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Disputes involving child custody are among the most emotional and legally complex cases that come before the Supreme Court in Staten Island. Whether you are fighting to establish custody or going through a contentious divorce, strong legal representation is crucial. A Staten Island child custody lawyer can provide you with the support and guidance you need to effectively navigate your case while protecting your parental rights.
When parents in Staten Island are fighting to protect their time with their child, they know to trust The Levoritz Law Firm to deliver unwavering advocacy and proven results. Our team of award-winning litigators brings decades of experience securing favorable custody agreements for clients who own large estates.
Securing representation from our law firm means that you gain the support of family law attorneys who are willing to act quickly and decisively to protect your rights and interests. We understand the importance of thinking outside the box when solving complex problems. Trust our team to see you through thick and thin while never compromising on your priorities.
Custody cases are often tied to an ongoing divorce or a case that establishes paternity. With around 20% of residents on Staten Island being under the age of 18, many parents find themselves in court to protect their parental rights. New York recognizes legal and physical custody. Decision-making rights are established through legal custody, while the child’s primary home is determined by physical custody.
Parents have the right to decide the terms of custody agreements. When custody cases become contested disputes, the courts may step in to make decisions on important custody decisions. When they do so, judges consider each parent’s past child-rearing duties, time with the child, and ability to provide a safe and supportive home environment. Then, the judge makes a ruling based on the best interests of the child.
Child custody cases in St. George, Tottenville, and Great Kills can quickly escalate into contested disputes. Accusations are not uncommon in these types of cases, and the courts must address each allegation, especially when they allege child abuse or neglect.
Even in cases where parents are willing to work together to find common ground, the complexities of work schedules and expectations for parenting time can make agreeing on a visitation schedule exceedingly challenging. The emotional toll of these cases can also be significant.
If your parental rights are on the line, your first step should be to hire a child custody lawyer who understands New York’s child custody laws and how to manage your child custody case with a focus on protecting your rights and interests. A Staten Island child custody attorney brings a unique inside into custody cases since they focus on safeguarding their clients’ parental rights in court.
They can review your case to assess its strengths and the challenges you may face. Lawyers understand how to negotiate favorable terms to a final agreement or when to focus on litigation. If you face false allegations, your lawyer can act to decisively refute those accusations by presenting evidence and requesting a hearing to address the matter directly. During a difficult time, your attorney can be a steadfast source of support and encouragement.
A: When speaking to a judge in a custody battle, you should focus on the interests of the child and not yourself. Avoid saying anything bad about the other party. Work with your attorney to prepare for statements before a judge. Your lawyer can help you prepare, so you come to hearings understanding what to expect and say.
A: Any acts or statements from either parent that show their unwillingness to participate in the court process in good faith can look bad in a custody battle. Inflammatory or threatening statements made against the other parent can also harm that spouse’s standing in court. Discussing the court case on social media is also a common mistake parents make during custody disputes.
A: Many factors can hurt a child custody case. Unaddressed accusations are one example. If either parent has a history of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment, the courts may consider those factors during a court hearing. Violations of temporary orders, orders, or social media posts disparaging the other parent can also be harmful. Making disparaging remarks against the other parent is another form of harmful behavior.
A: Dads can win custody by working with an experienced family law attorney who understands the challenges men face in family court. An attorney can fight false allegations and present evidence that documents the dad’s time spent child-rearing. Both parents have fundamental parental rights. Often, it takes skilled legal representation to enforce those rights.
A: Given New York’s divorce rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents, many parents in Staten Island find themselves in family court at some point in their lives. No divorce can be finalized until child custody rights are established.
These cases are often the most contested aspect of a divorce, and disagreements can lead to litigation and involvement by the courts. Throughout a custody dispute, parents can protect their parental rights by working with an experienced family law attorney.
If you are facing a high-stakes custody battle, you need representation from a law firm that gets results. The Levoritz Law Firm can guide you through the complexities of your case with a focus on protecting your parental rights. If you are falsely accused of anything, our lawyer can act quickly by calling a hearing or taking other steps to refute those accusations.
We understand that nothing matters more to you than protecting the time you have with your child or children, which is why we allocate considerable time and resources to managing custody disputes. Throughout your case, you will remain in close communication with our lead attorney, who will personally manage your case. Contact our office today to learn how we can provide you with the high-quality 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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