When you speak, I guarantee you will be heard
Zacarese & Zalewski P.C.
Flat Fee Abuse and Neglect Cases
Call now: 516-660-4354
Facing a CPS investigation or an Article 10 petition in Suffolk County? Steven Zalewski, Esq. defends parents for one $7,500 flat fee, fixed in writing before work begins, with a trial fee only if your case reaches a hearing.
"He didn't just win my case. He gave me back my future, my peace of mind, and my ability to breathe again."
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.
Flat-Fee Defense in CPS Abuse & Neglect Cases (Article 10)
Few moments are more frightening for a parent than a knock on the door from Child Protective Services. When CPS files a petition under Article 10 of the Family Court Act, your parental rights, and sometimes your child's placement, are immediately on the line.
At Zacarese & Zalewski P.C., we believe the last thing a parent in crisis needs is an unpredictable legal bill. That is why we defend Article 10 cases in Suffolk County for one flat fee of $7,500, agreed in writing before we lift a finger. You focus on your family; we handle the court.
How New York Defines Abuse and Neglect
Article 10 proceedings are civil, not criminal. Under FCA §1012, a child may be found abused where a parent or caretaker inflicts serious physical injury, creates a substantial risk of such injury, or commits a sex offense against the child. A finding of neglect requires proof that the child's physical, mental, or emotional condition was impaired, or placed in imminent danger of impairment, because the parent failed to exercise a minimum degree of care. Typical allegations involve inadequate supervision, unaddressed medical needs, excessive corporal punishment, educational neglect, or substance misuse that affects parenting.
What Happens After a CPS Report
Most cases start with a call to the State Central Register (the "hotline"), often from a mandated reporter such as a teacher or physician. CPS then investigates (interviews, home visits, safety assessments) and marks the report indicated or unfounded. If CPS believes court intervention is needed, it files a petition in Suffolk County Family Court.
From there, the case typically moves through an initial appearance, possible emergency removal hearings under FCA §1027 or §1028, a fact-finding hearing where the agency must prove its allegations by a preponderance of the evidence, and, if a finding is made, a dispositional hearing that decides supervision, services, or placement. If a child remains in foster care, permanency hearings follow, and prolonged placement can eventually expose a parent to a termination of parental rights petition. Early, aggressive representation exists precisely to keep your case from ever traveling that far.
Why Speed Matters, and Why Hourly Billing Fails Parents Here
Article 10 cases move fast: a §1028 hearing to return a removed child must be held within days. Parents billed by the hour often hesitate to call their lawyer at exactly the moments that decide these cases. With our flat fee, every call, conference, and court appearance is already covered, so you never have to weigh your child's case against a billing clock.
What Your Flat Fee Covers
Everything below is included in the pre-trial flat fee, spelled out in a plain-English written retainer before any work begins.
Transparent Rates by Case Type
Flat Fee vs. Hourly Billing
Flat-Fee FAQ
Contact Steven Zalewski, Esq.
Call: 516-660-4354
Office: (516) 377-7830
Email: steve@zandzfamilylawyers.com
Address: 1601 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 500, Islandia, NY 11749
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Disclaimer
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every family's situation is different, and court procedures change. Flat-fee amounts describe our standard fee structure; your written retainer agreement controls the scope and fee for your specific matter. Consult a qualified attorney about your case.
i guarantee you will be heard
Ready to Take the Next Step?
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.
