Child Custody

Custody dispute involving significant concerns related to a parent’s mental health and substance use after the mother attempted suicide while she was intoxicated and had custody of the children, resulting in the loss of custodial rights. The case involved collaboration with a forensic psychologist to assess and address the underlying issues and to support the parent’s rehabilitation. Following multiple evidentiary hearings and ongoing evaluation, the court modified the custodial arrangement over time, ultimately transitioning from no custody to shared custody and later to primary custody.

Complex and highly sensitive custody matter involving allegations of sexual abuse of a minor, which led to criminal proceedings, the issuance of a restraining order, and an Ex Parte order restricting the father’s contact with the child. The case proceeded through multiple evidentiary hearings and professional evaluations to assess the allegations and the child’s well-being. Following a comprehensive review of the evidence, the criminal case was dismissed, and the court issued orders establishing a joint custody arrangement.

High-conflict custody matter involving a minor who expressed a preference to reside with the non-custodial parent and subsequently made allegations of abuse against several members of the custodial household. The allegations were investigated and not substantiated; however, concerns were raised regarding the child’s well-being and potential behavioral risks. Family Court Services initially recommended a change in the child’s living arrangement based on those concerns. Following further proceedings and argument, that recommendation was not adopted, and the court instead ordered a temporary placement with a third-party relative before transitioning the child back to the custodial parent.

High-conflict custody matter involving two minor children, with issues related to one child’s resistance to visitation, claims of parental alienation, and concerns regarding the deterioration of the parent-child relationship. Following proceedings, the court made the unusual decision to split custody, ordering separate placements for the children and awarding primary custody of one child to the other parent.

High-conflict divorce and custody matter involving two minor children, including a teenager who refused visitation with the non-custodial parent. The case involved a custody evaluation that concluded that parental alienation had occurred and recommended a deprogramming camp, followed by court-ordered reunification efforts. Both interventions were unsuccessful, and additional concerns arose regarding the child’s emotional well-being and her threats to self-harm if she was forced to go through with visitation. After further proceedings and consideration of the evidence, the court determined that the child would reside full time with the custodial parent.

High-conflict custody matter involving allegations regarding one parent’s alleged alcohol abuse and its impact on visitation. The court initially suspended visitation pending further evaluation of the concerns raised. The responding parent denied that he was an alcoholic and voluntarily agreed to ongoing alcohol monitoring through Soberlink. The mother continued to assert that he was an alcoholic and that he was cheating on his testing. Following presentation of testing evidence and further review, the court modified its prior orders and reinstated visitation.