White Plains Child Custody Lawyer

A Westchester County Insider, Protecting Your Parental Rights

Michael J. Borrelli has spent more than 30+ years in Westchester County's courtrooms, first as a prosecutor in the DA's office and now as a criminal defense and family law attorney. That depth of experirence matters in a custody dispute, where knowing how local judges view evidence and how opposing counsel operates can shape the outcome. When you hire The Law Offices of Michael J. Borrelli, P.L.L.C., Michael personally attends 99% of your court appearances, so you aren't handed off to a junior associate at Westchester Family Court or Westchester Supreme Court.

Your child's future is too important to leave to chance. Call (914) 928-2766 for a free, confidential consultation, available 24/7, including nights & weekends. Hablamos español.

Why White Plains Parents Turn to Michael Borrelli for Custody Cases

Many family law attorneys approach custody from a purely civil perspective. Michael brings something different: a career built inside the Westchester County District Attorney's Office, where he supervised three DA branches, trained Assistant District Attorneys across the county, and worked with every police agency in Westchester. That background gives him firsthand insight into how local courts and opposing attorneys operate.

This criminal law foundation becomes a direct advantage when custody intersects with domestic violence allegations, orders of protection, or a parent facing criminal charges. Michael understands both sides of those proceedings and how evidence in one courtroom can affect decisions in the other.

Beyond legal strategy, Michael's approach is personal. He has managed thousands of cases across his career, building the courtroom composure and pattern recognition that hotly contested custody hearings demand. As a lifelong Westchester County resident and active member of the Westchester County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association, he maintains professional relationships that come from decades of local practice.

How New York Courts Decide Child Custody

New York distinguishes between legal custody (the right to make major decisions about a child's education, healthcare, and upbringing) and physical custody (where the child primarily lives). There's no statutory presumption favoring joint or sole custody. Every decision turns on the best interests of the child under Domestic Relations Law § 240.

Key factors courts consider include:

• Which parent has been the primary caretaker
• The stability of each home environment
• Each parent's physical and mental health
• The child's preference, weighted by age and maturity
• Each parent's willingness to foster the child's relationship with the other parent
• Any history of domestic violence

Custody orders aren't permanent. Either parent can petition for modification by showing a substantial change in circumstances since the original order. Relocation requests that would affect the other parent's parenting time require court approval under the factors established in Tropea v. Tropea.

Custody Matters We Handle in Westchester County

Our matrimonial and family law practice covers the full range of child custody situations White Plains families face.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Contested and uncontested initial custody determinations
• Modification of existing custody and visitation orders
• Parenting plan negotiation and drafting
• Relocation petitions and opposition to relocation
• Emergency and temporary custody orders
• Visitation and parenting time disputes
• Custody cases involving domestic violence, orders of protection, or criminal charges

Cases where criminal allegations overlap with family court proceedings are where Michael's background as a former prosecutor provides a clear advantage. If a protective order, arrest, or pending charge is affecting your custody case, you need an attorney who understands both systems.

Child Custody FAQ

Do I Need an Attorney for a Custody Case in White Plains?

The court doesn't require you to have an attorney, but custody decisions are discretionary and fact-specific. How evidence is organized and how arguments are framed directly affects the weight a judge gives them. An experienced White Plains child custody attorney can focus the court on what matters most and present your case accordingly.

Can a Custody Order Be Changed After It's Entered?

Yes. Either parent can petition for modification by showing a substantial change in circumstances, such as a parent's relocation, a shift in the child's needs, or a new safety concern. The court then re-evaluates custody using the best interests standard.

How Does Domestic Violence Affect a Custody Case?

Under DRL § 240, courts must consider evidence of domestic violence and its effect on the child's best interests. It doesn't automatically determine the outcome, but it's a mandatory factor. Addressing or challenging those allegations often requires coordination between family and criminal proceedings.

What Is an Attorney for the Child?

In contested custody cases, the court may appoint an Attorney for the Child (AFC) to represent the child's expressed wishes and legal interests. The AFC meets with the child, advocates for the child's position, and presents it to the court.

Talk to Michael Borrelli About Your Custody Case

Your first consultation is free, confidential, and available right now. Whether it's 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., Michael is reachable to discuss your custody situation and explain your options under Westchester County's family court process.

When you hire The Law Offices of Michael J. Borrelli, P.L.L.C., Michael handles your case personally. No hand-offs, no surprises at your court date. Spanish-speaking clients are welcome: hablamos español.

Call (914) 928-2766 today to schedule your free consultation.