When you speak, I guarantee you will be heard
Zacarese & Zalewski P.C.
Flat Fee Custody Cases
Call now: 516-660-4354
Fight for your children with a $5,000 flat fee for all pre-trial custody work in Suffolk County Family Court, and a $7,500 trial fee only if your case actually goes to trial. Steven Zalewski, Esq. handles legal and physical custody, 50/50 arrangements, and enforcement.
"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 Child Custody Representation in Suffolk County
Custody cases are decided under Article 6 of the Family Court Act, and every decision comes back to a single question: what arrangement serves the best interests of the child? Nothing you will ever litigate matters more, and nothing is more poisoned by the fear of an open-ended legal bill.
That is why Zacarese & Zalewski P.C. handles custody cases for a $5,000 flat fee covering all pre-trial work. If, and only if, your case actually goes to trial, a $7,500 trial fee applies, quoted in writing before we ever begin. You will never have to choose between calling your lawyer and paying for it.
Legal Custody, Physical Custody, and 50/50
Legal custody is decision-making power: education, health care, religion, general welfare. Physical (residential) custody determines where the child primarily lives. Courts can award either sole or joint custody in each category, and New York judges increasingly consider shared 50/50 schedules when the parents can make them work for the child. The labels matter less than the details: a well-drafted order spells out holidays, transportation, communication, and how future disagreements get resolved.
What "Best Interests" Actually Means in Court
There is no checklist in the statute; judges weigh the totality of factors developed through case law: each parent's stability and home environment, physical and mental health, any history of domestic violence or substance abuse, who has been the primary caregiver, each parent's willingness to foster the child's relationship with the other parent, and, depending on age and maturity, the child's own wishes. In most contested cases the court appoints an Attorney for the Child (AFC) under FCA §249 to advocate for the child's position. Knowing how to present your parenting to the judge and the AFC is where experienced counsel earns its keep.
Modification and Enforcement
Custody orders are never truly final. When circumstances substantially change (a relocation, a new work schedule, concerns about the other home) the order can be modified. And when a parent violates the order, a violation petition can bring enforcement, make-up time, or contempt remedies. Both are handled on the same transparent flat-fee structure.
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.
