Manhattan Custody Lawyer

In Manhattan, Child Custody and Legal Rights

Understanding Child Custody in Manhattan

In Manhattan, child custody involves deciding how and where a child is raised until they are 18 years old. If both parents can set aside any animosity toward each other and resolve the custody issues, a judge may grant their decisions. This means the judge makes the parents’ child custody agreement a court order. However, it must be deemed in the best interest of the child.

If parents cannot agree, the child custody issue is resolved according to the New York’s Domestic Relations Law Section 240. The two types of child custody issues that will be resolved in court are:

• Legal child custody
• Physical child custody

Legal Child Custody in Manhattan

Legal child custody grants a parent the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing:

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

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2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

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2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

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2024-03-12

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2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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• Religion
• School
• Doctor visits

Parents may seem to have the right to make these decisions. However, in a child custody case, a judge will make the decision on who has the right to make important decisions about their child. This is called legal child custody.

Legal child custody is separated into two issues:

• Sole legal child custody
• Joint legal child custody

A judge can grant sole legal child custody to one parent. That parent has the right to make all the decisions about their child. The parent who is not granted legal custody is excluded from the decision-making process.

A judge may grant joint legal custody. The right to make decisions is given to both parents. The parents decide important decisions about their child’s future.

Physical Child Custody in Manhattan

Physical child custody, or residential custody, determines who the child will live with all the time. It is also split into two decisions:

• Sole physical child custody
• Joint physical child custody

Sole physical child custody grants one parent the right to live with their child. The child lives with them 100 percent of the time. The other parent, called the non-custodial parent, receives visitation rights.

Visitation rights allow a parent supervised or unsupervised visits with their child. This means a child may spend the weekend at the non-custodial parent’s house or a couple of days. A supervised visit involves a third party being present during the visit. This often happens in cases where a parent abused their child.

Joint physical child custody grants both parents the right to live with their child. This means a plan must be worked out to provide each parent 50 percent of the time with their child. Living arrangements may include certain days of the week the child spends with each parent. It may also include a child living with one parent during the school year and with the other parent during the summer.

Manhattan Child Custody Arrangements

A Manhattan child custody judge may grant a combination of child custody arrangements depending on what’s in the best interest of the child. For instance, a parent may receive:

• Joint legal custody, but sole physical custody
• Joint physical and legal child custody

Contact a Manhattan Attorney for Child Custody Issues

When a judge uses what’s in the best interest of the child standard, they must answer a series of questions about the parents and the child. For instance, they must determine if each parent can work together, has any mental health issues, and any history of abuse.

To understand more about child custody issues and for legal representation, contact us. We will explain your case and determine how to fight for you and your child.