Experienced Family Lawyer in Staten Island, NY
Making decisions during a family law case can impact your family, finances, and future. An experienced Staten Island family law attorney can explain New York family laws and make sure you meet court requirements while protecting your interests.
Families from all over Staten Island have legal issues related to family law. Attorneys serve clients throughout Staten Island, including St. George, Great Kills, Todt Hill, and Tottenville.
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About The Law Office of Tracy & Tracy
At The Law Office of Tracy & Tracy, our mission is to provide individuals and families in Staten Island access to knowledgeable and trial-tested legal counsel. After working in the public sector for over two decades, attorneys Brendan Tracy and Victoria Tracy opened this law firm to serve the Staten Island community.
Brendan served as a prosecutor for 13 years, where he gained knowledge and experience in criminal laws and courtroom procedures. He worked on various types of criminal cases during his tenure with the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office.
Victoria worked for the New York City Administration for Children’s Services for 11 years, handling family law cases. As an ACS attorney, she litigated and supervised cases involving families and children.
During their time practicing in Richmond County, Brendan and Victoria have built relationships with the local courts, judges, prosecutors, and court staff. In addition to providing insight on how to efficiently navigate the Staten Island legal system, Brendan was elected to serve on the Richmond County Bar Association Board.
Family Law in Staten Island
When family members have disputes involving finances, children, or marital status, they often turn to family courts for assistance. Couples married to each other may pursue divorce or adjustments to court orders concerning finances or children.
People who have children with a partner they are not married to can also hire a family lawyer to assist with paternity, custody, and support issues. Common family law issues include:
According to the CDC, New York has a marriage rate of 6.5 and a divorce rate of 2.4 per 1,000 people. Additionally, 37% of all live births were to unmarried mothers. This highlights the need for family law issues to be resolved, particularly as they pertain to marriage, divorce, and children.
Relevant New York Family Laws
Like all legal issues in New York, family law disputes are governed by state laws and statutes. The New York Domestic Relations Law contains much of the statutory language associated with divorce, equitable distribution, maintenance, and other marital issues. Courts rely on these statutes when presiding over cases that involve two spouses.
The New York Family Court Act addresses child custody, visitation, support, and other petitions filed on behalf of children. This law lists the procedures Family Court must abide by and provides judges with guidelines for making decisions.
What to Expect During Your Case
Although every situation is different, most family law cases begin by filing paperwork with the court and serving the opposing party. Conferences, mediation, and hearings may be scheduled as necessary.
Each party may then gather financial documents, exchange information on parenting schedules, and prepare to negotiate a settlement agreement. Experienced attorneys understand how to build your case during this time. If you and the opposing party cannot reach an agreement, expect your case to proceed to trial and a judge to decide the outcome.
Hire a Family Law Attorney Today
Many people may hire a family law attorney to advocate on their behalf in court. Although your Staten Island family lawyer can represent you during courtroom proceedings, an attorney works behind the scenes before your case ever settles into litigation.
Hire an attorney to look over any paperwork you file with the court. An attorney can explain complicated court orders, help calculate support obligations, and file for modifications when necessary.
FAQs
Are Grandparents Legally Entitled to Visit Their Grandchildren?
Grandparents are not legally entitled to visit their grandchildren. However, they have a right to file for those rights.
In some cases, the judge first assesses whether the grandparent has the right to bring the case before considering the child’s best interests regarding visitation. The judge may look at the facts of the family situation, the current relationship with the child, and many other factors before reaching a decision.
Can Parents Modify a Child Custody Order?
Yes, parents can modify a child custody order. However, there must have been a significant change in circumstances since the creation of the order.
Some examples are relocation, a change in the child’s needs, or other concerns with the child’s well-being. The court may decide if the modification sought is in the best interest of the child before making changes.
What Happens if Someone Does Not Follow a Family Court Order?
When someone does not follow a family court order, they may be subject to further legal action. The court may order sanctions, amend existing orders, award makeup parenting time, or find the offending party in contempt depending on what the order was and the facts of the situation. There are different remedies for different types of orders.
Is Mediation Required in Family Law Cases?
Mediation is not always required in family law cases. Some courts require parties to try mediation prior to litigating a matter.
Mediation is a chance for the parties to try to reach agreeable solutions with the help of a third-party mediator. If no agreement can be reached, the case usually proceeds normally through litigation.
Are Family Court Proceedings Open to the Public?
Most Family Court proceedings are not open to the public. This is because they involve the private matters of children and families.
The people involved in the case may be present, but typically the public cannot enter. Access may vary based on the type of proceeding and the rules that apply to the particular matter.
Contact The Law Office of Tracy & Tracy
At The Law Office of Tracy & Tracy, we understand that family law matters are both legal and personal. We can help advocate for you and come up with a solution that is beneficial for your family. Contact us today for an initial consultation.
