Sole Custody Lawyer Nassau County, NY

When a parent in Garden City sits alone at the kitchen table after another tense exchange about where their child will spend the weekend, the fear of losing meaningful time with that child can feel suffocating. The other parent may have already spoken to a lawyer or filed papers. Suddenly, the everyday rhythms of carpools and school pickups are replaced by the unfamiliar language of petitions, court dates, and the New York “best interests of the child” standard. For a mother in Hempstead or a father in Long Beach, the prospect of a sole‑custody hearing in Nassau County can seem overwhelming and impossibly lonely. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

That feeling is understandable, but you do not have to face it alone. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. have helped parents across Nassau County—from Mineola to Massapequa—work through custody disputes with a clear understanding of how the local courts operate. Whether the matter is heard in Nassau County Family Court or linked to a pending divorce in Nassau County Supreme Court, we focus on building a record that demonstrates to the court that the custody arrangement you are seeking genuinely serves your child’s well‑being. We know that behind every case file is a parent who just wants what is best for their son or daughter. To discuss how we can assist, reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747.

Understanding Sole Custody in Nassau County, New York

“Sole custody” means that one parent has the legal authority to make major decisions about the child’s life—such as education, medical care, and religious upbringing—and, if physical custody is also sole, the child resides primarily with that parent. In New York, custody is determined by the “best interests of the child” standard under the New York Domestic Relations Law § 240 and the Family Court Act. The court examines a wide range of factors, including each parent’s ability to provide a stable home, the child’s relationship with each parent, any history of domestic violence, and the child’s preferences if they are of sufficient age and maturity.

Nassau County has two courts that handle custody matters. The Nassau County Family Court, located at 1200 Old Country Road in Westbury, hears custody and visitation petitions when the parents are unmarried or when a divorce has already been finalized. If a divorce is pending, custody is typically resolved as part of the matrimonial action in the Nassau County Supreme Court, located at 100 Supreme Court Drive in Mineola. Understanding which court your case belongs in is an important first step, and our attorneys are familiar with the procedural expectations in both venues. Because every family’s circumstances differ, the court may appoint a forensic evaluator or an attorney for the child to assist in gathering information before issuing a custody order.

Parents often ask whether New York favors mothers over fathers. New York law does not express a gender preference; it focuses solely on what arrangement will best serve the child’s health, safety, and overall development. A parent seeking sole custody must be prepared to present evidence not merely that the other parent is less than perfect, but that sole custody is necessary to protect the child’s welfare. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help clients in communities like Valley Stream, Hicksville, and Glen Cove gather and present that evidence in a focused, court‑ready manner.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Sole Custody Cases

Our approach to a sole‑custody matter begins with listening. During an initial consultation, we want to understand not just the timeline of the relationship but the daily reality of your child’s life. Who handled doctor appointments, school meetings, and bedtime routines? Where does the child feel safest and most settled? These details matter because New York courts evaluate the totality of the circumstances, not a checklist of parenting failures.

Once we have a clear picture, we work with our client to identify the strongest, most credible evidence available. That may include school records, medical records, witness statements from teachers or neighbors, and, when appropriate, the input of a forensic evaluator. We handle discovery requests and deposition preparation with the same thoroughness we apply to any complex litigation. Our experience appearing in Nassau County Family Court and Supreme Court means we understand local judicial expectations and can help you avoid procedural missteps that could delay a resolution.

Throughout the process, we remain candid about the strengths and weaknesses of your case. A parent who demands sole custody without a factual foundation can sometimes harm their own credibility and prolong the conflict, which itself may be viewed as contrary to the child’s best interests. We help clients assess whether a negotiated settlement, such as a detailed parenting plan that grants one parent primary physical custody while preserving substantial visitation for the other, can achieve the same stability for the child while avoiding a costly and emotionally draining trial. If trial is necessary, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to present a compelling case to the court.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He began his career as a former prosecutor, gaining courtroom experience that now informs his approach to family law advocacy. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he maintains a multi‑state practice that has served clients throughout the Northeast. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

Because the firm does not employ junior associates, every custody matter benefits from the direct involvement of seasoned professionals. The Of Counsel attorneys who work alongside Mr. Sris have their own established legal backgrounds and contribute insight into how different judges and jurisdictions handle parenting disputes. When you call the firm, you are engaging a team that makes it a priority to be accessible and responsive. Though we never promise an outcome, we do promise that your case will receive thoughtful, individual case review. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sole custody and joint custody in New York?

Sole custody means one parent has the authority to make major decisions for the child and, if physical custody is also sole, the child lives primarily with that parent, while joint custody requires both parents to share decision‑making. Joint physical custody, often called shared parenting, does not necessarily mean equal time; it means each parent has significant time and the right to be involved in the child’s upbringing. New York courts prefer an arrangement that allows both parents to remain meaningfully involved unless there is a reason, such as domestic violence or neglect, that makes joint custody harmful to the child. The precise label matters less than the actual day‑to‑day parenting schedule that the court orders.

How does a Nassau County judge decide whether to award sole custody?

A Nassau County judge decides custody by evaluating the child’s best interests after considering factors such as each parent’s fitness, the child’s needs, and the stability of the home environment. The court may review evidence about each parent’s mental and physical health, history of substance abuse, work schedules, and ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. In contested matters, the court often relies on a forensic evaluation or the report of an attorney appointed for the child. The judge in either Family Court or Supreme Court makes the final determination based on the record presented.

Can a father get sole custody of a child in Nassau County?

Yes, a father can obtain sole custody of a child in Nassau County if the evidence shows that awarding custody to the father is in the child’s best interests. New York law does not favor mothers over fathers. A father seeking sole custody must present proof that the arrangement is necessary to protect the child’s welfare, which may include demonstrating the mother’s unfitness or inability to meet the child’s needs. Our firm has represented fathers in custody cases throughout Long Island and understands the factual showing that courts expect.

Do I need a lawyer for a sole custody case in Nassau County?

While you are not legally required to have a lawyer for a custody case, having experienced counsel can make a significant difference in how effectively your evidence is presented and in avoiding procedural errors that could undermine your position. Custody litigation involves strict rules of evidence and court deadlines. A parent who represents themselves may unintentionally miss a filing deadline or fail to object to inadmissible evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can handle every aspect of the case, from drafting the initial petition to conducting a trial if needed.

How long does a child custody case take in Nassau County?

The timeline for a child custody case in Nassau County varies depending on whether the parents reach an agreement or require a full trial, but a heavily contested matter can extend over many months. Temporary custody orders can be put in place relatively early in the proceeding to provide stability while the case is pending. Factors such as the court’s calendar, the availability of expert evaluations, and the complexity of the issues all influence the overall duration. We work to move your case forward efficiently while ensuring that the record is thoroughly developed.

How can I request a consultation about a custody matter?

You can request a consultation by calling Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to speak with a member of our team about your case. During the consultation, we will ask you to describe the current custody arrangement, any existing court orders, and your goals for the outcome. We encourage you to have any relevant documents, such as a prior order or a custody petition, available so that we can provide the most focused initial guidance. Your conversation with us is confidential, and there is no obligation to retain our services after the call.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.

Also serving families throughout the region: Suffolk County Child Custody Lawyer | Westchester County Family Law Attorney | Manhattan Family Law Lawyer

Resources: Nassau County Supreme Court | New York Domestic Relations Law § 240

Last reviewed: July 2026

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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.

Results may vary.