Michele Sileo
Attorney Professor Mentor
Article 10
matters
Article 10 of the New York State Family Court Act deals with allegations of abuse or neglect of a child. Under this law, the Administration for Children's Services (ACS) has the power to investigate and remove a child from their home if they believe the child is in danger. The ACS must file a petition in court to start a child protective proceeding. The court will hold a fact-finding hearing to determine if abuse or neglect has occurred. If the court finds that abuse or neglect has occurred, it may order services for the family or even terminate parental rights. The proceedings can be complex, and it is advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced family law attorney.
Grandparents
Rights
Grandparents in New York State have certain legal rights when it comes to their grandchildren, particularly in the case of divorce or other family disputes. These rights are often referred to as "grandparental rights" and are governed by New York state law. In general, grandparents have the right to seek visitation with their grandchildren. However, this right is not absolute and can be limited or denied in certain circumstances. For example, if both parents agree that the grandparents should not have visitation or if the court determines that visitation would not be in the best interests of the child, then the grandparents' visitation rights may be limited or denied.
Child Support
& Paternity
New York State family law outlines the responsibilities of parents regarding child support and paternity. Child support in New York is determined based on the parents' income and the needs of the child. If a child's paternity is in question, a DNA test may be ordered to establish paternity. Once paternity is established, the non-custodial parent may be ordered to pay child support. If a parent fails to pay child support, they may face penalties such as wage garnishment or even imprisonment. Overall, New York State family law prioritizes the well-being and financial support of children, even in cases where paternity is uncertain
Orders of
Protection
In New York State family law, orders of protection are court orders intended to prevent domestic violence, harassment, stalking, and other forms of abuse. These orders are available to spouses, former spouses, partners, and family members, as well as to people in intimate relationships or with children in common. The orders can require the abuser to stay away from the victim, refrain from contacting them, and vacate the family home. Violations of these orders can result in criminal charges and imprisonment. Orders of protection can be obtained through Family Court or Criminal Court, and can be temporary or permanent, depending on the situation.
Custody &
Visitation
Matters concerning legal and physical custody of children. Custody can be joint or sole, and may include legal and physical custody. Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about the child's upbringing, such as education and healthcare, while physical custody refers to where the child lives. Visitation, also known as parenting time, determines the non-custodial parent's access to the child. Visitation can be supervised or unsupervised and can be modified if circumstances change. In cases of disputes, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem or order mediation to assist in determining custody and visitation arrangements.
ADOPTIONS
In New York State, guardianship is a legal arrangement in which a person is appointed to make decisions for another individual who is unable to do so themselves. Guardianships are typically established for minors or adults who are incapacitated or have disabilities. The process involves filing a petition with the court and providing evidence of the person's incapacity or disability. A guardian can be appointed for personal needs, such as healthcare decisions and living arrangements, or for financial matters, such as managing assets and paying bills. The court oversees the guardianship to ensure that the guardian is acting in the best interests of the incapacitated person.
Article 10
matters
Article 10 of the New York State Family Court Act deals with allegations of abuse or neglect of a child. Under this law, the Administration for Children's... Read More
Grandparents
Rights
Grandparents in New York State have certain legal rights when it comes to their grandchildren, particularly in the case of divorce or other family disputes... Read More
Child Support
& Paternity
New York State family law outlines the responsibilities of parents regarding child support and paternity. Child support in New York is determined based on th... Read More
Orders of
Protection
In New York State family law, orders of protection are court orders intended to prevent domestic violence, harassment, stalking, and other forms of abu... Read More
Custody &
Visitation
Matters concerning legal and physical custody of children. Custody can be joint or sole, and may include legal and physical custody. Legal cust... Read More
ADOPTIONS
In New York State, guardianship is a legal arrangement in which a person is appointed to make decisions for another individual who is unable to ... Read More
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional representation. I received from Michele Sileo going through both a child protective matter, and a custody battle was a difficult and emotional journey but with Michele by my side, I never felt alone.
When I first learned that a child protective matter has been filed against me, I was devastated and felt hopeless about my chances of winning custody of my two children. However, Michele was there every step of the way always available at a moments notice, to answer my questions and guide me through the process she took the mystery out of the proceedings in providing me with a clear understanding of what was happening, giving me the confidence to keep fighting for my children.
Michelle’s passion for her clients and their families was evident from the moment I met her. She was a fierce advocate who never stop pushing until she got the outcome she wanted her knowledge and expertise in the field. Family law was evident in the quart room and she truly cared about me and my children.
Throughout the entire process, Michelle remain kind unapproachable always taking the time to listen to my concerns, and making sure I felt hurt. I never felt like just another case to her, and her dedication and commitment to my case was truly unparalleled.
I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding representation I received from Michele and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone in need of a family law attorney. She truly went above and beyond to help me win custody of my children, and I will be forever grateful for her unwavering support and guidance.
I am delighted to share my heartfelt testimonial for attorney Michele Sileo, who played an instrumental role in guiding me through a challenging and emotionally taxing step-parent adoption process. From the moment Michele took over my case, her expertise, dedication, and unwavering support transformed what had been an arduous journey into a smooth and successful experience.
When I initially sought legal assistance, my case was tangled in a web of complexity due to a gruesome pre-adoption battle with the birth father. Orders of protection and threats of arrest had become distressingly intertwined with our pursuit of adopting my stepchild. The situation seemed insurmountable, and the stress was overwhelming.
However, once Michele stepped in, everything changed. She approached the case with a level of professionalism and competence that immediately put me at ease. Her ability to untangle the intricacies of the legal system and find effective solutions astounded me. Within a remarkably short period, Michele settled the orders of protection, alleviating a tremendous burden from our shoulders.
Throughout the entire process, Michele went above and beyond to ensure I never felt lost or confused. She patiently explained the laws, procedures, and the intricacies of the case, leaving no room for uncertainty. Her willingness to address my concerns and provide clear, concise guidance made all the difference. I can confidently say that her knowledge and ability to communicate effectively transformed a frightening situation into one that was manageable and even empowering.
Beyond her legal expertise, what truly sets Michele apart is her empathy and genuine care for her clients. She recognized the emotional toll the adoption battle had taken on me and my family. Her compassion and understanding provided the emotional support we needed during this challenging time. Michele’s reassurance and compassionate approach reminded us that we were not alone and that she was there to advocate for our best interests.
Thanks to Michele’s exceptional legal skills, compassionate approach, and tireless dedication, the step-parent adoption was successfully completed without a hitch. I am forever grateful for her unwavering commitment to our case and her ability to navigate through the storm with grace and efficiency.
I wholeheartedly recommend Michele Sileo to anyone in need of legal representation, particularly in complex adoption cases. Her professionalism, expertise, and compassionate approach make her an outstanding attorney who goes above and beyond for her clients.
Working with Michele was a privilege, and I am forever grateful for her instrumental role in bringing my family together.