Child Custody Lawyer Nassau County, NY

When parents in Nassau County face a dispute over custody of their children, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Child custody determinations affect not only where a child lives but also how major decisions about education, healthcare, and religious upbringing are made. In New York, custody cases are heard in Family Court or as part of a divorce proceeding in Supreme Court, and the standard applied is the best interests of the child. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents parents throughout Nassau County in custody matters, including initial custody determinations, modifications of existing orders, and relocation requests. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel understand the procedural landscape of the Nassau County Family Court and the Nassau County Supreme Court, and they work with parents to present a complete picture of the child’s needs and each parent’s capabilities. For a consultation about your custody matter, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Child Custody Means in Nassau County, New York

Child custody in New York involves two separate components: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about the child, including education, medical treatment, and religious training. Physical custody determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis. Courts in Nassau County may award sole custody to one parent or joint custody, where both parents share decision-making authority or parenting time. The overriding principle under New York law is the best interests of the child, a standard that requires the court to weigh a range of factors including the child’s relationship with each parent, the stability of each home environment, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.

Nassau County custody matters are typically filed in Nassau County Family Court when the parents are not married or when the custody issue arises independently of a divorce. If the parents are married and seeking a divorce, custody is addressed as part of the matrimonial proceeding in Nassau County Supreme Court. The court may order a forensic evaluation, appoint an attorney for the child, or direct the parties to mediation depending on the circumstances. Our New York location serves clients navigating all of these procedural pathways, and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are experienced in presenting custody cases in both Family Court and Supreme Court settings.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Child Custody Cases

Child custody matters require careful preparation and a clear understanding of the statutory factors that guide judicial decision-making. When a parent retains Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., the legal team begins by gathering all relevant facts about the family’s history, the child’s daily routine, educational and medical needs, and each parent’s involvement in caregiving. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review any existing court orders, school records, and communications between the parents to build a comprehensive picture of the child’s circumstances.

In court, the firm presents evidence, examines witnesses, and cross‑examines the other party’s witnesses to demonstrate why the proposed custody arrangement serves the child’s best interests. If the other parent has raised allegations of unfitness, the legal team investigates those claims and challenges insufficient or unreliable evidence. For parents seeking to modify an existing order, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel demonstrate the material change in circumstances that warrants the modification. Throughout the process, the firm works toward a resolution that supports the child’s well‑being while protecting the parent’s relationship with the child. Because timelines and specific procedures vary depending on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the case, every matter receives individual case review.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he brings a perspective shaped by courtroom experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Together with his Of Counsel, he provides representation in child custody cases throughout Nassau County.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm’s New York location serves clients from Mineola, Garden City, Hempstead, Long Beach, Valley Stream, Hicksville, Levittown, Freeport, Rockville Centre, Glen Cove, Oyster Bay, Great Neck, Massapequa, Syosset, and surrounding communities. For a consultation about your custody matter, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors does a Nassau County court consider when deciding child custody?

A court considers the child’s best interests, weighing factors such as each parent’s ability to provide a stable home, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. New York courts also evaluate which parent is more likely to foster the child’s relationship with the other parent, the child’s preferences if the child is of sufficient age and maturity, and the mental and physical health of all involved. The court may also consider any findings from a court‑ordered forensic evaluation. In Nassau County, these factors are applied in both Family Court and Supreme Court proceedings.

Can I get joint custody in Nassau County?

Yes, joint custody is an option when both parents demonstrate the ability to cooperate and make decisions together in the child’s best interests. Joint legal custody means the parents share the right to make major decisions, while joint physical custody involves shared parenting time. The court does not automatically grant joint custody; it must find that such an arrangement serves the child’s best interests. If there is a history of conflict, abuse, or a parent’s unwillingness to communicate, the court may instead award sole custody to one parent.

How is child support related to custody in New York?

Child support in New York is calculated using a statutory formula based on a percentage of the combined parental income, and custody arrangements affect the amount because the non‑custodial parent typically pays support to the custodial parent. The formula applies a set percentage depending on the number of children: 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more children, on combined income up to a statutory cap, with discretion for income above that amount. Even when parents share physical custody, support may still be ordered to balance the households’ financial resources.

Can a custody order be modified in Nassau County?

Yes, a custody order may be modified if the parent seeking the change shows a material change in circumstances that affects the child’s best interests. A petition for modification is filed in the court that issued the original order. Common grounds include a parent’s relocation, a change in the child’s needs, or a parent’s inability to provide a safe environment. The court will hold a hearing to determine whether the requested modification is appropriate. It is advisable to seek legal guidance because the burden of proof rests on the party requesting the change.

Do I need a lawyer for a child custody case in Nassau County?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but legal representation can help you understand court procedures, present evidence effectively, and protect your parental rights. Custody cases involve complex legal standards and procedural rules. A lawyer can help you prepare petitions, gather supporting documentation, and examine witnesses. For a consultation about your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Official New York Primary Sources

The following official sources provide further information on child custody law in New York:

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.