If you are searching for a family court lawyer, you are not alone. Family law matters can be complex and deeply personal. At The Cimino Law Firm, we understand the emotional weight of these cases and the importance of achieving a fair, lasting resolution. With over 20 years of experience, attorney Michelle Cimino provides compassionate guidance and strong legal advocacy for families across Rochester and Webster, New York.
How a Family Court Lawyer Can Help
A family court lawyer handles some of the most sensitive legal issues families face. These cases often involve emotional, financial, and legal challenges that require both strategy and empathy. Our firm helps clients with:
- Divorce and property division
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Grandparents’ rights
We focus on protecting your interests, resolving disputes efficiently, and minimizing stress whenever possible. Mediation is often an effective tool to reach agreements, but if litigation becomes necessary, we are fully prepared to advocate for you in court.
Key Areas of Family Law From a Family Court Lawyer
Family law covers a broad range of issues that can shape your future and the futures of your loved ones. Each case presents its own unique challenges, requiring a combination of legal expertise, emotional understanding, and strategic decision-making. At The Cimino Law Firm, we address every major aspect of family law, focusing on achieving fair and lasting outcomes for our clients.
Divorce and Property Division
Divorce represents both an emotional separation and a legal dissolution of a partnership. Although New York’s divorce rate of 2.2 per 1,000 married individuals is among the lowest in the nation, it remains a significant life event that profoundly affects families. Our firm handles both no-fault and at-fault divorces, whether contested or uncontested.
New York follows the principle of equitable distribution, which divides marital assets fairly, but not always equally. Assets and debts acquired during marriage are considered marital property. Courts evaluate factors such as income, contributions, and the duration of the marriage to determine what is fair. Having an experienced attorney ensures your financial interests are protected throughout the process.
Child Custody and Support
Custody decisions are guided by what the court determines to be in “the best interest of the child.” Joint custody is common when both parents can provide a safe and stable environment, but the court may order supervised visitation or limited custody if a child’s well-being is at risk.
Child support ensures children receive consistent financial care, regardless of where they live. The state uses a formula based on combined parental income and the number of children:
- One child: 17%
- Two children: 25%
- Three children: 29%
- Four children: 31%
- Five or more: at least 35%
These guidelines can be adjusted through mediation or court proceedings when financial circumstances vary significantly. Our firm works to secure fair, sustainable arrangements that prioritize the needs of the children involved.
Spousal Support and Grandparents’ Rights
Alimony, or spousal maintenance, can be temporary or permanent depending on the length of the marriage, income differences, and each spouse’s future earning capacity. Whether you seek support or are required to pay for it, we strive for fair outcomes that foster long-term stability.
New York also recognizes grandparents’ rights in certain situations. Grandparents may petition for visitation or custody when issues such as neglect, abandonment, or loss of a parent occur. These relationships often play an essential role in a child’s emotional development, and we guide grandparents through the process of asserting their rights in court.
What to Expect From the Family Law Process
At The Cimino Law Firm, the process begins with a confidential consultation to review your situation and outline your legal options. If you choose to move forward, we’ll meet in our Rochester or Webster office to discuss your goals, gather documentation, and develop a clear strategy.
All communication with the opposing party should go through your attorney to protect your position. Many cases are resolved through mediation, which allows for cooperative solutions without requiring court involvement. However, if litigation becomes necessary, we are prepared to represent you effectively to secure the best possible outcome.
Contact Our Rochester Family Court Lawyer
If you are facing a divorce, custody dispute, or any other family law matter, The Cimino Law Firm is ready to help. Attorney Michelle Cimino combines experience, knowledge, and compassion to guide clients through even the most difficult challenges.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation. We are dedicated to protecting your rights, your loved ones, and your future.
