Long Island Child Custody Modification Attorneys
We Can Help You Amend Your Custody Order
At Pickney Law Firm, we can help you not only with your divorce but with any post-divorce situations that require modifications to existing agreements. Quite often, finances, circumstances, and lifestyles change after parties have entered into written settlements of their divorce cases. Custody arrangements that once met each parent’s needs may no longer reflect the circumstances of their lives.
If you find yourself seeking changes to a child custody order, Pickney Law Firm is here to help. We represent parents throughout Nassau County who want to update custody arrangements to better suit their present-day needs.
When to Seek Modifications
On occasion, deficiencies and errors in the drafting of divorce settlements and custody agreements will result in clients asking us to review their settlements. We can advise you of the options available to modify or re-negotiate the terms of your agreement.
However, most child custody modification cases are initiated because an existing arrangement no longer makes sense for the family or works with one parent’s schedule. This is usually due to a major change in circumstances.
How to Obtain Modifications
In New York, any proposed modifications to a child custody order must be reviewed and approved by the court. The petitioning parent must prove that there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was instated.
Common reasons for seeking custody modifications include:
- Job loss or demotion
- Mandatory relocation for work
- Child neglect or abuse
- A mature (generally over the age of 12) child is requesting modifications
- A parent has become seriously ill or injured
- Alcohol or substance abuse
New York family courts generally hold that it is in a child’s best interest to maintain a relationship with both of their parents. Therefore, they are unlikely to approve modifications to negatively impact one parent’s ability to visit or spend time with their child, unless it is necessary.
Defending against Unwanted Modifications
We are also regularly called upon to defend actions where a party seeks to avoid modifications to their custody agreement. If your ex-spouse is seeking an amendment to your custody arrangement that you do not agree with, we can represent you and make every effort to prevent the modification from passing.