Long Island Child Custody Lawyer

About Child Custody in Long Island

Determining child custody is often one the most difficult issues to resolve in a Long Island family court.  Emotions are running high, and negative feelings can make it difficult for parents to come to a mutual agreement.  If you are trying to reach a child custody arrangement, hiring a persuasive and determined attorney can be highly beneficial. When you retain the services of Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, we will use our extensive experience in family law in order to protect your best interests and seek the custody arrangement that meets your unique needs and desires. Our firm represents clients throughout Long Island in all types of child custody matters.

It's important in any child custody case for the parents to put the child's needs and best interests before anything else. When parents cannot amicably reach a custody agreement, the court will intervene and decide upon an arrangement based on what they believe is best for the child. There are a number of factors a judge will take into consideration when determining child custody, such as:

The financial income and security of each parent

• Each parent's physical and mental heath
• Each parent's ability to provide for the child
• The quality of care each parent can offer the child
• The child's current lifestyle
• The child's current living situation
• If the child will be separated from siblings
• The child's preference (if of a certain age)
• The child's relationship with each parent
• Any instances of abuse or domestic violence

Types of Child Custody on Long Island

There are two types of child custody that need to be addressed: physical custody and legal custody.

Physical custody refers to where the child physically resides. Physical custody can be shared, meaning the child will spend time living with both parents, or one parent can be granted sole physical custody. When one parent has sole physical custody of the child, the other parent is generally granted visitation rights.

The parent with legal custody has the authority to make all legal decisions on behalf of the child, such as those pertaining to healthcare, education, religion, and general well-being.  Legal custody can either be shared between both parents (joint legal custody), or granted exclusively to one parent and not the other.

Contact a Long Island Child Custody Attorney

A custody battle is never easy for anyone involved. Not only is it stressful for the parents, but it can be traumatic for the child. At Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, P.C., we understand the delicate nature of these cases and we address them in a caring and professional manner. We also recognize that taking an aggressive approach is necessary for protecting the rights and best interest of our clients. We are fully committed to negotiating for an arrangement that meets the needs of our clients and their children. Furthermore, we provide every client with useful resources, strict confidentiality, and reliable representation.

Contact a Long Island child custody lawyer for help with your case.