Long Island Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Attorney Serving Long Island, NY

Long Island child custody cases are heard in Nassau County or Suffolk County Family Court depending on where the child resides. The court determines custody based on the best interests of the child, considering each parent's home stability, involvement in daily life, proximity to school, and factors affecting well-being.

Agarunov Law Firm represents Long Island parents in custody and visitation matters. We handle legal custody, physical custody, visitation schedules, modification petitions, and relocation disputes for families in Hempstead, Garden City, Great Neck, Huntington, and the Hamptons and surrounding areas.

Our Financial District office is accessible from Long Island via the LIRR to Penn Station, a short connection to our Financial District office. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your custody case.

Child Custody Services in Long Island

Legal and Physical Custody

Legal custody determines which parent makes major decisions about education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Physical custody determines where the child lives. We help Long Island parents pursue sole or joint custody arrangements that serve the child's best interests while protecting parental rights. Joint custody requires parents who can cooperate, and we help structure agreements that work in practice.

Visitation and Parenting Schedules

When one parent has primary physical custody, the other typically receives a visitation schedule. We draft detailed parenting plans for Long Island families that address weekday and weekend time, holiday schedules, school breaks, vacation periods, and transportation arrangements. A well-drafted parenting plan reduces future conflicts by establishing clear expectations.

Custody Modifications

Custody orders can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common grounds include a parent's relocation, changes in a child's needs, failure to comply with the existing order, or changes in a parent's living situation. We represent Long Island parents seeking and opposing modifications.

Relocation Applications

When a custodial parent wants to move with the child, court approval is required if the other parent objects. We handle relocation applications and opposition for Long Island families, presenting evidence on whether the proposed move serves the child's best interests.

Enforcement of Custody Orders

When a parent violates a custody or visitation order, legal enforcement may be necessary. We file enforcement petitions and contempt motions for Long Island parents whose custody rights are not being respected, seeking court intervention to ensure compliance.

Child Custody Considerations for Long Island Families

Long Island custody arrangements frequently center on maintaining the child's connection to their school district, friends, and activities. When parents live in different districts, custody directly affects which school the child attends.

Relocation is a significant issue in Long Island custody cases. When one parent wants to move into New York City or another state, the court evaluates whether the move serves the child's best interests.

Why Long Island Clients Choose Agarunov Law Firm

Agarunov Law Firm represents Long Island parents in child custody and visitation proceedings.

• Sole and joint custody representation
• Detailed parenting plan development
• Modification and enforcement proceedings
• Accessible from Long Island via LIRR to Penn Station, a short connection to our Financial District office
• Licensed in both New York and New Jersey

How Our Custody Process Works

• Step 1: Consultation. We discuss your family situation, explain the custody process, and assess your options. This consultation is free.
• Step 2: Filing. We prepare and file the custody petition or response.
• Step 3: Negotiation. We negotiate custody terms aiming for an agreement that serves the child's best interests.
• Step 4: Resolution. We finalize the arrangement through agreement or court determination, ensuring all terms are documented.