New York Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Attorney Serving New York, NY

Child custody in New York is determined by the best interests of the child standard, which requires courts to evaluate the totality of circumstances affecting the child's welfare. New York recognizes legal custody, governing decision-making authority, and physical custody, determining where the child lives. Both can be sole or joint.

Agarunov Law Firm represents New York parents in custody and visitation matters. We handle legal custody, physical custody, visitation schedules, modification petitions, and relocation disputes for families in all five boroughs and the surrounding suburbs and surrounding areas.

Our office at 30 Broad Street is accessible via subway, commuter rail, and PATH to our Financial District office at 30 Broad Street. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your custody case.

Child Custody Services in New York

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

Child Custody Considerations for New York Families

New York custody law emphasizes the best interests of the child above all other considerations. Courts evaluate each parent's fitness, the child's routines, sibling relationships, and home environment quality. There is no gender presumption.

When parents live in different boroughs or counties, practical logistics become important. Travel time, school proximity, and childcare availability all affect which arrangement is feasible and in the child's best interests.

Why New York Clients Choose Agarunov Law Firm

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

• Sole and joint custody representation
• Detailed parenting plan development
• Modification and enforcement proceedings
• Accessible from New York via subway, commuter rail, and PATH to our Financial District office at 30 Broad Street
• 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.