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Legal Custody in Queens

Awarding Legal Custody

If you are seeking a divorce, you will soon be learning all about New York's child custody laws. Child custody as a whole is one of the most critical aspects of a divorce involving children; therefore, you should take steps to ensure that your parental rights are fully protected so your relationship with your children is not compromised.

At the Law Offices of Donald Mastrodomenico, P.C., our Queens divorce attorneys can answer your questions and explain what it means to award legal and physical custody. Additionally, we will use our knowledge and experience to help you resolve your child custody issues as amicably and smoothly as possible.

Why choose us?

Here are some excellent reasons to choose our family law firm:

  • Our firm is 100% dedicated to family law and divorce.
  • We offer FREE case evaluations
  • We charge low flat fees for uncontested divorces.
  • Because we handle over 700 cases a year, we are very competent.
  • We speak Spanish and Arabic.

Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody in New York

In New York, there are two aspects of child custody cases: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody has to do with the major decision making responsibilities a parent has toward his or her child, whereas physical custody has to do with where the child resides.

Legal custody means the right to make major decisions for a child, such as:

  • What school a child attends
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Religious upbringing
  • Medical, dental, and mental health treatment

Sole vs. Joint Legal Custody

Legal custody can be joint or it can be sole. If a judge gives you sole legal custody, it means that you maintain the right to make major decisions about your child, and the other parent does not share this right.

The judge may give you and the other parent joint legal custody. This means that you both share the same rights and responsibilities to make major decisions that affect your child's life. For example, you and the other parent will share in the responsibility of deciding where your child attends school, what types of religions training your child is to receive, and whether or not your child should receive surgery.

Contact a Qualified Queens Child Custody Lawyer

Whether you are separating from your child's parent, seeking a divorce, or in need of a child custody modification, we urge you to contact our office to speak with a divorce attorney.

We have extensive experience handling child custody cases and know how to ensure that your parental rights are fully protected. When it comes to your children, you simply cannot afford to forgo quality legal counsel.


Give us a call today to learn more about our services and how we can help you!


  • Better Business Bureau A+ Rating
  • Avvo Featured Divorce Attorney
  • Avvo Clients' Choice 2015
  • 10 Best American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • Expertise 2020

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