Child custody is one of the most sensitive matters in a parental divorce or breakup. It can be difficult to know what’s in the best interests of the child when both sides are emotionally invested. In most cases, a child should continue to have regular contact with both of their parents for healthy development. However, contact with toxic or abusive parents may not be in the child’s best interests. Here are some scenarios where your child may be better supported if their other parent doesn’t have custody and/or visitation.

If you’re going through a divorce on Long Island or have recently finalized one and share children with your ex-spouse, you’re likely dealing with matters of child custody and co-parenting. Co-parenting can be challenging, but studies show a child benefits most after a divorce if they continue to have a meaningful relationship with both of their parents. Here are 5 tips to effectively co-parent your child after your divorce and how to get legal help when you need it.

Child custody cases in New York can be extraordinarily complex, even when both parents live in the state. Out-of-state child custody cases tend to be even more involved, and international child custody cases are arguably the most intricate. Here’s what you should know about how international child custody cases are handled, how you can relocate with your child internationally without penalty, and what to do if your ex has taken your child out of the country against court orders.

The coronavirus pandemic has upended life in New York, and every corner of the state is feeling the effects, including Long Island. How does the pandemic affect your child custody and visitation orders, especially if you or your ex get sick? Here’s what you should know.

Will Visitation Carry On As Normal During the Pandemic?

If you, your ex, and your child are feeling well and do not appear to be sick, there’s no reason to alter your visitation schedule. You should practice social distancing in other ways, such as ordering groceries online and staying home when at all possible. However, if you’re well, you and your ex can — and should — still pick up and drop off your child according to your original child custody court orders.

Fighting for child custody is essential but exhausting work. Research and court opinion has long indicated that, with rare exceptions, a meaningful relationship between both parents is in a child’s best interests. Here are some ways you can increase the chances that you’ll receive a favorable child custody judgment.