Child Custody

New York Child Custody Lawyers

While other issues related to a marriage ending can sometimes be resolved peacefully, child custody can become the catalyst for a prolonged legal battle. At Hirshfeld & Hirshfeld in New City, New York, our child custody attorneys recognize the importance and sensitivity of child custody.

Sadly, children are often used as a means to get a larger financial settlement in a divorce. The custodial parent is more likely to receive more money at the non-custodial parent's expense. At Hirshfeld & Hirshfeld, We make the children the most important priority in every custody case.

When meeting with clients regarding the prospect of child custody litigation, we candidly tell them what to expect. Child custody hearings follow a relatively set pattern. A law guardian will often be appointed to represent the interests of the children and forensic evaluations by psychologists or psychiatrists will often be ordered. If an agreement cannot be reached after the report of the law guardian or forensic examiner, we will start preparing your custody case for trial.

Relationships beyond the divorce need to be taken into account, especially between the children and the parents. If the intention is to go to war over child custody, then you must understand that there will be causalities. Family law in the state of New York will always put the best interests of the children first.

Our job at Hirshfeld & Hirshfeld is to ensure that you understand the factors that the court will consider in determining what is in the child's best interests. You need to be well informed in order to make good decisions throughout the litigation process. Only after you know what the court will be looking for and have been advised of the financial and emotional cost of the proceeding, can you make a reasoned and informed decision on how to proceed.

At Hirshfeld & Hirshfeld, we believe the best way to represent your interests is to follow a two-tier approach. First, we discuss all issues with you, answer all of your questions, and ensure you understand all of the issues involved. Second, we always prepare your case as if it is going to trial, while at the same time, we will pursue mediation to obtain an agreeable resolution.

For more information or to schedule an appointment regarding child custody or joint custody, please contact an experienced attorney at Hirshfeld & Hirshfeld today.