Child Custody & Child Support Lawyers in New York

Protecting Your Children. Supporting Your Future.

Few legal matters are as emotionally charged or deeply personal as child custody and child support. These cases shape your child’s daily life, their sense of stability, and your ongoing relationship with them. At Paolantonio | Crawford, we know how important it is to protect your connection with your children—and to ensure they receive the financial and emotional support they need to thrive.

Our trauma-informed attorneys approach every custody and support matter with sensitivity, clarity, and an unwavering focus on the child’s best interests. We recognize that families come to us during times of change, uncertainty, and often distress. Our role is to guide you through this process with compassion, confidence, and strong advocacy, helping you secure a future where your child’s well-being remains at the center of every decision.

A Child-Centered, Trauma-Informed Approach

Custody cases require careful attention—not only to legal details but also to the emotional reality of the children involved. We work to reduce conflict whenever possible while ensuring your voice is fully heard and your parental rights are protected.

Our approach emphasizes:

• Stability and safety for your child

• Respectful, clear communication

• A predictable, step-by-step process to reduce stress

• Personalized strategies based on your family’s unique dynamics

Whether you’re negotiating parenting schedules or navigating a high-conflict situation, we stand by your side with steady guidance and compassionate representation.

Child Custody in New York

New York courts prioritize the best interests of the child above all else. We help clients understand how courts evaluate custody and work with you to develop a parenting plan that meets your child’s needs while honoring your role as a parent.

Types of Custody

• Legal Custody – decision-making authority about education, health care, and major life choices

• Physical Custody – where the child lives day-to-day

• Joint Custody – shared responsibility between parents

• Sole Custody – full decision-making authority when necessary for safety or stability

What Courts Consider

Courts may look at:

• The child’s emotional and physical needs

• Each parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable environment

• The child’s relationship with each parent

• Any history of domestic violence

• Co-parenting communication and consistency

• Each parent’s involvement in the child’s daily life

We prepare thorough, evidence-supported presentations that demonstrate your strengths as a parent and the stability you provide.

Parenting Plans & Visitation

A well-crafted parenting plan helps children adjust to changes and maintain meaningful relationships with both parents when safe to do so.

We assist with:

• Detailed residential schedules

• Holiday and vacation planning

• Provisions for communication and transportation

• Supervised visitation arrangements when needed

• Modifications to existing plans when circumstances change

Our goal is to create workable, child-focused arrangements that reduce long-term conflict.

Our attorneys are trained in trauma-informed practice and experienced in handling sensitive, complex cases with care and strength. We prioritize your child’s safety and emotional well-being in every strategy we develop.