When families in Kings County (Brooklyn) face difficult legal situations, they need more than just a lawyer — they need an advocate who understands the human side of the law. Steven Zalewski, Esq. is a seasoned New York family law attorney with over 40 years of courtroom experience, representing parents, grandparents, and guardians in some of the most sensitive and emotionally charged cases in Family Court.

Steven is known throughout New York for his compassionate yet strategic approach to family law. His practice focuses on matters involving child custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and orders of protection, as well as complex cases involving neglect, abuse, and CPS/ACS investigations. Each case is handled with the care it deserves, recognizing that behind every petition or order lies a real family in transition or crisis.

Although Steven’s primary office is located in Islandia, Suffolk County, he regularly represents clients in Kings County Family Court in Brooklyn, helping families navigate the unique challenges of New York City’s legal system. His familiarity with both Long Island and New York City courts gives his clients a significant advantage — especially in cases that involve multiple jurisdictions or family members living across different counties.

Key Family Law Services in Kings County, NY

Child Custody and Visitation

Child custody cases are often the most emotionally charged matters in Family Court. In New York State, custody is divided into two primary categories:

• Legal Custody: The right to make major decisions about a child’s health, education, and welfare.
• Physical (Residential) Custody: The determination of where the child primarily resides.

When deciding custody, New York courts apply the “best interests of the child” standard — a careful evaluation of what arrangement best supports the child’s emotional, physical, and educational well-being. The court considers factors such as:

• Each parent’s ability to provide stability and care
• The child’s relationship with each parent
• Any history of neglect, abuse, or substance abuse
• The child’s own preferences (depending on age and maturity)

Custody and visitation orders can be modified if circumstances change — for example, if a parent relocates or the child’s needs evolve. Likewise, if one parent violates a custody order, enforcement proceedings can be brought to ensure compliance.

Steven has represented countless parents in Kings County Family Court, helping them navigate these deeply personal disputes with empathy and clarity. His approach balances firmness in advocacy with sensitivity to the emotional weight of each case. He guides parents toward realistic, child-focused outcomes that protect both their rights and their children’s best interests.

Child Support

Child support ensures that children receive the financial resources they need to thrive, regardless of their parents’ relationship status. New York applies a uniform standard through the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) to calculate payment obligations.

The CSSA uses a percentage of the parents’ combined income to determine basic child support, allocated proportionally between both parents:

• 17% for one child
• 25% for two children
• 29% for three children
• 31% for four children
• No less than 35% for five or more children

In addition to the base amount, the court can add childcare expenses, health insurance premiums, and educational costs, which are also divided between the parents.

Steven frequently represents clients in Support Magistrate hearings in both Suffolk and Kings Counties, helping them establish, modify, or enforce support orders. Whether you’re a custodial parent seeking overdue payments or a noncustodial parent facing arrears or a change in income, Steven provides practical, results-driven guidance.

He also assists in willful violation proceedings, where nonpayment can lead to serious consequences, including wage garnishment or incarceration. His focus is always on achieving fair outcomes that prioritize both the child’s needs and the parent’s ability to pay.

Paternity (P Docket Proceedings)

Establishing legal fatherhood is a crucial step in securing a child’s rights and a parent’s responsibilities. In New York, this is done through Paternity Proceedings under a P Docket in Family Court.

Paternity can be established in one of three ways:

1. Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity — A signed form, usually at birth, confirming fatherhood.
2. DNA Testing — Ordered by the court when paternity is in question.
3. Order of Filiation — A formal court determination declaring someone the legal parent.

In some cases, the court applies a principle known as equitable estoppel — meaning that if a person has acted as a parent and built a meaningful relationship with the child, the court may recognize that person as the legal parent, even if DNA testing suggests otherwise.

Steven Zalewski helps both mothers and fathers protect their parental rights — whether that means proving parentage, seeking child support, or defending against false claims. His approach is rooted in fairness, ensuring every case reflects the child’s best interests while preserving the integrity of family relationships.

Orders of Protection (Family Offense Proceedings)

Under Article 8 of the Family Court Act, individuals in certain domestic relationships can seek a Family Court Order of Protection when they are victims of violence, threats, or harassment.

Family offenses may include:

• Assault
• Harassment
• Stalking
• Menacing
• Reckless endangerment

The court may issue a Temporary Order of Protection immediately to provide short-term safety until a full hearing can be held. After reviewing testimony and evidence, the court may issue a Final Order of Protection, which can remain in effect for up to two years — or up to five years in more serious cases.

Steven’s approach in these cases is balanced and fair. He has represented both petitioners seeking protection and respondents defending themselves against false or exaggerated claims. His priority is to ensure every client’s rights are protected while maintaining the highest level of professionalism and sensitivity to the emotional stakes involved.

Neglect and Abuse Cases

Article 10 of the Family Court Act governs cases involving allegations of child neglect or abuse, typically investigated by Child Protective Services (CPS) or the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) in New York City.

These proceedings can have life-altering consequences, including temporary child removal or mandated supervision. The process typically includes:

• A Fact-Finding Hearing, where the court determines whether the allegations are substantiated.
• A Dispositional Hearing, where the judge decides the outcome — ranging from services and supervision to potential placement of the child.

Steven has defended countless parents in neglect and abuse proceedings, ensuring they are treated fairly and that their side of the story is fully heard. He works tirelessly to help families reunify whenever possible and to ensure that government agencies respect due process.

His deep experience in these cases allows him to identify weaknesses in CPS or ACS investigations, challenge improper removals, and advocate for practical solutions that prioritize the child’s safety and family stability.

Grandparent Custody and Visitation

Grandparents play an essential role in many children’s lives, and New York law provides them with the ability to seek custody or visitation in specific circumstances.

To pursue a case, grandparents must first establish “standing” — a legal right to be heard — by showing that one or both parents are deceased or that extraordinary circumstances exist (such as parental neglect, abandonment, or unfitness).

Once standing is established, the court decides custody or visitation based on the best interests of the child, considering factors like emotional bonds, stability, and the grandparent’s ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment.

Steven Zalewski has successfully represented grandparents in Kings County Family Court, helping them maintain vital family connections while respecting parental rights. His advocacy is compassionate yet pragmatic, aimed at preserving relationships that benefit children’s long-term well-being.

Why Families in Kings County Choose Steven Zalewski, Esq.

For families navigating the challenges of Kings County Family Court, experience, empathy, and preparation make all the difference. Steven Zalewski, Esq. brings over four decades of courtroom experience to every case he handles, offering clients a rare combination of legal skill and genuine compassion.

Throughout his 40+ years of practice, Steven has handled both private and court-appointed family law cases, giving him a well-rounded understanding of how the court system truly works — from both sides of the bench. His representation extends across custody disputes, child support hearings, paternity proceedings, orders of protection, and neglect or abuse petitions, and he’s known throughout the New York legal community for his integrity, professionalism, and client-first approach.

Steven is also proud to serve Brooklyn’s diverse community. Fluent in Italian and Spanish, he provides clear communication and cultural understanding for families who may otherwise struggle to have their voices fully heard in court. Every client — regardless of background or circumstance — receives the same level of respect, honesty, and dedication.

To make representation more accessible, Steven offers flat-fee structures for many Family Court matters. This approach ensures transparency and predictability, allowing clients to plan ahead without worrying about hourly billing surprises. His focus is on helping families find solutions — not adding to their stress.

Having practiced extensively in both Suffolk County and Kings County Family Courts, Steven understands the subtle procedural and judicial differences between jurisdictions. That knowledge gives his clients a strategic advantage, particularly in cases involving multiple counties or complex family dynamics.

When you choose Steven Zalewski, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re gaining a trusted advocate who believes in justice, preparation, and the power of listening.

Your Family Deserves a Voice — Let Steven Zalewski Help

With decades of hands-on experience and a reputation built on honesty and compassion, Steven provides families in Kings County, NY, with the legal guidance they need to move forward. His clients trust him not only for his results but for his integrity, clear communication, and unwavering support during some of life’s most difficult moments.

If you’re facing a family law matter, don’t navigate the system alone. Whether you’re dealing with custody, support, paternity, or protection, you deserve a lawyer who will treat your case with the respect and urgency it deserves.

Contact Steven Zalewski, Esq. Today

Steven Zalewski, Esq. offers compassionate, effective representation in custody, support, paternity, and protection cases throughout New York.

📍 Office: 1601 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 500, Islandia, NY 11749
📞 Cell: (516) 660-4654
📞 Office: (516) 377-7830
✉️ Email: steve@zandzfamilylawyers.com