In New York, custody arrangements aren’t automatically divided between parents. The courts prioritize what’s best for the child and take a nuanced approach to each family’s unique situation.
Whereas, in determining custody arrangements, the Supreme Court of New York (hereinafter “the Court”) shall consider multiple factors to safeguard the child’s wellbeing:
Parents should know that the Court considers factors such as who can provide a stable home life, how well the child gets along with each parent, work schedules, and any concerning behavior or abuse in the past. It’s not just about dividing time equally—it’s about creating the best possible environment for the child.
Legal custody and physical custody are two separate things. When you have legal custody, you get to make the big decisions about your kid’s life – like where they go to school, what doctor they see, or what religion they practice. Physical custody is more straightforward – it’s about where the child lives.
If both parents come to court with a plan to split custody 50/50 and agree to it, the judge will usually give it the green light. But here’s the thing—they’ll still check to ensure this arrangement suits the child. The court isn’t just going to rubber-stamp any agreement parents make.
Notice is hereby given that parties seeking custody determinations are strongly advised to retain competent legal counsel to navigate the complexities of New York family law and ensure their rights and interests are adequately represented before the Court.
