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Zacarese & Zalewski P.C.
How to Strengthen Your Parenting Plan Before Summer Break Arrives
Call now: 516-660-4354
Summer break can cause many custody fights in Suffolk County because school routines disappear. Because these disputes often end up in court, Steven Zalewski offers a true flat fee that covers all court visits—unlike other firms that switch back to hourly rates. We also warn parents: never use AI for legal documents, as it can lead to dangerous mistakes for your family's future.
When school ends in Suffolk County, the daily routine disappears. During the school year, you have drop-offs, pick-ups, and homework to keep things on track. But in the summer, that structure is gone overnight.
Even parents who get along well in the winter can start fighting in June. Longer visits, vacations, and travel plans create new problems that your court order might not explain. In Islandia, Central Islip, and Riverhead, we see that summer doesn't create new problems—it just shows the weaknesses that were already there.
Why You Need a Trial Lawyer Who Knows the Suffolk County System
Summer schedule fights can lead to emergency court dates that ruin your vacation. It is a reality that cases in Suffolk County Family Court are frequently extended over a significant period.
Most law firms charge you by the hour. Every time you call to argue about who takes the kids to camp, they send you a bill. I think that is wrong. "I have worked my whole life and paid my own way," says Steven Zalewski. "I know how hard you work for your money. You shouldn't have to spend your vacation fund on legal fees just to get a fair schedule."
Our Honest Flat-Fee Model: No Hidden Costs
I am known as one of the most experienced family court trial lawyers in Suffolk County. I offer a true flat-fee model that covers ALL of your court appearances.
- The Zalewski Difference: Other firms say they have a "flat fee," but then they start charging you by the hour after a few visits. We don't do that. Our price stays the same no matter how many times we see the judge.
- Pre-Trial Fee: This covers everything from the start until the trial begins.
- Trial Fee: This is one set price, due 30 days before your trial begins.
- Payment Plans: We offer flexible plans so you can plan a great summer for your kids without financial stress.
A Serious Warning: Do Not Use AI for Your Summer Plan
You might be tempted to use an AI program (like ChatGPT) to write a "Summer Vacation Agreement" to send to the other parent. Do not use AI for your family law issues. AI-generated plans are generic. They don't understand the travel rules or local court customs in Suffolk County. A "robot" cannot write a plan that protects your rights if the other parent refuses to return the kids. Using AI can lead to mistakes that keep you away from your children all summer.
How to Get Ready for Summer
- Read Your Order Now: Don't wait until June. Does your order say how much notice you need to give for travel? Does it say who pays for summer camp?
- Be Specific: Avoid phrases like "we will agree later." That is an invitation to a fight. Write down exact dates, times, and places for every exchange.
- Travel Rules: Make sure you know if you need a signed paper from the other parent to take the kids out of New York or out of the country.
- Get it in Writing: If you and the other parent agree on a change, send a text or email to confirm it. This protects you later if someone changes their mind.
Clarity. Confidence. Control.
Summer should be a fun time for your kids, not a time for legal drama. Don't leave your summer plans to a computer or a lawyer who is just watching the clock. Get a lawyer who knows the local judges and offers a price you can actually afford.
Contact Steven Zalewski, Esq. — Suffolk County Family Court Trial Lawyer
📱 Cell (Fastest): (516) 660-4354
📧 Email: steve@zandzfamilylawyers.com
🏛 Address: 1601 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 500, Islandia, NY 11749
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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.
