Criminal Defense Lawyers

Manhattan Family Law Lawyers

Family law covers a wide range of issues, but many of them are interrelated and it’s important to work with an attorney who has the necessary experience. An attorney with years of family law practice can help you in everything from securing your separation and divorce to establishing custody and child support. A legal advocate working on your side can make all of the difference, which is just what you need when decisions that will affect the rest of your life are being considered.

Divorce
Even if you get separated first, you’ll probably end up pursuing a divorce sooner or later. For that reason, as well as for protecting your financial standing, obtaining a legal separation is necessary. This essentially breaks the union, as far as finances go, so that you and your spouse will no longer be responsible for each other’s debts. Additionally, it sets a verifiable date for the separation, which can make a divorce that much simpler.

When it does come time for a divorce, your spouse will likely have an attorney working for them and so should you. Hiring an attorney doesn’t necessarily mean you will be pursuing a bitter court battle. In fact, many divorce lawyers help their clients by trying to avoid that adversarial process. Instead, they try to arrange mediation for the divorcing couple, which can let them settle the division of property and child custody arrangements amicably.

If the couple can’t make compromises in mediation, divorce court may be the only option left to them. In that case, you will already have an attorney who is up to speed on your case and understands what issues concern you the most. You and your attorney can work together to develop a strong strategy, so you’ll boost your chances for a favorable outcome. While it’s impossible that you’ll get everything you want or expect, a good family law attorney can help you achieve more than you would on your own.

Child Custody
The courts in Manhattan and throughout New York place an emphasis on doing what’s best for the child, so any decisions the court makes will come from that standpoint. As such, custody is divided into two aspects: physical and legal custody. In terms of physical custody, the concern is for the physical living conditions of the child. Physical custody can be shared between the parents equally. While this is the preferred situation, sometimes that’s impossible and the child or children will live principally with just one parent. The other parent may be granted some custody or visitation rights by the court in that type of situation.

Legal custody concerns the care and upbringing of the child. The division of legal custody between parents can sometimes be entirely different from the physical custody arrangements, so don’t assume that sole physical custody automatically presumes you’ll have sole legal custody. This type of custody involves making decisions for the child’s care, including education, medical care, religious upbringing, and similar conditions that will affect how the child is raised.

Child Support
Related to custody is the issue of child support. Often, custody will have to be arranged first, because the establishment of support will depend on which parent has primary custody of the child. Additionally, the income versus debt ratio of each parent will also be considered in determining how much support should be paid and to which parent.

When it comes to support, a family law attorney is vital to helping you arrange the best arrangement for your circumstances. Often, parents will go back to family court to argue for changes to the child support arrangements and that will require bringing your lawyers back in on the case. You will need a legal advocate to help you request an increase in child support to compensate for cost of living changes, or, conversely, to fight that request for an increase.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

Load more

Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

As this brief overview suggests, all areas of family law are complex and emotionally draining issues. A legal advocate working on your side can help you better understand the process and help you mount a strategy that will increase the chance of obtaining a favorable outcome. Whether this means establishing custody or appealing a past decision, an attorney can help to protect your rights.