Experienced New York Lawyers Represent Clients in Child Custody Disputes

Respected law firm in Brewster delivers effective legal assistance

Child custody can be a contentious and sensitive issue when parents are not in agreement on what the best arrangement is. At Needle | Cuda, our knowledgeable attorneys advocate for the rights of our clients and the best interests of their children in custody disputes. Our law firm, with an office located in Brewster, provides effective legal guidance to residents of New York City and Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties.

How child custody is determined in contested cases?

When child custody is contested, meaning parents are not in agreement on the issue, then the New York court will decide on parenting arrangements based on what the judge believes to be in the child’s best interests. New York’s law does not favor either mothers or fathers in these decisions. A judge will fully review the circumstances and lifestyles of both parents to decide on the legal and physical custody terms. Parents will then receive a custody order from the court that they must adhere to. We will work to see that you receive fair treatment from the court in custody determinations.

Factors judges consider in custody decisions:

Child custody decisions are made on a case-by-case basis after judges consider factors such as the following:

• Who has been the primary child caretaker
• Parenting skills of both parties
• Parents’ respective willingness to co-parent
• Physical and mental health of each parent
• Stability and the home environment in each parent’s residence
• Whether parental alienation is an issue
• Whether either or both parents have a history of domestic violence
• Where a child’s siblings live
• Strength of bonds between the child and each parent
• Child’s wishes depending upon their age and maturity

This list is not all inclusive. Judges can use whatever information they think is pertinent when considering what is best for the child. Our law firm will provide strong support for your side, increasing the likelihood of a positive result.

How to File for custody of your child in New York?

Your custody filing might be part of your divorce action, but even unmarried parents can file a petition for custody. When biological parents are unmarried, mothers become legal parents at birth, and fathers must establish legal paternity before filing for custody. Even non-parents of a child can petition the court for custody if they can show extraordinary circumstances, such as parental neglect or abuse. Our attorneys can advise you about custody petitions and assist you with the process.

Contact our family law firm for assistance when custody is contested

The New York family law attorneys at Needle | Cuda in Brewster work diligently to assert the rights of clients in contested child custody cases. Call 203-557-9500 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.

Link to NYCourts.gov for information about Children in a divorce proceedings