West Village Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Attorney in West Village, NY

A child custody case can be one of the most difficult experiences of a parent’s life, and the outcome is likely to influence their children in many ways for years to come. The West Village is one of the most affluent neighborhoods of New York City, and parents facing custody disputes in the area are likely to have various complex legal concerns for these cases. A West Village child custody lawyer is a crucial asset to have on your side during these proceedings. 

Experienced Legal Counsel for Child Custody Cases in West Village, NYC

The Levoritz Law Firm has a strong reputation as a leading choice for family law counsel in West Village and surrounding neighborhoods of New York City. Our firm has an extensive record of successful cases, and we can address the most challenging aspects of your upcoming custody case with confidence. 

It’s possible for a custody case to be part of a larger divorce case, or it may be a standalone issue between unmarried parents. The New York County Family Court must decide custody based on the best interests of the child, and it is vital to understand what goes into these decisions and how an experienced West Village child custody attorney can help. The sooner you reach out to our firm, the more time we have to help you pursue the custody terms you hope to secure.

Understanding Custody Disputes in West Village

As of 2023, the divorce rate in New York was about 2.4 per 1,000 residents, and any divorce case involving parents will invariably require addressing child custody. When unmarried parents decide to end their relationship and raise their children as separate parents, they will also require a custody order. This order covers two main aspects of custody: legal custody and physical custody. 

Legal custody dictates the right to make important decisions for a child, while physical custody dictates the child’s residence and how much time they spend with each parent. Generally, the New York County Family Court aims to provide a child with as much access to both of their parents as possible. Joint custody arrangements are common, in which parents equally share legal custody while physical custody is determined based on the child’s best interests. 

It’s understandable for a parent to want as much custody as possible, but these cases require careful review of various factors, including: 

• Each parent’s criminal history: If a parent has a record of violent crime, substance abuse, domestic violence, or any type of child abuse, they may not be given much beyond supervised visitation, or they may be denied contact with their children entirely.
  
• Each parent’s work schedule: If a parent seeks physical custody, they must be available to handle their child’s everyday schedule.
  
• Living arrangements and proximity to schools, doctors, and other family members.
  
• Related family law matters: For example, if parents divorce, one parent may keep the marital home, and family court judges are more inclined to award greater physical custody to that parent so the child can spend more time in their familiar home.
  
• The child’s bond with each parent: In some cases, family court judges deciding custody will want to hear a child’s preferences. While a child cannot directly choose which parent they want to receive custody, judges will usually take a child’s statements seriously in their determinations. 

Your West Village child custody lawyer can help you gather the evidence needed to help you secure the custody rights you hope to secure. They can also help you with related family law matters. 

The Levoritz Law Firm has successfully resolved many child custody disputes within larger divorce cases, and we have a strong record of successfully resolving very complex divorces in West Village. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how an experienced West Village child custody lawyer can help with your case. 

FAQs About West Village, NYC Child Custody Laws

Does a Mother Automatically Get Custody in New York?

No, a mother does not automatically get custody in New York. However, mothers generally receive greater custody than fathers in New York and in many other states. On average, fathers get about 30.4% of custody time in New York. Custody is determined based on the child’s best interests and each parent’s respective ability to manage their child’s everyday needs. 

Can I Change a Custody Order in New York? 

Yes, it is possible to change a custody order in New York if you can prove that the requested change is both necessary and reasonable. You can file a petition for modification of a New York County Family Court order if you can prove that recent life events make the current terms of the order untenable. Your coparent could agree to the proposed change without contest, or they may fight the proposal in the modification hearing. 

How Can a Parent Lose Custody in West Village? 

A parent can lose custody in West Village if the New York County Family Court decides that this would be in the best interests of the child. If a parent has committed a violent crime, abused or neglected the child, or violated the terms of a lawful court order, that parent’s custody rights may be terminated. It is very difficult for a parent to regain any level of custody after their parental rights have been involuntarily terminated. 

Why Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer? 

You should hire a child custody lawyer to have a better chance of resolving this difficult case efficiently and securing the custody rights you hope to secure. Your attorney can help you make your case for custody, address any unexpected complications that arise, and guide you through these difficult proceedings as efficiently as possible. Your attorney can also help you petition for necessary changes to a standing child custody order in West Village.

Contact A West Village, NYC Child Custody Lawyer Today

The Levoritz Law Firm has years of experience handling child custody cases for clients in West Village. You can expect compassionate and responsive communication with our team throughout all stages of your case. Whether your case is a standalone issue or part of a larger divorce, we are confident we can provide unmatched representation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced West Village child custody lawyer.