Comprehensive Child Custody Guidance in Queens

Queens Child Custody and Visitation Attorney: Compassionate Support for Families

For parents engaged in a divorce, child support, child custody and visitation disputes can be especially challenging to navigate. Many aspects of a legal separation are fraught with emotions, but child custody and visitation battles can be especially challenging. Although parents want what is best for their children, the tension involved in a custody battle can sometimes get in the way of peacefully resolving the dispute—especially when both parties have different ideas of what a child's best interests might be.

Our Queens child custody and visitation lawyer is empathetic and exceptionally skilled at supporting our clients in the most challenging cases. You can trust our Queens child custody lawyer at Markfeld Law to look out for your children's well-being.

Call us today at (718) 569-8618 or contact us online to receive help with your child custody case.

What is the Difference Between Joint Custody & Sole Custody in New York?

In the state of New York, courts often award parents with joint custody. In a joint custody arrangement, both guardians of the child have legal custody and must discuss how to handle the most crucial decisions in their children's lives. Legal custody governs factors such as where a child receives an education, how to handle medical issues, what cultures or religions they're exposed to, how the parents can discipline them, etc.

Alternatively, one parent may receive sole custody of the child. A parent who receives sole custody houses the child and also handles matters related to legal custody. If a parent gets sole physical custody, they don't necessarily need the noncustodial parent's input when making decisions. However, the noncustodial parent may still be granted opportunities to have visitation, and thus continue to invest in the child's life through other means.

Courts generally prefer to award both parents joint custody under the assumption that children typically lead better lives when both parents are involved. However, in cases where a parent is shown to be an unfit caregiver (abusing substances, committing child abuse, etc.), the court may award sole custody to one parent to protect the child.

Factors Influencing Child Custody Decisions in Queens, NY

New York courts consider a variety of factors when deciding child custody cases.

Some of these factors include:

• The comparative financial, emotional, mental, and physical stability of each of the respective parties;
• Circumstances where one of the parents has abandoned or neglected the child;
• The presence of a nurturing home atmosphere;
• The effect that separation would have upon other siblings in the family;
• The time spent with the child by the parents, as well as proof of genuine care and affection;
• The child's preferences, if the child is over 12 years old or capable of making such a decision.

Can a Father Get Full Custody in NY?

Yes, a father can get full custody in NY. Custody laws changed many years ago; as a result, both parents have a better chance of getting custody in New York. Decisions on child custody cases are on a case-by-case basis.

Understanding Visitation Rights and Limitations in Queens, NY

The court may also limit a parent's visitation rights under certain circumstances. Visitation rights are sometimes restricted if the parent in question possesses certain qualities or has behaved in an inappropriate manner that would injure the child's well-being.

Factors that a New York court would investigate include:

• A history of abuse, domestic violence, or other criminal behavior;
• Refusal or unwillingness by either parent to allow visitation by the other party;
• Unsanctioned relocation of the child or lack of responsibility in informing the other parent in being consistent with agreed-upon schedules or other boundaries.

Child custody and child support cases can be emotionally challenging for the entire family. You deserve an empathetic child custody and visitation attorney to help progress your case as smoothly as possible. Our attorney works with clients throughout Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan, and the surrounding counties.

Contact Markfeld Law or at (718) 569-8618 for Trusted Child Custody Representation in Queens