How Much is Child Custody in New York? (2026 Price Guide)

Introduction

Child custody legal costs in New York are often higher than in many other states due to elevated attorney hourly rates and complex court procedures—especially in New York City. Custody disputes frequently involve multiple court appearances, mandatory mediation, and, in some cases, professional evaluations, all of which significantly increase total legal expenses.

This guide explains child custody legal costs in New York, including lawyer fees, court costs, and the key factors that influence how much parents ultimately pay.
This entry is included in our thorough review of Family Law attorney fees in New York.

Average Child Custody Lawyer Fees in New York

Average New York child custody attorney fees and court-ordered evaluation costs

Child custody attorneys in New York typically charge hourly rates, with some of the highest fees in the United States. Rates vary based on experience, case complexity, and whether the matter is contested.

Before the first hearing in a New York custody case, make sure you have:

Verified all financial records and parenting time logs.
Prepared clear rebuttals to likely objections.
Scheduled evaluations only when absolutely necessary.

Each of these tasks can occupy distinct segments of counsel’s time. At times, when custody arrangements affect support calculations, lawyers must shift attention to reassessing support obligations under modified parenting schedules, adjusting filings accordingly. And, as custody disputes advance into broader family transitions, it’s often wise to think ahead about how to map anticipated expenses for related divorce matters so unexpected billable events don’t derail your budget.

Typical child custody lawyer fees in New York include:

Standard child custody attorney: $350–$600 per hour
Highly experienced or complex-case attorney: $600–$1,000+ per hour
Simple or uncontested custody matters: $3,000–$7,000 total
Highly contested custody disputes: $20,000–$50,000+

Rates are highest in New York City and surrounding metropolitan areas, particularly when cases involve expert testimony or prolonged litigation.

👉 For a nationwide comparison, see How Much Do Lawyers Cost in the United States?

New York Child Custody Court Costs and Fees

In addition to attorney fees, child custody cases in New York involve court filing and procedural costs.

Common child custody-related court costs in New York include:

Family law filing fee (index number): ~$210
Motion filing and service fees: varies by case
Court-ordered mediation or parenting coordination: varies by county
Custody evaluations or expert witness fees: varies by case

While individual court fees are relatively modest, extended litigation significantly increases total costs.

🔗 Related guide: Court Costs in the United States

Factors That Increase Child Custody Legal Costs in New York

Child custody legal costs in New York increase due to:

Contested custody or visitation disputes
Disagreements over parenting plans or schedules
Requests for sole or primary custody
Use of custody evaluators, psychologists, or social workers
Multiple court hearings, motions, or emergency applications

High attorney hourly rates combined with extended proceedings are the primary drivers of increased expenses.

Uncontested vs Contested Child Custody Cases

Uncontested custody cases:

Faster resolution
Minimal attorney involvement
Lower overall legal costs

Contested custody cases:

Extensive legal representation
Court-ordered mediation or evaluations
Significantly higher expenses

Mediation can help reduce timelines, but in complex disputes it does not always reduce total costs.

How New York Child Custody Costs Compare to Other States

Child custody legal costs in New York are among the highest in the United States, especially compared to states such as Texas, Florida, or Georgia. Higher attorney rates and procedural complexity contribute to increased expenses.

📊 Compare costs nationwide: Legal Costs by State

How to Reduce Child Custody Legal Costs in New York

Ways to manage child custody expenses in New York include:

Attempting mediation early in the process
Limiting unnecessary court motions or filings
Preparing parenting plans and supporting documentation in advance
Keeping attorney communication focused and efficient
Reducing conflict whenever possible

Lower conflict remains the most effective way to control custody-related legal costs.

FAQ — Child Custody Legal Costs in New York

How much does a child custody lawyer cost in New York?

Child custody lawyers in New York typically charge $350–$600 per hour, with experienced attorneys charging $600–$1,000+ per hour. Total costs depend on whether the case is contested.

Why are child custody cases so expensive in New York?

High attorney rates, complex court procedures, mandatory mediation, and the use of custody evaluators significantly increase costs—especially in NYC.

How much does a custody case cost in New York?

Uncontested custody cases may cost $3,000–$7,000, while highly contested disputes often exceed $20,000–$50,000.

Are custody evaluations required in New York?

Not always. Courts may order evaluations when custody is disputed or when determining the child’s best interests.

Can mediation reduce child custody legal costs?

Mediation can shorten case timelines and reduce litigation, but complex disputes may still involve significant legal expenses.

Do court fees apply even if custody is settled?

Yes. Filing fees and some procedural costs generally apply regardless of whether a case settles early.

External Resources (Official Sources)

New York Family Court Act
New York Unified Court System — Family & Custody Information
New York Domestic Relations Law

Conclusion

Child custody legal costs in New York range from several thousand dollars for cooperative cases to tens of thousands for highly contested disputes. Attorney fees, court costs, and the level of parental disagreement all play major roles in determining final expenses.

Understanding these costs helps parents plan financially and navigate custody proceedings more effectively in New York.