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Attorney David Zaslavsky recently appeared on The Attorney Post, shedding light on the complicated world of family and matrimonial law in New York. Practicing since 2003, Zaslavsky leads David Zaslavsky PLLC, a firm known for handling high-stakes custody cases, including those involving the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS).

Zaslavsky is one of just a few private attorneys in New York equipped to manage both matrimonial cases and legal issues involving ACS. This dual expertise is rare and vital, especially when families find themselves under scrutiny by child protection agencies.

During the episode, Zaslavsky spoke candidly about how his path to law began in middle school, eventually leading to degrees from NYU and Brooklyn Law School. Early experience in family law solidified his passion for the field, which often requires court appearances multiple times per week.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges for family law. Court closures in 2020 led to significant delays, while the shift to virtual proceedings left room for miscommunication and legal missteps. Zaslavsky described a rise in custody disputes, particularly around unauthorized parental relocations during lockdowns—many of which are still playing out in court today.

One segment of the episode focused on international custody disputes. Zaslavsky explained how navigating custody cases across borders can become impossible if the destination country is not a signatory to the Hague Convention, as is the case with China and Russia. In such situations, retrieving children may require embassy involvement and months of litigation.

He also raised concerns about the systemic incentives within child protective services. With federal funding tied to foster care placements, Zaslavsky questioned whether financial motivations might influence agency decisions. Low staffing standards and high turnover further complicate the quality of services provided to families.

The episode also touched on New York’s controversial child support laws. Zaslavsky criticized the way payments are calculated—based on gross income without adjusting for federal withholding—which often creates financial pressure on noncustodial parents. This issue is worsened by the city’s high cost of living, leaving many parents struggling to meet court-ordered obligations.

Zaslavsky pointed out that many clients unknowingly sabotage their cases through social media. Courts now use online content as evidence, and posts that show lavish spending can contradict claims of financial hardship, undermining credibility.

Despite these hurdles, Zaslavsky emphasized that most family law cases should be settled rather than litigated. He recommends settlement in nearly every case, not just for strategic reasons, but also to minimize emotional stress for the families involved.

Throughout the podcast, Zaslavsky stressed the importance of proactive legal counsel, especially in custody and ACS-related cases. His insights revealed not only the complexity of family law, but also the urgent need for reforms that better protect parents and children alike.

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