• Divorce and separation
• Custody and visitation
• Other family law areas

Child custody and visitation rights are two of the main concerns any couple with children must face when getting a divorce. While there are many factors at play during the custody determination process, the ultimate focus stays on what is best for the child. Visitation rights are also granted with this in mind.

The law firm of Edward A. Andrews, P.C. is here to help if you are dealing with child custody or visitation issues and think you may need legal representation. After practicing family law in New York for more than ten years, Mr. Andrews has the knowledge and courtroom experience needed to walk clients through everything from straightforward custody hearings to complex disputes. He gets to know your individual circumstances, and he acts as your advocate should your custody or visitation matter go to court.

Forms of custody

In New York, child custody can be broken down into legal custody and physical custody. Parents with legal custody make decisions regarding a child's education, medical treatment, and religion. Physical custody—sometimes known as residential custody—deals with the amount of time a child spends living with each parent.

Another aspect of child custody is whether it should be granted to both parents—known as joint custody—or just one parent—sole custody. Because joint custody helps foster relationships between parents and children, the courts strongly encourage parents to choose this form of custody on their own. They may also deny petitions for sole custody if the grounds a petitioning parent lists as reason for sole custody are deemed insufficient. 

Sole custody may be awarded if the court determines that the parties cannot work effectively together for the best interests of their child(ren).

Visitation matters

Just as joint custody is preferred, having both parents play an active role in a child's life is encouraged by the court. Visitation rights are determined when a couple initially divorces but can be altered at a later point in time if a major change, either positive or negative, occurs that impacts either parent and their ability to care for their child. Visitations may be supervised or unsupervised, and couples in very volatile relationships may need to meet outside their home environments or have a neutral third party present when dropping off a child.

Child support

Child support is designed to ensure custodial parents have sufficient financial support for their children. In New York, child support is based off a set formula where percentages of parental income of up to $130,000 are allocated for every child. It must include medical support or health care coverage, and the amount of child support can be increased if the child has special needs, educational expenses, or daycare costs. Child support can be adjusted after a couple divorces through the modification process. Enforcement issues come into play when the noncustodial parent fails to provide appropriate support each month.

Get custody, visitation, and child support help today

The law office of Edward A. Andrews, P.C. provides skilled legal assistance to parents with child custody and visitation issues in Nassau and Suffolk counties. With evening and weekend hours available on an appointment basis, Mr. Andrews has the flexible services you need on your side.

Contact attorney Edward Andrews Online or at 516-676-7193 to schedule a free initial consultation at one of his Glen Cove or Garden City offices.

Orders of protection

Physically or verbally abusive behavior should not be tolerated under any circumstances. You may want to consider obtaining an order of protection if you feel threatened by the actions of your former spouse. An order of protection is a court order designed to prevent an abusive party from having any contact with their former spouse, their children, or any other party specifically referenced. Temporary orders are used to assure that an individual is not placed in harm's way until a permanent order is granted.

Edward A. Andrews can help you secure an order of protection through New York's family court system. He can also work with you to have the abuser pay for all expenses related to the abuse, the order, and its enforcement. If you are unfamiliar with the process of filing for an order of protection, Mr. Andrews can walk you through the process and help you document any phone calls, texts, emails, or other evidence of the harassing behavior.

Order and agreement modification

Spousal maintenance, child support, custody, and visitation orders and agreements initially finalized at the time of a divorce often need to be changed at a later point in time. Modifications to such legally binding contracts must be done through an official process. Attorney Edward Andrews can help you petition the court for modification related to any order or agreement.
You may be able to have an order or agreement modified if:

• You or your former spouse has remarried
• You or your former spouse has recently experienced a major change in income
• Your child support needs have increased due to college expenses, healthcare needs, or daycare costs
• You wish to obtain additional visitation time, or to become the primary custodian of your child

Order and agreement enforcement

In addition to his modification services, Mr. Andrews represents clients in order and agreement enforcement situations. You have the right to take action if your former spouse fails to pay spousal maintenance or child support, and Mr. Andrews can help you seek payment through an enforcement proceeding in Family or Supreme Court. If you succeed, the court may find your ex-spouse in contempt, garnish their wages, or even freeze their assets.

Contact Edward A. Andrews, P.C. for assistance with your legal matters.

Edward A. Andrews, P.C. is your ideal source for a compassionate yet firm advocate for your family law rights.& With offices in Glen Cove and Garden City, Mr. Andrews is easily accessible, and he has evening and weekend hours available on an appointment basis.
Contact Edward A. Andrews, P.C. Online or at 516-676-7193 for a free initial consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer.