SoHo Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Attorney in SoHo, NY

A child custody dispute can be one of the most difficult experiences of a person’s life, and if you are facing this type of case in the New York County Family Court, it’s crucial to have legal counsel you can trust on your side. A SoHo child custody lawyer can explain how the family court decides custody and what you can do to increase your chances of securing the custody rights you hope to obtain. 

Experienced Legal Counsel for Child Custody Cases in SoHo

The Levoritz Law Firm has been representing clients in SoHo and surrounding neighborhoods of New York City in some of the most challenging family law cases since 2005. Our record proves our fluency with high-asset cases and disputes involving complex financial matters. We also know the emotional stress that a family court case can inflict, especially a child custody case. Our firm is confident we can provide unmatched legal counsel for your custody case in SoHo.

You may face a child custody case as a standalone issue if you and your coparent are unmarried and wish to raise your child separately or if you are a married parent and decide to divorce. In 2023, the divorce rate in New York was 2.4 per 1,000 residents, and married parents may decide to end their marriage for many reasons. However, if they have children, the New York County Family Court must determine custody based on the best interests of the child. 

Understanding How Child Custody Is Determined in SoHo

The purpose of a child custody order is to provide protection and stability to a child when the child’s parents divorce or decide to end their relationship and live separately. The custody order sets clear expectations for the parents, and there are two main elements to every child custody order issued by the New York County Family Court: 

1. Legal custody dictates who has the right to make important decisions for the child. 
2. Physical custody dictates the child’s residence and how much time they spend with each parent. 

Custody can be divided in various ways, and generally, the court wishes to provide a child with as much access to both parents as possible. However, the parents may have different work schedules and other obligations that conflict with their ability to handle everyday parental responsibilities. The court must review several factors in making a child custody decision: 

• The New York County Family Court takes parents’ criminal records very seriously. If either parent has any type of criminal record that includes child abuse, domestic violence, or violent felonies, they are unlikely to obtain significant custody rights.
  
• A judge may wish to hear a child’s wishes concerning custody. While a child cannot decide which parent will get custody, most judges are likely to take their statements into consideration when evaluating a child’s bond with each parent.
  
• If either parent has a disabling medical condition, substance abuse disorder, or mental health disorder that diminishes their ability to handle parental responsibilities, this will be a major determining factor in deciding custody.
  
• A judge will want to assess each parent’s living situation and their respective abilities to provide safety and stability for the child. The proximity of the parents’ living arrangements can also factor into scheduling joint custody. 

These are only a few of the factors the court must evaluate when making a child custody determination. In some cases, parents may wish to attempt mediation to negotiate their own parenting plan, and if these negotiations are fruitful, they can submit their proposed parenting plan and custody terms to a New York County Family Court judge for approval. 

There is always a possibility for disputes to arise in custody cases, and due to the emotional strain of these situations, it’s crucial to hire a child custody lawyer in SoHo, NY with a proven record of success to guide you through your case. Reach out to the Levoritz Law Firm as soon as possible to learn how an experienced SoHo child custody lawyer can assist you with your case. 

FAQs About SoHo, NYC Child Custody Laws

Can a Parent Lose Custody in SoHo?

Yes, a parent could lose custody in SoHo under various conditions. If they are arrested for a serious crime, commit any type of child abuse or domestic violence, or intentionally alienate the other parent, these actions could lead to the New York County Family Court modifying their custody order or even terminating custody. 

Can I Change a Child Custody Order in New York City? 

Yes, it is possible to change a child custody order in New York City as long as you can prove that something has happened in your life that requires a change. A SoHo child custody lawyer can help you file a petition for modification with the New York County Family Court, explaining your desired change and the reasoning behind it. Your coparent could agree without contest, or they may attempt to fight your proposal during your modification hearing. 

How Much Custody Do Fathers Get in New York? 

The amount of custody fathers get in New York largely depends on the individual details of the case. On average, fathers in New York get about 30.4% of custody time according to recent data. Physical custody is mostly determined based on each parent’s availability to manage their child’s school schedule, medical needs, and other daily activities. 

What Does it Cost to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer in SoHo?

The cost to hire a child custody lawyer in SoHo typically depends on how much time your attorney must spend working on your case. Most family law attorneys in New York charge clients by the hour and track their time spent handling their case. A standalone child custody dispute may take less time to complete than a larger divorce case, but some of these cases may take several weeks to months to resolve.

Contact A SoHo Child Custody Law Firm

The Levoritz Law Firm has the experience and resources necessary to handle the most challenging child custody cases in SoHo, and we have a proven record of getting positive results for our clients in the New York County Family Court. If you are facing a child custody case, contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced SoHo child custody lawyer you can trust.