Experienced & Affordable Manhattan Custody Lawyers
How Can You Find an Experienced Manhattan Custody Lawyer Who’s Also Affordable?
Summary Box:
Custody and child-support disputes are stressful, personal, and often urgent. You need a lawyer who knows Manhattan Family Court inside and out—someone who combines courtroom skill with down-to-earth advice and reasonable fees. I’m Paul W. Matthews, Esq., a family-law attorney with over 25 years of trial and appellate experience helping New York parents protect what matters most.
What Experience Do I Bring to Manhattan Custody Cases?
I’ve handled hundreds of custody and child-support trials, many in Manhattan Family Court. I began my career as an Assistant Corporation Counsel representing the City of New York, where I tried cases before the same judges who hear custody matters today.
Because my practice is small, you’ll work directly with me—not an associate. Every case receives focused preparation and clear communication from start to finish.
Why Does Experience Matter So Much in Custody Court?
Custody hearings often involve long timelines, complex evidence, and emotional testimony. Judges rely on lawyers who can present facts clearly and anticipate issues before they arise.
My experience means I can recognize patterns in court behavior, respond quickly to surprises, and keep your case moving efficiently toward a fair result.
How Do I Keep Legal Fees Reasonable?
Many Manhattan lawyers charge high rates that put quality representation out of reach. I take a different approach.
My goal is to make strong advocacy affordable. I use transparent flat-fee or hourly options, minimize unnecessary steps, and communicate directly so clients know exactly where their money goes.
What Kinds of Custody and Support Cases Do I Handle?
I represent parents, grandparents, and guardians in:
- Contested custody and visitation trials
- Modifications of prior orders
- Enforcement of child-support obligations
- Relocation or move-away petitions
- Domestic-violence and order-of-protection matters
- Appeals of Family Court decisions
Each case receives personal attention and strategic planning focused on your child’s best interests.
What Happens During a Custody Hearing in Manhattan?
Custody cases can involve evaluations by court-appointed psychologists, testimony from family members, and extensive evidence.
I help you prepare step by step—organizing documents, coaching for testimony, and explaining what each court date means. Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and builds confidence in your presentation.
Can Mediation or Settlement Work Instead of Trial?
Often, yes. When both parents are willing to talk, mediation can save time and money.
If you reach a tentative agreement, I review the paperwork to be sure your rights and your child’s safety are protected before anything is signed.
How Do Manhattan Courts Decide Custody?
Judges apply the “best interests of the child” standard. They consider health, safety, emotional needs, and each parent’s ability to provide a stable home.
When a prior order exists, the parent seeking change must show a “substantial change in circumstances.”
I know how to gather the right evidence—school records, medical notes, witness statements—to demonstrate those changes clearly.
What About Joint Custody and Visitation Rights?
“Joint legal custody” means both parents share decision-making on major issues like education and health care.
It works only when communication is respectful. If conflict or past abuse makes joint custody unsafe, I advocate firmly for protective arrangements that still allow healthy contact between children and both parents.
How Does Domestic Violence Affect Custody Decisions?
New York courts treat proven domestic violence as a serious factor.
If there’s an active or past order of protection, the court weighs that evidence heavily when deciding custody or visitation.
I help clients present these facts clearly so the court can prioritize safety while allowing appropriate parenting time where possible.
Where Is My Manhattan Office Located?
My office is at 90 Broad Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10004, just steps from the Family Court buildings downtown.
Clients can meet in person or by phone. I also handle cases in Staten Island and Brooklyn, but Manhattan remains the center of my practice.
How Can You Get Legal Help Now?
If you’re dealing with a custody or child-support problem in Manhattan Family Court, call (347) 461-0760 for a free phone consultation.
You’ll speak directly with me—a lawyer who’s spent decades representing New York families in and out of court.
Experience and affordability can go together, and I’m here to prove it.
Paul W. Matthews, Esq.
Attorney at Law
90 Broad Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10004
Phone: (347) 461-0760
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