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Child custody disputes are often the most contentious cases heard in family court. Whether you are a father seeking custody after establishing paternity or a spouse seeking favorable custody rights during a divorce, a Manhattan child custody lawyer can provide you with the legal support and advocacy you need to establish court-protected custody over your child. An attorney can play a critical role in refuting false accusations and demonstrating your devotion to your child.
When your parental rights are on the line, you need representation that can secure favorable terms for your custody agreement. Since 2005, The Levoritz Law Firm has stood by parents going through contentious custody disputes in Manhattan. We understand the stress and uncertainty that can accompany a custody case.
When you partner with our award-winning firm, you benefit from our decades of combined experience and willingness to take matters before a judge when needed. Setting our law firm apart is our focus on achieving the most favorable outcomes possible for our clients. Rather than reacting to the other parent’s moves, we can take decisive steps by filing first.
Around 14 percent of residents in Manhattan are under the age of 18. In New York, custody cases may arise after paternity has been established or as part of the broader legal process involved in a divorce. With a statewide divorce rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents, many parents find themselves asking the court for custody rights in a given year.
Child custody cases may be heard at New York County Family Court, located at 60 Lafayette Street, or New York County Supreme Court, found at 60 Centre Street, if a divorce has been filed. Parents can negotiate terms for legal and physical custody. If a contested case cannot be resolved by the parties, a judge may decide custody terms based on the best interests of the child.
When parents cannot agree on the terms of child custody, the situation can quickly escalate. False accusations and litigation are two common challenges parents face in custody battles. With each allegation, the courts must examine the evidence and testimony to substantiate the claims. Unaddressed, accusations of abuse or neglect can leave parents with diminished parental rights or restrictions on how and when they can see their children.
Even when parents are working toward a parenting plan, work schedules and distance can make establishing a working schedule challenging. If the parties cannot come to an agreement on visitation arrangements and custody rights, a judge may make those decisions based on the evidence presented in court and testimony. An unfavorable ruling could leave one or both parents without the ideal parenting schedule, which can lead to litigation after the order is signed.
Going through a custody dispute without strong legal representation could lead to unfavorable outcomes in court. When you work with a Manhattan child custody attorney, you benefit from their years of experience managing complex child custody cases. Their understanding of child custody laws can be an invaluable asset when fighting false allegations or seeking a negotiated resolution to your dispute.
When you hire a child custody lawyer, you also gain the services of an attorney who has helped clients in your situation before. They understand the emotional complexities of custody disputes and how to help secure an outcome to your case that preserves meaningful time with your child.
A: The cost of a child custody lawyer in New York depends on the attorney’s years of experience, reputation, and the complexity of your case. Attorneys with a strong track record of success in court often charge more for their time. Lawyers in urban centers also generally charge more for their time than lawyers who represent clients in rural areas. Family law attorneys generally bill by the hour and require a retainer before they begin work.
A: While there are no predetermined outcomes in family court, the parent with strong legal representation generally stands a better chance of winning a custody battle. This is because attorneys play an active role in shaping the outcome of custody disputes. Family law attorneys can collect evidence, depose the other parent under oath, and call for hearings to address important matters.
A: The 80/20 rule for custody was a common outcome in disputed custody cases, although many courts and states are moving closer to something resembling 50/50 custody. Under the 80/20 split, fathers would have parenting time every other weekend and on certain holidays. For some parents, that arrangement is more feasible, although it is not a formal rule that the courts follow.
A: Making disparaging remarks about the other parent looks bad in a custody battle. Not following the rules set out by temporary orders also looks bad in a custody battle. Conversely, parents who make good-faith efforts to come to a consensus and compromise can be viewed more favorably by the courts. By focusing on the interests of the child, you can show the courts that you are a mature and loving parent.
Child custody cases are highly emotional and legally complex. When you secure representation from The Levoritz Law Firm, you gain the support of family law advocates who have managed many custody cases over the past two decades. Our proven track record of favorable outcomes in court has earned us a high rating by Avvo.
If you are preparing to go through a divorce or are seeking paternity, you can rely on our team of skilled litigators to always put your interests first. We understand the stakes and can take decisive action to protect your parenting time and your custody rights. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation so we can provide the exceptional legal services your case deserves.
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 Partner, Yonatan Levoritz who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a divorce & family attorney.
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