Comprehensive And Caring Family Law Representation From A Trusted Attorney
As you face perhaps the greatest and most difficult challenge of your life, it can be reassuring to know to have a proven advocate and devoted legal professional on your side. Kamelia “Mia” Poppe, Esq., at The Law Firm of Poppe & Associates, PLLC, will help you through it.
Poppe & Associates is a trusted, established resource for New Yorkers facing a wide array of family law issues, such as:
- Legal separation and divorce, including contested, high-profile, high-asset and uncontested cases, and divorces requiring qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs)
- Child custody, parenting time and child support
- Litigation over child custody and support, including enforcement and modifications of custody and support orders
- Family law for people in same-sex relationships, including prenups and postnups; divorce, child custody and support; stepparent adoption and more
- Legal separations, divorces and orders of protection for people in domestic relations marked by invisible abuse
Mia will help you through the legal process so that you can focus on preparing for the next stage of things in your life.
Family Law Basics: Who Is The Plaintiff And Who Is The Defendant?
Understanding the roles of plaintiff and defendant is crucial in family law cases. The plaintiff, also known as the petitioner, is the party who initiates the legal action by filing a petition or complaint with the court. This could be a spouse seeking divorce, a parent requesting child custody or someone pursuing spousal support.
The defendant, also called the respondent, is the party responding to the legal action. They must answer the plaintiff’s claims and may file counterclaims if desired. In divorce cases, for example, the spouse who did not file for divorce would be the defendant.
It is important to note that these roles do not necessarily indicate fault or advantage. Both parties have equal rights to present their arguments and evidence. In some jurisdictions, “petitioner” and “respondent” are used instead of plaintiff and defendant to emphasize the nonadversarial nature of family law proceedings.
Where Are New York City’s Family Courts?
New York City’s Family Courts are crucial in handling cases involving children and families. These courts are located throughout the five boroughs, ensuring accessibility for all residents.
Below is a comprehensive list of Family Court locations in New York City:
- Bronx County Family Court: 900 Sheridan Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451
- Kings County (Brooklyn) Family Court: 330 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- New York County (Manhattan) Family Court: 60 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10013
- Queens County Family Court: 151-20 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432
- Richmond County (Staten Island) Family Court: 100 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301
Each court has jurisdiction over family matters within its respective county:
- Bronx County Family Court serves the Bronx.
- Kings County Family Court serves Brooklyn.
- New York County Family Court serves Manhattan.
- Queens County Family Court serves Queens.
- Richmond County Family Court serves Staten Island.
These courts handle various family-related issues, including child custody, visitation rights, child support, adoption, guardianship, juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings. By having a court in each borough, the New York City Family Court system ensures that families across the city have access to justice and support in resolving domestic matters.
Family Court Versus Supreme Court In New York Family Law Cases
In New York state, family law matters are handled by two distinct courts: the Supreme Court and the Family Court. Understanding the jurisdiction of each court is crucial for individuals navigating family-related legal issues.
The Supreme Court in New York has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce cases and related matters. Only the Supreme Court can finalize a divorce, distribute marital property and decide on spousal support (alimony). The person initiating the divorce is the plaintiff, while the other party is the defendant.
On the other hand, the Family Court handles a wide range of family-related issues, including child custody, visitation rights, child support, paternity cases and family violence proceedings (such as orders of protection). However, it’s important to note that the Family Court cannot grant divorces or divide marital property.
In some cases, issues may overlap between the two courts. For instance, if a couple is going through a divorce in the Supreme Court and child custody is contested, the Supreme Court can make decisions about custody and support. Alternatively, these matters can be referred to the Family Court for resolution.
Understanding which court handles specific family law matters can help individuals navigate the legal system more effectively and ensure they file their cases in the appropriate venue.
There Is Always Hope And Mia Will Help You Hold Onto It
If divorce is your issue, you can move through this painful situation with confidence and reassurance. Mia has ample experience representing women, especially, in high-net-worth marriages. She is a believer in helping clients claim their rightful share of assets and protecting their children’s well-being through skillful parenting time negotiations and litigation.
When Mia is your attorney, she will pass on to you her high expectations for your future. With a clear-headed understanding of what is rightfully yours, you can move forward and start a new life for yourself that will be better than what you imagined the first time around.
Hold Your Head High And Start The Next Chapter Of Your Life With Hope Intact
In custody cases in New York, family court judges put the best interests of the children first. Mia focuses on guiding clients to do what is best for the children, above all else. Divorce is a complex and emotional process that impacts not only the couple involved but also has a profound effect on their children. The compassionate approach at Poppe & Associates aims to minimize the negative impact on children.
Mia is a talented divorce litigation attorney who will go out on a limb for her clients. She is waiting to hear from you. Get in touch with her and learn how to land on the side of what is right for your children and your future. Call 646-665-3903 or send a message to schedule a consultation about any family law matter.