Child Custody Helping You Win at Law & Win at Life

Queens, New York Child Custody Lawyers

Some of the most challenging family law disputes involve children. As a parent, you want to protect your children from the potential conflict of a divorce or custody matter. You know you must do everything possible for their well-being and preserve your relationship with them.

At Law Offices of Andreas Vasilatos, we share your concern and commitment to your children’s welfare, growth, and happiness. We offer the compassion and support you need when navigating the often contentious issue of child custody.  

We also provide the advocacy skills required to pursue optimum results. Our custody representation aims to deliver you to the other side with arrangements that protect your parental rights while upholding the court’s priority for your child’s best interests. 

We diligently work for workable and sustainable custody and parenting plans. Our team can help you negotiate custody outside of court to avoid the stress and cost of litigation. However, we are effective trial lawyers who have resolved thousands of family law-related disputes where necessary. 

Book a consultation with a Queens, New York child custody attorney by contacting Law Offices of Andreas Vasilatos online or at (855) 773-1166

Understanding New York Child Custody Law

The issue of “custody” concerns two related things: legal custody, which refers to who makes important decisions for a child, and physical custody, which refers to where a child lives. You and your children’s other parent are generally free to work out a custody arrangement that works for your family. 

Parents often share joint physical and legal custody of their children. Courts view this as ideal, as it gives the child a continuing and meaningful relationship with both parents, as enjoyed before divorce. However, depending on the situation, other arrangements may be made. 

If you and your co-parent cannot reach a custody agreement, even with your attorneys’ help or through mediation, the court must decide the issue. Unfortunately, this takes the matter out of your control, which underscores the need for competent and reliable representation.

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At Law Offices of Andreas Vasilatos, we are driven by a passion for winning and a commitment to delivering exceptional legal services. Whether you're facing a complex legal challenge or need expert advice, our dedicated team is here to fight for your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. Don't navigate the legal landscape alone—contact us today and let us put our expertise to work for you.

How Does New York State Determine Custody?

Like most states, New York determines child custody disputes based on the “best interest of the child.” This is done on a case-by-case basis after reviewing many factors.

Some of the factors considered by a court to decide what would be in a child’s best interest include:

  • Stability for the child
  • Who has served as the child’s primary caretaker
  • Which parent has better childcare arrangements
  • Parents’ physical health
  • Parents’ mental health
  • Whether a parent abuses drugs or alcohol
  • Whether a parent has committed domestic violence
  • Whether a parent has abused or neglected a child or interfered with the other parent’s visitation rights
  • Whether a parent has engaged in psychologically alienating the child from the other parent
  • The child’s preference and the reasons for that preference
  • Conditions in each parent’s home
  • Where the child’s siblings live
  • Educational opportunities
  • The court’s observation of the parents’ behavior
  • Any other factor the court considers relevant.

In some cases, international and interstate custody disputes can add heightened complexity to the matter. Such cases demand a lawyer who routinely handles such complicated conflicts, as Mr. Vasilatos and his associates do. 

Is New York a 50-50 Custody State?

New York does not automatically default to a 50-50 custody arrangement. Instead, the state prioritizes the child’s best interests over a preset time division. Joint custody, including shared physical and/or shared legal custody, is generally encouraged if it serves the child’s best interests.

A 50-50 custody split would be awarded if it is deemed the most beneficial situation for the child and both parents can manage such an arrangement effectively. Issues such as the proximity of the two households, where the child attends school or extra-curricular activities, and more can impact the final arrangement. 

Understanding Parenting Plans 

In New York, “parenting plans” are often referred to as “parenting agreements” or “custody and visitation agreements.” These plans outline how parents share responsibilities and make decisions regarding their children after a separation or divorce. 

While New York law doesn’t mandate a specific parenting plan template, typical components of a parenting plan in New York may include:

  • Custody arrangements: Details whether the parents will have joint legal custody (decision-making authority) and/or joint physical custody (time spent with each parent).
  • Visitation schedule: Outlines the regular schedule for the child to spend time with each parent, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, special events, and vacations.
  • Communication: This section addresses how parents communicate with each other and the child, including methods and frequency.
  • Childcare arrangements: Determines how childcare responsibilities will be divided, including transportation, school pickups, and extracurricular activities.
  • Education and healthcare: This involves deciding how decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing will be made.
  • Financial support: Establishes child support obligations, including the amount to be paid and how expenses will be shared.
  • Relocation: Addresses how parental relocation will be handled and how it may impact the parenting plan.
  • Dispute resolution: Outlines mechanisms for resolving conflicts or modifying the plan in the future.
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Championing Your Case, Empowering Your Future Why Choose Law Offices of Andreas Vasilatos?

  • Compassionate Advocacy
    We provide empathetic support throughout your family law journey, ensuring you feel understood and supported.
  • Tailored Legal Strategies
    We craft personalized legal approaches that align with your unique needs and goals, maximizing outcomes through negotiation or litigation.
  • Extensive Experience and Expertise
    Specializing solely in family law, our attorneys offer deep expertise and up-to-date knowledge, delivering meticulous preparation and dedicated advocacy.
  • Client-Centered Approach
    We prioritize personalized service and accessibility, ensuring you're informed and confident in our strategic representation.

Work with Trial-Tested Queens, New York Custody Lawyers 

Parents usually know what’s best for their children. You and your co-parent can often reach a custody arrangement that works best for your family. When that is impossible, you must have an attorney who can make your case to the court with compelling evidence and narrative.

When something as important as child custody is at stake, you need a professional who is both an effective negotiator and a skilled litigator. Because most family law disputes are settled out of court, many attorneys in this field have little trial experience.

Andreas Vasilatos is different, and so are his associates. Not only do they have extensive courtroom experience, but Mr. Vasilatos has been retained by other attorneys for their own matrimonial and custody cases. Other law firms also hire him as a trial consultant. 

Learn more about your case and options by contacting Law Offices of Andreas Vasilatos for a consultation at (855) 773-1166

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    36-51 Bell Boulevard
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    Bayside, NY 11361
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