Child Custody, Visitation, Spousal Support and Child Support Modifications and Enforcement in New York
Family circumstances do change over time. When parents experience changes in income or financial responsibilities, orders put into place at the time of their divorce or other family law action may no longer be appropriate — or may be violated. In such cases, parents can petition the family court to modify their orders, initiate enforcement actions, or both.
At the Darwish Law Offices in Syracuse, we represent Central New York families who are seeking assistance with child custody, visitation, spousal support and child support modifications, enforcement, or defense in enforcement actions.
Clients of our office work directly with compassionate and practical family law attorney Diane E. Darwish. We invite you to contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with Attorney Darwish.
Child Custody, Visitation, Alimony and Child Support Modifications
Court orders dictating child custody, visitation, child support, and spousal support (“alimony”) are not set in stone. New York's family laws provide the opportunity to seek modifications to child support, spousal support, child custody and visitation orders when there has been a substantial change in circumstances:
- Child support modifications, when a new calculation under child support guidelines would result in a change due to change in parental income or a child’s needs.
- Changes to child custody orders when one parent is demonstrably unfit or, in limited cases, when an older child wishes to live with the other parent.
- Modifications to visitation arrangements, when the change is in the best interest of the child, such as in cases of child relocation.
Child Support and Spousal Support Enforcement Actions
Whether you are not receiving your support as ordered or you have fallen into arrears, the Darwish Law Offices can help. We represent people on both sides of these enforcement actions with the goal of finding a workable, long-term resolution to the problem.
We are aggressive in our advocacy for those seeking enforcement and can offer real solutions — including modifications to orders and payment plans for back-child support or spousal support — for those who have been unable to meet their obligations.
Child Custody and Visitation Enforcement Actions · Parental Alienation Syndrome
In our experience, conflicts over child custody and visitation orders are the most common reason for enforcement actions. Complaints range from relatively minor violations of orders to active attempts at parental alienation. The Darwish Law Offices is committed to resolving these conflicts in the best interest of the children involved.
Parental Alienation Syndrome occurs when one parent takes affirmative action to destroy a child's relationship with the other parent. Although Parental Alienation Syndrome is only recently gaining recognition in the Onondaga County family courts, the Darwish Law Offices has litigated several cases.
When parents have a sufficiently civil relationship, we may be able to guide a renegotiation of the child custody or visitation agreement without the need of a full and formal court action. However, when litigation is necessary for child custody enforcement, particularly in cases involving parental alienation, we are serious, aggressive advocates in court.
Contact the Darwish Law Offices
Find out if the Darwish Law Offices is the right law firm for you. To make an appointment for a free consultation with a lawyer, call (315) 254-2226 or contact us online.
