Family Law Attorney in Suffolk County

Areas of Practice

Family law matters can be difficult and contentious. We provide compassionate, attentive legal services at each stage of the process.

Our Suffolk County law firm handles matters involving:

• Divorce: We handle contested and uncontested cases, divorce over 50 (gray divorce), high-income divorce, and same-sex divorce. As an alternative to dissolution, we can also help you file for legal separation.
• Child Custody: Legal custody concerns decisions relating to the welfare of the child, including schooling. Physical custody determines which parent’s home the child lives in. If a custody dispute arises, we advocate for your rights and your child’s best interests.
• Child Support: New York law generally requires the parent who doesn’t have primary physical custody to make support payments to the custodial parent. The amount is usually calculated using the parents’ combined gross income and the number of children involved. Each parent must prepare a Statement of Net Worth, and our lawyers can guide you through that document.
• Child Visitation: A court-approved visitation schedule can preserve regular contact between a parent and child after separation. When visitation becomes contentious, we advocate for a workable resolution that protects you and your children.
• Child Relocation: Relocation can intensify an already difficult parenting dispute, particularly when one parent seeks to move without the other parent’s approval. Our Suffolk County lawyers can address the legal and practical issues involved.
• Enforcement and Modification: Refusing to comply with an order involving support or custody can lead to fines, imprisonment, or other legal penalties. If the other parent has violated an order, contact us immediately. We also handle modifications of support provisions and custody orders for parents following dramatic financial changes or substantial changes affecting the children’s best interests.
• Domestic Violence: Survivors of domestic violence in New York may pursue protection through family court, criminal court, or both. Contact us if you believe you need a family court order of protection from a current or former household member.
• Orders of Protection: In New York, both family court and the Supreme Court may issue an order of protection restraining a violent or potentially violent spouse or related person as defined by statute. The terms may require an abusive parent to leave the home or stay away from the children. Contact our family law attorney in Suffolk County right away if you believe you need an order of protection.
• Abuse & Neglect: We represent parents seeking to protect a child from abuse or neglect and those wrongfully accused of such conduct. Our NY family law firm provides focused, supportive representation when parental rights are at stake.
• Adoption: Adoption involves legal requirements that can affect how smoothly the process moves forward. Contact our Suffolk County family lawyer for counsel on these issues.

Equitable Distribution in New York Divorce

New York Domestic Relations Law § 236 provides for the equitable distribution of marital property. Equitable means fair under the circumstances, not an automatic 50-50 split. The court distinguishes marital property from separate property before applying the relevant statutory factors.

Factors considered in equitable distribution include:

• Each spouse’s income and property when the marriage began and when the divorce action commenced.
• The duration of the marriage and the age and health of both spouses.
• The loss of inheritance rights, pension rights, or health insurance benefits because of the divorce.
• Any wasteful dissipation of marital assets by either spouse.

The facts and financial records determine how these factors apply. We develop a strategy that addresses the property questions involved while accounting for related matters such as spousal maintenance and support.

Suffolk County Matrimonial Mediation

The Suffolk County Supreme Court Matrimonial Mediation Program is available to parties with a contested divorce pending in Suffolk County. The assigned judge screens cases for possible referral, and the parties don’t pay to attend or participate.

Mediation allows the parties to discuss disputed issues, but it isn’t appropriate in every case. Allegations of domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, or a severe power imbalance can make it unsuitable. A referred case remains on a dual track with its assigned judge, so participation doesn’t delay the pending matrimonial case.

What to Expect from Family Law Representation

We begin with a free initial consultation to identify the legal issues, understand your family circumstances, and discuss the applicable process. We then develop a strategy around your priorities and maintain open communication as the matter progresses.

Some disputes can be resolved through negotiation. Others require motion practice, hearings, or trial. We negotiate where possible and provide assertive representation when court proceedings are necessary.

An agreement or judicial order can create enforceable obligations involving support, parenting time, custody, spousal maintenance, or protection. We explain those obligations so you can make informed decisions at each stage.