Garden City Child Custody Lawyers
Understanding New York Custody Laws
One of the most heated and sensitive topics that is addressed in the family
court is the issue of child custody. Whether they are a divorcing couple
or never married, parents will fight vigorously to win custody of their
children, and sadly, in some cases it is merely to spite their former
partner. Custody hearings can quickly escalate into contentious courtroom
battles, and if you are involved in such a dispute, it is imperative to
retain the advocacy of a skilled Garden City child custody attorney.
The issue of child custody can be broken down into two different custody
types: physical custody and legal custody.
Physical custody refers to a child's main residence – where they live for most
of the time.
Legal custody refers to a parent's right to make decisions regarding how a child
will be raised.
Do I Really Need A Lawyer For Child Custody?
Family court can be complicated and there certain factors that parents
should consider for hiring a family attorney to help them navigate the
legal system. Having a lawyer for you to offer you legal suggestions can
make all the difference.
Couples who are amicable and want to work as a team for the benefit of
their children often seek to share custody, because they believe in the
parenting skills of their former partner and the positive impact they
have on the children. Former couples who are constantly fighting typically
argue for sole custody, especially if one party believes that the other
is an unfit parent. The court will decide upon which form of custody is
most fitting based on the specifics of the parents' situation.
There are two primary custody arrangements available to parents, including:
-
Joint custody – Both parents share in making decisions regarding the child's
healthcare, education, and religious beliefs. They may also equally share
physical custody, with the child going back and forth between both parents'
residences.
-
Sole custody – Only one parent has the right to make decisions regarding the
child's upbringing. The child lives with this parent, but the other
parent may be awarded
visitation rights.
How Is Child Custody Determined?
A host of factors are considered when deciding a custody case, but more
than anything else, the court seeks to do what is in the best interests
of the child. In order to do this, the court will thoroughly assess a
number of different factors, including:
- The child's age and gender
- The physical and mental health of the child
- The child's education
- The child's normal routine
- Which parent is the main caregiver
- Each parent's lifestyle and schedule
- The parents' physical and mental health
- Each parent's ability to parent the child
- The child's relationships with siblings and other family members
- The financial security of each parent
- Each parent's willingness to cooperate with the other
- Each parent's willingness to encourage their child's relationship
with the other
- Whether there is any past domestic violence
- The child's wishes, depending on their age
The outcome of your child custody case with have significant impact upon
your life and your relationship with your child, which is why it is important
to ensure you have powerful legal counsel in your corner to represent
your interests.
Call a Skilled Garden City Child Custody Attorney - (888) 511-9273
If you are involved in a custody dispute, it is imperative that you contact
a Garden City family attorney who can assist you in pursuing an arrangement
that is beneficial to your child's welfare. At Jonathan E. Edwards
P.C., we pride ourselves on the high quality service we provide to clients
in matters of
divorce. In each case we address, we focus on giving personal, individualized
representation to the client.
We will work closely with you in your custody case in an effort to secure
a court decision that serves the needs of you and your child. Don't
wait another day-
call our experienced child custody lawyers in Garden City today to protect your relationship with your children!