Child Custody Attorney in Suffolk County – Larry Flowers
Larry Flowers is a criminal and civil trial attorney that has taken several cases to favorable verdicts; including but not limited to, DWI, assault, sexual assault, criminal contempt, landlord/tenant, custody and support matters and asset forfeitures. His firm also provides clients with family law and representation. Hi Child Custody Law Firm in Suffolk County is considered one of the very best in New York State.
Larry Flowers has been successful in having criminal charges dismissed after conducting pre-trial hearings and on his motion practice. Mr. Flowers has counseled clients through the drug court programs, ultimately avoiding criminal convictions and helping them understand and gain treatment for their addictions.
He has developed a style of his own that has proved very effective with both Judges and Assistant District Attorneys. His clients have come to know that he will analyze their situations with an experienced and critical eye and that he will construct the most persuasive and solid argument possible. Larry Flowers’ promise of integrity, respect and professionalism has helped forge a solid reputation with his clients and in the courts which he practices.
As an expert Suffolk County Child Custody Attorney, Larry is also extremely proud of his work representing Long Island families and providing solace for his clients who are struggling with these internal issues.
Our Child Custody Law Firm Serves Long Island Families
When filing for a divorce, an unhappy child arises from an unhappy marriage. At Flowers Law Group, P.C. we understand how custody is a huge, stressful undertaking, so our experienced attorneys can help. If you need a family lawyer, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation today. Our custody lawyers in Suffolk County NY are among some of the best within NYS.
Whether you are considering a divorce, already have gone through one, or were interested in learning about child custody laws, below is information regarding custody in NY.
How Does Custody Work?
The courts grant a custody order when a child’s care must be determined by one or both parents or by another guardian. With help from our child custody lawyers in Suffolk County NY, we can provide you with strong legal representation to help swing these rulings in your favor. There are two kinds of custody: physical and legal.
- Physical Custody
Or residential custody, states who is responsible for the supervision and care of the child. It also determines where the child will be living. As a general guideline, the child should spend equal amounts of time with each parent, unless egregious circumstances apply. Situations such as this are known as joint physical custody. Otherwise, the Judge will grant one parent physical custody, and the other will have visitation rights.
- Legal Custody
The parent with legal custody is responsible for the eminent decisions in the child’s life, such as medical decisions and religious upbringing. It can be joint legal custody where both parents make decisions together, or one parent has sole legal custody.
Who Gets Custody?
The mother and legal father generally request custody of the child. However, “extraordinary circumstances” may allow close relatives or friends to have custody if it is the best interest of the child. In these situations, you’ll require assistance from our Suffolk County child custody law firm.
Where to Start/Amend a Custody Order
In New York State, you have two options on how to start a child custody order:
- File a custody petition to be heard in front of a Judge
The court must have jurisdiction, a legal authority, to hear the case. The requirements are:
- The child has lived in New York for at least six months (or has lived in NY for his/her entire life if younger than six months).
- NYS laws have already been determined for the child regarding the previous custody order.
- The child is in NY after an unforeseen emergency in their home state.
How Custody is Determined
If both parents cannot come to a decision, there are several factors to consider. The main priority is the best interest of the child, which ranges from ideas such as:
- The religious beliefs of the parents
- Handling the child’s emotion
- The mental capacity of the parents
- Drug, alcohol, or sexual abuse from the parents
There is no set age as to when the courts consider a child’s reasonable preference. Rather, they reason with how intelligent and mature he/she is.
Changing Custody/Visitation
Once child custody is determined, it is not permanent. Both parents have the right to change their custody or visitation agreements. Additionally, they also have the right to an attorney.
If you are considering, requesting changes, or have a general question about child custody, contact us to request a consultation with Flowers Law Group, P.C. today.
Child Custody and Visitation Laws in New York
For most, divorce can be a difficult and painful process. And for families going through a divorce with children, the custody and visitation decisions that follow can be even more difficult. Fortunately, with the help of a Child Custody Law Firm in Suffolk County, you can have someone by your side during the process who understands how difficult the process is and knows the laws surrounding custody and visitation.
Laws Regarding Child Custody in New York:
- Custody is the authority to make decisions regarding a child’s medical care, education, religious upbringing, and other areas of care.
- Sole custody refers to one parent having the authority to make decisions for the child’s care, whereas joint custody refers to both parents (and sometimes other caregivers) having this authority.
- Physical Custody, or Primary Placement, refers to who the child lives with primarily.
- Both the mother and legal father of the child can file for custody.
- Relatives and friends of the child can request custody after proving there are “extraordinary circumstances” making them eligible and why it is in the child’s best interest.
- The court decides who gets custody of the child based on which arrangement is best for the child. This can be determined from each parent’s lifestyle, any substance abuse, domestic abuse, etc.
It is important to remember that anyone can file for custody of the child. Neither the mother nor the father has a greater right to custody. At the end of the day, the court looks to the best interest of the child when making a final decision, not either parent’s preference. Additionally, an Attorney for the Child is assigned to the child to hear their ideal circumstances during the process.
Laws Regarding Visitation in New York:
- Either of the parents, siblings, half-siblings, and grandparents can file for visitation.
- Parents have the right to frequent and meaningful visitation of the child unless otherwise proved to be harmful.
- Supervised visitation refers to the parent having the right to see their child, as long as another adult (social worker, family member, etc.) is present as well as a monitor. The location of the visits is also determined by the judge.
- If a person is seen as fit to visit and take care of their child, they can acquire unsupervised visitation.
- The amount of time allotted for visitation is determined by the person’s emotional intelligence, stability, and safety.
- If there is a change of circumstances, either parent can file a petition to change the court visitation ruling.
Contacting a Child Custody Law Firm in Suffolk County can be extremely beneficial in providing someone going through one of these battles with expert knowledge needed to properly settle their dispute.
What Factors Play Into A Judge’s Decision For Child Custody After Divorce?
Child Custody Law Firm in Suffolk County Provides Guidance
In all cases of divorce, the judges use what is known as the “best interest of the child” standard for settling custody disputes. To determine what is best on a case by case basis, judges tend to take certain aspects into account. At Flowers Law Group, we have helped many parents win custody disputes. Our family court lawyer in Suffolk County NY, knows which factors a judge will focus on, and will help build your case to achieve a favorable outcome.
Your Living Situation
Unsurprisingly, your living situation following a divorce will have a direct impact on a judge’s custody decision. At times, the spouse that stays in the family home is awarded custody to keep stability in a child’s life. Additionally, parents in between permanent housing will have a difficult time gaining primary custody. Other factors regarding your living situation that are considered usually include some of the following:
- The proximity of your home to your spouse’s.
- The location of your child’s school in comparison to your home.
- In some cases, the ability to transport your child to sporting and social events will also be taken into consideration.
Cooperation Between Spouses
Our family court lawyer in Suffolk County NY, recommends that even if you now have bad blood with your spouse, you should always do your best to cooperate with them. Parents who bad mouth their spouse in front of their child or interfere with visitation will limit their chances of securing a favorable outcome. When trying to win a custody dispute, showing you are cooperative will show that you care more about the well being of your child then you do about your dispute with your partner. It will lead to a more favorable result for all parties involved.
Assessment Of Stability
One of the main goals of judges who oversee custody disputes will be to keep a child’s life as stable as possible. To help secure a favorable custody outcome, our family court lawyer will help show the courts that the major aspects of your life will not change following a divorce.
Additional Factors
Since the well-being of the child will take precedence in a judge’s decision for custody, many factors will need to be considered so the best outcome can be reached. Additional factors that will be looked at by a judge usually include:
- The mental and physical health of the parents.
- The wishes of the parents.
- The child’s age.
- The number of children involved in the dispute.
Flowers Law Group – Child Custody Law Firm in Suffolk County
When the matter of custody disputes arise in a divorce case, the team at Flowers Law Group knows it will always be a parent’s top priority. To build a winning custody case, you’ll need the help of our family court lawyer in Suffolk County, NY. Contact our team today to take the first step in getting your child the outcome they deserve.
Navigating Custody Battles After Divorce: Insights from Flowers Law Group
Divorce is an emotionally challenging journey, and when children are involved, the complexity can escalate. Custody battles are one of the most sensitive aspects of divorce proceedings, requiring careful consideration and legal expertise. If you’re facing this difficult situation in Suffolk County, you need a compassionate and experienced child custody law firm like Flowers Law Group in Suffolk County. Visit our website to learn more about our services!
Understanding the Role of a Child Custody Law Firm in Suffolk County
A child custody law firm is pivotal in upholding the children’s best interests during a divorce. Flowers Law Group, a respected name in the legal arena, specializes in navigating the complexities of custody battles in Suffolk County. Their team of experienced attorneys understands these cases’ emotional nuances and legal intricacies.
Regarding child custody disputes, having a child custody law firm in Suffolk County, like Flowers Law Group, can provide relief and assurance. Their knowledgeable attorneys work tirelessly to protect your rights as a parent while striving for a custody arrangement that supports the well-being of your children.
Assessment of Unique Family Dynamics
Every family is unique, as are the dynamics that shape custody battles. Flowers Law Group recognizes the importance of understanding each family’s distinct situation. As your chosen child custody law firm in Suffolk County, they take the time to assess these dynamics, offering tailored legal strategies that align with your family’s needs.
During the initial consultations, Flowers Law Group delves into the specifics of your family’s situation. They gather insights into the children’s relationships, routines, and preferences, along with your concerns and aspirations. Armed with this comprehensive understanding, their attorneys craft a robust legal approach that considers the intricacies of your case.
Negotiation and Mediation Expertise
In many instances, amicable resolutions can be reached through negotiation and mediation, sparing families the emotional turmoil of courtroom battles. Flowers Law Group excels in negotiation and mediation, aiming to find common ground and facilitate productive discussions between both parties.
As your dedicated child custody law firm in Suffolk County, Flowers Law Group seeks solutions prioritizing collaboration and cooperation. Their attorneys adeptly navigate these alternative dispute resolution methods to create custody arrangements that reflect the children’s best interests while addressing both parents’ concerns. Schedule a free consultation with our family law attorney today! We are the premier Suffolk county family law office!
Litigation when Necessary
While negotiation and mediation are often preferred, there are cases where litigation becomes inevitable. In such instances, Flowers Law Group stands as a strong advocate for your rights and the well-being of your children. Their attorneys bring extensive courtroom experience, providing you with expert representation throughout the litigation process.
Flowers Law Group understands that litigation can be emotionally taxing, especially involving children. Their compassionate approach ensures that you’re supported every step of the way, offering legal guidance and emotional understanding during this challenging time.
Child Custody Law Firm in Suffolk County
Child custody battles are undoubtedly some of a divorce’s most emotionally charged aspects. Navigating these delicate proceedings requires the expertise of a child custody law firm in Suffolk County that possesses legal acumen and demonstrates empathy and a commitment to your family’s well-being. Flowers Law Group exemplifies these qualities as a beacon of support for families facing custody disputes.
Flowers Law Group covers every angle to secure the best possible outcome for you and your children, from assessing unique family dynamics to skillfully negotiating resolutions or advocating in the courtroom. Amid the uncertainty, you can trust Flowers Law Group to provide clarity, guidance, and unwavering support as you navigate the intricate path of custody battles after divorce. Contact us today!
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