{"id":375357,"date":"2017-05-02T18:23:52","date_gmt":"2017-05-02T23:23:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-york-law\/your-new-york-child-custody-case-the-basics.html"},"modified":"2025-04-28T15:43:42","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T20:43:42","slug":"your-new-york-child-custody-case-the-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-york-law\/your-new-york-child-custody-case-the-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"New York City Child Custody Cases: The Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

New York City Child Custody Cases: The Basics<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Custody disputes can get complicated and contentious. But no matter the state of your relationship with your ex, you must find a custody arrangement<\/a> that protects the well-being of your child. If you and your ex can’t agree on how to share time with your child, a local family court may have to get involved.<\/p>\r\n

This article explains the essentials of New York City child custody cases. If you’re having a custody dispute, contact a family law attorney<\/a> right away.<\/p>\r\n

Custody Defined<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Courts split the legal term "custody" into two categories: legal<\/a> and physical custody<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n