Our Suffolk County Family Court Attorney Will Guide You Through Complex Cases

Confronting a divorce or family law matter is one of the most difficult challenges that you will face. It can be complicated, stressful, and emotionally wrought. It is normal and indeed expected to be confused or overwhelmed. At the Law Office of Louis L. Sternberg, our team of experienced Suffolk County family court attorneys is here to guide you through this tumultuous time. We recognize that the resolution of your case will likely determine your access to your children and your financial stability. With that in mind our Family Law attorneys do not use a “one-size-fits-all approach” to our family law and divorce cases on Long Island. Instead, we tailor our approach to your specific needs and desires. The Law Office of Louis L. Sternberg has proudly and successfully represented clients throughout Suffolk County and Nassau County, Long Island for more than a decade as a local Family Court Lawyer.

Top Suffolk County Family Law Attorney

Family law cases are highly sensitive, and their outcomes can have a lasting impact on your family’s future. A top Long Island family law attorney understands the intricacies of New York’s family laws and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Whether you’re facing a divorce, child custody dispute, or any other Family Court legal issue in Suffolk County or Nassau County, having the right Suffolk County family court attorney by your side can make all the difference.

At the Law Office of Louis L. Sternberg, we have the experience, compassion and the proven-results making us one of the most respected Family Law firms on Long Island. During this stressful period, you deserve fully personalized legal guidance from a top Suffolk County family court attorney.

Contact us today to schedule your free same day consultation with a top-rated Long Island Family Law attorney.

Dedicated Exclusively to Family Law and Divorce in Suffolk County

At the Law Office of Louis L. Sternberg, you will find experienced and compassionate Suffolk County family law attorneys dedicated to helping you resolve your most challenging difficult family matters.

Since 2010, the Law Office of Louis L. Sternberg has grown to become one of the most respected divorce and family law firms on Long Island. Our Suffolk County Family Court lawyers solve even the most complex Family Court cases, including high-conflict custody cases and the most litigious divorce matters, including high net worth divorces.  We have extensive experience representing individuals in every industry, including business owners, stay at home parents, professionals, executives, the disabled and their spouses.

We exclusively practice Family Law and Divorce on Long Island, dedicating all our time and energy to those specific matters including uncontested divorce, contested divorce, custody, child support, spousal support, business valuation and distributions, equitable distribution of assets, and domestic violence issues. Regardless of whether your case can be resolved by way of an uncontested divorce without ever appearing in court or whether your case is ready for trial, we tailor our approach to your needs and those of your family.  From the first consultation, we proudly provide each client with the personal attention necessary to achieve the client’s desired results, regardless of the complexity of the case.

Trusted Suffolk County Family Court Attorneys

We are proud to say that the Law Office of Louis L. Sternberg is one of the most recognized and awarded family law firms on Long Island. Although the results we have provided for our clients speak for themselves, we have also been honored with numerous awards and recognitions.  Louis L. Sternberg is a multiple time Super Lawyer Rising Star honoree and, in recent years has been named as a New York Metro Super Lawyer.  In addition, Louis Sternberg has authored multiple articles on family law matters and has presented numerous divorce and family law lectures.

Suffolk County Family Law and Divorce Practice Areas

The Law Office of Louis L. Sternberg concentrates on issues of New York matrimonial and family law including:

Our clients need and deserve an experienced Suffolk County family court attorney or divorce lawyer who is cognizant of the financial and emotional impact of such litigation as well as the potential impact that custody, visitation, spousal and child support, and equitable distribution determinations will have on them and their children. Our goal is to assist you through this tumultuous time and transition into the next phase of your life. We are cognizant of the fact that family law matters can be financially and emotionally draining. During the initial consultation, we will address legal fees and costs associated with your particular matter. We will help you outline your goals, develop strategies and implement methods to achieve your objectives.

Our Suffolk County Family Court Attorneys Answer Common New York Family Law Questions

What Cases Are Heard in New York Family Court?

The New York State Family Court has the jurisdiction to decide the following cases:

  • Abuse and Neglect cases
  • Adoptions
  • Custody and Visitation
  • Child Support
  • Family Offenses / Orders of Protection
  • Guardianship
  • Juvenile Delinquency
  • Paternity

What Are Parental Rights in New York?

Parental rights in New York refer to the legal rights and responsibilities that parents have with regard to their children. These rights encompass a range of important aspects of parenting, including custody, visitation, decision-making authority, and financial support.

What are the Father’s Parental Rights in New York State?

In New York State, fathers have parental rights that are similar to those of mothers. Parental rights are not determined by gender but rather by the legal relationship between the parent and the child and what is in the best interests of the child. Here are some key aspects of a father’s parental rights in New York:

  1. Legal Recognition as a Father: To establish parental rights, a father must legally establish paternity if he is not married to the child’s mother. This can be done through various means, such as signing a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, obtaining a court order of paternity, or through DNA testing if paternity is disputed.
  2. Custody and Visitation: Unmarried fathers have the same rights as unmarried mothers when it comes to custody and visitation. The court will consider the best interests of the child when determining custody and visitation arrangements. Fathers can seek joint legal and physical custody if it is in the child’s best interests.
  3. Decision-Making Authority: Fathers, like mothers, can seek legal custody, which gives them the authority to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Legal custody can be joint (shared with the other parent) or sole (granted to one parent) based on what is in the child’s best interests.
  4. Child Support: Fathers have both rights and responsibilities when it comes to child support. If a father is the non-custodial parent, he may be required to pay child support to the custodial parent to help cover the child’s expenses. Child support is determined based on guidelines that consider both parents’ incomes and the needs of the child.
    Access to Records and Information: Fathers, regardless of their custody status, typically have the right to access their child’s school records, medical records, and other important documents related to the child’s welfare.
  5. Modification of Orders: If a father’s circumstances change significantly, such as a change in income or living situation, he has the right to seek a modification of custody, visitation, or child support orders through the court.
  6. Relocation: Fathers have the right to object to a custodial parent’s proposed relocation with the child if they believe it would significantly affect their access to the child. The court will consider the best interests of the child when deciding whether to approve the relocation.

It’s important to note that fathers, like mothers, have the right to seek legal representation and advocate for their parental rights in court if necessary. Custody and visitation decisions are made based on what is in the best interests of the child, and the court does not automatically favor one parent over the other based on gender. If you have specific questions or concerns about your parental rights as a father in New York, it is advisable to consult with a Suffolk County family court attorney who specializes in family law in the state to receive personalized legal guidance and assistance.

Can a Mother Keep the Child Away From the Father in New York?

In New York, it is not permissible for a parent, whether the mother or the father, to unilaterally keep a child away from the other parent without a valid legal reason. Both parents typically have rights to custody or visitation unless a court order specifically restricts or modifies those rights. If a parent prevents the other parent from having access to the child without legal justification, it can be considered a violation of the court order and may have legal consequences.

If one parent believes there is a valid reason to restrict or modify the other parent’s access to the child (e.g., concerns about the child’s safety), they should seek legal recourse through the appropriate legal channels, such as filing a petition with the court. The court will then evaluate the situation and decide based on the best interests of the child.

It’s important to note that the court’s primary concern in custody and visitation matters is the well-being of the child. The court may order supervised visitation, restrict visitation, or take other measures if it believes it is necessary to protect the child’s safety or best interests.

If you are a parent facing issues related to custody in New York, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in the state. An experienced Suffolk County child custody lawyer can provide guidance on the legal processes and help you navigate the system to protect your rights and the best interests of your child.

Who Has Custody of a Child If There Is No Court Order in New York?

In New York, if there is no court order specifying custody arrangements, and the parents are not married to each other, both parents have equal rights to custody of their child.

In cases where there is no court order and the parents are not in agreement about custody, it can create a situation where both parents have de facto joint legal custody, but there may not be a formalized visitation schedule or physical custody arrangement. This can sometimes lead to disputes or confusion about where the child should live and how visitation should be handled.

It’s important for parents in such situations to try to work together to create a parenting plan that outlines custody and visitation arrangements. If the parents cannot reach an agreement, either parent may choose to seek a court order to establish formal custody and visitation arrangements. The court will then make decisions based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the child’s age, relationship with each parent, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable and loving environment.

Until a court order is in place, both parents have equal rights to the child, and neither parent should unilaterally withhold the child from the other without a valid legal reason. If there are concerns about the child’s safety or well-being, it is advisable to consult with an attorney and seek legal guidance on how to address the situation through the court system.

What to Look for in a Suffolk County Family Law Attorney

When searching for a Family Law Attorney to handle your family law issues, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure you choose the right legal representation for your needs. Here are some key aspects to look for in a Long Island Family Law Attorney:

  1. Experience in Family Law: Your Suffolk County family court attorney attorney should have substantial experience in handling family law cases in Suffolk County, in both Family Court and Supreme Court. Familiarity with local courts, judges, and procedures can be a significant advantage.
  2. Specialization: Choose an attorney who specializes in family law. Family law is a complex and nuanced field, and a specialist will have a deeper understanding of the legal issues and nuances specific to this area.
  3. Reputation and Reviews: Research the attorney’s reputation and read client reviews. Online platforms and word-of-mouth recommendations can provide insights into the attorney’s track record and how they treat clients.
  4. Client Testimonials: Ask the attorney for client testimonials or references. Speaking to past clients can help you gauge the attorney’s effectiveness and client satisfaction.
  5. Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in family law cases. Your attorney should be a good listener who can understand your goals and concerns. They should also be able to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
  6. Empathy and Compassion: Family law matters often involve sensitive and emotional issues. A compassionate Suffolk County family court attorney attorney can provide the support and understanding you need during difficult times.
  7. Availability: Ensure that the attorney has the time and availability to dedicate to your case. Family law cases may require frequent communication and timely responses.
  8. Cost and Fees: Discuss the attorney’s fee structure during the initial consultation. Understand how they bill for their services and any potential additional costs.
  9. Conflict Resolution Skills: Family law cases often benefit from negotiation and mediation. Look for an attorney who is skilled in conflict resolution and can seek amicable solutions when appropriate.
  10. Litigation Experience: While negotiation is preferred in many cases, there may be situations where litigation becomes necessary. Ensure that your attorney has experience in court and is prepared to advocate vigorously on your behalf if required.
  11. Resources and Support: In complex family law cases, having access to a network of experts, such as forensic accountants, child psychologists, or appraisers, can be advantageous. Ask if the attorney has access to such resources.
  12. Honesty and Realistic Expectations: A good attorney will provide you with an honest assessment of your case and set realistic expectations. They won’t make promises that are impossible to keep.
  13. Compatibility: Lastly, trust your instincts. You should feel comfortable and confident working with your attorney. A good attorney-client relationship is built on trust and open communication.

When seeking a Suffolk County family court attorney, take the time to consult with multiple attorneys to find the one who aligns best with your needs and values. A well-chosen attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your family law case.

Suffolk County Family Courts and Supreme Courts

We handle cases throughout New York including:

Top New York Family Court Attorney in Suffolk County

If you need a lawyer for your family law case or if you’re seeking representation for your Suffolk County Divorce, contact our Suffolk County Family Law attorneys by phone at (631) 600-3295 or through our online intake form to speak to a Suffolk County family court attorney. We proudly offer same day consultations for Family Court cases.

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