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establishing each parent’s rights and responsibilities regarding their child. These are inherently emotional and complex cases, and a West Chelsea child custody lawyer will be a crucial asset whether you are resolving custody as a standalone family court case or as part of a larger divorce.
The Levoritz Law Firm has a strong record of successful legal representation for clients in West Chelsea and surrounding communities of New York City in a wide range of family law cases, including child custody determinations. This type of case can be one of the most challenging experiences of any parent’s life, and it’s natural to have lots of difficult questions in this situation that only a seasoned attorney can answer.
Our firm understands that sophisticated problems require sophisticated solutions, and we aim to provide client-focused representation in every child custody case we accept. You can also trust us to help you with related legal matters if your custody dispute is an element of a divorce case, and if you already have a standing child custody order, we can help you petition for a modification if required.
In every child custody case processed by the New York County Family Court, the court has a legal duty to ensure that the custody order suits the child’s best interests. This will require careful review of several factors, including each parent’s bond with their child, their availability to handle the child’s daily schedule, criminal records, and any other factors that the court deems worthy of consideration.
It is important to remember that a child custody case in West Chelsea must determine two types of custody for the child. First is legal custody, which is the ability to make decisions for a child. Second is physical custody, which determines the child’s primary residence and how much time they will spend with each of their parents. It’s common for a custody order to grant legal custody to both parents, but one parent may have greater physical custody than the other.
Joint custody arrangements are common in New York. As long as both parents are deemed fit for parental responsibilities, family court judges often attempt to provide a child with as much access to both of their parents as possible. Parents may split legal custody evenly, meaning they must consult one another for all major decisions for their child, but physical custody is often unevenly split due to one parent’s work schedule and general availability.
It is natural for a parent to have as much time with their child as possible, and determining custody can be challenging in many ways. It is also an unfortunate possibility for one parent to attempt to weaponize their children against their other parent in divorce or custody proceedings. Having an experienced attorney on your side means you are prepared to address any unexpected complications that might arise throughout your case.
When you hire a child custody lawyer in West Chelsea at the Levoritz Law Firm, you will have a skilled legal representative ready to help you present the strongest possible case for the custody terms you hope to obtain. We can also assist you with petitioning the New York County Family Court for necessary changes to your standing custody order. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how an experienced West Chelsea child custody attorney can assist with your case.
A parent could lose custody in New York if they intentionally violate their custody order or if they do anything that the court may deem as a threat to their child’s health or safety. For example, if a parent with custody is convicted of a violent crime, domestic abuse, or any type of child abuse, they could face involuntary termination of their parental rights. It is very difficult for them to ever regain those rights once taken this way.
Yes, you can change your custody order in West Chelsea under certain conditions. Your West Chelsea child custody attorney can help you file a petition for modification, but you must be ready to prove that your requested change is both necessary and will still suit your child’s best interests. After submitting a petition for modification of a custody order, the court will schedule a hearing, and your attorney can help you prepare for this.
No, a mother does not automatically get custody in West Chelsea. While statistically, mothers in New York and throughout the US generally have greater physical custody than fathers, in New York, fathers get about 30.4% of custody time. This is primarily due to work schedules and other factors. The New York County Family Court does not show favoritism toward either parent and focuses solely on what custody terms would suit the child’s best interests.
You should hire a child custody lawyer in West Chelsea because these are inherently stressful cases in several ways, and a skilled local attorney can help you make more informed, confident decisions about your case. Your attorney can gather the evidence you need to make the strongest possible argument for the custody terms you hope to secure and respond fluently to any unexpected issues that arise throughout your proceedings.
The Levoritz Law Firm has a strong reputation for handling some of the most complex family court cases in West Chelsea, including child custody determinations. Whether you and your co-parent are on amicable terms or are unable to civilly discuss this matter, our team can guide you through your custody case and help you reach a favorable outcome. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with a West Chelsea child custody attorney you can trust.
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