Brooklyn Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Lawyer Brooklyn, NY

New York family law courts make child custody decisions based on the best interests of the child or children. We know that you want to spend as much time as possible with your child, and as their parent, have strong opinions about what is in their best interest. How can a judge, who has never met your child, truly know what is best?

Our Brooklyn child custody lawyer helps you show the family law judge why your proposed custody arrangement is in your child’s interest. We build a strong case showing that you are an active, positive influence in your child’s life, and that your actions and behavior create a stable, safe environment for your child to grow up in. If you have concerns about your child’s other parent, we swiftly address those, especially if there is a history of family violence, substance abuse, or instability. We’re here to help you protect your child and ensure that the right orders are issued by the court.

In many cases, the judge may order both parents to mediation to see if they can work out a shared custody schedule that reflects their child’s best interests. As your attorney, we can advise you in mediation, helping you preserve a cordial relationship with your child’s other parent so you can effectively co-parent. If you cannot work out an acceptable custody arrangement, we’re prepared to present your petition in court.

Why Our Experience Matters In Child Custody Cases

Our firm has decades of experience crafting compelling arguments to present to family law judges. We know how to frame your position as being truly in your child’s best interest, and we fight to help you protect your family.

• Firm founder Daniel E. Clement has been honored by Super Lawyers for his legal expertise and dedication to client needs

• Our firm has a 10.0 rating on AVVO for divorce attorneys, a perfect score as ranked by peers and clients

• Daniel served as an active member of the Matrimonial Committee of the New York City Bar Association

• We have dozens of five-star reviews on Google and Justia from satisfied clients we have helped through the divorce process

Are you facing a child custody battle with your child’s other parent? Get the support you need from the Law Office of Daniel Clement. Call our Brooklyn child custody lawyer today for a consultation.

Types of Child Custody Cases We Handle in Brooklyn, NY

Child custody matters are among the most personal and significant legal issues a parent can face. Knowing the different types of custody arrangements and common dispute scenarios can help you better understand what to expect during the process.

• Legal Custody Disputes: Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make major decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Courts in New York generally prefer joint legal custody when both parents can communicate and cooperate effectively.

• Physical Custody Arrangements: Physical custody determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis. One parent may have primary physical custody while the other has a structured visitation schedule, or the child may split time more evenly between both homes.

• Joint Custody Cases: Joint custody arrangements require ongoing cooperation between parents. These cases often arise when both parents are actively involved in the child’s life and want to maintain that involvement after separation or divorce.

• Sole Custody Cases: A parent may seek sole custody when there are concerns about the other parent’s ability to provide a safe and stable environment. Courts evaluate these requests based on the best interests of the child.

• Custody Modifications: Circumstances change, and an existing custody order may no longer reflect a child’s current needs. A parent can petition the court to modify an order when there has been a substantial change in circumstances.

• Relocation Disputes: When a custodial parent wants to move to another city or state, the other parent may have grounds to contest the relocation. New York courts weigh the impact the move would have on the child’s relationship with both parents.

• Interstate Custody Cases: When parents live in different states, determining which state has jurisdiction over the custody matter adds another layer to the process. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, or UCCJEA, governs these situations across the country.

• Unmarried Parents: Parents who were never married still have full rights to seek custody or visitation. Establishing paternity is often the first step before a custody arrangement can be formalized.

• Grandparent Visitation: Under certain circumstances, grandparents in New York may petition for visitation rights. These cases typically arise when the relationship between the grandparent and child has been disrupted by family conflict or the loss of a parent.

• Emergency Custody Orders: When a child faces an immediate risk of harm, a parent can request an emergency custody order from the court. These situations move quickly and require clear documentation of the threat to the child’s safety.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, millions of children in the United States live in single-parent households, reflecting how common custody arrangements have become across the country. 

The Law Office of Daniel Clement represents parents in Brooklyn and throughout New York in a full range of custody matters, from initial agreements to contested modifications. If you are dealing with a custody dispute or need to establish a parenting plan, reaching out to a child custody lawyer in Brooklyn can help you understand your rights and take the right steps forward for your child.

What Our Clients Say

Very knowledgeable. Daniel made things much easier in my custody case. He helped me to prepare and with his recommendation we avoided going thru the pain of a trial.
Thanks a lot Daniel!

– Felipe R.

Law Office Of Daniel Clement – NYC Family Law Firm

112 Madison Ave Suite 800
New York, NY 10016