Will I Be Awarded Custody After a New York Divorce?

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When it comes to divorce, you will have to settle a number of matters. Some of these matters may include child support, alimony, the division of assets, and more. However, many people find themselves most concerned with custody arrangements. Having to share custody of your child can be a stressful and difficult situation. In New York, judges generally agree that children benefit greatly from having a relationship with both parents. As a result, they will work to award custody to both parents. Read on to learn more about how custody is determined in New York.

How is custody determined in New York?

When making a custody decision, a judge will typically consider:

  • The parents’ ability to communicate, cooperate and agree regarding matters of the child
  • The parent’s willingness to accept custody and any unwillingness to allow parenting time
  • The relationship of the child with their parents and siblings
  • Any history of domestic violence
  • The safety of the child and the safety of one parent from another
  • The preference of the child when of sufficient age
  • The child’s needs
  • The stability of the home environment
  • The quality and continuity of the child’s education
  • The fitness of both parents
  • The geographical proximity of the parents’ homes
  • The parents’ employment responsibilities

What to avoid during a custody battle:

When a judge makes a decision about custody, he or she is working to do what is in the child’s best interest. The following behaviors can impact your custody decision:

  • Engaging in criminal behavior, especially in the presence of children
  • Using illegal drugs, especially in the presence of children
  • Abusing your child or significant other
  • Having an unsafe living environment
  • Withholding the child from his or her other legal parent, siblings or extended family
  • Disrupting or discontinuing the child’s education or community life
  • Neglecting the child’s daily physical, emotional, developmental, educational and special needs
  • Creating conflict, and/or inability to cooperate with the other parent

If a parent is deemed unfit, he or she will lose custody. In this case, the fit parent will be awarded sole custody. In most cases, the parent who has lost custody will be awarded some form of visitation, either supervised or unsupervised, depending on the situation. Additionally, losing custody does not have to be permanent.

If you have questions about custody, our firm is here to help. Reach out today to discuss your case.

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Matters of divorce and family law should be navigated with the guidance of an experienced attorney. If you need strong legal representation regarding matters of divorce, family law, and estate law, contact the Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C. to schedule a consultation today.

Why choose our firm?

We have an excellent AVVO rating from our many happy clients

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We have more than 20 years of dedicated legal experience

We have the legal knowledge necessary to help you obtain the outcome you desire

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What Our Clients Are Saying

I hired Susan to represent me in a divorce matter where I was fighting for custody and to limit my wife's equitable share of our assets. I won custody of our son, kept the marital residence, kept my professional practice, kept my building and paid less than half to my wife. This was after a long-term marriage. She could persuade the court that equitable is not equal and sometimes the man does deserve to win!

‐ Dave

I first must say that I had been represented by two prior attorneys both of whom had simply taken my money and left me nothing to show for it in my custody case. They kept telling me what they were doing for me but I found out they were lying. Susan on the other hand had gotten me temporary custody and support for my children and myself within two months of hiring her. I cannot say enough about her.

‐ Craig

After talking to a few other attorneys, I hired Susan to represent me in my divorce and custody dispute. I was reluctant to go with her because she was the cheapest out of all the other attorneys I met with, but I'm so glad I did. I am 100% positive no one else would have done such a great job with my case as Susan and her staff. Her work is quality, her staff is reliable and her character is honorable. There...

‐ Linda

I had a very difficult case where I had already burned through two attorneys who were unable to get me custody of my children and complete my divorce. Susan was able to rapidly work out an agreement and not let it just malinger on like my previous experiences. She was also considerate of my financial situation unlike all of the other lawyers I had spoken to. I highly recommend her if you want complete and caring service with an in-depth knowledge of...

‐ Joanne

SERVING ALL OF SUFFOLK COUNTY

The Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C. proudly serves clients throughout Suffolk County, New York in their divorce, family law, and estate planning matters. If you require the services of an experienced Suffolk County attorney, schedule a consultation with The Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C. today.

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