Family Law: Child Custody, Visitation & Support

Skilled Child Custody and Support Lawyers in New York

There are many things that people fight over in divorce. However, amongst the property division disputes and other disagreements is a very sensitive issue. What will happen with the children? This is usually the most important issue to parents and the issue that causes bitter disagreements. However, it is usually in the best interests of your children to attempt to resolve any issues involving child custody, visitation and child support without animosity.

At the Amityville law firm of Blumberg, Cherkoss, Fitz Gibbons & Blumberg, LLP, our attorneys help clients negotiate amicable resolutions to child custody and support issues when possible. We are focused on preserving our clients' rights and the best interests of their children.

Child Custody: In the State of New York, child custody is generally divided into legal custody (the ability to make major decisions) and physical or residential custody (the ability to make day-to-day decisions and provide a primary residence for the child), both of which can be awarded solely or jointly. However, it is usually in the best interests of the child for the parents to have some form of joint custody and parenting arrangement (if the parties can effectively co-parent).

Visitation/Parenting time: Unless there is a history of abuse, neglect or other serious issue, it is important for children to have frequent meaningful contact and the opportunity to build and maintain their relationship with both parents. Therefore, the parent that is not awarded primary custody is usually awarded visitation rights. We work with clients to negotiate a parenting time schedule which is both fair and workable for both parties and beneficial to the children.

Child Support: Every child has a right to be supported. While child support is determined based upon statutory child support guidelines, we assist clients in ensuring the information used in calculating child support accurately reflects the current situation of our client.

Modifications: As children grow older, become more active or other situations change, agreements or court orders may need to be modified. Our commitment to our clients continues long after the initial case is resolved. We continue to assist clients when the need arises for post-judgment modifications, such as modification of child support or parenting time.

Fathers' Rights: In the past, fathers have been unfairly discriminated against in the child custody process. This trend is changing, and we are prepared to assert the rights of fathers in child custody, visitation and child support matters.

Other Child Custody Issues: Our attorneys work with our clients on enforcement issues involving child custody, child support and visitation. In addition, we provide informative guidance in connection with issues pertaining to grandparent visitation rights and regularly handle adoptions.
Our attorneys know child custody laws. We are capable of helping clients negotiate effective agreements which will be upheld by the court. However, when it does not serve our clients’ interests to negotiate an agreement, we fiercely protect their interests at trial.

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