Child Custody in Nassau County
Whether you have children or not, divorce is an extremely difficult process, both emotionally, and financially. However, if you are a Nassau County divorcing parent, you now have to worry about child custody and child support. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced child custody attorney by your side, you can rest easy knowing that you have someone you trust fighting for you and your child’s best interests. Here are some of the questions you may have about the legal process going forward:
What is the difference between joint and sole custody?
Essentially, if you are a parent who is getting a divorce, Nassau County courts will determine whether you and your spouse can both keep custody of your child. Joint custody, therefore, is where both parents share child custody. On the other hand, if Nassau County courts only award one parent custody over the child, it is known as sole custody. However, it is worth noting that sole custody is only generally awarded when it can be proven that one parent poses a significant danger to a healthy upbringing of his or her child. Oftentimes, Nassau County courts will prefer to award joint custody, as this is usually in the child’s best interest.
What is the difference between physical and legal custody?
Physical custody refers to the household where the child primarily resides after his or her parents’ divorce. However, though all parents want to spend time with their children, legal custody is generally considered an even higher priority. Parents with legal custody of their children can influence key life decisions, including where their child will attend school, their child’s religion, and the type of medical treatment their child is allowed to receive.
How do Nassau County courts decide child custody terms?
Nassau County courts consider several aspects of you, your spouse’s, and your child’s life before determining child custody. Since your child’s well-being is always of the utmost concern, courts will consider factors such as your child’s age, who his or her primary caregiver has been, why (or why not) the primary caregiver should remain as such, the quality of each parent’s homes and how they may benefit the child, and, if the child is old and mature enough to decide, whether he or she has any preference. If you need a knowledgeable, trustworthy divorce attorney on your side, look no further. Our firm is here to help.
Contact our experienced Nassau County firm
The Pollack Law Firm, P.C., rated Nassau County’s “BEST” divorce lawyers and proudly serving clients in Nassau and Suffolk County for more than 22 years, is always available to assist and represent parties in divorce, separation and all other matrimonial and family law matters. Contact us or call today to schedule your complimentary case analysis: (516) 938-3330.
