Suffolk County Family Law Attorney

The Law Office of Shawn R. Kassman Esq. represents clients in Suffolk and Nassau counties in all areas of family law and matrimonial law, including:

• Contested and Uncontested Divorces
• Annulments
• Legal Separations
• Child Custody, Support and Visitation
• Paternity Hearings
• Orders of Protection
• Name Changes
• Relocation
• Adoptions
• Child Neglect Charges

Divorce is traumatic. If the parents focus on the children, this trauma can be minimized to some degree. Making the children’s needs a priority can help the parents move past their anger.

We have seen the damage done to families involved in a nasty divorce, and we do our best to help the parties resolve their disagreements amicably. However, if one of the spouses is advocating an unfair legal position to take advantage of the other, we will go to court to protect our client. Our opponents know that we usually are successful in court, so they begin settlement discussions to avoid meeting us in the courtroom.

Uncontested Divorce

Settling a divorce out of court is usually better for both the parents and the children. However, disagreements can arise when the parties divide property or create a parenting plan. Our lawyers and staff can help you reach an agreement with your former spouse with as little conflict as possible.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce is stressful, and you will need an attorney who is readily available days and evenings, both in and out of the office. Mr. Kassman has the staff and experience to support you.

Child Custody

Every divorce involving children must have a child custody and visitation agreement. Some parents easily agree on a parenting plan; others need assistance. We can help you create a plan that will serve your family now and in the future.

Child Support

In New York, the Child Support Standard Act determines the amount of child support the noncustodial parent must pay as a percentage from his or her gross income based on the number of children.

1 Child = 17%
2 Children = 25%
3 Children = 29%
4 Children = 31%
5 or more Children = 35%

The noncustodial parent is obligated to pay child support until the child's 21st birthday, unless the child becomes emancipated, which occurs when the child is either employed full time or no longer living at home.

The parents may deviate from the act’s regulations if they agree to their own terms of child support.

Child Visitation

If both parents do not agree to a visitation plan, the visitation times and days for the noncustodial parent will be determined by the court. Several factors influence the visitation rights of each parent, including employment, living environment, mental stability and criminal record.

After determining a visitation plan, the Suffolk County or Nassau County system may alter the schedule if certain unforeseen situations occur. These situations include an illness of the custodial parent, a change in employment of either parent, a change in the living environment, and criminal activity by either parent.

The Law Office of Shawn R. Kassman Esq. represents Family Law clients in the Central Islip, Bayshore, Oakdale, Sayville, Riverhead, Port Jefferson, Brentwood and Holtsville areas. If you have any questions regarding the child visitation process or Mr. Kassman’s services, his legal team can be reached at 631-232-9479.

Property Division

The state of New York divides marital property equitably. This means that all of the marital assets and debts of the spouses, known as marital property, are divided in a manner representing the spouses’ contribution to the marriage. It does not necessarily mean simply an equal division of the property. For example, if assets brought into the marriage have appreciated, the marital portion (the appreciation) is subject to equitable distribution based on the contributions made.

Modification

Child custody may be modified with court approval if there is an unforeseen, substantial change in the circumstance of the household where the child lives. If you need to change your present parenting plan, we can help.

Contact an Experienced Suffolk County Family Law Attorney

If you have Family Law related questions, please call Shawn Kassman or a member of his legal team at 631-232-9479 (toll-free 888-545-2944) or fill out our online intake form. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and represent clients located in Central Islip (main office location), Holtsville (office location), Bayshore, Brentwood, Oakdale, Sayville, Port Jefferson and Riverhead and both Suffolk and Nassau counties.