About Bruce D. Katz & Associates — Family Law New York
Bruce D. Katz & Associates provides family law New York representation from its Manhattan office at 225 Broadway, focusing primarily on custody disputes in New York Family Court and Supreme Court. Family law New York clients working with Mr. Katz receive advocacy from an attorney who has been described by reviewers as willing to fight through years of difficult proceedings without giving up — a quality that matters enormously in complex custody battles. The firm serves clients across the five boroughs and handles cases involving interstate custody jurisdictions, parental relocation, and orders of protection alongside standard divorce and custody matters. For additional New York City family law resources, see the New York City attorney directory.
What Clients Say
Reviewers consistently describe Bruce Katz as genuinely invested in their cases — calling after hours, appearing consistently prepared, and treating outcomes as personal rather than professional obligations. Multiple clients describe years-long custody proceedings where Katz provided emotional support alongside legal representation. A recurring theme is that Katz does not give up when cases become difficult, staying engaged through setbacks and procedural delays. Many reviewers note that they felt heard and respected during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Family Law New York — Practice Areas & Services
- Child Custody: Bruce Katz handles contested custody proceedings in New York Family Court and Supreme Court, including cases involving parental alienation, substance abuse concerns, and interstate jurisdictional issues.
- Orders of Protection: The firm assists clients in obtaining or defending against orders of protection in New York Family Court, with sensitivity to how these orders affect both custody and criminal matters.
- Divorce: Katz represents clients through contested and uncontested New York divorces, addressing equitable distribution of assets, spousal support, and parenting arrangements.
- Family Court Litigation: Beyond divorce, the practice covers family offense petitions, neglect proceedings, and other Family Court matters that affect parental rights across New York City.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does New York determine child custody between parents who live in different states?
New York applies the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act to interstate custody disputes. Generally, the child’s home state — where the child has lived for the past six months — has primary jurisdiction. When parents disagree about which state’s courts should hear a case, attorneys must navigate a complex jurisdictional analysis before the substantive custody issues can be addressed. Experience with interstate custody is a specific and valuable skill in New York family law practice.
What factors do New York courts consider when deciding custody in New York City cases?
New York courts evaluate the best interests of the child through factors including each parent’s ability to provide a stable home, the quality of the parent-child relationship, each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. Judges also consider a child’s own preferences when the child is old enough to express a meaningful preference. A Guardian ad Litem or Attorney for the Child is often appointed in contested cases.
Quick Facts: Family Law in New York, New York
- NY Family Court Filings: New York City Family Courts process over 300,000 case filings annually across all boroughs, making them among the busiest family courts in the nation — New York State Unified Court System
- U.S. Divorce Rate (2023): 672,502 divorces occurred nationally in 2023 at a rate of 2.4 per 1,000 people — CDC National Vital Statistics System
- Domestic Violence Orders: Domestic violence is alleged in approximately 50% of contested custody cases nationally, underscoring the importance of experienced representation in New York Family Court — National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
Related Guide: Family Law Attorneys


