Child Custody Lawyer in New York

Support For Parents Facing Custody Decisions

When your relationship is changing, questions about where your children will live and how decisions will be made can feel overwhelming. A child custody attorney can help you understand your options, protect your role as a parent, and bring structure to a very emotional time.

At Law Offices of Andreas Vasilatos, we focus on divorce and family law throughout New York City and surrounding counties. Since 2006, families have turned to our firm for clear guidance, strategic advocacy, and steady support in custody and parenting disputes. Our attorneys bring a combined 90 years of family law experience to every matter.

Call us at (855) 773-1166 to schedule a consultation with our New York child custody attorneys.

Why Parents Choose Our Custody Team

Our firm has focused on divorce and family law in New York City since 2006. Over that time, our attorneys have built a depth of knowledge in New York custody law and procedure that we draw on in each case. This experience includes contested custody trials, negotiated parenting plans, and matters that cross state or international borders.

We understand that most parents want to reduce conflict for their children. We often pursue negotiated settlements or mediation first, when it is safe and appropriate to do so. At the same time, we are prepared to present your case in New York City courts if a fair agreement cannot be reached or if urgent court orders are needed.

How Child Custody Works In New York

In New York, custody is generally divided into legal custody, which covers major decisions about health, education, and religion, and physical custody, which concerns where the child lives and the daily schedule. Parents may share joint legal custody, or one parent may have sole legal custody when circumstances support that arrangement. Physical custody can also be shared through a detailed parenting schedule, or one parent may be the primary residential parent with parenting time for the other. The right approach depends on each family’s situation.

New York courts apply a “best interests of the child” standard. Judges in New York Family Court and in the matrimonial parts of Supreme Court typically consider many factors. These can include the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, the stability of each home, any history of domestic violence, and how well the parents can communicate about the child. In some cases, a judge may also consider a child’s preferences, particularly for older children, while weighing those wishes against other circumstances. No single factor controls the outcome. 

Steps To Take In A Custody Dispute

When you sense that custody may become contested, it can be difficult to know what to do first. Preparing thoughtfully can improve your ability to advocate for your child and yourself. We often encourage parents to focus on both documentation and day-to-day conduct while they seek legal advice.

Practical steps that many New York parents find helpful include:

• Organizing key documents such as prior court orders, school reports, and medical records.
• Writing down your child’s weekly schedule and your usual responsibilities.
• Saving important messages with the other parent that relate to parenting or the child’s needs.
• Avoid negative comments about the other parent in front of your child or on social media.
• Consulting with a child custody attorney to understand how New York law applies to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a New York judge decide custody?

A judge generally decides custody based on the child’s best interests. Courts look at factors like each parent’s caregiving history, the child’s needs, home stability, and any safety concerns. We help you understand which facts matter most in your situation and how to present them clearly.

Will my child have to speak in court?

Children do not always have to speak in court. In some cases, a judge may speak with a child privately, or an attorney for the child may express the child’s views. We explain how your judge typically handles these issues and discuss ways to protect your child from unnecessary stress.

Can you help if the other parent lives abroad?

We can assist with many custody disputes involving a parent who lives in another country. These cases may involve international treaties and questions about which court should decide custody. Our attorneys work to identify the legal framework and practical options that apply to your cross border situation.

How long does a custody case in New York usually take?

The length of a custody case varies based on factors like court schedules, how contested the issues are, and whether evaluations are needed. Some matters resolve in a few months, while others take longer. During our first meetings, we outline typical timelines for cases similar to yours.

What should I bring to our first meeting?

It is helpful to bring any existing court orders, recent school and medical records, and copies of papers you have received from the other parent or the court. A brief written timeline of key events can also be useful. We review these materials together and discuss your goals.

Talk With Our New York Custody Lawyers

Choosing the right advocate for your family is an important step. When you contact Law Offices of Andreas Vasilatos, you speak with a team that focuses on divorce and family law, understands how custody is handled in New York City courts, and works to build strategies that reflect your children’s real lives.

With offices in Bayside, Queens, and Manhattan, we are accessible to parents across New York City and nearby counties. We strive to provide clear communication, thoughtful planning, and steady support at every stage of your case. If you are facing a custody question or dispute, we invite you to talk with a child custody attorney in New York and learn how we can help you move forward.

Call us at (855) 773-1166 to schedule a consultation with our New York child custody team.