Long Island Child Custody Attorneys
Child Custody and Visitation
Of all the issues that need to be resolved during a divorce or separation, child custody and visitation are perhaps the most sensitive and hotly contested. Both parents often have strong opinions over how child custody and a visitation schedule should be arranged, and will fight aggressively in family court until they have reached a child custody arrangement that meets their liking. By working with a skilled Long Island child custody lawyer, you can make sure your parental rights are honored and upheld, that your needs and concerns in regards to a custody and visitation arrangement are acknowledged and understood.
How Child Custody & Visitation Are Determined
When determining a child custody arrangement, judges will always put the child's best interest first. In many cases, this means granting shared custody to both parents, as children who have strong relationships with both of their parents tend to be more well-rounded. However, there are certain circumstances that may cause a judge to grant sole custody to one parent over the other. This is common when one parent is an alcoholic, one parent has a history of domestic abuse, or one parent has a history of excessive drug use. A judge may also grant sole custody if one parent moves too far away for the child to easily travel between each parent's houses. Other factors a judge will take into consideration when determining child custody include:
- Each parent's physical and mental health
- Each parent's current lifestyle
- Each parent's ability to provide a stable environment
- Each parent's monthly/annual income
- The child's relationship with each parent
- The child's daily routine
- The child's preference (if above a certain age, typically 12)
- If the child would be separated from siblings
A visitation schedule will typically be established once custody has been determined, with the non-custodial parent and custodial parent agreeing to a standard schedule which the non-custodial parent will abide by in visiting his or her children. Developing a workable and beneficial visitation schedule may in itself be complex and emotionally difficult. With a competent attorney at your side, you can ensure that you and your child's interests are protected in regard to your visitation agreement.
How a Skilled Long Island Child Custody Lawyer Can Help
At Samuelson Hause & Samuelson, we have extensive knowledge and practice in New York matrimonial law, and with more than 100 years of collective experience we are more than capable of handling even the most complex and challenging child custody and visitation cases. We understand how important this issue is to your heart, and we promise to do everything we can to make sure your right to see and spend time with your children is not taken away. Whether you are seeking sole custody, shared custody, or even just extended visitation rights, we can help reach a custody arrangement that preserves the relationship you have with your children.
Contact a Long Island child custody attorney at Samuelson Hause & Samuelson today to learn more about how we can help you resolve your child custody matter!