Manhattan, New York City, Westchester, Long Island and beyond
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+1 646-241-8602
Manhattan, New York City, Westchester, Long Island and beyond
+1 646-241-8602
Who is the right NYC custody lawyer for me? The right lawyer is one who knows NY Family Court, listens to your story, and builds a clear plan for your child’s best interests. At Collins Law Group, we give you a real person to talk to and a straight answer about your options – no pressure, no legal jargon. Start with a free call: 646-241-8602.
A child custody lawyer in NYC helps you ask the court for legal and physical custody of your child and protects your time as a parent. At Collins Law Group, PLLC, attorney Aoife C. Collins handles custody and visitation cases across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, and Long Island. If your child’s future is on the line, you do not have to face it alone.
You are likely here because you are worried about your kids. Maybe you are splitting up. Maybe the other parent is keeping your child from you. Maybe you just got served with court papers. Whatever brought you here, the next steps you take matter. A skilled child custody lawyer in NYC can help you protect your bond with your child and ask the court for a fair result.
New York splits custody into two parts: legal custody and physical custody. A parent can have one, both, or share them. Knowing the difference helps you ask for the right thing.
Legal Custody: Legal custody is the right to make big choices for your child. This covers school, doctors, and religion. Parents can share this (joint legal custody), or one parent can hold it alone (sole legal custody).
Physical Custody : Physical custody is about where your child lives day to day. The parent the child lives with most is the “custodial parent.” The other parent usually gets parenting time (also called visitation).
Quick example: Maria and her ex share joint legal custody, so they decide on school together. But the kids live with Maria during the week, so she has primary physical custody and Dad has the kids every other weekend.
A New York judge decides custody based on one rule: the best interests of the child. The judge does not pick the richer parent or the one who files first. The judge looks at what keeps the child safe, stable, and loved.
A judge often weighs:
The court may also appoint an attorney for the child (sometimes called a law guardian) to speak for your child, and in some cases order a forensic evaluation. A good child custody lawyer in NYC helps you show the court, with real proof, why your plan is best for your child.
Custody and visitation go hand in hand. Even when one parent has primary custody, the other parent usually has the right to time with the child. We help you build a parenting plan that fits your child’s life, and we ask the court to enforce it when the other side breaks the rules.
A clear plan can cover:
If the other parent blocks your time, you have options. We can ask the court to step in.
In New York, mothers and fathers start with equal rights to custody. The court does not favor moms over dads. A father can win sole or joint custody when it serves the child’s best interests.
Many dads come to us afraid they have no chance. That is a myth. What matters is your role in your child’s life: the diapers you changed, the homework you helped with, the games you showed up for. We help fathers and mothers alike show the court the real story of their parenting.
Quick example: James worried he would only get weekends. We gathered school records, texts, and his work schedule to show he was a daily, hands-on dad. He ended up with joint custody and weeknight time.
We try to settle when we can, because deals are easier on kids. But if the other side will not be fair, we are ready to fight for you in court.
A parent usually cannot move a child far away without the other parent’s consent or the court’s approval. If the other parent wants to relocate with your child, you have the right to object.
The judge again asks what is best for the child. The court looks at the reason for the move, how it affects your time, and whether the child’s life would improve. These cases are tough and fact-heavy. We build a strong record on either side, whether you want to move or want to stop a move.
Most custody cases in New York City are heard in Family Court, and there is one in each borough:
If custody is part of a divorce, it may be decided in Supreme Court instead. The basic path is: file a petition, attend court dates, share information, try to settle, and if needed, go to a hearing where the judge decides. We stand with you at every step, so you always know what comes next.
Most NYC custody lawyers charge an hourly rate plus an upfront retainer, and the total depends on whether your case settles or goes to trial. A case both parents agree on costs far less than a long court fight.
At Collins Law Group, PLLC, we believe in clear, honest fees with no surprises. The first phone consultation is free, so you can learn where you stand before you spend a dollar. During that call, we will talk through likely costs for your situation.
Collins Law Group, PLLC is a New York family law firm led by attorney Aoife C. Collins. We focus on divorce and family law, and we care about getting custody right, because we know your child is what matters most.
If your child is in danger right now, you may be able to ask for emergency custody. This is a fast court order used when a child faces a real risk of harm, such as abuse, neglect, or a parent about to flee with the child.
Emergency cases move quickly and have strict rules. If you are in this spot, do not wait. Call 646-241-8602. We can help you act fast to protect your child.
Your child’s future is worth protecting. If you have questions about custody, visitation, or your rights as a parent, we are here to help.
📞 Call 646-241-8602 for a free phone consultation ✉️ Email: collinslawny@gmail.com
Collins Law Group, PLLC — serving parents in NYC, Westchester, and Long Island. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This page is general information, not legal advice.