Family Law
New York City Family Law
Serving clients throughout New York City — including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island — as well as the surrounding metropolitan area, including Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Rockland Counties
Are you facing a family law issue and feeling overwhelmed or uncertain? Whether you’re considering divorce, worried about custody, or stuck with an outdated court order, you need answers you can trust. The choices you make now matter, and you shouldn’t have to guess your way through the process.
The Law Offices of Gildin & Chapman has spent decades helping people across New York with family law issues just like yours. We know how the courts work. We know how to push for terms that protect your rights and your family. And our attorneys are easy to talk to. When you work with us, you’ll get clear answers and personalized advice that fits your situation.
You don’t have to wait to get legal guidance. Contact The Law Offices of Gildin & Chapman now to arrange your free consultation. Same-day appointments are available by phone, video, or in person at our office locations in Queens, Manhattan, and Long Island.
When to Hire a Family Law Attorney
Many people think they can save money and time by handling family law issues on their own with fill-in-the-blank forms and generic advice they find online. However, these shortcuts can lead to mistakes that cost you far more in the long run. Family law cases are complex matters that involve strict rules, high stakes, and decisions that can affect your future for years to come. Even relatively straightforward cases are risky to handle alone.
An experienced family law attorney can step in to protect your rights and keep your case moving in the right direction. If you’re dealing with domestic violence or an uncooperative spouse, a lawyer can act quickly to protect you and your children. They can also help with property division, custody, support, and modifications to existing court orders. With the right legal support, you’ll have the tools and guidance you need to make sound choices and protect what matters most.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Gildin & Chapman?
At The Law Offices of Gildin & Chapman, we take pride in delivering strong legal representation with a personal touch. Our attorneys have more than 30 years of experience in New York family courts and know what it takes to protect your rights. When you come to us for help, we’ll listen closely to your concerns and work diligently to create a legal strategy tailored to your situation.
We know family law disputes can feel overwhelming, which is why we handle every case with a combination of compassion and assertive advocacy. With us, you can expect clear communication and a results-oriented approach from day one. You can count on us to explain your options clearly, respond quickly to your questions, and keep you informed every step of the way.
When you’re ready to discuss your case, you can visit us in one of our convenient office locations in Queens, Long Island, or Manhattan. We also offer free phone and video consultations in English or Spanish because we believe in making it easy to get the help you need.
Family Law Matters We Handle
Whether you’re ending a marriage, working out a custody arrangement, or dealing with financial questions tied to support, the choices you make now will have long-term impacts on your life. With over three decades of experience in New York family courts, The Law Offices of Gildin & Chapman has what it takes to guide you through these challenges. Below is an overview of the various types of family law matters that our trusted team can handle.
Divorce
Divorce involves more than just ending a marriage. Couples must disentangle their lives by dividing years or even decades worth of marital property, debts, and retirement accounts. High-asset divorces can get even more complicated when they involve factors like businesses, investments, or multiple properties.
Our attorneys help clients evaluate their assets, account for all relevant financial details, and fight for fair property division outcomes. We can also assist with modifications as life changes post-divorce due to job losses, relocations, or adjustments in parenting responsibilities. We help our clients pursue results that protect their financial security and future stability by reviewing all relevant factors and creating strategies tailored to the situation.
Divorce can be emotionally charged, but with the right legal support, you can maintain control and keep your best interests in focus from start to finish.
Child Custody/Parenting Time
Custody disputes can affect the structure of a child’s daily life. Courts in New York base custody and parenting time decisions on the best interests of the child, but parents often disagree about what that means. Judges consider factors like each parent’s caregiving role, the child’s school and community ties, and the ability of parents to work together to determine what is best for a child. Our custody attorneys help parents present evidence to support their cases, from testimony about parental involvement to documentation of a child’s specific needs.
Parenting time arrangements also play a major role in custody cases, especially if one parent plans to relocate or work schedules create conflicts. And unfortunately, disputes don’t always end just because the court issues an order. Our team is prepared to handle modifications and enforcement actions if a parent fails to comply or circumstances change. With our focused representation, parents can better protect their bonds with their children and pursue arrangements that balance stability and fairness.
Spousal/Child Support
Financial support can determine whether a household remains stable after a couple’s separation. Child support payments are subject to state guidelines, but disputes can arise about factors like income valuation, health care costs, extracurricular expenses, and child care. Our lawyers can review the numbers, challenge inaccurate income claims, and push for orders that reflect the child’s true needs.
Spousal support can also come into play if one spouse earns significantly more or if the marriage lasted many years. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, lifestyle during the marriage, and the earning capacity of both spouses to determine whether spousal support is warranted. We help our clients present financial records, build clear arguments, and respond to claims from the other side in these complex situations.
Some support arrangements also require future modifications if incomes change or if children’s needs increase. With our skilled legal counsel, clients can protect their financial security, avoid unfair burdens, and obtain support orders that remain fair and workable over time.
Divorce with Special Needs Children
Divorce cases involving children with special needs require careful planning that goes beyond what most parents must consider. These cases often involve unique considerations such as ongoing therapy, specialized education, and medical treatment. Parenting plans must account for daily care routines and long-term stability, especially if one parent serves as the primary caregiver. Financial planning is also critical, as raising a child with physical or developmental disabilities usually involves greater expenses. Custody arrangements might also require more structure and specific terms that promote consistency and access to essential services.
Our family law attorneys can advocate for custody and support orders that account for your child’s medical and educational needs, while also planning for their future all the way into adulthood. We understand how these cases can evolve over time, so we also handle modifications that become necessary as the child’s needs change. We address issues directly to help parents secure both immediate support and sustainable plans that protect their children’s quality of life.
Let’s Talk About Your Situation
Need legal help with a family law matter? Don’t guess your way through it. Contact The Law Offices of Gildin & Chapman for a free consultation with a skilled attorney who knows how to handle cases like yours. We’ll walk you through your options and help you decide what to do next.