Custody

Unfairly Accused of Child Abuse: Understanding the ACS and CPS Investigation

Getting a phone call from an agent of Child Protective Services (CPS) or Administration for Children’s Services is frightening. An indictment can result in the loss of your child or the implementation of a service plan that interferes with your relationship. Even unfounded cases can have traumatic effects on your record and your closeness with your family. The child abuse…

Enforcing Child Support of Out-of-State Parents

When your children’s other parent lives outside of New York, determining which state has jurisdiction to rule on the establishment, collection and enforcement of child support payments can complicate the process of getting the money you are owed. The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) addresses this issue so you know which order to follow and which court to petition…

Sharing Joint Custody

When you were married, you and your spouse likely shared in many childrearing decisions. Divorce complicates this parental arrangement. Parents are unlikely to discuss their children’s faltering grades or brilliant oboe performances over a leisurely family dinner or a Sunday drive to the hardware store. In fact, ex-spouses may prefer as little contact as possible. Courts know this and so…

When the Other Parent Uses Your Child as a Weapon

Even in the best of circumstances, divorce is usually hard on children. But a manipulative parent can force children to choose sides through hostile aggressive parenting (HAP). HAP can lead to what is known as parental alienation syndrome (PAS) — a situation in which one parent turns a child against the other parent. Actions that constitute HAP Any vilifying words…

Preparing for a Child Custody Evaluation

You and your spouse have argued incessantly over who should get custody of your children. You’ve tried negotiations and mediations and cannot reach an agreement. You have now asked a judge to decide. In New York, the court is instructed to decide on a custody and visitation arrangement that is in the child’s best interest. A child custody evaluation is…

Four Tips for a Successful Child Custody Mediation

As you divide your household during a divorce, you must also determine how to share in your parenting duties and rights. Mediation can help you arrive at a satisfactory child custody arrangement. As with litigation, thorough preparation for your mediation session is essential to achieving your objectives. Here are four tips to help you prepare. 1. Know your goals Knowing…

Is Mediation a Better Choice than Divorce If You Have Children?

Divorce is hardest on children. Regardless of how young kids are, they know when something is wrong between their parents. However, when a couple uses traditional divorce methods, the process of separating can be even harder on children. In addition to being more cost-effective, mediation enables a family to sustain a divorce in a gentler manner. Mediation is a positive…

How Can I Enforce a Child Custody Agreement?

If you have trouble enforcing a child custody agreement, you must seek legal assistance as soon as possible. A team of knowledgeable and experienced attorneys can help you initiate the legal proceedings needed to enforce a child custody agreement. The first action the court takes if a parent violates a child custody agreement is to hold the noncustodial parent in…

A Hard-Won Case Defending a Father’s Rights

In a unique and groundbreaking decision, the court has transferred custody of a ten-year-old girl from the custodial parent (the mother) to the child’s father. The court has also prohibited the mother from contacting the child. The firm of Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C. handles thousands of fathers’ rights cases. In this instance, I was able to obtain the…

What Factors Do the State Consider When Awarding Child Custody?

If you have children, whether you are considering a divorce, or in the midst of one, child custody is likely one of your major concerns. First, you should never progress through any level of a divorce proceeding without an experienced and highly trained attorney. Without a lawyer, your chances of obtaining child custody decrease drastically, especially if your soon to…