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Holiday Parenting Time in Suffolk County: How NY Courts View Schedule Disputes
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Holiday parenting disputes often escalate quickly because New York treats holidays differently from regular parenting time and places the child’s needs above all else. Judges focus on stability, predictability, and long-term patterns—not adult convenience or last-minute demands. When conflict arises, the court evaluates past practice, logistics, and co-parenting behavior to create a schedule that truly supports the child’s well-being.
Nothing exposes tension between co-parents quite like the holidays. Travel plans, extended family expectations, and high emotions all collide at the worst possible time. In Suffolk County, this leads to a predictable outcome: a major spike in Family Court disputes over Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, and winter break.
Too often, parents enter Suffolk County Family Court believing the court will simply “split everything down the middle” or prioritize their convenience. That is not how New York law works. Our courts prioritize children, not adult schedules.
Why Holiday Cases in Suffolk County Can Be Costly and Long
Holiday parenting disputes often extend over many months. In fact, in Suffolk County, cases are frequently extended over a significant period due to the court's heavy caseload.
After many years of practice, I’ve seen that the hourly rate model used by most firms is unfair to families. You often end up paying an attorney to wait in the hallway for the case to be called, which results in high fees with little progress.
"I have worked my whole life and paid my own way, so I truly understand the concern about legal costs," says Steven Zalewski. "I want my clients to focus on their children during the holidays, not on whether they can afford to keep their attorney until the case is finished."
Transparent Flat-Fee Structure for Family Court
To ensure you have the best representation without financial surprises, I provide a clear flat-fee structure:
- The Pre-Trial Fee: One set fee covering all proceedings and appearances prior to trial, no matter how many times we must go to court.
- The Trial Fee: One set fee for the trial itself, due 30 days before the scheduled trial start date.
Whether you are dealing with custody, visitation, or even Neglect Matters involving CPS during the holidays, this structure gives you total control. Payment plans are also available for those who need them.
How New York Law Treats Holiday Parenting Time
Under Article 6 of the Family Court Act, holidays are treated as special exceptions that override the regular schedule. Suffolk County judges look for:
- The Best Interests of the Child: This is the only standard that matters.
- Stability and Predictability: Judges want to avoid last-minute chaos.
- Historical Practice: What has the family traditionally done?
If a parent is weaponizing the schedule or blocking communication, it will significantly impact the court’s decision.
Filing a Holiday Petition in Suffolk County
If communication has broken down or your current order is being ignored, you may need to file a petition. Because the Suffolk County Family Court calendar fills up quickly, waiting until the last minute is a mistake.
A strong petition must outline the dispute and provide a child-centered solution. My goal is to get you to court and get results so you can move forward with your life.
Clarity. Confidence. Control.
Don't let holiday conflict ruin your time with your children. With a predictable flat-fee model and an attorney who understands the value of results, you can protect your rights and your peace of mind.
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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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.
