Family Law

Trusted, Compassionate Representation In Divorce And Other Family Law Matters

Are you facing a family law issue? It’s easy to feel alone during this difficult time, but help is available when you contact Powers Law, P.C. We handle many types of family law matters, including divorce/separation, pre­ and post-nuptial agreements, child custody, family offense matters and child neglect/abuse cases.

Our attorneys provide experienced, knowledgeable and supportive representation designed to help you resolve disputes and create a better future for you and your children. Our Firm has long been a trusted legal resource for clients throughout Suffolk and Nassau counties.

A Full-Service Family Law Firm

Powers Law, P.C., is able to handle your family law matters in a professional and compassionate way. Our attorneys are skilled in the areas of:

• Divorce: This can be traumatic and draining for many people, both financially and emotionally. We will be there throughout the entire process, helping make it as easy as possible.
• Separation agreements: If you are living apart but not divorcing at this time, we can craft a separation agreement to protect your property rights, parental rights and financial interests in a formal legal separation.
• Equitable division of property: New York is an equitable division of the property state, which means after a marriage is over, the community property is what was put in during the marriage.
• Child custody and parenting time: While we have the ability to aggressively litigate these cases, sometimes reaching an amicable settlement between the parents is the better option. We can help you customize a workable agreement on parenting time and schedules.
• Child support: Child support is to help meet the needs of the children. The amount of support is based on guidelines that factors in the income of both parents and the cost of living.
• Modifications to divorce decrees: There are times divorce agreements need to be modified. If one parent gets a higher income job, remarries, or even wants to move out of state, there may be need for a change in the decree.
• Spousal support (maintenance): If there is a dependent spouse, support may be warranted. The award is based on several factors, including the length of the marriage, the health of both parties and the earning capacity of each party.
• Orders of protection: While an order of protection may be issued by criminal court, there may be times where getting or defending an order of protection in family court is also necessary. This could potentially have a major impact on divorce and custody proceedings.
• Family offenses/child abuse and neglect: We advocate for parents whose children have been taken away by Child Protective Services because of alleged abuse or neglect. Jennifer S. Lippmann has a unique perspective, having served as a court-appointed representative for children in these types of situations.
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements: These contracts can protect separately owned property and streamline divorce proceedings if the marriage doesn’t work out.

If you need help with a domestic situation, please call or contact Powers Law, P.C. for an initial consultation.

What To Look For In A Family Law Attorney

The outcome of your family law case could impact you and your children for years or even a lifetime. Therefore, the attorney you hire matters a great deal. Here are the qualities you want to look for in a lawyer:

Experience: Has your attorney handled cases like yours in the past? Our two lawyers have 50+ years of combined experience, and we have helped countless clients through a wide variety of family law disputes.

Knowledge: Family laws are always changing, both in how they are written and how they are interpreted by courts. We stay up to date on all changes, which allows us to more accurately predict and plan for expected outcomes.

Frequent communication: You’ll inevitably have questions and concerns throughout the process. Can you get a hold of your lawyer when you need to? Our attorneys provide frequent updates on the status of a case.

Adaptability: Ideally, divorce and custody matters should be resolved peacefully and efficiently. We take this approach when possible, because it saves everyone time, money and stress. However, if your spouse or co­ parent will not negotiate in good faith, we are ready to take your case to court and advocate aggressively on your behalf.

Holistic representation: We understand that you are more than your legal issue. As such, we take the time to get to know you and your needs so that we can serve the whole person.

It is important to feel comfortable with the attorney representing you. Scheduling an initial consultation is a good way to determine compatibility and connection.

How Do Orders Of Protection Work In New York?

If you have experienced or been accused of domestic violence, there’s a good chance that an order of protection will be filed. These orders are issued in either family or criminal court, and they place restrictions on the alleged abuser’s behaviors. Common restrictions include staying away from a shared home, from the children and the spouse/partner, and/or places of employment. Temporary orders can be issued nearly immediately without input from the alleged abuser (respondent). After that, both parties (the petitioner and the respondent) have the right to participate in a hearing to determine if a permanent order is necessary or appropriate.

Our attorneys are highly experienced in both family law and criminal defense. As such, we understand how consequential protective orders are. Whether you’ve been the victim of abuse or were falsely accused of committing it, we will protect your rights and help you tell your side of the story.

Get Your Questions Answered During An Initial Consultation

Powers Law, P.C., is located in Hauppauge, New York. To discuss your legal needs with attorneys who listen and care, call us today at 631-242-2020 or submit an online contact form.