Nassau County Child Custody Attorney

Father holding his daughter's hand

Child custody can be a challenging issue to resolve divorcing couples and unwed parents in Nassau County. That’s where Aiello and DiFalco, LLP can assist you. Let our experienced child custody attorney guide you to a real-world solution. 

Our team has extensive experience drafting custody agreements and a proven history of resolving contested custody matters centered on special needs children and domestic violence. We aim to reach mutually acceptable solutions in custody and parenting time cases but will litigate if necessary to settle the matter. 

Above all, we will work in your child’s best interests and help protect your parental rights. Conveniently located in Garden City, we represent clients throughout Nassau County. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation. 

Understanding Child Custody in Nassau County

Generally, child custody is divided into two main parts – physical and legal custody:

  • Physical custody considers where your child lives and the other parent’s rights (the one your child doesn’t live with) to visit or spend time with them.
  • Legal custody focuses on decision-making for your child, including choices about their health, education, and general well-being.

Other custody terms to understand include:

  • Sole custody refers to decision-making authority in which one parent makes all the decisions for the child. However, the other parent may have visitation rights and must be consulted or notified about significant choices. 
  • Joint custody also refers to decision-making whereby the parents must confer on any critical decisions affecting their child. If the parties cannot agree, they may need to consult professionals (e.g., a doctor or counselor) to reach a decision. In some cases, one parent may have final decision-making authority; in others, each parent may have a sphere of influence over specific choices. 

What is Parenting Time/Visitation?

In cases where the child spends most of their time with their “primary residential” or custodial parent, the child must allocate visitation or “parenting time” to the noncustodial parent. In shared custody cases, the parents have nearly equal parenting time and try to achieve 50/50 custody. 

Parents must also agree on visitation that addresses weekdays, alternating weekends, holidays, and school releases. The best outcome in amicable cases may involve joint legal custody with generous parenting time. In contentious child custody cases, our Nassau County child custody attorneys are well-prepared to advocate for your position in family court. 

Your Children’s Best Interests

When determining your children’s primary residence post-divorce, the courts only intervene if you and the other parent cannot agree. Notably, the laws in New York do not favor parents or mothers and fathers having equal parenting rights.  

Ultimately, the courts prioritize your child’s best interests and consider several factors in making a custody determination, including: 

  • Child’s needs: Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s physical, emotional, and social needs.
  • Parenting skills: Each parent’s ability to care for and raise the child.
  • Health: Each parent’s mental and physical health.
  • Supporting relationships: Each parent’s willingness to maintain and support a loving relationship between the children and the other parent.
  • Children’s wishes: The courts will consider the child’s preferences depending on age.
  • Safety concerns: Domestic violence or substance abuse issues influence child custody and parenting time determinations.

Trust us to help you resolve child custody and parenting time issues amicably and create a safe, supportive, and loving environment for your children.

How Our Firm Can Help

Child custody matters can be emotionally challenging and complex. Let Aiello & DiFalco guide you in finding a workable solution for custody, visitation rights, and parenting time.

We prefer to settle child custody matters through negotiation and mediation, but we are always ready to represent you in custody hearings if necessary.

While many custody cases can and should be resolved expediently, we have handled complex custody disputes requiring lengthy trials. Regardless of your circumstances, we will offer you informed guidance and emotional support through every step. By understanding the unique issues facing you, we will work to protect your parental rights and prioritize your child’s best interests. 

Talk To A Nassau County Child Custody Attorney Today!

We all want what’s best for our children, but getting there requires patience, skill, and understanding. Contact Aiello & DiFalco today for the compassionate, effective representation you need and deserve.