Custody and visitation issues take on a special level of importance in Family Law cases. In these matters, the Court’s primary concern is for the best interests of the child which encompasses their welfare, happiness and optimum development. Consequently, custody disputes often carry a gravitas and importance that is absent from even the most complex money cases. The Court’s role as parens patriae, the lord protector of the defenseless, is thrown fully into play when parents disagree about the future of their children.
A request for custody or visitation may be made either during a divorce in Supreme Court or through a petition filed with the Family Court. In either event, a New York family lawyer will assist you in seeking to secure the legal rights that you have with respect to your children.
Whether you are seeking custody of your children or simply visitation rights with them, it is vital to have an experienced and knowledgeable attorney on your side who will fight aggressively for your rights. As a result, it is critical that you hire a Manhattan custody attorney that has the experience and knowledge of the laws and procedures involved in these types of cases.
In general, if you have legal custody Family Lawyer Custody of your child you will be the person that makes all major decisions regarding the health, education and welfare of the child. In most situations, unless there are significant reasons to not do so, the non-custodial parent will be allowed some form of visitation with the child, typically every other weekend and on one or two weeknights during school vacation periods.
However, if you have joint custody of your child or children, you will share in the decision making process with the other parent and will have an equal say in these important matters. Both of you will need to work together, communicate and cooperate in order to reach a successful resolution.
A custody case can become very emotional and stressful for the entire family. Many factors can affect the outcome of a Custody or Visitation dispute, not only the past history but also current events, such as a recent move, a restraining order or an abusive relationship. Despite these challenges, you must focus on what is best for your children and always act in their best interests.
In addition to assisting with traditional divorce proceedings, some New York family lawyers are skilled in alternative means of resolving these disputes such as collaborative law or mediation. They can help you explore these options and make the right choice for your unique situation. They are committed to improving the lives of their clients through skillful and assertive legal representation while ensuring they do everything possible to get the results they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced family lawyer in your area. We can help you get the answers and the peace of mind you deserve. We look forward to hearing from you.