Long Island Child Custody Attorney
Skilled Child Custody Lawyers Serving Long Island, NY
Child custody refers to the right to take part in raising a child. Raising a child involves many factors, such as where the child will live, what school the child will attend along with the type of religious upbringing and healthcare the child will receive. Generally, during divorce, both parents have custody rights, but often one parent assumes a more active role as the child’s custodian than the other parent. When determining child custody rights, NY courts make top priority the well-being of the child — whatever they view as in the child’s best interests. Also, NY law grants both parents equal rights in child custody determinations. In other words, courts cannot grant preference to one parent over the other because the parent is the child’s mother or the child’s father. Our Long Island child custody attorney knows the complexities in cases like this.
TYPES OF CHILD CUSTODY
The two main types of child custody are joint and sole custody. Even with joint custody, where both parents share responsibilities in raising their child, the courts must assign one of the parents residential custody. Residential custody refers to the primary residence where the child will live most of the time. The parent with residential custody is the custodial parent and the other parent is the noncustodial parent, who generally pays child support.
In sole custody, the court grants all decision-making rights and residential custody to one parent. The other parent (the non-custodial parent) receives parenting time (visitation rights).
TYPES OF CUSTODY ARRANGEMENTS
A typical child custody arrangement would be for the non-residential parent to spend every other weekend, every other holiday, one or two non-overnight weekday visits, 50% of school recesses and two non-consecutive weeks in the summer with the child. However, different arrangements can be part of a custody agreement or settlement, and today, many non-residential parents are seeking and receiving more time with their children than the arrangement just described.
FACTORS IN DETERMINING CHILD CUSTODY
The following are a few of the factors courts consider when making custody decisions:
- Both parents’ skills and abilities in providing for their child’s needs
- The child’s relationships with siblings and other family members
- Which parent is the primary caregiver (feeding the child, taking the child to school, taking the child to the doctor, etc.)
- Which parent the child lives with when the divorce petition is filed
- Both parents’ physical and mental health
- A parent’s history of domestic violence
- A parent’s history of drug or alcohol abuse
- The amount of time a parent has available to spend with the child
- The child’s wishes, depending on the child’s age and maturity
- The parents’ ability to cooperate with each other and encourage the child’s relationship with the other parent
GET LEGAL HELP WITH CHILD CUSTODY
Getting legal help enables you to make informed decisions. As your Long Island divorce lawyer, I can answer your questions, explain your legal rights, and work with you to achieve a favorable custody outcome that is best for you and your child.
Call (631) 265-1051 or use our online contact form to arrange a free consultation today.
ABOUT OUR FIRM
Chris Palermo has a proven track record of success in all areas of divorce and family law. Divorce is difficult but it does not have to be nasty. Whenever possible, Chris Palermo works with opposing counsel to resolve matters amicably while obtaining an optimal result for his client in the shortest amount of time. However, as an experienced litigator, whenever circumstances make a trial necessary, Chris Palermo will always skillfully advocate on his client’s behalf through trial. He has successfully tried all types of Divorce and family law matters. In addition to advocating on a client’s behalf, Chris Palermo will always listen to any concerns, while providing informed guidance enabling a client to navigate through the turbulent and troubling changes their family is currently enduring.
Contact Our Long Island Child Custody Attorney Today
Chris Palermo represents a wide array of clients in matrimonial and family law matters and is committed to achieving optimal results for every client. Toward this end, Mr. Palermo or his partner Riley Perry will personally represent each client every step of the way. Our Long Island Child Custody Attorney pledges the following throughout his representation:
- Your initial consultation is always free.
- You will be kept informed of all aspects of your case.
- Return your calls and Emails within 24 hours.