Child Custody

Child Support Lawyer Serving Long Island, NY

When parents separate, issues of custody are paramount. There are many items to consider. Will physical custody be sole or shared ?, Will legal custody be for one or both parents ? What will the visitation schedule be ? Are there special medical, educational or religious considerations ? Are there are safety or environmental concerns ? Discover how the Law Offices of Steven Gildin, located in Fresh Meadows, NY can help you understand the system and your rights.

Perhaps the hardest aspect of going through a divorce is – what will become of the children? Let me reassure you that most of the time, children will not only be fine after a divorce, they will actually be better off than they were before. Sure, Mom and Dad no longer live together, but the hostility and lack of love is gone too, generally having been replaced with true love and nurturing.

There are two major parts of custody. First, there is legal custody, which determines whether one or both parents have decision making authority over the major issues affecting the children. Legal custody comes in a few forms. It can be sole, where one parent makes those major decisions alone. It can be joint custody, where both parents make all of those decisions together. Or it can even be some type of combination in the middle. Legal custody is not as significant as it first might seem. ‘Major’ decisions that need to be made are far and few between.

They are the ‘God forbid’ issues that we, as parents, pray never even come up. They are not routine, day to day decisions, such as, “What’s for dinner?” Rather, they are big medical, educational or religious issues. Ideally legal custody would be joint custody, but that means both parents need to have good communication, cooperation, respect and the same views. But since you are getting a divorce, the odds that you can easily co-parent with your soon to be ex-spouse without any problems arising is not likely.

Both parents must be involved in a dialogue about major issues affecting their child. But if there is no agreement, someone needs to make the final decision. One parent can do that for all major issues or you can even split the areas up. For instance, you can have the final say so on education and activities and your spouse can decide medical and religious issues. The other area of custody is physical – who will live with the children on a regular basis and who will have visitation. This is more difficult, as both parents love the children and are very used to seeing them on a daily basis.

Need Help Planning Visaitation (Parenting Time)?

If physical custody cannot be agreed upon, then it will ultimately be up to the Court to determine. This can cause a case to become complicated, resulting in a greater investment in time, money and emotions. The parent who does not have physical custody will have visitation (also known as ‘parenting time’). Standard liberal visitation is every other weekend from Friday evening through Sunday evening (through Monday evening if Monday is a holiday), one evening mid-week every week for a few hours, shared vacations and holidays and sometime during the Summer months. This schedule, however, is far from set in stone and there are tons of variations that are used. All of the aspects of a custody/visitation case cannot be discussed in this brief overview, as each case is unique unto itself. You are welcome, however, to come into the office for a meeting to discuss the factors of your case.

Client Testimonial

Today was my first hearing with Steven and prior to today I’ve heard nothing but bad stories from single fathers in custody hearings. Steven assured me with utmost confidence from our first conversation that I had a strong case and today he showed me that his word was true. I couldn’t sleep or eat before todays hearing but after today I feel 10x better. It may be a long road ahead but with Steven and his team by my side I’m confident in whatever obstacles may come my way! Thank you!

L.W.

Exceptional!! I can’t say enough about Steven Gildin and his amazing staff. They are both patient and professional and truly committed to the people they are representing. I’m a single mom With a complex case and children with special needs. When I spoke with Steven he was patient and understanding a true specialist in his field. He was able to dissect the Immediate major issues and create a long term solution. With so many moving parts and safety issues he quickly put my mind at ease. I trust Steven Gildin with my family and because of him and His meticulous detailed strategies I see light at the end of this very long dark road.If you’re reading this review as I have when I begin my search… Do not hesitate you are in the best hands.

M.D.

Mr. Gildin and his team are extraordinary! Professional, compassionate, efficient and dedicated. Always going the extra mile making sure I was ok during this difficult process. Helped me with my divorce in 2018 and now helping me in a new case. Highly recommended.

C.L.

Before I worked with Steven, I had a terrible experience. He has been so thorough and readily available throughout my whole case. I couldn’t ask for a better attorney and would recommend him to anyone I know because he is compassionate and will work very hard and make sure you’re comfortable during the whole court process.

M.B.

After a long search I found Mr. Gildin. He was very attentive and listened to our situation at hand. He was swift and very dedicated. He is everything I would imagine a Lawyer should be. He’s kind, friendly, and makes you feel at ease. Very knowledgeable and professional. Thank you for taking our case seriously, you’re definitely the best.

M.C.P.

Steve has been a blessing to me and my daughter ! He has been so easy to work with . The best pet of him is that he doesn’t lie and is honest with everything . He has help me and my family so much . If your looking for someone that is on point 24/7 please call him ! He has a heart of gold !

V.F.

Steven Gildin’s law expertise is unsurpassed! I had retained him, on a quite difficult and unusual emergency basis. Within five minutes of my message retrieved, his call back was instant! He is beyond educated in the law field and quite brilliant on his response and actions! He is no doubt a God sent! Nothing but praise for this unique and over the top Lawyer! His kindness, compassion and empathy, go beyond the scope of practice. People come into your life for a reason. Steven Gildin is a blessing.☺ ☺ I’ve never been happier! We all make choices in life. I’ve made the right one, in hiring Steven Gildin!

A.A.

Steven was referred to me by a dear friend who saw that I needed a knowledgeable advocate in my family court case. He answered when I called him at 8 p.m. He has since been an incredible source of reassurance and expertise. I hired him to be my voice in a case against one of the worst bullies of my life. I can't express how much appreciate Steven's work and attention to the concerns of the client. He is honest about the possibilities, experienced with the Court, and respectful of not wasting time. I highly recommend him!

L.P.

I hired Mr Gildin for a child support and custody case, he has been absolutely amazing! Always reassuring and honest, giving counsel when I would become so upset, he always remained calm but becoming aggressive in court when need be , he has gone above and beyond on my case, I’m extremely happy with my out comes and would highly recommend.

D.M.

Steven Gildin is more than just a lawyer. He is an amazing human being who puts people first. If you have a legal issue that you need resolved you can trust Mr. Gildin to fight for you. Don't go anywhere else.

R.J.

Mr Gildin, was an awesome attorney, he made me feel comfortable Throughout the whole divorce process, he fought for everything I wanted and he is very determined and aggressive and that is what i wanted in my corner at a time like this, I recommend him to anyone who needs help in their divorce, because he gets the job done.