Stephen Bilkis

Stephen Bilkis graduated from Touro Law School in 1997. Soon after he passed the bar exam of New York and established the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates. In over 20 years of practice, Mr. Bilkis has successfully represented scores of clients throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Long Island, and Staten Island in matters related to personal injury, probate law, criminal law, and family law.

Mr. Bilkis strongly believes that each client is unique and each case is different. His solutions are never “one size fits all.” He prides himself on listening to his clients, reviewing all facets of each case, and using his deep knowledge of New York law to come up with individualized solutions for each client.

Stephen Bilkis has been a member of various national and local bar organizations and associations including the New York State Bar Association, American Prepaid Legal Institute, the American Association for Justice, AARP Legal Services Network, and the New York State Trial Lawyers Association.

Stephen Bilkis and the staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates have well-earned reputations as knowledgeable and effective attorneys who fight for their clients’ legal rights. Because of this, the firm, its attorneys, and some of their notable cases or clients, in whole or in part, have been mentioned on several media outlets including CNN, CBS, CNBC, and ABC New York, as well as in the New York Times, New York Post and Newsday.

• Car Accidents

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New York

Since 1997

Head of Law Office

Stephen Bilkis & Associates

Current

Touro Law School

10.0 Rating

Justia

AFL-CIO Union Privilege Legal Plan

Plan Administrator

Current

American Prepaid Legal Institute

Member

Current

New York State Trial Lawyers

Member

Current

New York State Bar  # 2842938

Member

1997 - Current

Union Plus Benefits for AFL-CIO Union Members Newsletter

Union Plus

Union Plus, AFL-CIO Legal Benefits Conference, Washington, DC

AFL-CIO

Gave yearly talks about employment benefit packages to the AFL-CIO Union leaders and members

Accepted Member

Writers Guild of America East

Q. Options for reducing three-tier sex offender registry in New York after 40 years.

July 7, 2025

A: I'm sorry that you have been dealing with the long-term consequences of this situation and are seeking a path forward. In New York, individuals on the Sex Offender Registry may petition for a modification of their risk level designation under certain circumstances, even many years after the initial classification.

Under New York Correction Law § 168-o, a registered sex offender may apply to the court for a modification of their risk level. You may be eligible to petition for a downward modification if you have been registered for a minimum of one year and can demonstrate a change in circumstances that supports a lower risk level. These circumstances may include good behavior, long-term law-abiding conduct, successful completion of sex offender treatment, stable employment, and the absence of any new arrests or convictions. Since you have been on the registry for 40 years without new offenses, that long record of compliance could be a compelling factor.

To begin the process, you must file a motion in the court that originally classified your risk level. You will need to serve the motion on the district attorney and the Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders (BOE). The court may schedule a hearing to evaluate your request. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present evidence and argue that your current risk to public safety is lower than originally assessed. The prosecution may oppose the motion and present its own evidence.

Courts rely on various factors outlined in the risk assessment guidelines, including the nature of the original offense, the offender’s response to treatment, and behavior while on probation or parole. The court may consider whether you have engaged in community support programs or therapy, whether your housing is stable, and whether you pose a risk of reoffending.

It is strongly advised to retain an attorney with experience in sex offender registry matters. These proceedings are complex, and professional representation can make a significant difference in how your case is presented.

Please note that this information is provided for general guidance and is not a substitute for individualized legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. ... Read More

Q. How can I obtain sole custody and request supervised visitation due to safety concerns with my child's mother in New York?

July 7, 2025

A: I'm sorry you are dealing with a situation that puts your child's safety and well-being at risk. When a parent believes that the other parent is exposing the child to harm, New York law provides a way to seek court intervention and request changes to custody and visitation arrangements.

Since you already have physical custody and joint legal custody, you will need to file a petition in Family Court requesting a modification of the current custody order. Your petition should ask the court to award you sole legal and physical custody and to require that the mother’s visitation be supervised. In New York, courts will only modify an existing custody order if you can show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances and that a modification is in the best interests of the child.

The information you described could meet that standard. For example, if the mother has a history of substance abuse and only has supervised visitation with her other children, this could be significant. If she is violating a court order by continuing to allow an abusive boyfriend to be around the child, that could further support your request. Additionally, if she is making disparaging comments about you directly to your child and withholding important health information, these may be viewed as attempts to interfere with your relationship and judgment as a parent.

You should prepare to submit evidence with your petition. This can include screenshots of messages, documentation of prior court orders (such as a protective order or orders related to her other children), and any other relevant materials. Witness statements or reports from mandated reporters, such as school personnel or health care providers, can also be helpful if available.

At the court hearing, a judge may order an investigation, assign an attorney for the child, or schedule a forensic evaluation, depending on the seriousness of the allegations. The court’s primary concern will always be the child’s safety and emotional welfare.

It is strongly recommended that you consult with a family law attorney to help you present your case effectively and make sure all necessary legal procedures are followed. This response is for general information only and does not create an attorney-client relationship ... Read More

Q. How do I collect my deceased son's belongings from NY police storage?

July 7, 2025

A: I'm very sorry for your loss. Navigating the legal process after the unexpected passing of a loved one can be overwhelming, especially when trying to secure their personal property.

In New York, when someone passes away without a will, the distribution of their property follows the rules of intestate succession. Since your son had no will and his closest next of kin is his minor son, the court will consider the child as the primary heir. However, because the child is only four years old, he cannot act on his own behalf in legal or administrative matters. A parent or guardian must act on his behalf.

To retrieve your son’s belongings, you will likely need to obtain legal authority through the Surrogate’s Court in the county where your son passed away. The court can issue either Letters of Administration or Voluntary Administration if the total value of the estate (excluding certain items like the car, depending on title) is under $50,000. You would need to file a petition to be appointed as the administrator of your son’s estate. As his mother, you have standing to request this appointment, particularly if the father of the minor child declines or does not file first.

Once appointed, you will have the authority to collect and manage your son's belongings, including those in police or storage custody. You can present the Letters of Administration to the police department or storage facility as proof of your legal authority to claim his property.

As for the notice from the state regarding a petition against your son and the DMV, this could be related to unpaid fines, registration issues, or a claim on the vehicle. It is important to review the paperwork carefully. If your son owed money on the car or there is a lien, the vehicle may not pass automatically to the estate. You may need to address the DMV matter separately, especially if a state agency is seeking to claim or auction the car.

It would be advisable to speak with a probate attorney in New York to help you file the proper documents with the Surrogate’s Court and respond to any legal actions involving the car.

This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered legal advice for your specific situation. Please consult with a New York probate attorney for assistance. ... Read More

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