New York Child Custody Lawyers

Keeping the Focus on the Child in Child Custody and Visitation Cases

The Mandel Law Firm works hard to ensure that all parties remember that the real focus in any custody dispute is the child. We work with parents in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester and Nassau counties, and throughout the New York City metro area to reach a result that is in the best interests of the child and works for all parties involved.

Nothing is more heartbreaking than a child caught in the middle of a custody battle. Many of our attorneys are parents themselves, so they understand the joys and rewards, trials and tribulations of parenthood. Contact a New York child custody attorney today for experienced and compassionate representation.

Representation in Child Custody and Visitation Matters

Child custody is divided into 2 parts.

Physical Custody (or "Residential Custody") is where the child primarily resides; and
Legal Custody involves decision making surrounding the health, education and general welfare of the child.

Any arrangement of the above is possible by agreement. It is even possible for one parent to have sole physical custody and the other to have sole legal custody; or for one party to have sole physical custody with joint legal custody.

Generally, any agreement the parties can make together as co-parents would be better than anything imposed by a stranger, a/k/a "The Judge".

Visitation (Parenting Time)

Many lawyers refer to the rights of the non-custodial parent to see their child as "visitation". However, we at The Mandel Law Firm beg to differ. We, as parents ourselves, don't believe that a parent "visits" their child. They raise and nurture them. That is why we fight for the non-custodial parent to be able to have as much "parenting time" (as opposed to "visitation") with their child as may be possible.

And remember, grandparents may have rights to visit with their grandchildren.

Here are just a few of the situations in which we can help you:

Enforcement by a non-custodial parent of a visitation agreement
Modification of the parenting plan by a non-custodial parent
Modification of a visitation schedule by a parent with full or primary custody
Grandparents seeking visitation rights with their grandchildren

Which Parent Will Get Custody?

Who will get custody of your child is not a foregone conclusion. Simply because you're a father doesn't mean you can't get custody of your child and just because you're a mother does not mean you will automatically get custody of your child. You need an experienced, knowledgeable attorney to help you achieve your goals.

Whether you're interested in seeking custody of your children or the other parent is attempting to take custody away from you, we have the experience and resources needed to help you. Contact our offices in Midtown Manhattan today to learn more.

Joint Custody or Sole Custody

It is a common misconception that courts will impose joint custody on parents. They will not. Joint custody is an arrangement made between the parents to jointly agree on all issues concerning the health, education and general welfare of the child. In New York, it is not something that will be imposed by the courts upon hostile parties.

Joint custody is a viable option only if the parents have an amicable relationship and can communicate well in matters that affect the child. If the parents are not on friendly enough terms, chances are that the joint decision-making required in "joint custody" will result in more disagreements and conflict. In that case, the court will select one parent to be the sole decision maker, who will have what is referred to as having "legal custody" of the child.

If you have questions regarding child custody and the legal options available to you for protecting your children, contact a lawyer from our firm today to learn how we can help you.

A Perfect Record in Child Custody Cases

Our knowledge and skill in the child custody arena is unquestioned. In fact, we have never lost a child custody case. We take to trial only those cases in which we strongly believe; so you can be assured that when we do accept a case, we will do whatever it takes, within the full extent of the law, to pursue the desired result.

We work with you to set reasonable, realistic expectations about the outcome of your case. If an investigation is required, we consult private investigators who can uncover important information relevant to the habits and lifestyle of the other parent. If necessary, we will ask a psychologist or social worker to evaluate the mental health of a parent or child and provide a home evaluation.

Emergency Applications for Custody

Seeking emergency temporary child custody may be appropriate under the following circumstances:

If you believe your ex-spouse is going to relocate with your child without your permission or the court's consent
If you notice signs of abuse or neglect by the other parent
If the child is imminent danger while under the care of the other parent

Our law firm can help you understand the process of seeking emergency temporary child custody to protect your child. We know how to proceed quickly in these cases to ensure the child's safety.

Contact Us · Joint and Sole Custody Attorneys · Long Island, NYC, Westchester

It is always a good idea to seek counsel as early in the process as possible, before relations become acrimonious and positions entrenched. Contact us today — we will be there for you. You can reach us online, or by telephone toll free at (888) 2 WIN NOW (888-294-6669) or locally at (212) 697-7383.

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