Long Island Child Custody Attorney
Have Questions about Child Custody or Visitation, and Looking for a Long Island Child Custody Law Firm That Covers All the Bases, Does Not Complicate Cases with Extra Billing, Really Cares, and Keeps Focused on the Best Interests of You & Your Child?
Making The Decision To Get A Divorce When Children Are Involved Can Make The Process Quite Complicated. Unless You And Your Spouse Have Already Come To A Mutual Agreement About Who Will Have Custody Or How You Will Share Time, You Will Need To Hire An Attorney To Make Sure Your Child’s Best Interests Are Protected.
Why Choose Hedayati Law Group?
- Free Case Evaluation – Your first consultation with us is Free of Charge, ensuring we can best serve you.
- Because Your Family and Happiness Are at Stake – The smoother and fairer this process goes, the better the post-divorce interactions tend to be. This is better for the children (when applicable), you, and your ex-spouse.
- Personalized Attention – We understand and respect that every client’s needs are unique. We treat all of our clients with the attention they deserve.
- No Case Is Too Difficult or Complex – This is where our firm’s experience and depth of knowledge come into play. No matter how difficult your case may seem, we fight for you and pursue your best outcome with tenacity.
- Highly Reviewed & Rated – Highly rated on Google. See some of our client reviews below.
- Responsive – We pride ourselves on fast response times when communicating with our clients. We will never let your questions or concerns go unaddressed.
- Straight Shooters – Your situation requires honesty from both us and you. We will tell you what you need to know, not necessarily what you want to hear. You can count on us to give you the honest (sometimes hard) truth about what to expect on the road ahead so that you can be prepared in every way possible.
- Caring & Compassionate (truly) – We have a personal connection to divorce and family law matters. We know what you’ve been through and care about your well-being. You are more than just a legal matter.
- We Keep You Updated – We know transparency is important to you. We want you to know what’s happening with your case at all points in the process.
- Unmatched Experience – Over 150 Years of combined experience.
We Fight For You
Call (516) 334-4100(516) 334-4100 or fill out the short form below. We will usually respond within 1 business day but often do so the same day. Don’t hesitate, your questions are welcome.
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Whether you are involved in a complex divorce or paternity case, our child custody attorneys in Long Island can provide the honest representation you need. We can help you protect your child’s future and your custody and visitation rights.
- 150+ years’ combined family law experience on your side
- Strong client testimonials and peer reviews
- Lead attorney included in Super Lawyers® Rising Stars three years in a row
- Competitive rates & a free consultation
Though you may immediately feel that it is best for you to have full custody, we often recommend that you consider preserving your child’s relationship with his or her other parent for the sake of your children’s long-term interests. Remember child custody disputes are incredibly traumatic to children, and the quicker you can make a decision, the better.
Schedule Your FREE Consultation
Call (516) 334-4100(516) 334-4100 or Fill Out The Form.
Who Can File For Custody In New York?
- Parents: A biological or adoptive parent may file for custody of their child.
- Legal guardians: A legal guardian, who has been appointed by a court, may file for custody of the child.
- Relatives: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings may file for custody if they can show that the child’s parents are unfit or that extraordinary circumstances exist.
- Non-relatives: A non-relative, such as a stepparent or a close family friend, may file for custody if they can show that they have an ongoing and substantial relationship with the child and that awarding custody to them would be in the child’s best interests.
The NY court will consider various factors, including the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s living situation, and the ability of each parent or other party to provide for the child’s needs.
Seek Clarity To Avoid Breaking Custody Orders
No child custody order is set absolutely after it is created, and all can be subject to Modification. Courts will typically only approve of modification if one or both spouses experience a significant life change, or one spouse continues to violate the agreements outlined in the order. If you want to spend time with your children and maintain your rights, you must be conscious of your agreements and New York’s custody laws at all times.
Whenever you encounter a situation where you are not sure about your rights and limitations as a Divorced Parent – such as planning an out-of-state vacation with your children – you should always seek clarification from the court or your attorney. You can also speak directly to your ex-spouse if you want to make temporary modifications to the agreement. It is still advised you work with a child custody lawyer in long island or get any impromptu agreements notarized, just in case your ex-spouse forgets or attempts to get you in trouble.
Schedule Your FREE Consultation
Call (516) 334-4100(516) 334-4100 or Fill Out The Form.
Understanding Third-party Custody Rights
New York does not limit child custody rights to just the biological or legal parents of a child. In some situations, close relatives or even family friends might have the right to seek custody of a child after the parents’ divorce.
People Who May Attempt To Win Third-party Custody Rights Include:
- Grandparents
- Aunts, Uncles, and adult siblings
- Stepparents or domestic partners of a child’s parent
- Caretakers with extensive experience living with the child
As with any other legal process, the court will only assign third-party custody if it is to be in the best interest of the child. If both legal parents do not seem to be a “good fit” for the child, or if both have passed away, a judge might be inclined to consider third-party custody.
How To Prove A Parent Unfit.
A judge would closely evaluate each parent’s ability to care for the children and fulfill their needs during any custody battle. If you feel the other parent is a threat to the children or is unqualified to have custody, you must be able to justify this to the judge if you expect the court to strip away the parent’s custody rights.
Analyze The Parent’s Behavior: It is not in the best interests of the child to be in the care of a parent who regularly places the child in risky circumstances or is reckless in any way. Consider and record any violent acts, emotional violence, or apparent drug dependence.
Identify The Child’s Surroundings: While the parent’s actions may not be a concern, the circumstances in which the child is put may be. It’s an apparent concern if, for example, the infant is not adequately monitored, is not supplied with basic needs, or is exposed to unsafe environments or safety hazards. Consider if the parent has any potentially dangerous associates, such as gang members or convicts.
Record Evidence: Once you’ve witnessed the parent’s actions and the child’s atmosphere and concluded the child is in danger, you’ll need to gather evidence to back up the arguments. This may include media archives that track injury or neglect, the child’s medical history, the parent’s criminal history, email, voicemail, or text messages with the parent. prepare to present this testimony to the judge.
Schedule Your FREE Consultation
Call (516) 334-4100(516) 334-4100 or Fill Out The Form.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Actual Words Clients Have Used to Describe Us & Their Experience:
“In the midst of a harrowing divorce with an abusive, drug-addicted spouse, the Hedayati Law Group proved to be a beacon of hope and support.”, “With their invaluable assistance, I was able to secure a favorable outcome for my child and myself. I highly recommend the Hedayati Law Group to anyone facing similar challenges, knowing firsthand the profound impact their dedication and professionalism can have during such trying times”, “Their attention to detail and commitment to my case brought peace of mind during a difficult time. Highly recommend for anyone needing guidance in family law.”, “It is so helpful to know that your attorney and his/her entire staff has your back and will be there as a steady guiding hand throughout the ups and downs of litigation. The firm also has a fine reputation with the court and with many of the matrimonial judges. They were all there for me every step of the way, and I would highly recommend the firm to friends and colleagues.” , “Al’s approach brings a much-needed sense of humanity and understanding. His ability to listen attentively and empathize with each client’s unique situation makes a significant difference and is something that is very hard to find! I would recommend Al to all my loved ones.”, “Al and his staff are very professional and care about their client’s best interest. If anyone is looking for a great divorce attorney, look no further and call the Hedayati Law Group!”, “Going through a divorce is extremely difficult however from the moment you call this office you know you’re going to be in great hands. This group is exceptional and catch every detail.”, “The Best of the Best my experience with Hedayati Law Group was beyond satisfaction”, “In my experience, if you retain Hedayati Law Group and carefully execute on their guidance and direction, you will achieve your goals.”, “In short, having gone the distance with them, I recommend Hedayati Law Group without reservation.”, “What can I say about a Law firm who makes you feel like family as soon as you walk through the Door.”, “I have nothing but amazing things to say about Hedayati Law group. Mr. Hedayati has made a very difficult process much easier. He is top notch and cares about his clients. From the beginning I knew I was in good hands”, “Al Hedayati successfully guided me through a long divorce and I recommend him unconditionally.”, “unfailingly kind, sensitive, and supportive, a true mensch with warmth and humor.”, “In my experience, the best divorce lawyer in NYC and Long Island. Strongly recommend.”
If these things are what you are looking for in a law firm, then contact us to see how we can help you and your family.
Schedule Your FREE Consultation
Call (516) 334-4100(516) 334-4100 or Fill Out The Form.
Awards
Professional Associations
Resolving Long Island Child Custody Disputes
Many Factors Can Determine Child Custody Arrangements, Including The Child’s Preference, Each Parent’s Parenting History, And Skills, And The Child’s Relationship With Siblings Or Other Family Members.
Our Team Of Long Island Custody Lawyers Will Listen To Your Situation And Work Closely With You To Create A Child Custody Plan That Both Parents Can Agree On.
We Can Provide Information On The Following Child Custody Topics:
- How The Court Determines Visitation And Parenting Terms If You Can’t Come To An Agreement
- How Your Child’s Personal Preference Can Play A Role In A Child Custody Dispute
- How You And Your Spouse’s Financial Standings Will Come Into Play In A Child Custody Dispute
- What Will Happen If You Or Your Spouse Decide To Move Or Get Remarried
Our Family Law Firm Represents Fathers And Mothers In A Wide Range Of Custody Matters And Disputes.
Can Child Custody Be Modified?
In The Event, Your Spouse Is Not Sticking To The Terms Of Your Child Custody Order Or If Your Circumstances Have Changed And You Need To Modify Any Part Of The Agreement, Our Long Island Custody Lawyers Can Help. We Have Extensive Experience Representing Parents In Custody Modifications And Enforcement Proceedings.
The Courts Understand That Life Is Unpredictable And Will Allow Modifications Under Specific Circumstances, Such As When A Substantial Change In Finances, Health, Or Living Situation Occurs. Our Goal Is To Help Guide You And Answer Any Questions That You May Have About Your Case.
Aspects of Divorce & Family Law We Assist You With
Depending on whether children are involved or not, additional aspects of Divorce include the list below.
Be comforted to know that we will never make any decisions on your case without ensuring you have the final word.
Matters we will want to evaluate include:
- Child custody: Where will your child live and with which parent? How will major decisions about education, medical care, religion, and other issues be decided? We can guide families through many of these and other custody decisions.
- Child support: How is support calculated? Do deviations apply in your case? Our attorneys can help parents determine a fair and accurate support amount.
- Alimony payments: Whether or not a spouse is awarded alimony depends on the couple’s unique situation. An attorney can evaluate your circumstances and advocate for your interests.
- Orders of protection: If you are suffering from abuse or domestic violence, find out how an order of protection can help you.
- Visitation rights: We can represent parents, grandparents, or other family members who desire visitation rights to a child.
- Property and division: Are you wondering, “what am I entitled to in a divorce in New York?” Couples tend to dispute the way assets, properties, and debts are divided. Our lawyers can help couples determine an equitable and fair way to split their marital properties.
- Relocation options: Whether you need to relocate or contest a relocation, our attorneys can assist with all modification matters. We can help you modify custody, visitation, and support orders as needed.
- Divorce mediation: For a kinder, and more gentler way of Divorce or Separation, we have a Former Judge who handles all of our Divorce Mediation.
- Legal separation: Some couples may decide that they’re not ready to move forward with a divorce, for either emotional, financial, or religious reasons. Legal separation may be able to offer you an easier transition to life as you and your spouse separate. With a legal separation, you must still work out agreements regarding custody/visitation of children and property division.
Call our trusted team today for step-by-step legal guidance for your New York divorce.
What To Do Now
We welcome your questions and want to understand your situation to help you move forward and achieve the peace of mind that comes with having everything done properly and efficiently. Call our law office (516) 334-4100 with questions, a description of your situation to see if we can assist or to schedule a Free Consultation. Or you may simply fill out the form above on this page. Your form will be directly emailed to our office and you can expect a reply within 1 business day and often within hours the same day. All information you share is confidential.
Our Location
We help families in Long Island (Suffolk and Nassau Counties), NYC, and throughout New York.
Locally, people come to us from Lindenhurst, Garden City, West Babylon, Baldwin, Northport, Melville, Northport, Oceanside, Massapequa, New Hyde Park, Rockville Center, and Locust Valley.