Child Custody, Support & Uncontested Divorce

Caring Child Support and Family Lawyers in Brooklyn

When disputes arise between yourself and the child's other parent, it is only natural to feel anxious about what will happen in court. That is why the lawyers of Costello & Costello, PC focus on resolutions that serve the interest of you and your child. Through our representation you can remain in control of decisions made about child custody, visitation, and other family issues.

Child Custody and Visitation

In New York, the only standard for determination of child custody is that it be based on the child's best interest. There is no set standard that awards custody strictly to the mother or to the father. Through respectful mediations with the other party, our family lawyer can help you develop a custody arrangement that addresses both legal custody and physical custody.

• Legal custody: In most cases, joint legal custody is in the child's best interests. With joint legal custody, both parents share in decisions regarding how the child is raised.
• Physical custody: In most cases, it is not physically possible for a child to spend equal amounts of time living with both parents (especially for school-aged children). Therefore, sole physical custody is usually granted to one parent while the other parent is awarded some form of visitation. The noncustodial parent would usually have child support obligations to the primary parent to ensure the safe, health, nurturing environment for the child.

We work with clients to establish a child custody agreement that is in the child's best interests and works for everyone involved.

Child Support

Children have a legal right to child support. It cannot be waived by either parent. Child support is determined based upon New York's child support guidelines. Essentially, the amount of child support is calculated as a percentage of net income of both parents. For one child, the amount of child support is 17 percent of the non-custodial parent's income-minus necessary deductions. Contributions are greater if support is being ordered for more than one child. Deviations from the standard formula may be possible depending on the child's needs as well as the parties' income.

Our child support lawyer provides experienced legal help. We explain your rights and obligations, and assist with calculating child support.

Other Family Law Services

In addition to family law issues concerning your children, our family lawyer handles uncontested divorce and other family law cases. When clients agree on the major decisions to be made in a divorce, we provide advice to ensure our client's interests are protected and assist with drafting a fair divorce settlement or property settlement agreement.

If you have questions about your child support or child custody rights in New York, e-mail our law firm. We will usually respond within 24 hours.

The law firm of Costello & Costello, PC has served clients from our Bensonhurst office at 59th Street and 20th Avenue since 1959. Contact us for a free initial consultation at our offices in Brooklyn, New Jersey, or Staten Island. We look forward to talking with you.