Child custody is often the most emotionally charged part of any divorce - and the outcome affects your relationship with your children for years. New York courts apply a best-interests standard, weighing stability, parenting history, safety, and each parent's ability to cooperate. We prepare custody cases with the same rigor we bring to trial litigation.
Legal vs. physical custody.
Legal custody governs major decisions - education, healthcare, religion. Physical custody and parenting time govern where the child lives and the schedule. We negotiate and litigate both, including joint vs. sole configurations that fit your family.
Temporary vs. final orders.
Temporary custody orders can set the tone for the entire case. We move quickly on pendente lite applications when a child's safety or stability is at risk - and we fight temporary orders that prejudice final outcomes.
Post-divorce modifications.
Relocation, schedule changes, safety concerns, and evolving needs can justify modifying custody after divorce. We handle initial determinations and post-judgment custody applications statewide.
