Visitation Cases

Visitation (Parenting Time) in New York Family Court

Overview

When parents separate or divorce, one of the most emotional and important issues is how much time each parent spends with their child.
In New York, this is called “parenting time” or “visitation.”

Visitation cases are handled under Article 6 of the Family Court Act (FCA) and focus on one core question:

What arrangement serves the best interests of the child?

| Steven Zalewski, Esq., a Suffolk County Family Law attorney with decades of Family Court experience, helps parents protect their relationship with their children through thoughtful, practical, and child-centered advocacy.|

What Is “Visitation” in New York?

Visitation (or parenting time) refers to the time the non-custodial parent spends with their child.
It may be set by agreement or court order and tailored to the child’s needs and family situation.

Typical Visitation Schedules Include:

• Alternating weekends (e.g., Friday evening to Sunday evening)
• Mid-week dinners or overnights
• Shared holidays and school breaks
• Extended summer or vacation time
• Phone, video, and electronic contact

Every case is unique — the schedule should reflect the child’s age, school schedule, and family dynamics, not a one-size-fits-all formula.

Who Can File for Visitation?

Under the Family Court Act, the following may petition for visitation:

• A non-custodial parent
• Grandparents, if they can show a substantial pre-existing relationship (see Steven’s Grandparents’ Rights page)
• Siblings or other relatives, in certain limited circumstances

Visitation cases are filed in Family Court, usually under a V-docket.

How Family Court Decides Visitation

The best interests of the child standard guides every decision.
Courts consider factors such as:

• The child’s age and preferences (if mature enough)
• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable, loving environment
• The parents’ history of communication and cooperation
• Work schedules and availability
• Any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect
• The existing bond between the child and each parent

The goal is to foster a meaningful, consistent relationship with both parents whenever possible — unless doing so would endanger the child’s well-being.

Supervised and Therapeutic Visitation

In some cases, Family Court may order supervised visitation to ensure the child’s safety.
This may occur when there are concerns involving:

• Substance abuse
• Domestic violence
• Mental health issues
• Long periods of separation between parent and child

Supervision may take place at:

• A neutral visitation center
• Under agency or court supervision
• Or with a mutually agreed third party

In Suffolk County, the court may also order therapeutic visitation, where visits are supervised by a mental health professional to rebuild trust and connection in a structured setting.

Violations and Enforcement of Visitation Orders

If one parent interferes with court-ordered visitation, the other parent may file a Violation Petition in Family Court.
The court can:

• Enforce the existing order
• Adjust the schedule to compensate for missed time
• Impose penalties or sanctions on a parent who repeatedly violates orders

Steven often emphasizes that visitation enforcement is about protecting the child’s right to a relationship with both parents — not punishing the other parent.

Modifying a Visitation Order

Visitation orders can be modified if there’s a substantial change in circumstances, such as:

• A parent’s relocation
• Changes in the child’s needs, school, or health
• Improved stability of a previously supervised parent
• Ongoing violations or communication issues

Steven regularly represents parents seeking to expand, restrict, or clarify visitation, ensuring the child’s best interests remain central.

Virtual Visitation (Video & Digital Contact)

Technology now plays a significant role in maintaining parent-child relationships.
Courts may allow video calls, messaging, or virtual parenting time when parents live far apart or face travel barriers.

Steven frequently negotiates these terms into court orders to ensure consistent contact and emotional connection, even when physical visits aren’t possible.

Mediation and Cooperative Parenting

Not every visitation dispute needs a courtroom battle.
Steven often guides clients through:

• Mediation or court-referred settlement conferences
• Creating flexible parenting plans that reduce future conflict
• Working with parenting coordinators when communication has broken down

“The goal,” Steven says, “is to protect your parenting time and your peace of mind — especially when children are caught in the middle.”

Steven Zalewski’s Approach

Steven brings decades of Family Court experience to every visitation case, combining deep legal knowledge with real understanding of family dynamics.
He helps parents:

• Protect and preserve parenting time
• Navigate complex family relationships and court expectations
• Seek modifications or enforcement when needed
• Advocate for safe, fair, and child-centered solutions

“Family Court isn’t about winning or losing,” Steven says.
“It’s about helping your child have two parents they can rely on — safely and consistently.”

Resources for Parents in New York & Suffolk County

Because Steven believes every parent deserves guidance — even if they don’t hire a lawyer — here are trusted, local and state resources:

🔹 Suffolk County Family Court

400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722
(631) 740-3800
Filing hours, directions, and online forms:
https://ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/10jd/suffolk/family.shtml

🔹 Mediation & Parenting Support

• Community Dispute Resolution Center (Suffolk County):
  (631) 727-3200 — Free or low-cost mediation services for parenting disputes
• Family Service League – Family Support Programs:
  (631) 427-3700 | fsl-li.org — Family counseling, co-parenting classes, youth and parenting programs
• EAC Network – Child Supervised Visitation Program:
  (516) 539-0150 ext. 117 | eac-network.org — Safe, supervised visitation locations across Long Island

🔹 Legal Help

• Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County (Family Law Unit):
  (631) 853-5212 — Free legal help for eligible families
• Nassau Suffolk Law Services:
  (631) 232-2400 | nsls.legal — Civil legal services for low-income Long Islanders

🔹 Parenting & Emotional Support

• Parents Helping Parents – NY State Helpline:
  1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373) — Support and referrals for parents under stress
• New York State Parent Portal:
  https://www.nysparenting.org — Information about parenting programs and services statewide

All calls and services listed are free and confidential.
You can get help understanding Family Court orders, supervised visitation options, or mediation alternatives.

‍Contact Steven Zalewski, Esq.

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

Disclaimer

This page provides general information and is not legal advice.
Family Court visitation laws and procedures can vary — always consult with an experienced Suffolk County Family Law attorney for guidance on your specific case.

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• Custody Cases
• Child Support Cases
• Modification Cases