Staten Island Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Attorney Serving Staten Island, NY

Child custody cases for Staten Island families are handled in Richmond County Family Court or Supreme Court. The court evaluates the best interests of the child by examining the stability of each parent's home, the child's ties to school and community, each parent's availability, and willingness to support the other parent's relationship.

Agarunov Law Firm represents Staten Island parents in custody and visitation matters. We handle legal custody, physical custody, visitation schedules, modification petitions, and relocation disputes for families in St. George, Tottenville, New Dorp, and the North Shore commercial corridor and surrounding areas.

Our Financial District office is accessible from Staten Island via the Staten Island Ferry and the SIR to our Financial District office. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your custody case.

Child Custody Services in Staten 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 Staten 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 Staten 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 Staten 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 Staten 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 Staten Island parents whose custody rights are not being respected, seeking court intervention to ensure compliance.

Child Custody Considerations for Staten Island Families

Staten Island's suburban character means many custody arrangements revolve around the family home, local school districts, and community activities. Parenting plans should address school logistics, extracurriculars, and transportation.

Richmond County Family Court handles custody cases with a relatively smaller caseload compared to other boroughs, which can mean shorter wait times, but legal standards are the same across all five boroughs.

Why Staten Island Clients Choose Agarunov Law Firm

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

• Sole and joint custody representation
• Detailed parenting plan development
• Modification and enforcement proceedings
• Accessible from Staten Island via Staten Island Ferry and the SIR 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.