Child Custody Lawyer Bronx, NY

Ava G. Gutfriend Understands Your Family Dynamic

Divorce can be stressful, and separating couples can quickly come to disagreements regarding distribution of assets, money and property; however, one of the most commonly contested areas of divorce are situations that involve children. Determining custody, child support and visitation can be difficult, and many families feel stressed regarding this area of their divorce decrees.

In order to protect your parental rights and ensure that your child's best interests are kept in mind, you need to speak with our legal team. At The Law Office of Ava G. Gutfriend, our Bronx child custody attorney stands ready to provide families with trusted representation for their family law cases.

Need legal assistance? Contact us online or call (888) 448-2068 to speak with a child custody attorney in the Bronx. 

Legal vs. Physical Custody

Legal custody – This type of custody refers to the right that a parent is given to make important life decisions for their child or children. The types of decisions include matters related to religion, education, medical choices, etc.

Physical custody – This type of custody refers to which parent the child or children will live with, and therefore, which parent will primarily take care of the physical needs of the child (the parent without physical custody may still need to provide child support to helps with the child’s needs).

Sole vs. Joint Custody

Sole custody – When a parent is awarded sole custody, then that parent has full custody rights and responsibilities over the child or children. A parent can have sole legal custody, sole physical custody, or both.

Joint custody - When two parents are awarded joint custody, then both parents must share the rights and responsibilities over the child or children. Parents can have joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or both.

How a Bronx Child Custody Attorney Can Help

Retaining the representation of an experienced custody lawyer near you can provide you with the information and counsel you need to ensure that your child, family and rights are protected. Our Bronx child custody lawyer will work diligently to help provide you with a favorable outcome for your case. Once custody agreements have been reached, I will assist you and your spouse with coming to an acceptable resolution regarding child support and visitation.

Working with an attorney can help provide you with an amicable completion to your custody case. If you have questions about your situation, or if you are interested in learning how a Bronx child custody lawyer can benefit you, do not hesitate to contact my firm right away. I provide case evaluations to all potential clients.

For more info regarding custody in New York, don’t hesitate to contact our firm to speak with a lawyer in the Bronx. 

Frequently Asked Questions

At What Age Can a Child Refuse Visitation in New York?

Generally, a child cannot refuse to see a parent. You will need to wait until you are 18 years old and, therefore, no longer a minor. 

If you are 16 or 17 years old and are either married or have children of your own, then you may be able to refuse visitation. This is because you are considered an adult in the eyes of the state. 

In most cases, the only way a child can refuse visitation is if they have a valid reason (such as if that parent was convicted of domestic violence). 

Why Would a Parent Be Deemed Unfit in a Child Custody Case?

An unfit parent is one who has demonstrated that they cannot provide the care, support, or guidance that the child needs. 

Some reasons why a court may deem a parent unfit include:

• Failing to set age-appropriate limits, such as regularly letting the child watch age-inappropriate movies or other content
• Currently struggling with substance abuse or a serious mental illness
• Has a history of a lack of involvement in the child’s life
• Failing to understand and fulfill the child’s needs
• The child feels negatively about the parent
• Poor conflict resolution skills
• Child abuse or neglect

What Is the New York Standard Visitation Schedule?

The standard visitation schedule in New York grants the non-custodial parent at least:

• Overnight visits every other weekend
• A few hours one weeknight every week

Summer and holiday schedules will be tailored to your custody agreement, as well as the current calendar year.

Note that it is possible (and common) for the non-custodial parent to be given more time than what the standard visitation schedule provides. At The Law Office of Ava G. Gutfriend, we will work to secure you as much time with your child as possible.