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Manhattan Child Custody Lawyers
June 4, 2024
NYC Criminal Defense Lawyers
Manhattan Child Custody Lawyers – How to Find the Best Attorney for Your Case
Going through a custody dispute in New York City is stressful for any parent. But with an experienced Manhattan child custody lawyer guiding you, the process doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Whether you’re seeking sole or joint legal and physical custody, the right family law attorney can help you develop a strategy to protect your rights as a parent. Here’s what you need to know about finding the best NYC child custody lawyer for your case.
<h3>How Custody Is Decided in Manhattan Courts</h3>
New York determines child custody based on the “best interests of the child.” The court considers several factors, including:
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment
- The child’s emotional attachment to each parent
- Each parent’s past role as caregiver
- The potential for one parent to interfere with the other’s relationship with the child
- Any history of domestic violence, neglect, or substance abuse
Judges prefer to award joint custody so both parents stay involved in raising the child. But sole physical custody may be ordered if joint custody is unworkable or puts the child’s wellbeing at risk.
Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.Thank you team!
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
Working with a Manhattan Child Custody Attorney
A skilled NYC custody lawyer can be your best ally before and during the court proceedings. Here are some of their key responsibilities:
- Gather evidence to demonstrate why you deserve custody – This may include witness affidavits, records of time spent caregiving, etc.
- Negotiate custody agreements outside court – They can arrange compromises like alternating major holidays.
- Represent you in mediation sessions – If the judge orders mediation, your lawyer will fight for your preferred arrangement.
- Argue persuasively before the judge – At hearings and trial, they’ll advocate aggressively and present evidence backing your position.
- Handle appeals if necessary – If the court’s custody ruling is unfavorable, they may appeal to a higher court.
The right lawyer makes the difference between getting a ruling that’s fair or one that deprives you of time with your kids.
Choosing the Best Manhattan Child Custody Lawyer
Not all attorneys have the same track record with custody cases. Use these tips to find the right lawyer:
- Look for extensive experience specifically handling contested custody disputes in Manhattan family courts.
- Check client reviews and ask about win rates for sole and joint custody cases. High success rates indicate superior skills.
- Choose a lawyer who is assertive yet strategic. Overly aggressive attorneys often backfire.
- Seek someone who communicates responsively. You’ll have lots of questions during the custody battle.
- Ask about costs and payment plans upfront. Top lawyers can run $10,000+ but provide commensurate expertise.
- Meet in person if possible to assess the attorney’s temperament and confidence. This is a very personal relationship.
- Select a lawyer you’re comfortable opening up to about deeply private issues since few details are off limits in custody proceedings.
Key Factors Judges Consider for Manhattan Custody
The right attorney will help you shape your case to align with what matters to judges in making New York child custody determinations:
Living Situation
- Judges want kids to have stability and continuity in housing, school, social activities and relationships. If one parent can provide this better than the other, it weighs heavily.
Parent-Child Bond
- The strength of the emotional attachment between each parent and child influences decisions. Evidence like photos, diaries, or testimony from teachers/relatives is key.
History as Caregiver
- Which parent has been the child’s primary caregiver? Judges often award primary physical custody to maintain consistency.
Cooperation Between Parents
- Can you and your ex effectively communicate, cooperate on childrearing decisions, and ensure the child sees the other parent? This favors joint custody.
Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse
- If one parent has issues with drugs/alcohol or a history of domestic violence, sole custody with supervised visitation may be ordered for the child’s safety.
Working Strategically With Your Manhattan Custody Attorney
Custody battles often get ugly and emotional. An experienced attorney will strategically guide you to take the high road, stay calm under pressure, and position yourself as the responsible, reasonable parent acting in the child’s best interests.
Some key tips they may recommend:
- Don’t disparage your ex on social media or in front of your child. Vent in private to your lawyer instead.
- Be pragmatic and flexible about visitation schedules. Don’t take unreasonable positions that could backfire.
- Show judges you can coparent civilly. Communicate with your ex only about the child’s needs and schedule.
- Comply exactly with any temporary custody orders so judges see you respect the court’s authority.
- Seek counselling or therapy for yourself and your child to deal with the transition and conflict.
With an attorney as your confidant and advisor, you’re more likely to make smart moves that help your case.
Timing Your Custody Case Correctly
Ideally you should contact NYC custody attorneys to start preparing 3-6 months before filing your case. This gives you time to:
- Discuss your situation and goals thoroughly with the lawyer
- Gather evidence and affidavits supporting your position
- Try settling outside court first before starting expensive litigation
If your ex already filed, act urgently to engage a Manhattan custody lawyer. Custody decisions happen quickly in New York once a case is active. You need an experienced attorney fighting for your rights from day one.
Don’t wait until right before court dates to find a lawyer, or you’ll be stuck with whoever is available last minute. Vet and hire your attorney immediately.
Work With a Top NYC Custody Lawyer to Protect Your Rights
Child custody battles in New York courts are complex. With so much at stake, you need an excellent Manhattan family law attorney helping you each step of the way.
For dedicated legal guidance from a top Manhattan child custody lawyer, contact Spodek Law Group at 212-300-5196. We have the experience and resources to build the strongest case for protecting your rights as a parent.