Grandparents’ Holiday Visitation Rights in Suffolk County: What the Law Actually Allows

Every year in Suffolk County, I meet grandparents who are devastated—not because they’ve lost a property dispute or a business deal, but because they’ve been cut out of something far more personal: the holidays with their grandchildren.

Family Court sees this constantly. It comes with crisis, conflict, and a tremendous amount of confusion about what grandparents are actually entitled to under New York law. Many believe they have automatic rights because they’ve always been involved. Unfortunately, New York law does not work that way. Grandparents do not get visitation just because it feels fair; they must meet strict legal standards before a Suffolk County Family Court judge will even hear the case.

Why Experience Matters in Suffolk County Family Court

Family court cases, especially those involving grandparental rights, often extend over many months with numerous court appearances. This is particularly true in Suffolk County, where the legal process can be slow and emotionally draining.

After 40 years of practice, I have seen how the traditional hourly rate model used by most attorneys is unfair. Often, you are paying an attorney to simply sit and wait for other counsel or for your case to be called. This results in mounting fees with very little progress.

"I have worked my whole life and paid my own way, so I truly understand the concern about how much legal services cost," says Steven Zalewski. "I want my clients—especially grandparents fighting for their families—to be confident they have the best representation without worrying that they will run out of money before the case is resolved."

Understanding the Flat Fee Structure

To provide peace of mind, I offer a transparent flat-fee structure for visitation and custody matters in Suffolk County:

1. The Pre-Trial Fee: One set fee that covers all proceedings, filings, and court appearances prior to trial, regardless of how many times we must appear.
2. The Trial Fee: One set fee for the trial itself, which is due 30 days in advance of the scheduled trial start date.

For those who may not be able to pay all at once, I also have payment plan systems available. My goal is to get you to court and get results.

The Legal Framework: Proving "Standing"

In New York, parents have the primary right to raise their children. Grandparents must first prove they have “standing” before asking for visitation. Standing requires:

• A substantial existing relationship with the grandchild, or
• Proof that the parent blocked your efforts to build that relationship.

Suffolk County judges apply a strict standard: What is in the best interests of the child?

What Counts as a “Substantial Relationship”?

The court looks for interaction and impact, such as:

• Frequent contact and longstanding holiday traditions.
• Caretaking roles or emotional bonding.
• Evidence the child benefits from the relationship.

In cases involving Neglect Matters, the court may be even more inclined to look at grandparents as a stabilizing force for the child. If you are involved in a case where CPS is present, having an experienced Suffolk County attorney is vital.

Filing for Holiday Visitation in Suffolk County

Holiday visitation requests are filed under Article 6 of the Family Court Act. Your petition must clearly outline the relationship and why the visitation benefits the child. Because cases in Suffolk County can be extended over a significant period, starting early is essential to secure your place on the calendar before the holidays arrive.

Clarity. Confidence. Control.

Don't let the complexity of the law or the fear of hourly billing keep you away from your grandchildren. With a predictable flat-fee structure and a trusted advocate who understands the value of a dollar, you can focus on what matters: your family.

Contact Steven Zalewski, Esq. — Suffolk County Family Court Attorney

📞 Office: (516) 377-7830

📱 Cell: (516) 660-4654

📧 Email: steve@zandzfamilylawyers.com

🏛 Address: 1601 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 500, Islandia, NY 11749

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