Dedicated and Caring Child Custody Attorneys for You and Your Family
Our Syracuse, NY child custody lawyers have decades of experience representing spouses in child custody proceedings. We are knowledgeable about the Family Court judges and procedures in Syracuse, NY and we use this understanding to present our clients in the most favorable light for determining custody. We represent fathers and mothers and our paramount concern is meeting your needs and goals.
Syracuse Child Custody Laws: Facts to Know
If the parents cannot agree to custody and visitation arrangements, Syracuse, NY Family Court judges will award custody and visitation based on their assessment of the best interests of the children. The goal is to provide a stable and loving environment with as little disruption as possible. The Family Court will closely examine each parent as well as the parents collectively in making this assessment. Our job is to highlight your qualifications for the custodial role you desire.
Types of Child Custody
During a matrimonial proceeding, the Court may award temporary custody pending a final order.
There are two types of custody, physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody is where the children spend most of their time with a non-custodial parent having visitation rights. Legal custody relates to making major life decisions for the children such as education, extracurricular activities, religion, and medical procedures. Both types of custody can be sole or joint. Courts in Syracuse normally award joint legal custody so both parents can be involved in major decisions.
What Factors Determine Child Custody in Syracuse, NY
The Family Court will consider a number of factors in determining child custody in Syracuse, NY. These include but are not limited to:
- The physical and mental health of both parents.
- Both parents’ work schedules.
- Which parent has been the primary caregiver.
- Which parent’s home environment is the most stable.
- Any allegations of abuse or neglect by either parent.
- The child’s wishes or, for younger children, the wishes of the child’s guardian.
- The location of each parent in relation to the child’s school and extracurricular activities.
- The location of siblings or other persons actively engaged with the child.
Modifications to Child Custody Arrangements
Our Syracuse Child Custody Lawyers can also help you modify an existing child custody arrangement that is no longer working for you. To do so, we will petition the Family Court and must show both a substantial change in circumstances and that modification is in the child’s best interests. Among the reasons that can support a modification are a custodial parent threatening to move away with the child, having an unstable home environment, or having a job change that affects the custodial parent’s time availability with the child or their income. Failing to allow visitation is another factor that can support a modification.
Get Assistance from a Syracuse Child Custody Lawyer Today
Our Syracuse Child Custody Lawyers are experienced advocates in all aspects of child custody. We draft and negotiate custody agreements, prepare compelling court filings, and have obtained favorable outcomes with all of the judges in the Syracuse, NY Family Court. We have helped hundreds of clients in child custody matters. We are with you every step of the way.
