Child Custody & Visitation

Child Custody & Visitation Rights in New York

Lawyer Serving Long Island, the City of New York, & Westchester County

One of the most important ‑ and contested ‑ aspects of a divorce and in family law is that of child custody and parenting time, also known as visitation. Parents who are going through a custody dispute should obtain a solid understanding of how child custody works. They should know the difference between physical and legal custody of their child(ren) as well as how New York determines issues of custody and visitation if the parties are unable to resolve their differences. It is important to enlist the aggressive representation of a divorce and family law attorney if you are engaged in a custody dispute.

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    Thank you for being so kind and understanding over the past few years while Joey handled my divorce. I appreciate all you and Joey have done for me, as a matter of fact, Joey has been and always will be my “My Rock”! She has an extraordinary handle on me, she has kept me grounded, sane, professional, informed, educated and taught me the importance to handle the marital conflicts with the utmost maturity, and kept me out of trouble with any frivolous charges my ex may have tried to put me in. I owe it all to Joey!!! Without her in my world, I am not sure where I would be today. I do know I am in a much better world because of her!!!
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Physical vs. Legal Custody

It is important to understand the concepts of physical versus legal custody, as well as sole custody versus joint custody. Physical custody refers to the actual place where the child lives. The parent with physical custody is said to have residential custody. The parent who does not have residential custody, who is said to be the non-custodial parent, will be entitled to parenting time with their child. Joint physical custody involves an arrangement where both parents equally share parenting time with their child. Legal custody refers to the parent who has the right and responsibility to make important decisions of the child's life, including what school they attend, what medical facility they go to, and how decisions are made regarding religious upbringing and related matters. Joint legal custody is the shared right and responsibility of both parents to make important decisions in their child's life.

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