Legal Question in Family Law in New York

Get to Family Court if you want custody. You need proof so always take photos. The clerk at the dek can hand you the forms if you cannot afford an attorney. Family Court is meant to be laid back. You can also contact Legal Aid and similar services (on Long Island, we have Nassau/Suffolk Law Services, Legal Aid for criminal actions, and various pro bono prjects that members of the Suffolk County Bar Assn handle, under the management of the SCBA and N/S. I did a LOT of volunteering for those groups until I recently was swamped with a lot of work. They are wonderful people running these.

First, you do need to get to family court and file an emergency petition for custody. I agree with the other attorney, you need to get proof, but getting a doctor's report as to the flees would be very persuasive. Photos are a very good way to prove your case as well. Sworn statements from neighbors or family members who can back up your story are also important. Getting an attorney to assist you would help as well. Contacting Administration for Children's Services could be another way to get backup but if you wait too long they will not get involved.

If I can be of service, please contact my office at 516-746-4747.

Joel R. Salinger