Family Law Attorney in New York

Guiding You Through Divorce, Custody, and Support In New York City

Family changes can overturn everyday life, from where your children sleep to how you manage your finances. If you are facing divorce, a custody dispute, or questions about support in New York City, you do not have to navigate this on your own. At Law Offices of Andreas Vasilatos, we focus our practice on family and matrimonial law, and we work with clients who need steady guidance during some of the most difficult decisions they will ever make.

Since 2006, our firm has represented spouses and parents across New York City and nearby counties in cases involving divorce, child custody, support, and complex cross border disputes. Our attorneys bring a combined 90 years of family law experience, which helps us anticipate issues and explain what to expect in the New York courts. We focus on clear communication, so you know what is happening and what choices are in front of you.

Whether your priority is protecting time with your children, preserving assets, or reducing conflict with a co-parent, we work to build a strategy that fits your family. Our goal is to help you move from uncertainty to a more stable future, with informed decisions at every stage of your case.

Need help with divorce, custody, or support? Speak with a skilled family law attorney in New York. Call (855) 773-1166 or schedule your consultation.

Why Work With Our New York Family Law Team

Divorce and Separation Representation In New York

Divorce in New York is more than paperwork. It is a legal process that affects your home, finances, and family life, and the path forward can look very different depending on your circumstances.

• Understanding the New York divorce process: Divorce cases in New York City are typically filed in the Supreme Court of the county where one spouse resides. Whether a case moves quickly or becomes more involved often depends on whether spouses can reach an agreement on key issues such as property, support, and parenting arrangements.
• Uncontested and contested divorce representation: Some couples can resolve their divorce through agreement, resulting in an uncontested matter. Others face contested cases that involve court appearances, financial discovery, and motion practice. We represent clients in both situations and help you understand what each path may require.
• Addressing financial and parenting issues: Divorce decisions shape your future long after the case ends. We work with clients to address the division of marital property, including homes, retirement accounts, and businesses, as well as questions of spousal maintenance and child-related arrangements that support stability and routine.
• Preparation for negotiation or litigation: A family lawyer must be ready for both settlement discussions and courtroom advocacy. We prepare carefully so that your position is clearly presented, whether your case resolves through negotiation or proceeds to trial.

When cooperation is possible, we pursue structured negotiations that can reduce conflict and expense. When it is not, we are prepared to litigate and to guide you through each stage of the process while protecting what matters most to you.

Child Custody, Child Support, and Parenting Time in New York

For many parents, questions about custody and support are the most stressful part of any family law case. New York courts focus on the best interests of the child when making custody decisions, which means looking at a range of factors, including each parent’s involvement, the child’s needs, and the ability of the parents to work together. Understanding how these factors might apply in your situation can make the process feel less uncertain.

Custody in New York generally has two components:

• Legal custody involves who makes major decisions for the child, such as those about education, medical care, and religious upbringing. 
• Physical custody and parenting time involve where the child lives and how time is shared between households. We work with you to develop realistic parenting plans that reflect school locations, commuting patterns, and your child’s activities, especially within the practical realities of New York City life.

Child support is another key part of many cases. New York has guidelines that courts commonly use as a starting point, but there are also circumstances in which deviations may be considered. Our family law attorneys help you review income information, understand how guidelines may apply, and think through additional expenses such as childcare, health insurance, and educational costs. When spousal maintenance is an issue, we likewise help you assess how the law may apply to your circumstances.

Some families face more complicated custody situations. This can include disputes where one parent wants to move to another state, or cross-border cases where a parent has ties outside the United States. Our team has experience with international and interstate custody disputes, and we are familiar with the added legal and practical questions that arise when more than one jurisdiction may be involved. In each matter, we focus on protecting your relationship with your children and supporting arrangements that promote their stability.

Mediation, Negotiation, and Litigation Options For Family Law Issues in New York

Not every family law issue in New York needs to turn into a courtroom battle. Many people want solutions that reduce conflict, protect children, and allow them to move forward with more control over the outcome.

• Exploring mediation and negotiated resolutions: Mediation and structured negotiation can help families resolve disputes while keeping decisions in their own hands. These options are often appealing when parents want to limit stress, preserve working relationships, or avoid the uncertainty of court rulings.
• Preparing for settlement discussions: When clients want to pursue settlement first, we help clarify priorities, gather financial information, and identify areas where compromise may be realistic. During negotiations or mediation, we advise you on your rights, review proposed terms, and work toward clear written agreements that reduce future disputes.
• Knowing when litigation is necessary: Some cases require a more assertive approach. High-conflict custody matters, serious financial disputes, or situations where one party refuses to cooperate may need court involvement. In those cases, we represent you in motions, conferences, and hearings, and prepare you for what to expect at each stage.

Because we regularly work in both settlement-focused and litigation settings, we can shift approaches as circumstances change. If early negotiations succeed, we will help finalize a thorough agreement. If a case becomes contested, we focus on building a strong record for the court. At every stage, we explain why each step is being taken and what it means for your case. Our goal is to keep you informed and supported so you can make confident decisions as your matter moves forward.

Practical Steps To Take If A Family Law Issue Is Becoming Real

When a separation, divorce, or custody dispute begins to feel likely, it can be hard to know where to start. Taking a few concrete steps early can protect your interests and help your attorney give you more focused advice. These actions do not commit you to any particular path, but they do give you a clearer picture of your position.

Helpful steps to consider as you prepare:

• Gather key financial documents, such as recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment statements, retirement account information, and records of major debts.
• Make a list of your children’s important information, including schools, medical providers, special needs, and regular activities, along with the role each parent currently plays in those areas.
• Avoid signing new agreements or making large financial moves related to property or accounts without first understanding the potential legal impact in New York.
• Be thoughtful about written communications with your spouse or co-parent, since texts and emails can later be reviewed in court if the matter becomes contested.
• Consider how you might talk with your children in an age-appropriate way, focusing on reassurance and stability while avoiding details of legal disputes.

Speaking with a family attorney in New York early in the process can help you understand your rights before positions harden or deadlines pass. During a consultation, we can discuss your options, answer your questions, and help you think through your next steps. Even if you are not yet ready to file, having a clearer understanding of the legal landscape can make your decisions more confident and less reactive.