Westchester County Child Custody Lawyers
Providing Skilled Representation for Child Custody Cases in New York
At the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC, we understand the gravity
of child custody proceedings, and we further realize the importance of
reaching as swift and amicable a resolution as possible. If you and your
ex can agree to terms of custody and visitation for the most part, then
our skilled negotiators can ensure that your rights are protected in a
robust legal document. If the other parent simply won’t cooperate,
our trial-tested lawyers know how to vigorously protect your parental
rights in court.
Do I really need a lawyer for child custody?
While you might not be required to have a lawyer for a child custody case,
a lawyer can help you to have a stronger chance to get the outcome that
you deserve. The child’s best interests are the most important factor
to a judge, but a skilled child custody attorney can also help to prove
your parental rights in court.
Why Choose Our Child Custody Attorneys?
- We’re backed by 75+ years of combined experience
-
Awards that include 2015 Avvo Clients’ Choice for
Family Attorney
- We proudly serve Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster & Westchester Counties
- Free, confidential consultation to discuss your case
We will do everything in our legal power to preserve your child’s
best interests, providing unflappable, tenacious advocacy to ensure a
favorable outcome. Discover what dedicated, pragmatic representation can
achieve for you and your family. We encourage you to take advantage of
your free consultation!
Determining Child Custody in New York
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A separating couple will have the opportunity to reach a child custody
agreement out of court through the process of mediation. If the couple
cannot agree on a child custody plan, the court may see fit to intervene
and issue a child custody order. The court will assess many factors when
determining a child custody arrangement. Every family court judge will
act according to what is presumed to be in the best interests of the child
or children.
According to New York Domestic Relations Law, the courts may consider the
following in child custody cases:
- A child custody agreement that was developed in the past and is currently
being used successfully by both parents and all minor children involved
in the marriage
- Which parent has been a primary caregiver or nurturer in the past
- The need for stability in the child's life
- Parenting skills of each parent; strengths and weaknesses of each parent
- Parents' financial ability to provide for child's special needs
- The quality of the home environment that each parent provides
- Mental and physical health of the parents
- Whether there has been domestic violence in the family
- Work schedules and child care plans of each parent
- Child's relationship with siblings
- The child's desires or preferences
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Each parent's ability to cooperate with the other parent and to encourage
a healthy relationship with the other parent
What is an unfit parent in NY?
An unfit parent in New York is a parent through their conduct fails to
provide proper guidance, care, or support. Also, if there is abuse, neglect,
or substance abuse issues, that parent will be deemed unfit.
What Does Full/Sole Custody Mean in New York?
In New York, full custody means that one parent has the authority to make
decisions about the child. The other parent may have the right to receive
educational or medical information, but they do not make the decisions.
Can a Father Get Full Custody in NY?
A father can get full custody of their child in New York. Laws in New York
used to favor the mother getting having custody of the child and that
she would have better decisions as a parent. Now, New York laws have changed
and have made it so that neither parents have a better chance of getting
custody in New York. Child custody cases are determined on a case-by-case
basis. There are
4 main types of child custody in New York and they are:
-
Joint: This is where both parents share custody based on a schedule that
is decided by them or by the court
-
Legal custody: This is where parents, which can be one or both of them,
make the important decisions about the child, such as education, medical,
and religious issues
-
Sole
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Physical: This is the parent with whom the child resides.
Advocating for Mothers & Fathers Throughout Dutchess County
Having served as attorneys for fathers' rights group members our attorneys
completely understand the unique needs of parents. Our child custody lawyers
in Westchester County proudly represent both mothers and fathers who are
seeking custody of their children. We specifically work hard to facilitate
agreeable custody arrangements that not only work for both parents but
ensure the well-being of their children.
