Family Lawyer in the Bronx
Trusted And Loyal Family Law Representation In Bronx, NY
For many individuals, family is their top priority. Even so, some situations can result in family legal issues, which can often lead to a range of complications and challenges. It is crucial to understand that without proper legal protection, both you and your loved ones are vulnerable to problems such as financial instability and ongoing controversy.
With the help of a qualified and experienced family law attorney, you can be sure that your affairs will be handled with precision and care. Family-related issues come with a variety of obstacles. From the division of assets to child protection, you deserve the necessary legal counsel to resolve your family matters with confidence and ease.
The Law Offices of David Bliven have been thoughtfully representing families in Bronx County & vicinity for nearly 30 years. This experience has informed our firm’s comprehensive approach to family law and directly benefits the clients that we represent. With our successful track record, we have helped countless families find productive legal resolutions to their problems. Regardless of the family law-related matter we are presented with, we have the tools necessary to find quick and effective solutions for all parties involved.
What Does Family Law Encompass?
The area of family law practice encompasses a diverse range of issues related to family relationships, including child protection, marriage, and divorce. A family lawyer will play a crucial role in these matters by facilitating negotiations, drafting legal documents, representing family members in court, and establishing parenting plans.
There are many types of family law concerns to address, and the best way to approach your particular case is with the help of an adept legal professional. At The Law Offices of David Bliven, we are equipped to deal with family-law situations such as:
- Divorce: Divorce is a complex procedure, and to avoid a trial (which costs significantly more time and money), it is crucial to develop a successful settlement plan. Hiring a divorce lawyer who can help divide marital property, propose child support/custody plans, and calculate spousal support is critical to an effective divorce proceeding
- Child Support/Custody: In the wake of their parents’ separation or divorce, a child’s safety and stability are the most important things. From devising practical parenting plans to drafting custody agreements, a child support attorney and/or child custody lawyer will ensure the safety of your child every step of the way
- Separation: Separation from a partner can come with its own set of legal hurdles. Preserving your welfare and financial stability during this time is best done with the help of a lawyer for separation
- Alimony and Maintenance: Maintaining a quality standard of living following a separation or divorce is paramount. To obtain the best possible support payments, it is best to convey your financial needs to the judge and other relevant authorities
- Asset Division: The division of marital assets often gives rise to controversy among opposing parties. To obtain a fair distribution of marital property, it is in your best interests to have skilled legal representation who will ensure your voice is heard
Why Should I Hire a Bronx Family Law Attorney to Help Me File for an Uncontested Divorce?
If you are pursuing an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse have most likely decided on essential terms such as child custody, spousal support, asset division, and child support. Even if this is the case, you will need skilled legal representation to ensure that the divorce process is handled thoroughly and effectively. Hiring an attorney to help you with your family law matters is the most efficient way to navigate the legal complexities of a New York divorce case.
A Bronx, New York attorney understands the legal intricacies pertaining to matrimonial law. Even if you are seeking an uncontested divorce, you must understand your legal rights and any obligations you may have, including child support or custody matters. Your attorney can also help identify potential issues that could pose problems if not addressed.
Your attorney will also help to oversee and review all proposed settlements to ensure your interests are protected, especially in matters regarding property division and support obligations. Allowing an attorney to represent you is an effective way to help prevent future disputes that could lead to costly and time-consuming litigation.
What Factors Do Family Courts Take Into Consideration When Deciding Child Custody Arrangements?
One of the most divisive family law matters involves deciding child custody arrangements. Because the Bronx County family court (& Supreme Court if your case is a divorce) prioritizes the child’s well-being, it will assess several factors to determine child custody. One of the most critical aspects is each parent’s relationship with the child and their willingness to be present in their life.
Another critical consideration used in the decision-making process involves evaluating each parent’s fitness to raise the child. One of the key factors evaluated includes each parent’s mental and physical health, which can affect their ability to provide a safe living environment. The family court will also investigate to determine if either parent has a history of domestic violence, child neglect, or substance abuse.
The court will also conduct an assessment of each parent’s financial resources to ascertain if they can provide for their child’s basic needs. Depending on the child’s age and maturity level, the court may also consider the child’s preference regarding which parent they would like to live with. Nevertheless, the court does not make custody decisions based solely on the child’s preferences.
What Types of Child Custody are Available in Bronx County?
New York law recognizes two types of custody arrangements, which are determined based on the circumstances of the case.
Physical Custody
Physical custody determines where a child will live. Under New York law, parents may be granted joint/shared custody, which means the child lives with both parents and shares equal decision-making authority. If a parent is granted sole custody, the child will live with the primary custodial parent, and the other parent will be granted visitation rights. The parent who is granted child visitation will also be responsible for paying child support.
Legal Custody
Legal custody may also be granted to one or both parents. Legal custody allows a parent to make decisions regarding their child’s education, medical care, and religious upbringing. In some instances, the court may grant only one parent legal custody, meaning they will be able to make significant decisions regarding their child’s life.
Factors That Can Negatively Affect Child Custody
The Bronx County family court will always err on the side of caution when determining child custody arrangements, and several factors can negatively affect a parent’s decision-making authority, including domestic violence or child abuse.
Due to the lasting implications involved with child custody arrangements, it is always advisable to hire a New York family law attorney. Family law attorney David Bliven has extensive experience helping parents safeguard their legal rights and ensure that their voices are heard during custody hearings and afterward, if they feel their rights have been violated.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Bronx Family Law Attorney to Help Me With Asset Division During a Divorce?
New York laws can be particularly challenging when dividing marital assets. An experienced New York attorney can provide their clients with essential legal services, including identifying all marital assets, determining their value, and assisting with reducing potential tax burdens.
One of the most contentious issues in a divorce involves property division and valuation of marital assets. In New York, marital property comprises all property and assets acquired during the marriage. Conversely, separate property includes assets brought into the marriage, except those addressed in a prenuptial agreement.
Due to the legal complexities involved, it is essential to have skilled legal representation to protect your financial interests and obtain a fair settlement. New York follows an equitable distribution doctrine, meaning that marital property is divided fairly between the two spouses. Even so, “fairly” does not necessarily mean equal, so you must have an attorney who will work tirelessly to defend your interests and make your voice count.
Working with an attorney is even more essential when navigating complex, high-value divorce cases involving real estate, business, or retirement accounts. Our Bronx, NY, family law attorney, David Bliven, has comprehensive experience negotiating with opposing counsel to maximize your chances of obtaining a fair outcome. If negotiations fail, our law firm is prepared to take your case to trial to help secure a fair and equitable settlement.
What Types of Spousal Support are Available Under New York Law?
State law dictates that spouses are legally obligated to support one another until the divorce is finalized. When a marriage ends, the Supreme Court could order that a spouse pay the other what is referred to as “spousal maintenance.”
New York family law recognizes two types of spousal maintenance:
Temporary Spousal Maintenance
Also known as “pendente lite” (or “interim”) maintenance, these spousal maintenance payments are made to one spouse during divorce proceedings. The higher-earning spouse likely pays temporary spousal maintenance during the divorce process (although a large part of this depends on the disparity of income between one spouse & the other).
Post-Divorce Maintenance
One spouse may pay post-divorce maintenance to the other after the divorce is finalized. The goal of post-divorce maintenance is to assist the lower-earning spouse as they work toward financial independence or help them maintain a standard of living.
The Divorce Judge has the discretion to determine the amount of spousal maintenance that may be awarded. That being the case, it is in your best interests to have a lawyer on your side who will act as your legal advocate regardless of which side of the matter you stand on.
What Should I Know When Trying to Choose a Bronx Family Law Attorney?
Family law is among the most intimate areas of legal practice. To find a suitable family attorney for your needs, you must have a professional who takes the time to understand your specific goals.
Your legal security is the most crucial thing during family-related legal proceedings. Having a lawyer on your side to act as a layer of protection between you and opposing parties is invaluable to your well-being and that of your loved ones moving forward.
Achieving a long-term resolution to your family matters is a primary goal of The Law Offices of David Bliven. Finding the most effective solutions to your family’s difficulties involves a meticulous understanding of the law, and Attorney David Bliven has the background necessary to do so with competence and proficiency.
What Makes The Law Offices Of David Bliven Among The Best Family Law Firms In Bronx, NY?
Our firm stands ready to serve you and your family with our thoughtful legal approach. As a client-centered firm in the Bronx, NY area, The Law Offices of David Bliven will stand by you in whatever family law case we are presented with. As a firm, our objective is to build productive relationships with our clients, enabling us to reach practical conclusions as a team.
Our law firm has a proven track record of winning complex divorce cases and representing clients with family law matters, enabling them to resume their lives. When you come to us for help, we take time to listen and help you determine your goals and objectives so we can secure the best outcome for your case.
If you need an experienced family law attorney in Bronx, NY, it is never too early to get in touch with a legal expert. Please contact a member of our team today by calling 917-938-7827 to schedule an initial consultation.