What Is Child Custody?

Child custody is the legal and practical relationship between a parent or guardian and a child. The child's best interests are the basis of all custody arrangements and decisions. It is important for all parents to understand the basic elements of child custody so that they can make informed decisions about their futures with their children.

Custody is a court-ordered decision about who has the right to care for a child and who makes major decisions regarding the child's upbringing, such as where the child lives or which medical care they receive. There are different kinds of custody, including joint custody and sole custody. The term "custody" can also be used to describe the amount of time a child spends with each parent after a divorce or separation.

How Does Custody Affect Child Support?

The law in most states requires that the parent who has primary physical custody of a child pay the other parent child support. The amount of support depends on several factors, including the incomes of both parents and the percentage of time each child spends with each parent.

How Does Joint Custody Affect Custody?

Joint custody is a common arrangement that allows both parents to share the decision-making responsibilities for their children. The courts prefer this kind of arrangement because it lessens the stress and negative feelings that often arise when a family separates.

What Is Split Custody?

Split custody is another common custody arrangement that divides the time a child spends with each parent. Typically, the children live primarily with one parent and visit the other for extended periods. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

What Are The Custody Factors That a Judge Looks for?

The most important child custody factor for a judge to consider is the relationship between the child and both parents. The judge should also take into account the child's mental health, and whether the child has any special needs.

Does the child's age affect the custody decision?

Generally, older children have better mental health and are more capable of making their own decisions than younger ones. For this reason, judges favor awarding custody to older children.

Does the child have a history of domestic abuse?

Most states consider domestic violence when determining custody, although they do not always require it. This may include a presumption that abusers are not appropriate custody parents, or it could mean that a person is given special consideration for the situation.

What If the Child's Birth Family Doesn't Want Custody?

Many states have laws that allow courts to grant custody to a nonbiological family when the biological parents agree. Such an approach is often seen in cases involving adoption. It can allow courts to uphold the attachment a child has to his or her birth family, a key criterion in most custody decisions.

What Does the Supreme Court Say About Child Custody?

The United States Supreme Court has ruled that state courts cannot remove a child from the custody of a biological parent because of her or his race. This ruling is based on the principle of "Full Faith and Credit."

The Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act, a federal law passed in 1980, outlaws such acts of child abduction. If a parent does not follow the terms of a custody order, he or she can be arrested for kidnapping and face criminal charges.

How a Child Custody Attorney Can Help You

If you are seeking to obtain custody of your children, it is essential that you contact a New York Child Custody Attorney as soon as possible. This is because the issues of physical custody, visitation, and decision-making rights can be incredibly stressful and emotionally taxing for both you and your children. It is crucial to seek help as soon as possible in order to avoid the worst outcomes.

NYC Family Court Judges Take Children’s Best Interests into Account

In a typical custody case, the judge will decide on the best interests of the child. This means that they will consider the child’s current living situation, past experiences, and present needs and desires before making a final decision about custody.

The Court will usually try to keep the child in their current living circumstances as much as possible. However, there are times when a change in the child’s environment could be harmful to their mental health or well-being.

A good Manhattan Child Custody Attorney can make sure that the family court judge takes your concerns into account and makes a fair determination about your child’s custody. They will work with you and your ex-spouse to create a custody arrangement that is in the best interests of your children.

Custody Modification is Another Option

In New York, you can request a modification to your existing custody arrangement if there has been a significant change in your life. This might include a job loss, a move to another state, or any other reason that has caused you to believe that the original custody plan is no longer in your child’s best interests.

Custody is a critical issue in New York divorce cases. The parents must work together to establish a parenting plan and make an agreement for the custody, support, and visitation of their children. If you and your ex-spouse have reached an amicable custody agreement, but you aren’t satisfied with it, you can ask the court for a modification to your custody and visitation schedule.

A reputable NY custody attorney will help you file the necessary paperwork and prepare for your court hearing. This will ensure that you are prepared to make a strong argument for the modification.

If you are seeking a NY custody attorney to assist you in obtaining a modification to your custody and visitation agreement, it is important to find a lawyer that is highly experienced in this area of law. This will allow you to secure the changes that you need and make sure that your family’s future is protected.

Child Custody Lawyer for a Legal and Emotional Approach

It is extremely important to work with a child custody attorney that is sensitive and compassionate toward your concerns. They will help you to determine what your priorities are and will then use their expertise to develop a strategy for resolving the custody issue that is in your best interests.

When you choose an attorney, it is important to check that they are verified by Lead Counsel in the relevant practice area and that they are in good standing with their bar associations. A Verified Child Custody Attorney will have passed a comprehensive verification process that demonstrates their professional qualifications and integrity.

How to Change Custody and Visitation Terms

If your original custody and visitation agreement isn't working, you may want to seek a change in court. Custody orders can be modified (changed) as long as there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was issued.

The first thing you should do if you think there's a reason to seek a change is to file paperwork with the courts. This includes a petition to have the custody or visitation order changed. It's best to start with this and follow up with any other necessary documents and evidence to support your case.

Your Child's Opinions About Custody and Visitation

When a parent is no longer able to meet the needs of the child, it's time to change the custody and visitation arrangement. This may be as simple as changing the visitation schedule or adding time with the other parent. It might also be as complicated as removing the child from one's home.

Your Life has Changed Significantly

Some changes to a child's life might make it necessary for a new custody and visitation order to be put in place. These include moving, drug abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and other serious issues that might impact the health and safety of your child.

Your Work Hours Have Changed

If one of you has had a significant increase in work hours, it might be important for the other parent to spend more time with the child. This could mean that a parent can push their pick-up or drop-off time by one hour, for example.

Your Relationship with the Other Parent Has Changed

If you've had a serious relationship change, such as a breakup or divorce, you might need to change your child custody and visitation arrangement. This can be especially true if the other parent has been living in a different home or making changes that negatively affect your relationship with the child.

Your Child's Well-Being has Improved

If a parent has improved their health or other important factors, such as education, the judge might be able to adjust the terms of the custody and visitation arrangement. For example, if a parent has had a heart attack or has been diagnosed with diabetes, this might be an opportunity for the court to consider modifying the custody and visitation order.

Your Ex-Spouse Has Made Poor Choices or has Caused You to Have Difficulties

If your ex-spouse has made poor choices in their life, such as drinking too much alcohol or smoking marijuana, they might be a danger to your children. You might need to modify the existing custody and visitation order so that the child stays with you or is placed with a third party who can help the child stay safe.

Your Current Custody and Visitation Order Has Been Violently Violated

If a parent is repeatedly violating their custody and visitation order, you might want to ask the court for a modification. This can be done by filing a Petition for Modification of Custody or Visitation and asking the court to impose sanctions against the offending parent.

Juan Luciano Divorce Lawyer

Juan Luciano Divorce Lawyer - Manhattan

347 5th Ave #1003, New York, NY 10016, United States

(212) 537-5859