding of New York law, which allows us to handle every case we take on with efficiency and precision.

• Personalized Service

  We recognize that every family is different. We’ll take the time to get to know you and your unique circumstances and tailor our legal strategies to meet your needs and goals.

• Focus on Results

  We’re committed to getting the best possible results for our clients. We’ll work tirelessly to protect your parental rights and secure a custody arrangement that’s fair and practical and puts your child’s needs first.

When you work with Levoritz Law Firm, you get a dedicated team of professionals capable of overcoming even the most vexing child custody challenges. We’re confident that our experience, knowledge, and unique approach will be the difference-makers in your case.