Manhattan Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Attorney Serving Manhattan, NY

Manhattan child custody cases involve New York County Family Court or Supreme Court proceedings where the court applies the best interests standard. In Manhattan, custody disputes frequently involve high-income households, demanding professional schedules, and questions about which parent's residence provides the best educational opportunities.

Agarunov Law Firm represents Manhattan parents in custody and visitation matters. We handle legal custody, physical custody, visitation schedules, modification petitions, and relocation disputes for families in Midtown, the Financial District, SoHo, Chelsea, Harlem, and the Upper West Side and surrounding areas.

Our office is located at 30 Broad Street, accessible via virtually every subway line to our Financial District office. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your custody case.

Child Custody Services in Manhattan

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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan parents whose custody rights are not being respected, seeking court intervention to ensure compliance.

Child Custody Considerations for Manhattan Families

Manhattan custody cases often involve high-income households where both parents have demanding schedules. The court considers actual availability when evaluating custody. Nanny care, after-school programs, and weekend activities all factor in.

Private school enrollment is a common issue in Manhattan custody disputes. Decisions about which school, who pays tuition, and how school selection affects custody require careful negotiation as part of the parenting plan.

Why Manhattan Clients Choose Agarunov Law Firm

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

• Sole and joint custody representation
• Detailed parenting plan development
• Modification and enforcement proceedings
• Accessible from Manhattan via virtually every subway line 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.