Experienced Custody & Child Support Lawyers
experienced brooklyn family lawyer
experienced brooklyn family lawyer
Affordable Brooklyn Custody & Child Support Lawyer – Paul W. Matthews Esq.
Quick Answer:
If you need an affordable Brooklyn custody lawyer or affordable Brooklyn child support lawyer, Paul W. Matthews Esq. brings more than 25 years of family-law experience, 500+ trials, and 25 appeals. A summa cum laude graduate of Brooklyn Law School, he offers high-quality representation at reasonable rates and provides a free initial consultation by phone or Zoom. Understanding the importance of access to legal resources, he ensures that every client has the opportunity to benefit from vast legal knowledge, particularly in challenging situations such as divorce and guardianship.
Between myself and my colleague and good friend Nick Pedersen, we can take cases pretty much in all of NYC. Our combined efforts focus not only on litigation but also on dispute resolution through negotiation and other methods in the context of family law. This collaborative approach helps address issues specific to various communities and areas, ensuring that even the most complex situations are handled with care by skilled family lawyers who understand the intricate practice areas involved.
What Services Do I Offer to Brooklyn Clients?
I handle every aspect of child custody, visitation, and child support litigation in Kings County Family Court, offering guidance and advice to ensure a parent’s rights are protected. Whether you are a parent seeking to understand the intricacies of the court system or someone looking to modify an existing order, having a knowledgeable family law attorney is crucial in matters like divorce and custody disputes.
Understanding the complexities of guardianship issues and other related family law situations, we offer assistance that goes beyond the courtroom, providing strategic advice tailored to your unique circumstances. This includes working closely with parents and offering insights that are vital for making informed decisions, often acting as a guardian of your legal and parental rights.
Whether you are filing your first custody petition, modifying a support order, or seeking enforcement, I provide personalized representation that balances legal precision with affordability. We focus on understanding the community’s unique needs, thus empowering clients with the resources and strategies necessary for successful outcomes in all relevant practice areas.
For most of my legal career of 25 years I was based in Manhattan Family Court, but when I took cases in other boros they were usually in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Courthouse is near public transportation which in turn is not far from my Manhattan Office, making it convenient for clients across the area seeking experienced family lawyers.
view of brooklyn family court
About Kings County (Brooklyn) Family Court
Address: 330 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (347) 401-9610 (Clerk’s Office / Information Center)
Hours: Generally 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday
The Kings County Family Court serves Brooklyn’s 2.6 million residents and is one of New York State’s busiest family courts. It handles tens of thousands of custody, visitation, support, and family-offense cases each year—one of the highest caseloads in the state. By providing skilled negotiation and legal representation, I help navigate these complex issues efficiently. This includes using my comprehensive knowledge of the law to benefit each client and community, ensuring their interests are diligently represented.
Court Divisions and Personnel
- Support Magistrates hear child-support and paternity cases under the New York Child Support Standards Act (CSSA).
- Court Attorney Referees and Judicial Hearing Officers (JHOs) assist judges with hearings and settlement conferences.
- The Children’s Division and Records Division handle case files, scheduling, and family services.
- The Mediation Unit offers voluntary parenting and child-support mediation to help resolve cases without trial.
- The Petition Center on the first floor assists self-represented litigants in filing custody, visitation, and support petitions.
- The Court is located inside a modern class w office building, located near Brooklyn Heights, perhaps the nicest neighborhood in Brooklyn.
Transportation and Parking
- Subway: A, C, F, R, 2, 3, 4, or 5 to Borough Hall / Jay Street – MetroTech.
- Bus: B25, B26, B37, B41, B52, and B103 all stop near 330 Jay Street.
- Parking: Public garages on Lawrence Street and Livingston Street offer daily rates; street parking is limited.
Why Choose Paul W. Matthews Esq. for Brooklyn Family Cases?
- 25 years in New York Family Court practice; over 500 trials and 25 perfected appeals.
- Brooklyn Law School summa cum laude, first in a class of 400.
- Focus on high-quality but affordable representation for Brooklyn families.
- Free consultation by phone or Zoom.
- Regular appearances before Family Court judges, Support Magistrates, and Court Attorney Referees in multiple boroughs..
- Offices in Manhattan (90 Broad Street) and Staten Island (50 Garretson Ln)
How Custody and Support Cases Work in Brooklyn Family Court
1. Filing the Petition
Start by submitting a petition in the Kings County Family Court Petition Center.Clerks assist with forms for custody, visitation, support, and other family law issues. Having access to these services ensures that every case is approached with the right resources and expertise, which can greatly influence the outcome of family law cases. Experienced family law attorneys play a vital role in this process, guiding clients through complex legal matters to achieve favorable results.
2. Initial Hearing
Your case is assigned to a judge or Support Magistrate for a preliminary conference and scheduling order. The expertise of family law attorneys can be crucial at this stage to set a strong foundation for successful outcomes in family law cases.
3. Mediation or Conference
Many cases go to the Mediation Unit or a settlement conference before a Court Attorney Referee, where negotiation plays a crucial role in resolving disputes outside of court. Family law attorneys frequently support their clients during these sessions to negotiate effectively and steer the case toward a positive outcome.
4. Trial and Decision
If no agreement is reached, a trial occurs before a judge or Support Magistrate. Decisions on custody and visitation cases are based on the child’s best interests (for the most part). Decisions on child support are typically based upon the CSSA guidelines for support. For higher-income families, the guideline may be applied differently, and there are also possible reasons for deviations and “add-ons” like expenses for College or daycare. Family law attorneys can provide critical advocacy to help achieve the best possible outcome during these trials.
5. Modification and Enforcement
Orders can often be modified if income or custody circumstances change, or enforced through violation petitions and wage garnishment. Family law attorneys are essential in navigating these changes, ensuring that the outcome remains fair and just for all parties involved.
Key Legal Entities and Concepts in Brooklyn Family Court
- New York Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) – sets percentages for support based on income and number of children.
- Support Magistrates – specialize in child support and paternity hearings.
- Court Attorney Referees & JHOs – handle motions, pre-trials, and settlement discussions. They can also preside over trials and make final orders with consent of the parties.
- Family Offense Petitions – for orders of protection in domestic violence situations.
- Custody Modification Petitions – used to change existing orders.
- Enforcement Proceedings – used to collect arrears or compel visitation compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many judges serve in Kings County Family Court?
The court has roughly 15 Family Court Judges and more than a dozen Support Magistrates handling cases daily. Experienced family law attorneys often become familiar with these judges and magistrates, allowing them to tailor their strategies for each individual case.
Can I file without a lawyer?
Yes, but the Family Court process is complex. A lawyer helps avoid procedural errors and protects your rights. In 25+ years, and after having been on thousands of cases, I have only seen a few pro se litigants who did as good a job as even mediocre attorneys. This is why access to a qualified family law attorney is invaluable, offering parents and guardians a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities and helping achieve a favorable outcome.
Attorneys typically know not only what to say in court but also what not to say! This nuanced understanding of the family law case proceedings is a key ingredient to success.
What documents should I bring to court?
Bring income proof, pay stubs, tax returns, and any existing orders or stipulations. Family law attorneys can assist in identifying additional documents that may influence the outcome of your case.
What is the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA)?
The CSSA governs support calculations in New York State using statutory percentages based on combined parental income. Knowledgeable family law attorneys can help elucidate this act and its application to your unique family law case.
Where can I park near 330 Jay Street?
Two public garages on Lawrence Street and Livingston Street are closest. Street parking is scarce, so plan extra time.
Brooklyn Family Court in Numbers
- Over 60,000 cases filed annually in Brooklyn Family Court alone, including custody, support, and family-offense matters.
- City-wide NYC Family Courts see ≈ 190,000–200,000 filings per year.
- Kings County consistently ranks #1 in caseload volume within New York City.
These statistics illustrate why Brooklyn clients benefit from an attorney familiar with its judges, Support Magistrates, and court staff. Family law attorneys in Brooklyn often have the local expertise to guide clients effectively through family law cases toward successful outcomes.
Personalized Representation for Brooklyn Families
Every case is different. My approach is to understand your unique family circumstances, craft a custom strategy, and keep legal fees reasonable. I stay reachable by phone or email and provide clear updates periodically or as needed.
Call for Your Free Consultation
If you need an affordable Brooklyn custody lawyer, affordable Brooklyn child support lawyer, or affordable Brooklyn family court lawyer, contact Paul W. Matthews Esq. today. I offer a free initial consultation by phone or Zoom and serve clients throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
Last updated October 2025