Protecting Your Parental Rights with Strength and Compassion
Child custody disputes are often the most emotionally charged and complex matters heard in Family Court. Whether you are seeking custody, defending against a custody petition, or requesting parenting time (visitation schedule), The Law Office of Ramonita Cordero provides aggressive, strategic, and compassionate representation to help you safeguard your relationship with your child.
📞 (646) 440-4943
📧 rcordero@corderofamilylaw.com
What Is a Child Custody Proceeding in New York Family Court?
A child custody proceeding is a legal process where the Family Court determines which parent (or guardian) should have legal and/or physical custody of a child. Custody may include:
Legal Custody: The right to make major decisions about the child’s life (e.g., education, medical care, religion)
Physical Custody: Where the child primarily lives
In many cases, parents may share joint custody, but in contested cases, one parent may be awarded sole custody if it serves the child’s best interests.
Representing Both Petitioners and Respondents in Custody Cases
Representing Both Petitioners and Respondents in Custody Cases
Whether you are initiating a custody petition or responding to one filed against you, we stand by your side. At The Law Office of Ramonita Cordero, we represent both:
- Petitioners: Seeking custody or a change in custody
- Respondents: Defending their parental rights and responding to allegations
We understand the fear, frustration, and urgency that come with these proceedings. We work with you step by step to build a compelling case grounded in facts, evidence, and your child’s best interests.
Step-by-Step Guide to Custody Proceedings in New York Family Court
- Filing the Petition: Either party may file a custody or visitation petition with the Family Court.
- Service of Process: The other parent, Respondent, is served with a copy of the petition.
- Initial Appearance: A judge hears from both parties and may appoint an Attorney for the Child .
- Interim Relief: Temporary visitation or temporary custody orders may be issued.
- Investigation: The court may order a forensic evaluation, home study, or ACS report.
- Negotiation or Trial: Parties may settle or proceed to trial, where evidence and witnesses are presented.
- Final Order: The judge issues a custody order based on the child’s best interests.
We help clients at every stage of this process—negotiating parenting plans, responding to emergency petitions, and advocating fiercely at trial when necessary.
📞 Call now for a private consultation:
(646) 440-4943
📧 Email:
rcordero@corderofamilylaw.com
Parenting Time
Parenting time, often referred to as visitation, is the legal right granted to a parent or caregiver to spend time with a child when that individual does not have primary physical custody.
Parenting time arrangements vary depending on the specific needs of the child and the circumstances of the family. In some cases, especially where safety or emotional harm is a concern, the Family Court may order supervised parenting time. This means that visits must take place in the presence of a neutral third party or through a certified agency. If there are no such concerns, parenting time may be unsupervised and may include regular weekly visits, alternating weekends, holidays, school vacations, and extended summer periods.
The court may also order therapeutic or graduated parenting time in more complex cases—for example, when the child and parent have been estranged or if there is a need to rebuild trust and comfort. In these cases, the process might start with short supervised sessions and gradually increase to unsupervised visits, overnights, or even joint custody, depending on how the relationship progresses and how the child responds.
Parenting time is always decided according to the child’s best interests. This legal standard considers various factors, including the child’s age and preferences, the emotional and physical safety of the child, the ability of each parent to provide a stable environment, the history of the relationship between the parent and child, and whether there has been any history of abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or interference with custody orders.
Importantly, parenting time can be modified. If there has been a significant change in circumstances for example, if a parent moves, remarries, or if concerns arise about the child’s safety, either party can petition the Family Court to revise the order to reflect the child’s best interests at that time.
At The Law Office of Ramonita Cordero, we understand that parenting time issues are deeply personal and emotionally charged. Whether you are a parent seeking to establish or expand your access to your child, or a parent concerned about ensuring safe and structured contact, we provide strategic, compassionate, and experienced representation in Family Court throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Westchester.
If you have questions about your rights or need to enforce or modify a parenting time order, we are here to help.
Parenting Time : From Supervised to Overnights
Let us help you protect your parental rights and promote your child’s well-being every step of the way.
Even when custody is not awarded to you, the court will often grant visitation rights, now commonly referred to as “parenting time” unless it would place the child at risk.
In some cases, visitation is structured in gradual steps:
- Supervised Visitation: Required when safety concerns exist
- Unsupervised Visitation: Once the court is satisfied with your parenting capability
- Extended Visitation: Holidays, weekends, and vacations
- Overnights: As the bond strengthens
- Petition for Custody: After establishing a consistent and safe relationship
We advocate for parents seeking more time with their children and defend against unfounded requests to limit access.
The Child’s Best Interests Always Come First
New York Family Court decides custody and visitation based on what is in the best interests of the child, considering:
- The child’s age and needs
- Each parent’s caregiving history
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
- The ability to foster a positive relationship with the other parent
We gather medical records, school documents, witness statements, and expert testimony when needed to show that our client is the stable, supportive, and loving parent the child needs.
📞 Call now for a confidential consultation:
(646) 440-4943
📧 Email:
rcordero@corderofamilylaw.com
FAQS
How does the court decide who gets custody?
The judge considers what arrangement serves the child’s best interests. Factors include the parents’ caregiving history, stability, home environment, and willingness to co-parent.
Can I get custody if we were never married?
Yes. Custody is not dependent on marital status. Biological and legal parents can petition for custody regardless of whether they were married.
What if my child’s other parent is trying to alienate them from me?
This is called “parental alienation” and courts take it seriously. We can file for enforcement or modification and introduce evidence to counteract it.
What if I’m the Respondent in a custody case?
Being named as a Respondent does not mean you are a bad parent. We help you respond strategically and assert your rights to maintain custody or parenting time.
Can I modify an existing custody order?
Yes. If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as relocation or a change in the child’s needs, you may petition for a modification.
What is a forensic custody evaluation?
This is a psychological evaluation of the parents and the child, conducted by a court-appointed expert to assist the judge in determining custody.
How can I request supervised visitation?
We can petition the court to request supervised visitation if there are safety concerns involving the other parent.
Can grandparents file for custody or visitation?
Yes. In certain cases, grandparents and even siblings may have legal standing to request visitation if it serves the child’s best interests.
Will the child have a lawyer?
Yes. In contested custody cases, the court appoints an Attorney for the Child (AFC) who represents the child’s wishes.
Do I need a lawyer for a custody case?
While not required, having legal representation greatly increases your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Custody proceedings are complex and emotionally charged. We will protect your parental rights from day one.