Child Custody and Visitation
New York Child Custody Attorneys
Deciding child custody and visitation may be one of the most difficult things you do during a divorce, but it is also one of the most important. At Librett, Friedland & Lieberman, LLP, our compassionate attorneys have a clear understanding of New York's child custody laws and the issues you face.
Contact us today online or by phone at 516-874-3523 to speak with an experienced Long Island family law attorney. We have more than 30 years of experience putting the needs of our clients and their children first.
Cost-Effective and Results-Oriented Solutions to Child Custody
Family law attorney Lloyd M. Friedland has years of experience helping individuals find successful approaches to their divorce and child custody cases. He is an advocate of less adversarial and cost-effective solutions for his clients, such as mediation and collaborative law. When children are involved, there is an even stronger reason to choose an out-of-court process that has the least effect on them.
However, if a more aggressive approach is necessary to protect your rights and your children's best interests, our attorneys are prepared to go to the Supreme Court or family court on your behalf.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?
"Legal custody" is the ability to make major decisions — such as medical and educational decisions — for your children. If a parent has "physical custody," it means that the children live with him or her. When one parent has physical custody, the other parent has visitation rights, or "parenting time."
What are joint and sole custody?
When parents have "joint custody," they share legal custody and/or physical custody of the child. "Sole custody" means that only one parent can make decisions and/or the child lives solely with that parent. While the court prefers that parents share legal custody, they cannot mandate joint custody. If the parties agree on child custody, they can often choose whichever model is most beneficial to them and the children.
Best Interests of Your Child
A court will look at many factors when it considers child custody and visitation. For example, the court will ask:
- Are the parents mentally and physically able to care for their child?
- Is there any history of domestic violence ?
- If the child is old enough to make his or her own decisions, what does he or she want?
- Has there been one main caregiver throughout the child's life?
Contact Our New York Family Lawyers Today
If you have questions about child custody and visitation or any other family law issue, we can help. Contact us at our Garden City or East Hampton law offices. Call us at 516-874-3523. We accept all major credit cards.
