Canandaigua Family Attorney
Family law covers some of the most personal aspects of our lives. A skilled Canandaigua family lawyer can help you resolve a custody battle, ensure a fair divorce outcome, or navigate a complex premarital agreement. Understanding the complexities and nuances of family law will help you make informed decisions.
Why Hire a Family Lawyer?
A family lawyer can provide guidance in crucial disputes such as custody battles, divorces, and spousal and child support cases. Family law cases often involve complex legal considerations and high emotional stakes. A family law attorney can make sure that your rights are protected and that decisions are made in the interest of all involved.
- Contested divorce. The divorce rate in New York is 2.4 per 1,000 individuals, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In situations where a couple can’t reach an agreement on matters such as child custody, asset division, or spousal maintenance, a contested divorce arises.
- Mediation in legal disputes. Oftentimes, family law matters like property disagreements or divorce may benefit from mediation. Mediation offers a way to reach a mutually agreed-upon solution through the use of a neutral third party who helps to facilitate negotiations.
- Custody battles. One aspect of family law that can be especially complex and emotionally charged is child custody. Family law attorneys are able to provide much-needed support, advocating for their clients’ parental rights while prioritizing the welfare of the children involved.
- Complex financial disputes. High-stakes financial disputes that emerge during a divorce, like evaluating business assets or discovering hidden assets, require proficient legal knowledge and skill. These skills are necessary in cases that involve shared investments or substantial wealth.
Skill in family law matters allows for challenging situations to be resolved equitably and efficiently. Family lawyers also have a broad understanding of family court processes and procedures. In Ontario County, most family court matters are addressed at the Ontario County Family Court, located at 27 N Main St, #130, Canandaigua, NY 14424.
Who Has Jurisdiction in Family Law Cases?
Cases that involve family relationships and child welfare, including child neglect and abuse cases, adoption, guardianship, visitation, juvenile delinquency, orders of protection, paternity, and certain foster care matters, are under the jurisdiction of the New York Family Court. The Supreme Court has jurisdiction over divorce cases.
There is a Family Court in each of New York’s 62 counties. Typically, cases are filed in the county where the child lives. In 2024, the New York Family Court system heard over 500,000 cases, including nearly 22,000 guardianship cases, 154,000 custody and visitation cases, and 15,511 paternity cases.
Jurisdiction is also impacted by where the parties live. Cases that involve child protection focus on where the alleged incident occurred. Additionally, Family Court jurisdiction is determined by age. For example, child support jurisdiction lasts until the age of 21.
Contact a Canandaigua Family Attorney
A family law dispute can lead to feelings of stress, grief, and anxiety. The legal professionals at Trotto Law Firm, P.C., provide compassionate and effective representation. Please contact the office to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.
