Child-Centric Case Management: Long Island Divorce Attorney Support Services

According to Robert E. Hornberger, a divorce attorney on Long Island, the role of family law specialists in divorce cases in Suffolk County and Nassau County is to protect the interests of the client and the interests of the children of the marriage simultaneously.

Among other things, protecting the best interests of clients means that legal representatives are dedicated to protecting personal assets as well as controlling costs during the litigation process. Other areas of concern include establishing reasonable spousal support, asking for orders of protection, and negotiating distribution of future earnings and/or retirement benefits.When minor children are involved, a divorce attorney on Long Island diligently strives to negotiate divorce settlement terms that allow both parents to be active participants in their children's lives. While custody is often a point of contention for parents, children have a right to maintain the parent-child relationship with both parents and to live in a safe, secure environment.

There is no set formula that determines who assumes the role of custodial parent after a divorce. Judges in Suffolk and Nassau County carefully examine everything that could positively or negatively affect each child. Custody orders vary widely, however in New York three common arrangements include:

•    Designating one parent as the custodial parent or primary caretaker, while preserving legal custodial rights for both parents.

•    Ordering shared custody and equal financial responsibility.

•    Assigning one parent to assume full physical custody and the other parent to assume full financial responsibility.

Legal Custody, Physical Custody, and Co-parenting

A uniquely-qualified divorce attorney on Long Island understands the necessity of tempering aggressive litigation tactics and strategies that best serve the client with compassion for the mental and physical well-being of the children involved.  Determining whether to pursue legal custody, physical custody, or some form of joint custody arrangements is different in every divorce case.In cases where children have been abused or neglected, a divorce attorney may decide to pursue financial support and allow legal custody rights, while seeking to limit or prevent visitation without court supervision. Legal custody is the right to make major decisions which impact a child's health, financial security, emotional stability, and educational opportunities.When parents are able to maintain an amicable relationship with open, honest, and effective communication, legal representatives may suggest joint physical custody with flexible visitation schedules and mutual consent for all significant life-decisions.

Court Considerations and Child-Centric Divorce Orders

An experienced Long Island divorce attorney understands that the courts will examine daily life needs before issuing orders that affect children. When determining the child custody structure, judges in Suffolk County and Nassau County consider the following:

1. The wishes of children old enough to articulate their personal preferences and reasons behind those desires;

2. The mental, emotional, and physical health of each parent or applicant requesting guardianship status;

3. Supporting caregivers in the home and proposed professional child-care providers;

4. Financial stability, employment history, and work schedule of the parent or applicant requesting guardianship status;

5. Siblings and other family members living in the home prior to initiating divorce;

6. Issues of neglect, physical or emotional abuse, domestic violence, criminal activity, and other behaviors that may increase the risk of injury or harm to the child(ren);

7. Pre-divorce living environment and accessibility; and

8. Access to academic and social opportunities.

Parent and Divorce Attorney Roles in Long Island Child-Centric Divorce Cases

When parents decide to divorce, but want to put the best interests of their children first, they must proactively look for a divorce attorney on Long Island willing to guide them through the process. In his book "Stop Fighting Over the Kids" Mike Mastracci recommends parents first attempt to reach an agreement through mediation. Children-and-Divorce.com offers a checklist for parents preparing to enter mediation.

If mediation fails, a more structured approach via Collaborative Family Law may help parents reach child-centered solutions. Litigation should be the last option for parents concerned about reducing emotional stress for children.


For more information about Divorce Attorney Long Island  and Divorce Mediation Suffolk County Please visit: Divorce-longisland.com