Your child’s future is of utmost importance, which is why our NYC child custody attorneys combine unmatched skill and compassion to make sure their voice is heard and your rights are protected in every decision that shapes their tomorrow.
Family law is already highly stressful, but the stress only multiplies when children are involved. Thankfully, our child custody lawyer in NYC understand the anxiety our clients face. We bring a holistic and communicative approach to complex custody issues to reduce stress and pave the way for a positive legal outcome. We’ll get to know you, the issues involved, and your goals for your child and the future.
At Levoritz Law Firm, we provide the full spectrum of legal services in child custody cases. Whether you are seeking custody, negotiating for child support, or trying to get a fair visitation agreement, we are here for you. And if a judge’s decision is unfair to you or it’s not in your child’s best interests, our team is ready to appeal your case in court.
In New York City, understanding the various types of child custody is crucial for families navigating the process.
When deciding physical and legal custody, judges consider a variety of factors, including:
These factors all have one thing in common: the child’s best interests. Above all else, this is the most important factor in custody cases.
Furthermore, these factors are just some of the elements judges may consider. They will take into account any factors they think are relevant in making custody decisions. For example, depending on a child’s age, they may also consider the child’s preference for living with one parent instead of the other.
While judges do their best to make the right decision, they can potentially make the wrong one. That’s why it’s so important to get help from an experienced child custody attorney in New York. When you choose our firm to represent you, we will effectively present your case and stand up for your rights.
Child custody is a legal process that involves several key steps:
To get specific answers based on your child custody situation, contact our family law attorneys to arrange a consultation. Once our team understands all the factors in your case, they will advise you about the path forward and what you may expect.
Visitation time and parenting time are crucial concepts that shape the time the child spends with each parent.
Visitation time refers to a schedule the non-custodial parent must abide by when spending time with their child. This term is often used when one parent has sole physical custody, and the other parent has the right to visit with the child at agreed-upon times.
Visitation can be unsupervised, allowing the non-custodial parent to spend time with the child without any restrictions, or supervised, where visits occur in the presence of another adult or professional — this is commonly used when the child’s safety and well-being are of particular concern.
Parenting time is the time that each parent spends with their child. In joint custody arrangements, parenting time should be divided in a way that allows the child to have a significant and ongoing relationship with both parents.
The specifics of parenting time can vary widely, taking into account work schedules, the child’s schooling and extracurricular activities, and the geographical distance between the parents’ homes.
Modifying a child custody agreement is a process that requires demonstrating a significant change in circumstances. At Levoritz Law Firm, we understand that the unpredictable nature of life can often necessitate changes to custody arrangements. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the modification process, making sure your child’s best interests are always at the forefront.
Modifications to child custody may be appropriate in various circumstances, including:
To modify a child custody order, the petitioning parent must file a motion with the court, providing evidence of a significant change in circumstances and how the proposed modification serves the child’s best interests. The court will consider the modification in light of the existing order and the change of circumstances — again, with the primary goal being to meet the child’s best interests.
At Levoritz Law Firm in New York City, we assist families with the delicate matter of child custody, bringing both legal acumen and a deep understanding of the emotional complexities involved. Our experienced attorneys are committed to providing personalized, compassionate support tailored to the unique needs of each family. Here’s how we can assist with child custody matters.
Our New York child custody lawyers have extensive resources and skills to help you achieve a favorable outcome that is in your child’s best interests. Here’s what you get when you work with our team:
At Levoritz Law Firm, we combine legal acumen with a personal touch, guiding you through this challenging time with professionalism and empathy — and always with your family’s best interests at heart.
Meet Yonatan Levoritz, the founder of Levoritz Law Firm, recognized for his exceptional skill in family law, his compassionate manner, and his commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. Yonatan Levoritz has a long record of winning challenging and complex cases.
At Levoritz Law Firm, we understand that navigating family law matters can feel overwhelming. To help you feel informed and confident, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about high-net-worth divorce, custody, and other family law concerns. Explore below to learn more about your options.
If parents agree on terms, they can make their own custody decisions. To protect all parties, they’ll typically prepare and have the court approve a parenting plan that lays out specific schedules for when the child will be with each parent. When parents agree, it can be far less stressful for the child.
While it was once common for courts to favor mothers over fathers, today’s courtrooms take a much more balanced approach that solely works to meet the child’s best interests. However, unfair court decisions are still made all the time, often due to a judge’s prejudice or implicit bias.
If you believe your child is in immediate danger, you should call 911. If the danger isn’t immediate but you don’t believe your child is generally safe with their other parent, you must prove your suspicions to the court. This can result in the revocation of custody or a modification that dictates that another adult must supervise the other parent during visits with the child.
If your life circumstances have sufficiently changed, you can file a modification order with the court that issued the original order. Depending on the circumstances and the child’s best interests, the court may approve or disapprove the modification.
Reasons parents may ask for modifications include out-of-state moves, changed financial situations, health problems, domestic violence, and other issues.
Yes. Individuals other than a parent (such as grandparents or other close relatives) can be granted custody in certain circumstances. This usually occurs if the court determines that living with either parent would be detrimental to the child’s welfare.
While a judge may consider the child’s preference in custody decisions, it is not the sole factor. The court prioritizes the child’s best interests, considering various factors like each parent’s ability to provide a stable and supportive environment.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partiner, Yonatan Lavoritz who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a divorce & family attorney.