Child Custody Lawyer Brooklyn, NY
When parents in Brooklyn face a custody dispute, the decisions made by the court can shape their child’s daily life, education, and well‑being for years. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent mothers and fathers throughout Kings County in custody, visitation, and parenting‑time matters. We understand how deeply personal these cases are. Our role is to present your position clearly and to work toward an arrangement that serves the child’s best interests while protecting your parental rights. Whether you are seeking sole custody, joint custody, or a modification of an existing order, we can help you navigate the process. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Child Custody Means in Brooklyn, New York
Child custody in Brooklyn is governed by the New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and, when the matter is not connected to a divorce, by the Family Court Act. The courts in Kings County approach custody under a single guiding principle: the best interests of the child. That standard requires a detailed look at each parent’s ability to provide a stable home, the child’s relationships with siblings and extended family, any history of domestic violence, and, depending on the child’s age and maturity, the child’s own wishes.
Custody proceedings in Brooklyn are generally heard in Kings County Family Court, located at 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. When custody is part of a divorce or separation action, the case is filed in Kings County Supreme Court at the same address. Both courts are in the 2nd Judicial District. The Family Court handles petitions for initial custody orders, modifications, and violations, while the Supreme Court addresses custody within the broader divorce decree. Because the two courts can interact—for example, a Family Court custody order may be superseded by a later Supreme Court divorce judgment—it is important to have counsel who is familiar with the local practice and can coordinate the proceedings.
Brooklyn’s diversity also means that families sometimes bring cross‑jurisdictional issues into a custody case—such as a parent relocating to another borough, state, or even another country. New York’s relocation law and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) control which state has the authority to decide custody. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience handling custody matters that involve parties in multiple jurisdictions, including the interplay between New York and other states where the firm practices.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Child Custody Cases
We approach each custody case with the understanding that no two families are alike. Our process begins with a detailed consultation during which we learn about your household, your child’s daily routine, and the concerns that brought you to our firm. From there, we help you identify realistic goals—whether that means fighting for primary physical custody, negotiating a shared parenting plan, or defending against a petition that would unfairly limit your time with your child.
In many Brooklyn custody cases, the court encourages parents to reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation before a trial becomes necessary. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel assist clients in those settlement discussions while simultaneously preparing the case for litigation if an agreement cannot be reached. When a trial is unavoidable, we present a well‑developed case—setting out the facts through testimony, documentary evidence, and any necessary experienced attorney input—and advocate vigorously for the outcome you are seeking. Throughout the process, we keep you informed about the timeline, the court’s expectations, and the strategic choices that arise, so that you can make decisions with confidence.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor and has been practicing law since 1997. He is admitted to the bars of New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to family law matters, including the intricate child‑custody disputes that arise in Brooklyn.
All non‑Sris attorneys on the team serve as Of Counsel. Through this structure, clients receive the focused attention of Mr. Sris and the collective knowledge of seasoned lawyers who are well‑versed in New York custody procedure. Our multi‑state capability is particularly valuable for families with ties beyond New York, but our primary focus on any Brooklyn custody matter is to address it thoroughly within the Kings County courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors does a Brooklyn court consider when deciding custody?
A Brooklyn court decides custody based on the best interests of the child, weighing factors such as each parent’s ability to provide a stable home, the child’s relationship with each parent and siblings, any history of domestic violence, and the child’s own wishes if the child is mature enough to express them. New York law does not presume that one parent should have custody over the other. The court looks at the totality of the circumstances. In Kings County Family Court and Supreme Court, the judge may also consider the work schedules of each parent, the mental and physical health of everyone involved, and whether a parent has attempted to encourage or undermine the child’s relationship with the other parent. For legal guidance on how these factors apply to your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Can a grandparent obtain custody or visitation in Brooklyn?
Yes, grandparents can seek custody or visitation in New York, but they must show that extraordinary circumstances exist—such as the parents being unfit, the child having lived with the grandparent for an extended period, or a parent’s consent—before the court will consider awarding custody. For visitation, a grandparent may petition if a parent has died or if the court finds that visitation is in the child’s best interests. The same Kings County Family Court hears these petitions. A grandparent seeking custody faces a higher burden than a parent, and the court remains focused on the child’s welfare. To discuss the specifics of a grandparent‑custody matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How is child support decided in Brooklyn when custody is involved?
New York calculates child support using a statutory percentage of the parents’ combined income, applied to the basic child support obligation, and the court then allocates that amount between the parents according to their proportional income. The formula is set out in the New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 240. The percentages are 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more children, on combined parental income up to a statutory cap (the cap is adjusted periodically). The non‑custodial parent typically pays support to the custodial parent, but the specifics can vary depending on parenting time and other expenses. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can explain how the support calculation interacts with the custody arrangement in your case. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.
Do I need a lawyer for a child custody case in Brooklyn?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer for a child custody case, but having experienced counsel can significantly affect the presentation of your case and your understanding of the procedural rules. Brooklyn custody matters involve detailed court procedures, strict evidentiary rules, and, when a trial is needed, the skill of cross‑examining witnesses and crafting a persuasive argument. An attorney can help you avoid missteps that could delay or harm your case. For guidance, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Can a custody order be modified later?
Yes, a custody order in New York can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances and the modification would serve the child’s best interests. Examples of changed circumstances include a parent’s relocation, a substantial shift in the child’s needs, or evidence that the current arrangement is no longer safe. The party seeking the modification must file a petition in the same Kings County Family Court that issued the original order. Even agreed‑upon changes should be documented through the court to ensure they are enforceable. For a consultation on modification, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
For additional family law issues, see our pages on Divorce Lawyer Brooklyn, Child Support Lawyer Brooklyn, and Family Law Attorney Brooklyn.
Official information:
Kings County Supreme Court & Family Court |
New York Domestic Relations Law § 240 (custody and child support) |
New York State Unified Court System
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