When your family faces legal challenges, you need more than just a lawyer — you need someone who understands that the outcome of your case can change your life. Steven Zalewski, Esq. is a highly experienced family law attorney serving Smithtown and surrounding Suffolk County communities, providing trusted legal guidance in the most sensitive and personal family matters.

Steven’s practice is rooted in the belief that Family Court is law about life. Every case he takes represents real people, real families, and real futures. He understands that behind every custody dispute, support order, or family offense petition lies a story that deserves to be heard and respected.

His office in Islandia, just minutes from Smithtown, offers convenient access for clients across Suffolk County. Steven and his team are committed to providing personalized attention — you’ll never feel like just another case number. From the first consultation to the final order, Steven walks clients through each step of the process, ensuring they understand their options and feel supported throughout.

Families throughout Smithtown turn to Steven because he embodies the qualities that matter most: honesty, compassion, and unwavering commitment to his clients’ well-being. Whether you’re a parent seeking custody, a grandparent fighting to stay connected with your grandchild, or someone facing allegations in Family Court, Steven provides the guidance and advocacy you need to protect what matters most — your family.

Key Family Law Services Offered Near Smithtown, NY

Child Custody and Visitation

Child custody matters are among the most emotionally difficult cases handled in Family Court. In New York, custody is divided into two primary categories:

• Legal Custody – The right to make major decisions affecting the child’s welfare, such as education, medical care, and religion.
• Physical (Residential) Custody – Determines where the child primarily resides.

When deciding custody and visitation, New York Family Court applies the “best interests of the child” standard. This means the court considers factors such as:

• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable and safe home environment
• The emotional bond between the child and each parent
• Each parent’s mental and physical health
• The child’s wishes, depending on their age and maturity
• Any history of neglect, abuse, or substance misuse

Custody orders can be modified if circumstances change — for instance, when a parent relocates, remarries, or experiences a major life event that affects parenting. The court can also enforce an existing order if one parent violates its terms.

Steven has decades of experience guiding parents through these emotionally charged cases. He listens carefully, explains every step of the process, and crafts thoughtful strategies focused on preserving the child’s emotional and physical well-being. His calm, compassionate approach helps families find solutions that promote peace and stability while protecting parental rights.

Child Support

The Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) governs how New York calculates child support. The formula is based on the parents’ combined gross income and assigns a percentage based on the number of children:

• 17% for one child
• 25% for two children
• 29% for three children
• 31% for four children
• 35% (minimum) for five or more children

In addition to basic support, parents may be required to share add-on expenses such as:

• Childcare costs (while a parent works or attends school)
• Health insurance premiums and unreimbursed medical costs
• Educational expenses or extracurricular activities

When circumstances change — like job loss, increased income, or a child’s needs — either parent may request a modification. The court also handles enforcement proceedings when payments are missed or arrears accumulate.

Steven has represented hundreds of clients before Support Magistrates in Suffolk County Family Court, including cases involving wage garnishments, income executions, and “willful violation” hearings. His goal is to ensure child support orders are fair, reasonable, and sustainable for both parents — protecting children without creating financial hardship.

Paternity (P Docket Proceedings)

Establishing legal fatherhood is a crucial step in defining parental rights and responsibilities. In New York, paternity is determined through a Paternity Petition (P Docket) in Family Court. There are several ways to establish paternity:

1. Acknowledgment of Paternity – A signed document (usually at the hospital) where both parents agree on paternity.
2. DNA Testing – When paternity is contested, the court can order genetic testing to determine biological parentage.
3. Court Order (Order of Filiation) – A formal ruling establishing a person as the legal father.

Sometimes, the court applies a principle called equitable estoppel, which recognizes parentage based on an existing parent-child relationship rather than biology. This ensures continuity and emotional stability for the child.

Steven represents both mothers and fathers in paternity cases, helping them assert or protect their rights in a way that serves the child’s best interests. He takes a respectful, balanced approach — understanding that these cases are often about more than genetics; they’re about identity, love, and family stability.

Orders of Protection (Family Offense Proceedings)

Under Article 8 of the New York Family Court Act, individuals who share a domestic relationship can petition for an Order of Protection to prevent harassment, threats, or physical harm.

Common family offenses include:

• Harassment or menacing
• Assault or attempted assault
• Stalking or coercion
• Reckless endangerment

There are two main types of orders:

• Temporary Order of Protection: Granted immediately to provide short-term safety until a full hearing.
• Final Order of Protection: Issued after the case is heard, lasting up to two years — or up to five years in severe cases.

Steven’s approach in these sensitive cases is balanced and fair. He has represented both petitioners seeking protection and respondents defending against allegations. His top priority is ensuring his clients’ rights are upheld, whether that means safeguarding a victim or ensuring an accused individual receives due process.

Every case is handled with discretion, empathy, and respect — recognizing that domestic situations can be complex and emotionally charged.

Neglect and Abuse Proceedings

Cases involving neglect or abuse allegations fall under Article 10 of the Family Court Act and often involve Child Protective Services (CPS) in Suffolk County. These proceedings are among the most serious matters heard in Family Court, as they can result in temporary or permanent loss of parental rights.

The process typically involves:

• A Fact-Finding Hearing, where the court determines whether neglect or abuse occurred.
• A Dispositional Hearing, where the court decides the next steps — which may include supervision, counseling, foster placement, or reunification efforts.

Steven has decades of experience representing parents in these emotionally intense cases. He ensures that parents’ voices are heard, that CPS follows proper procedure, and that families receive the support they need to correct misunderstandings or address concerns.

He believes strongly in keeping families together whenever possible and works tirelessly to protect parental rights while prioritizing the safety and well-being of children.

Grandparent Custody and Visitation

New York law recognizes the vital role grandparents play in a child’s life. In certain situations, grandparents may petition Family Court for custody or visitation.

To do so, they must first establish “standing” — a legal right to bring the case — by showing:

1. One or both parents are deceased, or
2. Extraordinary circumstances exist, such as parental unfitness, neglect, or long-term absence.

Once standing is established, the court considers what arrangement serves the child’s best interests, taking into account emotional bonds, stability, and the child’s welfare.

Steven Zalewski has successfully represented grandparents seeking to maintain meaningful relationships with their grandchildren. He approaches these cases with compassion and practicality, aiming to preserve family connections while respecting parental authority.

Why Smithtown Families Choose Steven Zalewski, Esq.

When you’re navigating the complexities of Family Court, experience and trust are everything. Steven Zalewski, Esq. brings more than 40 years of courtroom experience in Suffolk County Family Court, representing clients in matters involving custody, visitation, support, and family offenses. His long-standing career has earned him the respect of both judges and fellow attorneys for his honesty, preparation, and compassion.

Steven is known throughout the Suffolk County legal community as a calm, strategic, and client-focused advocate. His reputation for professionalism and integrity stems from decades of representing families in some of the most emotional and high-stakes cases — always putting the client’s well-being first.

He also offers accessible representation for Smithtown’s diverse community. Fluent in Italian and Spanish, Steven ensures every client fully understands their rights, options, and next steps, regardless of language barriers.

To make family law representation more manageable, Steven provides flat-fee structures for many cases. This transparent approach gives clients cost certainty and peace of mind, allowing them to focus on resolving their case — not worrying about legal bills.

Having spent decades in Suffolk County courtrooms, Steven possesses a deep local understanding of court procedures, judges, and staff, giving his clients a strategic advantage. He knows how cases move through the system, how to prepare effectively, and how to present matters persuasively before the court.

For Smithtown residents facing custody disputes, support issues, or protection petitions, Steven’s combination of skill, experience, and genuine compassion provides unmatched representation. He doesn’t just handle cases — he helps people rebuild stability and protect what matters most: their families.

Your Family Deserves Guidance — Get Help Today

Every family law case is unique, and each one deserves compassion, honesty, and decades of practical experience. Steven understands that when you come to Family Court, you’re not just seeking legal help — you’re seeking stability, fairness, and peace of mind.

Whether you’re facing a custody dispute, child support enforcement, a neglect petition, or the need for an order of protection, Steven’s experience and guidance can make all the difference. He provides more than representation — he provides reassurance, direction, and a clear path forward.

Don’t try to navigate Family Court alone. Having a seasoned attorney by your side can help you avoid costly mistakes, protect your rights, and secure a better outcome for your family.

Contact Steven Zalewski, Esq. Today

If you’re facing a family law matter in Smithtown, NY, don’t go through it alone.
Steven Zalewski, Esq. provides compassionate, effective representation in custody, support, paternity, and protection cases throughout Suffolk County.

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