Domestic violence charges can have a serious impact on the rest of your life. If you have questions about domestic violence issues, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney today.
Domestic Disturbances Become a Public Concern Overnight
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If your wife, husband or domestic partner reported you to the police as a result of a domestic disturbance, you are already aware that this conflict is no longer between the two of you. Once police and courts get involved, a domestic violence report often takes on a life of its own. Be aggressive about learning your rights and taking the necessary steps to protect them. Contact us for help and advice.
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Contact the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, to schedule a consultation if you have been accused of domestic violence in any form. You may be rightfully concerned about how best to retain access to your home and your children and your reputation.
The information presented on this Web page is general in nature and may not address your particular concerns related to domestic violence charges in New York. For a personalized case analysis, contact Mark J. Sacco, criminal defense lawyer.
Domestic Violence and Child Custody
Under state law, domestic violence charges should be considered by the court before making any decisions regarding child custody. Thus, those who have been charged with domestic violence may be denied custody rights altogether or granted limited, supervised visitation with their children. Contact Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC in Schenectady, New York for more information on how domestic violence charges may affect the outcome of your child custody proceedings. An experienced attorney can review your case and provide you with answers to your questions.
Child Custody - The Best Interests of the Child
The guiding principle used by courts in child custody cases is the best interests of the child. The court will perform an analysis of several factors to determine in each custody case what will be the best custody outcome for the child. Some of these factors include:
- Each parent's wishes
- The child's wishes
- Interaction and interrelationships between the child and each parent and any other siblings or family members
- The child's adjustment to the home, school and community
- The mental and physical health of the child and parents
Domestic Violence as a Factor
Every state also requires courts to consider any domestic violence allegations or charges prior to making custody determinations. Many states have adopted the language of the Model Code on Domestic and Family Violence, which creates a presumption that it is not in the best interests of the child to grant the parent charged with domestic violence sole or joint custody.
This presumption may be rebutted under certain circumstances, such as cases where the perpetrator successfully completed a batterer's treatment program, an alcohol or drug abuse counseling program or a parenting class. Also, a court will consider the number of incidents of domestic violence and the proximity of the incidents to the custody proceedings.
Generally, courts do not like to remove a parent completely from a child's life in custody decisions and favor the child maintaining a healthy relationship with both parents. However, in cases were domestic violence occurred or has been alleged, the court may determine it is in the child's best interests to have no or very limited time with the abusive parent.
Conclusion
A domestic violence allegation, arrest or conviction can complicate child custody issues. Contact an experienced attorney at Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC in Schenectady, New York to learn more about your best options for maintaining a relationship with your child.
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