CPS involvement can quickly escalate from an investigation into an Article 10 abuse or neglect case in Suffolk County Family Court. Parents can protect their interests by understanding the early investigation process, documenting interactions, and being cautious about statements or documents.
From the very first conversation, he changed everything. He didn't just see a case, he saw me, and treated me like family. His knowledge of the law was unmatched, but what truly set him apart was his humanity. If you are looking for a lawyer, stop searching right now.
Steven Zalewski, Esq. has spent decades in Suffolk County Family Court helping parents through exactly this kind of crisis. He knows these cases are not just legal matters. They are some of the most personal, painful moments a family will ever face. And I guarantee you will be heard.
A CPS case usually starts with a report. It could come from a teacher, a doctor, a neighbor, or even a family member.
Once a report is filed, a caseworker is assigned to investigate. This can include:
If the caseworker believes there’s a safety concern, the case can move into Suffolk County Family Court. This often happens through an Article 10 neglect or abuse petition. From that point on, a judge becomes involved in decisions about your children, and the matter is handled as one of our abuse and neglect cases.
The first two days matter more than most parents realize. Fear pushes people to say or do things that can hurt their case later.
Common mistakes include:
If a caseworker is already at your door, here is what to do when CPS shows up at your home.
CPS cases in Suffolk County move through a specific system, with specific judges and specific rules. Steve is one of the most well-known Family Court trial lawyers in this area.
He appears regularly in Central Islip and Riverhead, the two courthouses that handle Suffolk County Family Court matters. That local experience matters. It means Steve knows how local judges think, what caseworkers typically look for, and what CPS does not explain to parents during an investigation.
A generic family lawyer may not know these details. In a CPS case, those details can shape the outcome.
A robotic, one-size-fits-all document can leave out details that matter most. In a case involving your children, that gap can cause real damage. Only a human attorney who knows Suffolk County can protect your family the right way.
Most law firms advertise flat fees, then switch to hourly billing once a case gets complicated. Steve does not do that.
His flat fee for neglect matters is $7,500 pre-trial and $7,500 for trial. This fee covers every single court appearance, no matter how many times the case returns to court. The trial fee is due 30 days before your scheduled trial date, and payment plans are available.
This means you will never be abandoned mid-case because the bills piled up. You know your cost from day one, and that cost never changes.
If CPS has already reached out, here’s what to do today:
A CPS case can feel isolating, like no one understands what your family is going through. But you don’t have to walk through this by yourself.
Steve has stood beside parents through some of their hardest days in Suffolk County Family Court. He brings real courtroom experience and a genuine commitment to fighting for families like yours.
Suffolk County Family Court moves fast, and CPS cases move even faster. Don’t wait to get help. Call Steve directly. He picks up.
This is general information about New York Family Court law, not legal advice. Contact Steven Zalewski, Esq. to discuss your specific situation.
i guarantee you will be heard
At Zacarese & Zalewski P.C., when something isn’t right, say something—and we’ll do something about it with you.
Our flat-fee structure is clear: one flat fee for pre-trial work, and a trial fee only if your case goes to trial or a hearing. Call now and a professional will return your call quickly; if we miss you, we'll call back the same day.
