I’m facing a child custody battle

When facing a child custody dispute, it is essential to have a compassionate and experienced family law attorney on your side.

Mediation

Mediation is the least stressful way for all stakeholders to resolve a child custody arrangement. A successful mediation should resolve every custody issue, including where a child should live, either parent’s plans to remarry, holidays, child support and health insurance, discipline, education, childcare, religious upbringing, and medical needs that need to be discussed.

The more prepared parents are for mediation, the more successful it will be. It is permissible to bring your child custody attorney with you to mediation. However, if you choose to attend without your attorney, it is recommended that you consult with your attorney before mediation so that you are prepared and know what to expect.

No one wants to find themselves in family court battling over rights to children, but should mediation and negotiation fail, you will need legal counsel to aggressively ensure that your rights are recognized through the Family Court system.

What a Family Law Attorney Can Do for You

A skilled family lawyer understands how Family Courts in New York State (Erie, Niagara, and Cattaraugus counties) operate; the legal landscape in New York can be challenging to navigate, and an attorney will provide much-needed guidance and advocacy. Your attorney will be able to ascertain the types of evidence to present to the court to secure an arrangement in every stakeholder’s best interest. Experienced child custody attorneys will understand possible structures and how to ensure an option that will suit their client. If you’re dealing with an emotionally fraught relationship with an ex, your attorney will provide a professional buffer to manage communications.

A child custody decision is not necessarily set in stone. Changes in circumstances within the family or with the child may dictate a change in the custodial arrangement. Attorneys can also be called upon to assist when custody agreements require modifications.