Navigating Family Court – Child Support, Custody, and Visitation

Family court issues can be emotional and legal nightmares, especially concerning child support, custody, and visitation. If you are a parent going through these struggles in Suffolk County, Nassau County, or anywhere on Long Island, understanding your rights and legal options is very important. Family law attorney Shawn R. Kassman is committed to guiding clients through these problematic proceedings with professional legal support.

Child Support in New York

Child support provides the well-being necessary for two parents to care for their children. In New York, child support is determined based on the percentage applied in CSSA, an act that determines payments from the total income accumulated by parents.

Main Factors Determining Child Support

  • Number of children
  • Total income of the two parents involved
  • Extra costs such as health care, childcare, and education, among others
  • Every parent’s contribution toward child support and visitation arrangement

New York courts generally adhere to the following guidelines:

  • 17% of joint parental income for one child
  • 25% for two children
  • 29% for three children
  • 31% for four children
  • No less than 35% of five or more children

A parent may petition for modifications to child support payments if there are significant changes in financial circumstances. If you need assistance filing for or modifying child support, consulting an experienced lawyer like Shawn R. Kassman can help you navigate the legal process effectively.

Child Custody: Legal and Physical Custody Explained

Custody decisions in New York are based on the child’s best interests. Family courts distinguish between two types of custody:

  • Legal Custody: Determines which parent can make important decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and general welfare.
  • Physical Custody: Determines where the child will reside and how parenting time is allocated between parents.

Factors Courts Consider in Custody Cases

The court evaluates several factors when making custody decisions, such as:

  • Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment
  • The preference of the child (if the child is old enough and mature enough)
  • Parental involvement in the child’s education and healthcare
  • Any history of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
  • The willingness of each parent to encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent.

In some cases, joint custody arrangements are favored if both parents demonstrate a cooperative co-parenting ability. However, seeking legal counsel from a family law attorney can help protect your parental rights if disputes arise.

The Law Offices of Shawn R. Kassman is the source of professional representation for people in Suffolk County, Nassau County, and surrounding areas such as Bayshore, Oakdale, Sayville, Riverhead, Port Jefferson, Brentwood, and Holtsville who need child support lawyers in child support disputes. We are situated in the heart of Central Islip, so we can best help clients with the complexity of Child Support Disputes

Visitation and Parenting Time

Visitation Rights and Parenting Time

If one parent is awarded primary physical custody, the non-custodial parent is typically granted visitation rights, ensuring they maintain a meaningful relationship with their child.

Types of Visitation Arrangements

  • Unsupervised Visitation: This is the most common type, in which the non-custodial parent can spend time with the child without supervision.
  • Supervised Visitation: This occurs when there are concerns regarding the child’s safety. A third party, such as a social worker or family member, supervises the visit.
  • Virtual Visitation: Video calls and online communication can supplement in-person visits, mainly in long-distance arrangements.

Changing Custody or Visitation Orders

If the circumstances of the case change, for example, if a parent moves, the child’s needs change, or there is a problem with substance abuse, either parent may file a motion to modify custody or visitation orders. Courts will only grant modifications if they find that they are in the best interest of the child.

How a Family Court Lawyer Can Help?

Handling child support, custody, and visitation disputes can be complex and needs professional legal expertise. Shawn R. Kassman is an experienced family law attorney in Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Long Island who can help with:

  • Child Support and Modifications Cases
  • Custody Disputes Between Parents
  • Visitation Agreements Made Equitable
  • Enforcing Court Orders in Case of Non-compliance by the Opponent
  • Parental Rights Advocacy before the court

Why Choose Shawn R. Kassman?

Shawn R. Kassman is an experienced family law attorney who specializes in providing parent-centered legal help to parents of children who often find themselves facing challenges in family court. He always focuses on the well-being of a child while advocating for his client’s rights.

If you are addressing a child support, custody, or visitation case in Suffolk County, Nassau County, or anywhere on Long Island, contact Shawn R. Kassman today for consultation and take your first step forward in securing the rights of both you and your child.

Need Legal Assistance? Contact Us Today! 631-232-9479, Email: info@centralisliplawyer.com

Whether you’re dealing with, Child Support Disputes, Visitation Proceedings, Wills Trust and Estates Law, Uncontested Divorce, Criminal Law, Divorce, Family Law, Estate Administration, Real Estate Law, Traffic Tickets, Real Estate & Landlord Tenant Law, Traffic Violations, DWI / DUI – Driving While Intoxicated, Driving With Suspended License issues, or need expert legal guidance throughout Suffolk County and Nassau County, the Law Office of Shawn Kassman is here to help. Visit us at: 83 Carleton Ave., Central Islip, NY 11722

Be the first to write a comment.

Your feedback