Pittsford Family Attorney
Family law is the area of our legal system that deals with family relationships and domestic issues. Because the dynamics of these relationships can be so complex and fraught with so much emotion, it is often necessary to have an advocate who can protect your interests. They can help you navigate the family law system when disputes arise.
At Trotto Law Firm, P.C., we understand that family law issues can be some of the most difficult legal challenges you will ever face. We have been up close and personal with many other families in the same situation, helping them advance their objectives while minimizing the stress, anxiety, and cost that are often associated with these types of cases. Our goal is to provide Pittsford with the highest quality representation and service possible, and to obtain the best possible results under the circumstances they face that protect and preserve their families. If you are ready to discuss your family law matter with an experienced attorney, we encourage you to contact us today to begin a consultation and see how we can help you.
What Forms of Disputes Fall Under Family Law?
Family law matters can encompass a wide range of issues that all families could face at some point. These are emotionally complex and legally challenging times that require organization, strategy, and tenacity. The following are the more common types of disputes that fall under family law:
- Child custody: In a divorce or separation, one of the most important decisions that will need to be made is determining who will have official custody of the children. This can be a contentious decision to make between parents, and the court will consider many factors when deciding, including the child’s age, the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s schooling and extracurricular activities, each parent’s employment schedule, and each parent’s home life. Common disputes when settling on a child custody agreement can involve disagreements over which parent should have primary custody, how much time the child should spend with each parent, and what type of visitation schedule should be put in place.
- Child support: For both parents to financially support their children, the non-custodial parent may be ordered to pay a pre-determined amount of child support each month. This is based on a number of factors, such as each parent’s income, the number of children, the custody arrangement, and the child’s health insurance and childcare costs. Disputes range from one parent claiming that they are paying too much child support to the other parent insisting that they are not receiving enough child support.
- Alimony: Also known as spousal support or spousal maintenance, alimony is the money one spouse gives the other after a divorce. The amount of alimony paid and the length of time it is paid depends on many factors, such as each spouse’s income, earning potential, standard of living, length of the marriage, and each spouse’s age and health. Disputes over alimony typically involve one spouse claiming they are paying too much or the other spouse not receiving enough.
- Division of property: When a married couple divorces, they must divide their marital property. Disputes over property division can be complex and emotionally charged, as they often involve sentimental belongings. This includes all property acquired during the marriage, such as the family home, cars, furniture, business assets, and any retirement accounts or investments. It is important to have a clear understanding of what is considered marital property so that you can protect your interests and get what you are entitled to.
- Visitation: In some cases, the non-custodial parent may be granted visitation rights. This allows them to spend time with their child or children on a regular basis and can help to maintain a relationship with them. However, there can be disputes over visitation, such as the non-custodial parent not being allowed to see their child or the visitation schedule not being followed.
- Previous Arrangement Modification: If circumstances change, such as one parent getting a new job or the child starting school, then the previous arrangement may need to be modified. This can be a difficult process, as it often requires going back to court. Disputes over modification typically involve one parent claiming that the other parent is not following the agreement or that the agreement is no longer working.
- Enforcement: If one parent is not following the terms of the agreement, such as paying child support or following the visitation schedule, then the other parent may need to take legal action to enforce the agreement. This can be a complex and difficult process, and it is important to have an experienced Pittsford attorney on your side.
What Forms of Evidence Can Help Advance a Family Law Case?
Many different types of evidence can be used in family law cases, and the best type of evidence will vary depending on the specific case. Some common types of evidence include:
- Financial records: This can include tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and credit card statements. This information will list a person’s income, assets, and expenses.
- Communications: This can include emails, text messages, letters, and phone records. These communications can show what was said or agreed to by the parties.
- Witness testimony: These people can be family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. These witnesses can testify about what they saw or heard, and their testimony can be used to support one party’s claims.
- Expert testimony: These people can be appraisers, accountants, and mental health professionals. These experts can provide valuable information and analysis that can support one party’s claims.
- Documentation: This can include birth certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. This documentation can establish the relationship between the parties and the terms of the divorce.
Evidence can be very important in family law cases, and it is important to have an experienced attorney who can help you legally collect and present the best evidence to support your case.
FAQs About Pittsford, NY Family Law
How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in New York?
There is no singular answer to this question, as the cost of a family lawyer in New York will depend on many different factors. These factors can include the specific type of case, the location of the case, the attorney’s experience, and the attorney’s fees. Generally, the more time, energy, and resources that are allocated to a case, the higher the cost will be. The best way to obtain an accurate estimate for the cost of a family lawyer in New York is to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney and request a quote.
What Is the Role of a Pittsford Family Law Attorney?
A family lawyer is an attorney who specializes in handling legal matters related to families and family law. Family lawyers can help with a wide variety of legal issues, such as divorce, child custody, and adoption. They can also help with more specific issues, such as prenuptial agreements and domestic violence. Overall, a family attorney will prioritize the best interests of the family and help to resolve any legal issues in a way that is fair and equitable.
Is New York a 50/50 State When It Comes to Divorce?
No, New York does not honor the 50/50 rule when it comes to divorce. The state of New York uses an equitable distribution model when dividing assets during a divorce. This means that the court will divide the assets in a way that is fair and equitable, but not necessarily equal. The court will consider many different factors when determining how to divide the assets, such as the length of the marriage, the financial needs of each party, and the earning potential of each party.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in New York?
The length of time it takes to get a divorce in New York will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. If the parties can reach an agreement on all the terms of the divorce, then the divorce process can be relatively quick. However, if the parties are not able to agree on all the terms, then the divorce process can be much longer. It is important to note that even if the parties can reach an agreement, the divorce still needs to be approved by a judge before it is final.
Contact Trotto Law Firm, P.C., Today
If you are facing any new family law issue in Pittsford, it is important to have a Pittsford family attorney on your side. The attorneys at Trotto Law Firm, P.C., have extensive experience handling all types of family law cases, and they can help you understand your rights and options. We have quickly become the favored legal option in the Pittsford area to represent members of the community in times of need. From our initial personalized consultation to dedicated support during your case, we will proudly be with you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we can help you and your family.