Family Law Attorney in Troy, NY

Serving clients in Saratoga, Albany, Warren, Washington, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Green, and Columbia

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    Jean M. Mahserjian Family Law - Brand
    Saratoga Divorce Mediation Attorneys

    Family Law Attorney in Troy, NY

    Serving clients in Saratoga, Albany, Warren, Washington, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Green, and Columbia

    Do you need legal help?

      The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They truly care about their clients and walk you through the process every step of the way. I highly recommend Jean and here team for any legal needs.

      – Joseph B.

      They were so kind and caring throughout the whole experience. Walked with me through everything. They made a difficult and painful time more manageable. I would recommend them to in a heartbeat. Best decision about the divorce I made.

      – Kelli F.

      Was a real advocate for me while going through my divorce. Responded to emails and calls promptly and guided me through the entire process. Fair, responsive and frankly a light during a tough time.

      – Melissa W.

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      Family Law Attorney in Troy, NY

      Court orders need to work in the real world

      A family-law order is useful only if the people involved understand what it requires. Troy parents and spouses often need terms that address exact exchange times, transportation, access to records, payment dates, and what happens when a problem repeats. Whether the matter begins with a new petition or the enforcement of an older order, precision can prevent the next dispute.

      Rensselaer County Family Court

      Rensselaer County Family Court is located at 1504 Fifth Avenue in Troy and can be reached at (518) 453-5515. The courthouse is generally open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Family Court hears custody, parenting-time, child-support, paternity, family-offense, and related enforcement or modification matters. Current filing and appearance instructions should be confirmed before traveling to court.

      When the case belongs in Supreme Court

      Only New York Supreme Court can grant a divorce. A Troy divorce may include custody, support, maintenance, property division, debt allocation, and requests for temporary relief. The common no-fault ground is an irretrievable breakdown lasting at least six months, but a final judgment also requires the financial and parenting issues to be resolved by agreement or court decision.

      Enforcing or changing an existing order

      A missed payment, denied visit, or repeated schedule violation does not automatically rewrite the order. Enforcement asks the court to address noncompliance; modification asks the court to change the operative terms. The evidence and legal standard are different. A useful record may include the signed order, a payment history, a parenting calendar, written communications, school records, and proof of the changed circumstances.

      Family-offense and safety concerns

      Family Court can hear qualifying family-offense petitions and may issue temporary or final orders of protection when the legal requirements are met. Domestic violence must also be considered in custody decisions. Immediate danger may require emergency assistance. Evidence should be preserved without violating an order or placing a person at greater risk.

      Income, support, and changing employment

      New York child support generally continues until age 21 unless an emancipation rule applies. Courts examine income information rather than relying only on a current pay statement, and they may address health insurance, child care, and medical expenses. A job loss or income change does not automatically change an order. Until the court modifies it, the existing obligation may continue to accrue.

      A practical case file for a Troy matter

      • A certified or complete copy of every current order and stipulation.
      • A dated log tied to documents, not conclusions or insults.
      • Income records, tax returns, benefit statements, and proof of recurring child-related costs.
      • School and medical records that relate directly to the requested custody terms.
      • A proposed order written in specific, enforceable language.

      Questions about Troy family cases

      Where do I file a custody case?

      Venue depends on the parties, the child’s residence, existing orders, and other rules. For Troy residents, Rensselaer County Family Court is the local Family Court, but the correct filing location should be confirmed before submission.

      Can I stop paying support because parenting time was denied?

      Support and parenting time are separate obligations. Do not unilaterally stop paying an order; enforcement or modification may require a court application.

      What if we agree to change the schedule?

      A clear written agreement can help, but an informal change may not replace the enforceable court order. Court approval may be needed.

      Can a prior custody order be modified?

      Yes, when the governing legal standard is met and the requested change serves the child’s best interests. The facts needed depend on the existing order and the claimed change.

      Preparing a focused request

      Mahserjian & Mahserjian-Ortiz, PLLC handles New York divorce, custody, support, family-offense, and post-judgment matters. In a Troy case, the firm can identify whether the client needs a new petition, enforcement, modification, temporary relief, negotiation, or preparation for a hearing. A focused request supported by organized records is usually more useful than asking the court to solve every disagreement at once.