How to Get Full Custody of Your Child in Brooklyn
Our Family Law Lawyers Can Construct Your Strongest Case
In a custody case, the guiding principle for a court in New York is what
it considers “the best interests of the child.” But, there's
no easy formula for determining what constitutes the child's best
interests, especially when there are so many factors to consider. With
more than 45 combined years of experience, our
Brooklyn child custody attorneys at Coffinas & Lusthaus, P.C. have fought tough custody battles throughout
the metro New York area. We understand the operation of the law and the
tendencies of the court. If you are determined to obtain full custody
of your child(ren), we have the knowledge, experience, and tenacity to
present your strongest case.
Contact our firm at (718) 717-1005 today. We look forward to helping you.
What the Court Looks for in a Child Custody Disputes
Unlike some other states, New York does not have a strong presumption in favor of
joint child custody. In fact, where parents have difficulty coming to an agreement about how
to raise their children, the court favors sole custody to the parent who
is best suited to exercise these rights and responsibilities. If you and
your spouse have strong disagreements about how to manage the health and
welfare of your children, it's pretty certain the court will award
one of you sole custody. But who? This is where we help you.
Factors the court may consider include:
- The age and health of the parents
- Parents' mental health and emotional stability
- Parents' alcohol or drug use
- Parents' work schedules and availability
- History of domestic abuse / violence
- Forensic evaluation
- Home environment
- Child's preferences
- Parents' behavior as observed in court
- Past experience as primary caretaker
- Parent's willingness to foster a relationship between the child and
the other parent
Making the Most of Facts and Forensic Evidence
The court will make its ruling based on the totality of the circumstances. Our
Brooklyn divorce lawyers do everything we can within the bounds of the law to present you in the
best possible light and to raise the court's awareness of any concerns
regarding your spouse. Often, a key factor is the forensic evaluation
that a mental health professional provides to the court. This report details
interviews, tests, and observations done with both parents, the children,
and any other members of the household.
Industrious evaluators might also interview adults who've had interactions
with you and your children, including school officials, teachers, and
counselors. The evaluator may testify in court regarding his or her findings.
Coffinas & Lusthaus, P.C. conducts a thorough review of the report.
Then we aggressively examine the evaluator on the witness stand to reinforce
positive impressions of you and rebut any negative assertions. We are
meticulous in using every factual detail necessary to improve your chances
of gaining sole custody.
Get aggressive child custody litigation from our tough firm!
Coffinas & Lusthaus, P.C. provides parents in the five boroughs, Westchester,
and Nassau with aggressive advocacy in child custody cases. We know what
is necessary to win sole custody for your children. We intentionally limit
our caseloads, so if you want our services,
call today at (718) 717-1005.