State Custody Attorneys

When children under the age of 18 are subjected to physical, psychological, or emotional abuse or neglect, they may be removed from their homes and placed into the custody of the state. The state has an obligation to protect children from abusive, violent, and neglectful parents.  If your child has been removed from your custody, it’s important to contact an experienced lawyer immediately. At Wisselman, Harounian & Associates P.C., we can protect your parental rights and ensure that your child was not unjustly taken from your home. 

Before a child can be removed from his or her home, someone must file a petition with the New York Administration for Children’s Services (Child Protective Services). Once a child has been removed from his or her home, a judge must then determine if the accusations against the child’s parents are true and valid.  If the judge finds that the accusations are justifiable, then he or she will schedule a dispositional hearing.

Before the hearing begins, the Administration for Children’s Services will investigate the allegations against the parents, and submit a report of their findings to the judge.  During the hearing, the judge will take into account a number of factors before determining the custody of the child, such as the report submitted by the Administration for Children’s Services, testimony from the child’s parents, and recommendations from relevant parties. 

Once the judge has evaluated and analyzed all of the evidence, information, and testimony, he or she will make a decision based on what is in the best interests of the child.  The judge may rule to release the child back into the custody of his or her parents, or the judge may feel the parents are not suitable to retain custody of the child. In that situation, the child will be kept in New York state custody. It should be noted that a judge may choose to postpone making a final decision, in which case the child would remain in state custody until a final judgment has been made.

Contact our Long Island Custody Attorneys

If your child has been taken into state custody, it’s important to contact one of our experienced child custody lawyers as soon as possible. At Wisselman, Harounian & Associates P.C., we have over 30 years of experience in child custody law, and can competently guide you through this often stressful and difficult legal process. We will evaluate your case, inform you of your rights, and advise you of the best way to proceed. In addition, we can help you build a strong case by interviewing credible witnesses and collecting solid evidence.  You may feel overwhelmed by your situation but it’s important not to give up! By contacting one of our skilled Long Island child custody attorneys, we can stand up for you in court and increase your chances of receiving a favorable verdict.

To contact a Long Island child custody lawyer at Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, please call (516) 773-8300.

Contact Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, P.C.

Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, P.C. is proud to provide legal representation for clients in the New York Metropolitan area, including:  Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, New York City, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Rockland Counties and New Jersey.