Family Lawyer 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, same-sex 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.

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 online.

Why Work With Our New York Family Law Team

Divorce and Separation Representation In New York

• 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.

How New York City Family and Supreme Courts Handle Cases

Cases in courts such as Queens County Supreme Court, New York County Supreme Court, and the Family Courts in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island often begin with preliminary conferences. At those appearances, judges and court attorneys may set deadlines for exchanging financial information, schedule parenting or settlement conferences, and address any urgent issues such as temporary support or access to children. Knowing how these first steps work can reduce anxiety and help you gather the right information ahead of time so you can make better use of your time in court.

Over the life of a case, courts in New York City may use a combination of status conferences, motion dates, and trial or fact-finding hearings to move matters forward. Delays can occur when calendars are crowded, so having a clear plan between court dates is important. We help you understand what can be done outside the courtroom—such as negotiation, document collection, or working with financial or child-focused professionals—to keep your matter progressing even when the next appearance is weeks or months away.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does A Divorce Usually Take In New York?

The length of a divorce case in this state depends on several factors, including whether it is contested, how complex your finances are, and how crowded the court’s calendar is. An uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree on all major issues, may move more quickly once all documents are properly prepared and filed. Contested cases often take longer because they can involve discovery, negotiations, and court appearances before the matter is ready for resolution. 

Can Your Team Help If My Child’s Other Parent Wants To Move Out Of The Country?

Our firm does handle cases where a parent wants to relocate with a child, including situations that involve other states or countries. These matters can be more complex because they may involve international treaties, different legal systems, and questions about which court should hear the case. The options available to you will depend on existing orders, where the child has been living, and the reasons for the proposed move. 

What Should I Bring To My First Meeting With Your Family Law Firm?

Bringing organized information to your first meeting helps us give you more tailored guidance. It is useful to have recent tax returns, pay stubs, and statements for bank, investment, and retirement accounts, along with any prenuptial or separation agreements. For parents, documents showing existing custody or support orders, school information, and a brief summary of your child’s daily schedule are also helpful. If there are upcoming court dates or papers you have been served with, bringing those is important. During the consultation, we review these materials with you and explain how they may affect your options going forward.

Is Every Family Law Case Handled Through A Trial In Court?

Many family law cases in this area are resolved through agreements rather than full trials. Negotiation and, in some situations, mediation can lead to detailed settlements covering property division, custody, and support. Courts in New York often encourage parties to attempt resolution through conferences and settlement discussions before scheduling trials. However, some disputes do require a judge to hear evidence and make decisions, particularly when major issues remain unresolved. We discuss your options with you at each stage and work with you to decide whether to continue pursuing settlement or to proceed toward a hearing.

Can You Help Modify An Existing Custody Or Support Order?

Custody and support arrangements sometimes need to change as children grow or financial circumstances shift. In many cases, it is possible to ask the court to modify an existing order if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, a substantial change in income, or new needs for a child. The standard the court applies, and the type of proof required, will depend on whether you are seeking to modify custody, parenting time, or support. Because we focus on long-term relationships with our clients, we often assist with these follow-up matters and help you evaluate whether a modification request is appropriate in your situation.