The Law Offices of Michael Catalanotto, P.C. The Law Offices of Michael Catalanotto, P.C.

Custody

Call Our Suffolk County Child Custody Attorney for a Free Consultation

Personalized and Reliable Legal Support for Custody Matters Serving Suffolk County, NY

Making the decision to end your marriage is hard enough as it is, but it only gets more difficult when children are involved in Suffolk County, NY. Divorce may change the children and your relationship with them forever, so it is imperative that you establish some sense of stability and comfort in your child custody arrangement, whether you intend to co-parent or parent alone. father and son in Suffolk County, NYAt The Law Offices of Michael Catalanotto, our child custody lawyers serving Suffolk County are determined to help minimize the emotional confusion and pain for families by settling a custody agreement as painlessly and as quickly as possible.

Call Our Suffolk County Law Firm For A Consultation

Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody in NY

Parents may be awarded legal custody and/or physical custody in New York. 

What Is Legal Custody?

Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make important decisions about their child's care, such as concerning medical treatment, education, and religion. 

What Is Physical Custody?

Physical custody, also called “residential custody,” is which parent has the actual physical care and supervision of the child.

Joint Custody Arrangements in New York

If the parents in NY are granted joint legal custody, they both have the legal right to make decisions on behalf of their child together. 

Similarly, if the parents are granted joint physical custody, their child will reside with each of them for an equal amount of time.

Sole Custody

If the judge grants only one parent sole legal custody, only that parent has the right to make major decisions for the child. In the same way, if only one parent receives sole physical custody, the child will live with that “custodial parent” for more than 50% of the time, and the noncustodial parent will have visitation, or parenting time, with the child according to an agreed-upon schedule.

How Our Law Firm in Suffolk County Can Help

Our Suffolk County child custody lawyers will work with you and your partner to discuss whether you may already have an idea of a mutually agreeable custody arrangement that meets the needs of the children, or family law attorneys can advocate for your parental rights if the final custody decision is left to the judge to decide. The Law Offices of Michael Catalanotto have been successful in attaining child custody after hearings for both fathers and mothers serving Suffolk County, NY.

Schedule a free consultation with The Law Offices of Michael Catalanotto to learn more about how our Suffolk County child custody lawyers can help you and your children.

 

How Is Custody Determined in NY?

Parents who are on cooperative terms can negotiate their own custody agreement, but they will need to submit their proposal to the court for approval. In cases where parents cannot reach an agreement, the New York court will make the final decision.  When deciding on custody, the court will consider the "best interests of the child." 

These Best-Interest Factors Include:

  1. each parent's age, physical health, and mental health;
  2. each parent’s stability;
  3. each parent's relationship with the child;
  4. each parent's role in caring for the child;
  5. the child's relationship with any siblings and extended family;
  6. the child's ties to school, home, and the community;
  7. whether the child has any special needs;
  8. the geographical proximity between both parents (when evaluating joint custody);
  9. each parent's willingness to foster a relationship between the child and the other parent;
  10. whether a parent has a history of domestic abuse; and
  11. any other factors the court deems relevant to the child's well-being.

Can a Final Custody Order Be Changed?

Court custody orders in New York last until a child turns 18 years old. However, the court recognizes that circumstances change over time, especially as a child grows and their needs may change. Either parent has the right to file a request for modification of a custody order with the court, though the court will only grant a modification if the parent can prove that there has been a material change in circumstances that substantially affects the best interests of the child, for example: 

  • A parent has been diagnosed with cancer 
  • A child’s academic performance is deteriorating due to having to move around
  • The parent's home become unhealthy for the child

Comprehensive Support for Custody Matters  

Child custody is not an easy matter to face, both mentally and emotionally. While going your separate ways with your partner may be the best decision, it can feel difficult at first to manage your relationship with your children. Rest assured that a strong custody order will go a long way in protecting both your mental health and your children’s. After all, your child will benefit from not having to see and hear their parents constantly bickering. The Suffolk County child custody attorneys at The Law Offices of Michael Catalanotto offers free consultations for parents facing custody disputes. We take pride in providing one-on-one attention to clients throughout New York, and our staff can provide expert counsel and personal guidance on dozens of other legal issues often tied to custody. 

Advocating for Your Rights in Child Custody Cases

When it comes to custody matters, the well-being of your child is of utmost importance. At The Law Offices of Michael Catalanotto, we understand the emotional and legal complexities involved in custody disputes. Our experienced Suffolk County custody team is dedicated to protecting your parental rights and ensuring the best interests of your child are met.

Why choose us for your custody matters?

  • Extensive knowledge of family law: Our team has a deep understanding of New York family law and the specific regulations surrounding custody cases. We stay up-to-date with any changes in the law to provide you with the most effective legal representation.
  • Personalized approach: We recognize that every custody case is unique, and we tailor our strategies to meet your specific needs and goals. Our team takes the time to listen to your concerns and develop a comprehensive plan to achieve the best possible outcome.
  • Strong advocacy: We are dedicated to fighting for your parental rights and protecting the best interests of your child. Our attorneys have a track record of success in negotiating favorable custody agreements and litigating complex custody disputes.
  • Compassionate guidance: Going through a custody dispute can be emotionally challenging. Our team provides compassionate support and guidance throughout the process, ensuring you feel heard, understood, and empowered.
  • Efficient and responsive service: We understand that time is of the essence in custody matters. Our team is committed to providing prompt and efficient service, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Don't navigate custody disputes alone. Schedule a free consultation with our Suffolk County custody team at The Law Offices of Michael Catalanotto today to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your parental rights.

Schedule a free consultation with our Suffolk County custody team at The Law Offices of Michael Catalanotto today to discuss your custody disputes in more detail. Don’t wait when your parent-child relationship hangs in the balance.

  • “Divorce is never pleasant but having a strong, knowledgeable team behind you, makes an awful situation more bearable!” - Jan S.
  • “Michael and his entire staff worked tirelessly to assist during my divorce mediation process.” - Anonymous
  • “He fought to protect the best interests of my children, and myself.” - Jennifer B.