Family law issues are often emotionally charged and complex, requiring a sensitive and experienced family lawyer in New York to guide you through the legal process. At internetlawyers.net, we understand the challenges you face when dealing with matters such as divorce, child custody, or domestic disputes. Our dedicated team is committed to providing clear, effective legal representation to protect your rights and interests in New York.
If you are facing a family law matter in New York, it’s crucial to understand the different types of cases and how a family lawyer in New York can assist you. Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC, with locations throughout New York City and Long Island, offers comprehensive legal services in various areas of family law. We provide free consultations to answer your questions and explain your options. Call us today at 800.696.9529 to schedule a meeting at one of our convenient locations in Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau County, or Suffolk County.
Family Law Services We Offer in New York
Our experienced family lawyers in New York handle a wide range of family law matters in both Family Court and Supreme Court. These include:
Paternity
Establishing paternity is the foundational step in many family law cases involving children. In New York, paternity can be established through various means, including DNA testing, birth certificates, acknowledgments, or even by publicly acknowledging and raising the child as your own. Determining legal paternity is essential for issues like child custody and support. If you need to establish or dispute paternity, a family lawyer in New York can guide you through the legal process.
Child Custody
When it comes to child custody in New York, Family Courts prioritize the “best interests of the child.” After paternity is established, custody and visitation are determined, along with child support. A family lawyer in New York will explain the different types of custody arrangements available:
- Full Custody: One parent has the authority to make all major decisions for the child, although they are generally expected to keep the non-custodial parent informed.
- Joint Custody: Both parents share decision-making responsibilities regarding significant aspects of the child’s life, such as education, healthcare, and religion.
- Residential Custody: This designates which parent the child will live with primarily.
Our family lawyers in New York advocate for custody arrangements that serve the best interests of your children while protecting your parental rights.
Child Support
Child support is a critical aspect of family law, ensuring that both parents contribute financially to their child’s upbringing. In New York, child support is typically determined based on a guideline percentage of the non-custodial parent’s income:
- One Child: 17%
- Two Children: 25%
- Three Children: 29%
- Four Children: 31%
- Five or More Children: 35%
The court also considers factors like daycare and medical expenses when calculating the final child support amount. If you are seeking or contesting child support, a family lawyer in New York can help you understand your obligations and rights.
Child Visitation
Visitation, or parenting time, ensures that the non-custodial parent maintains a meaningful relationship with their child. While “standard visitation” patterns exist (alternating weekends, holidays, and vacation time), New York courts are increasingly flexible, prioritizing frequent and meaningful contact between children and both parents when it is in the child’s best interest. A skilled family lawyer in New York can advocate for a visitation schedule that works for your family.
New York Divorce
Divorce, or the legal dissolution of marriage, is handled in the Supreme Court of New York. To obtain a divorce, you must have legal grounds, such as abandonment, constructive abandonment, or cruel and unusual treatment. New York does not recognize common law marriage.
A family lawyer in New York specializing in divorce will guide you through all aspects of the process, including:
- Grounds for Divorce: Establishing a legally recognized reason for divorce.
- Child-Related Issues: Addressing custody, visitation, and child support if children are involved.
- Equitable Distribution: Fairly dividing marital assets acquired during the marriage.
- Spousal Support/Maintenance: Determining if spousal support is appropriate.
- Occupancy of the Home: Deciding who will reside in the marital home during and after the divorce.
Spousal Support and Maintenance
Spousal support, also known as maintenance, is financial support provided to one spouse by the other after a divorce. In New York, there are two main types of spousal maintenance:
- Rehabilitative Maintenance: Temporary support to allow a spouse to become self-sufficient, often when they sacrificed career opportunities during the marriage.
- Permanent Maintenance: Long-term support, potentially for the lifetime of the recipient, when re-establishing self-sufficiency is unlikely.
A family lawyer in New York can help you understand your rights and obligations regarding spousal support.
Order of Protection
Orders of Protection are issued in Family Court to protect individuals from domestic violence or threats. These cases can quickly become criminal matters if violence or abuse is alleged. It’s crucial to have a family lawyer in New York experienced in handling Order of Protection cases, especially when allegations involve domestic violence, assault, child abuse, or sex crimes. Testimony in Family Court can potentially be used in criminal proceedings, making experienced legal counsel essential.
Abuse and Neglect
Allegations of child abuse and neglect are serious matters investigated by Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) in New York City and Child Protective Services (CPS) in Long Island. These agencies have the authority to remove children from homes if they believe they are at risk. A finding of abuse or neglect can lead to placement on a state registry, supervised visitation, or even termination of parental rights. If you are facing allegations of abuse or neglect, a family lawyer in New York is vital to protect your rights and your family.
Guardianship
Guardianship involves legally appointing someone to care for a minor or an incapacitated adult. Family Court handles guardianship for children under 18, while Supreme Court handles guardianship for adults over 18 who are deemed unable to care for themselves. Guardianship is often sought when parents are unable or unwilling to care for their children, providing an alternative to foster care. A family lawyer in New York specializing in guardianship can assist you in establishing guardianship to protect your loved ones.
Fathers Rights and Grandparents Rights
Navigating the Family Court system can be overwhelming. At Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC, we understand the challenges individuals face and strongly advocate for Fathers Rights, Mothers Rights, and Grandparents Rights. We believe everyone deserves fair representation and a voice in family law matters. Our family lawyers in New York are dedicated to ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you are dealing with a family law issue in New York, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance. Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC offers a free consultation with an experienced family lawyer in New York. We are here to provide the support and representation you need. Call us today at 800.696.9529 or visit one of our convenient locations in New York City and Long Island. We are ready to assist you in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester County, Suffolk County, and Nassau County. Let us help you navigate your family law matter with confidence.
