When you speak, I guarantee you will be heard
Zacarese & Zalewski P.C.
Flat Fee Modification Cases
Call now: 516-660-4354
Life changes, court orders can too. Steven Zalewski, Esq. handles modifications of custody, visitation, and support orders in Suffolk County on flat fees from $3,500, fixed in writing before work begins.
"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 Modification of Family Court Orders in Suffolk County
The order that made sense two years ago may not fit your life today. Jobs change, parents relocate, children grow, and households evolve, and New York law recognizes this by allowing custody, visitation, and support orders to be modified when circumstances genuinely change.
Zacarese & Zalewski P.C. handles modification petitions across Suffolk County on the same transparent structure as everything we do: a flat fee fixed in writing before we begin: $3,500 for child support modifications, $5,000 for custody and visitation modifications, with a trial fee only if your matter actually reaches a contested hearing.
Modifying Custody or Visitation Orders
To change a custody or parenting-time order, you must show a substantial change in circumstances since the order was entered, and that the requested change serves the child's best interests. Courts have found substantial change in relocations, significant shifts in work schedules, a parent's new substance abuse or mental health concerns, persistent interference with parenting time, domestic violence, and a child's evolving needs as they mature. Vague dissatisfaction is not enough, the case rises or falls on specific, provable facts, which is where preparation matters.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Support orders have their own statutory triggers. You may seek modification when there is a substantial change in circumstances, when three years have passed since the order was entered or last adjusted, or when either parent's income has changed by 15% or more (a downward income change must be involuntary, with diligent efforts to find comparable work). Job loss, disability, a child's changed needs, or emancipation all commonly justify revisiting the number. Until a court actually modifies the order, the existing obligation keeps accruing, so waiting costs real money.
Enforcement: When the Problem Isn't the Order, It's Compliance
Sometimes the order is fine and the other party simply ignores it. A violation petition can bring make-up parenting time, money judgments for support arrears, garnishment, and contempt remedies. We handle enforcement on the same flat-fee basis, and we will tell you candidly whether modification, enforcement, or both is the right tool for your situation.
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.
