Post Divorce Legal Support for Parenting in New York With Shim Law Group
Separation and divorce are difficult experiences, especially for children. Families in New York City often face challenges navigating these emotional and legal hurdles. One of the most important aspects in these situations is creating a stable and supportive environment for children. As parents and guardians navigate this process, it’s essential to understand the laws governing custody, child support, and parenting time to ensure the well-being of children.
At Shim Law Group, we specialize in family law in New York City. Our goal is to provide compassionate, effective legal support to help you reach a fair and equitable solution.
Here’s a breakdown of essential legal concepts related to split households and stable parenting arrangements in NYC, including custody rights, child support, and more.

Understanding Custody in NYC
Custody refers to the legal right to make significant decisions for your child. In New York, custody can be categorized into two main types: physical custody and legal custody.
- Physical Custody: This refers to where the child lives. One parent may have sole physical custody, or parents may share physical custody with the child living with each parent for a specific amount of time.
- Legal Custody: This pertains to the right to make decisions regarding your child’s education, healthcare, and other major aspects of their life. Legal custody can be shared or awarded to one parent based on the best interests of the child.
In New York, family courts consider various factors when determining custody arrangements, including the child’s age, the parents’ ability to provide for the child, and the child’s preference (if they are of sufficient age).
Child Support: An Essential Part of Stable Parenting
In addition to custody, child support is a crucial issue for parents in split households. In New York City, child support is calculated based on a statutory formula that considers both parents’ incomes, the number of children involved, and other financial factors. The goal of child support is to ensure that the child’s needs are met regardless of the parents’ relationship status.
Parents who have primary physical custody of the child typically receive child support from the non-custodial parent. However, even in shared custody arrangements, child support may still be required. Understanding your financial responsibilities and rights as a parent can ensure that your child receives the financial stability they require.
Visitation Rights and Parenting Time
When parents are no longer together, it’s essential to have clear and consistent schedules regarding parenting time. Visitation ensures that children maintain a meaningful relationship with both parents. This time-sharing arrangement can be structured in many ways, depending on the parent’s ability to co-parent and the child’s best interests.
New York courts encourage parents to work together to create a fair parenting schedule. If this isn’t possible, the court will establish a visitation schedule that allows both parents to spend time with their children. Parenting time schedules can be modified as circumstances change, such as if the parents move to different locations or the child’s needs evolve.
Legal Rights of Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians in New York City have certain legal rights when it comes to making decisions about their child’s upbringing. These rights extend beyond custody and visitation to include:
- Education Rights: Parents have the right to be involved in their child’s educational decisions, including which school the child attends and other important academic matters.
- Healthcare Rights: Both parents have the right to make medical decisions for their child, including consent for medical treatment and involvement in healthcare decisions.
- Relocation Rights: If one parent wishes to move with the child to another state or far away within New York, they must seek permission from the court. Relocation cases often involve a detailed evaluation of how the move will affect the child’s relationship with both parents.
These rights are intended to preserve the child’s relationship with both parents and ensure that decisions are made collaboratively, without undermining the child’s well-being.
Family Court’s Role in Parenting Decisions in New York
New York’s Family Court system is designed to handle cases related to child custody, visitation, child support, and other family matters. In custody and visitation cases, the court’s primary concern is the child’s best interests. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem (a legal representative for the child) to help make decisions that prioritize the child’s welfare.
When parents cannot come to an agreement, the court has the final authority in determining custody and visitation arrangements. Parents must follow the court’s order unless there is a significant change in circumstances that justifies modification.
How Can Shim Law Group Help You Post-Divorce Parenting in NYC?
At Shim Law Group, we understand the challenges that come with navigating family law matters. Whether you’re going through a divorce, child custody dispute, or seeking child support adjustments, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring that your child’s well-being remains the top priority. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Expert Legal Guidance: Our team has in-depth knowledge of New York City family law. We provide tailored legal advice to ensure that you understand your rights, responsibilities, and the steps involved in custody, support, and visitation cases.
- Custody and Visitation Planning: We work with parents to create clear, practical custody and visitation plans. If an agreement cannot be reached, we advocate for your interests in court to ensure that any decision made is in the best interest of your child.
- Child Support Representation: Shimlawgroup can help you understand the child support process, ensure proper calculations, and assist with modifications if circumstances change. We can also help enforce child support orders to ensure your child receives the financial support they deserve.
- Mediation and Negotiation: In some cases, a more amicable resolution can be achieved through mediation or negotiation. We facilitate discussions to help parents resolve disputes outside of court, aiming for a solution that works for all parties involved.
- Modification of Orders: If your circumstances change after a custody or support arrangement is established, we can assist in modifying the existing orders to reflect the new reality, ensuring that the best interests of the child continue to be met.
At Shim law group, we believe in resolving family disputes in a manner that minimizes conflict and promotes stable parenting. Whether you need help with child custody, support, visitation, or related matters, we are here to guide you through the process.
FAQs
1. What factors do New York courts consider when determining custody?
2. Can I modify a custody arrangement?
3. How is child support calculated in New York?
4. What happens if the other parent refuses to follow the custody order?
5. Can I move with my child if I have custody?
What to Do Next
Don’t face custody or support challenges alone. Our experienced family law team in NYC is ready to protect your rights and guide you through every step. Reach out to the Shim Law group for compassionate, legal support. Our team is here to protect your child’s future. Contact us today for a consultation.
- Experienced NYC child custody attorneys
- Clear, court-approved parenting plans
- Total legal support from consultation to courtroom
📞 Visit shimlawgroup.com to book your consultation or call us today.