Queens Family Law Lawyer

Facing constant conflict at home makes peace seem unattainable. As a Queens family law attorney, my job is to listen to your story without judgment and offer the legal clarity you need to move forward. At my firm, Ganci Law Group P.C., I analyze your situation to find and design comprehensive strategies that allow you to focus on the well-being of your children and your own future.

Whether your circumstances are simple and you are just looking for the security of having your legal documents in order or you are in a complicated situation and don’t know where to start, I am here to guide you.

To schedule your confidential consultation in New York, call 347-808-5133 or send me an email. I am also available on WhatsApp.

My Family Law Services In New York

I am family law attorney Michael J. Ganci and I have established my practice of law to provide sensible guidance for my clients and aggressive protection of their best interests. It is a complex world we live in, and you may be going through the darkest battle of your life. I will fight for you, your family and your brighter future.

As a Queens family law attorney, I understand that every family is unique. I offer a wide range of legal services:

• Uncontested or contested divorces
• Prenuptial agreements
• Custody and visitation
• Child and spousal support
• Orders of protection

My trajectory has allowed me to be included in the prestigious New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list since 2020, guaranteeing you high-level representation. My team is fully bilingual, allowing us to provide seamless support and deliverables in both English and Spanish. Visit our Derecho de Familia page.

Uncontested And Contested Divorce

We all know that divorces can be difficult, but they don’t always have to turn into a war. If you and your spouse recognize that the relationship has ended, I can help you formalize a quick agreement. My team and I draft and file the necessary documentation with agility so that the process flows smoothly before the court.

However, there are also situations where your spouse is not willing to cooperate. In these contested divorce cases, I move forward with determination to resolve the distribution of assets, spousal and child support, custody, among others.

Asset Distribution And Spousal Support

In New York, assets and debts are not simply divided in half. The state uses “equitable distribution,” which means the judge seeks a fair division based on the duration of the marriage and the contributions of each person. I fight for your financial future and well-being, analyzing assets such as:

• The marital home and other real estate or land
• Bank accounts, savings, certificates of deposit and investments
• Retirement plans, pensions, annuities and 401(k) accounts
• Owned businesses, partnerships, or business interests
• Vehicles, jewelry and other high-value personal property

I always keep my clients informed about the progress of their case. Additionally, I am in direct communication via WhatsApp to expedite every step.

Child Support And Custody

Nothing is more important than your children. As your Kew Gardens family lawyer, I know that child support is vital for their well-being. I use the state formulas to ensure that the calculations are correct, whether you are requesting payment or defending yourself against an amount you consider unfair.
Regarding custody, the court always decides based on the “best interests of the child.” I fight to ensure your voice is heard in fundamental decisions about:

• The education and academic training of your children
• Medical care, insurance and health treatments
• The principal residence and daily parenting time
• Extracurricular activities and spiritual or religious development

I will resolve your doubts personally, dealing directly with me, not with assistants or paralegals, so that you understand every detail of your finances.

Visitation And Parenting Time

When parents live separately, establishing a clear visitation and parenting schedule is critical to maintaining a stable and healthy parent-child relationship.

Schedules may include alternating weekends, weekday visits, holidays, vacations, and other arrangements depending on the family’s needs.

We assist clients in establishing, modifying, or enforcing parenting time orders.

Temporary and Permanent Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)

In certain divorce cases, one spouse may be entitled to spousal maintenance, also known as alimony. This may be temporary while the case is pending or permanent after the divorce is finalized.

The court considers various factors including the duration of the marriage, each party’s income, earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage.

Whether you are seeking maintenance or defending against a request, it is important to have legal representation to ensure any order is fair and lawful.

Equitable Distribution Of Property

In New York State, assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided under the principle of equitable distribution, meaning the court seeks a fair division, not necessarily an equal 50/50 split.

This may include the marital residence, bank accounts, retirement plans, businesses, investments, vehicles, and marital debts. Each case is unique, and the court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and their financial circumstances.

Protecting your financial interests from the beginning of the process is critical. Mr. Ganci and his team can help negotiate a fair agreement or represent you in court to ensure your rights and financial future are protected.

Exclusive Use And Occupancy Of The Marital Residence

In certain divorce or separation cases, it may be necessary to request exclusive use and occupancy of the marital home.

If a spouse has abandoned the residence or is creating ongoing conflict, tension, or instability in the home, a court order may be necessary to protect the household.

Sometimes filing for divorce may trigger a spouse to return to the home or act disruptively. In those situations, an order of exclusive occupancy may help prevent further conflict.

We are also prepared to defend against unjustified attempts to remove a spouse from the home without proper legal grounds.

Family Offense Petitions and Orders of Protection

In situations involving family conflict, it may be necessary to seek an Order of Protection in Family Court or Supreme Court.

While the police and NYPD are here to protect the community, in some situations calling law enforcement may lead to arrests or criminal charges that can affect a person’s employment and income. In many families, that income is essential to the well-being of the spouse or children.

Before making decisions, it is important to evaluate all legal options. In some cases, filing in Family Court may be a strategic alternative to protect safety and rights without unintended consequences.

We are prepared to seek protection when necessary or defend against allegations when appropriate.

Prenuptial Agreements

Not all of our services involve conflict. Sometimes we have the opportunity to congratulate you on your decision to form a family and get married.

Communication is essential in any relationship, especially one intended to last a lifetime. Mr. Ganci and his team can guide you in communicating with your future spouse regarding the protection of both your financial and emotional interests.

While it may be uncomfortable to consider the possibility of separation in the future, clearly communicating the terms and expectations of your marriage can strengthen the relationship and help ensure its longevity. It may also protect both parties from unforeseen future circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating family transitions or legal disputes can be overwhelming, but you do not have to guess your way through it. I am here to provide clear, direct guidance and can answer any specific questions you have in detail to ensure you feel confident and informed.

How do I know if I need a family law attorney?

In New York, professional counsel is highly recommended if you are navigating disputes involving the equitable distribution of assets, child custody (best interests of the child standard) or safety. An attorney ensures that all filings comply with the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) and the Domestic Relations Law (DRL).

What happens at a family law court hearing?

In the Family Court or Supreme Court, a judge (or a referee with the parties’ consent) will evaluate testimony and evidence. The court may issue temporary (pendente lite) orders for child support or custody while the case is pending. Most matters are resolved via a stipulation of settlement, which, once approved by the court, becomes a binding legal order.

What should I do if I am experiencing domestic violence?

Your safety is the priority. In New York, victims have “Concurrent Jurisdiction”, meaning you can seek an Order of Protection in Criminal Court (via the district attorney), Family Court (via a family offense petition) or both. While Family Court is a civil venue, it is important to understand that any violation of the order is a criminal offense that can lead to incarceration.

What is an order of protection and how do I get one?

An order of protection is a mandate requiring a respondent to follow stay-away or “refrain from” conduct provisions. In New York, you obtain one by filing a Family Offense Petition in Family Court or by filing a motion in a Supreme Court matrimonial action. If you are in immediate danger when courts are closed, a “virtual” or after-hours judge may issue an Emergency Interim Order.

Fighting For Your Rights Every Step Of The Way

The New York family court system can be daunting on your own. Legal proceedings take time, but you do not have to be alone in protecting your future stability or resolving legal issues involving your family. Call my Kew Gardens family law firm office at 347-808-5133 or send me an email to schedule a consultation and find out how working with an experienced NY family law lawyer can make a significant difference in your favor.

My team and I serve clients in The Bronx, Manhattan, Nassau, Queens and Suffolk Counties. Hablamos español.