Understanding Child Custody Law in Buffalo, New York
Buffalo Child Custody and Visitation Attorney Randy H. Gugino genuinely cares about you and your family. For the past 30 years, he has provided countless people just like you with comprehensive child custody advice, and strong legal support. We recognize that visitation and child custody are some of the most highly contested issues in a divorce proceeding. If you are going through a divorce in Buffalo and you need help resolving custody or visitation issues, our law firm is committed to helping you achieve the optimal result.
Married parents who wish to divorce must decide who should have custody of their children. If you and your spouse cannot agree on who should have custody, the court must decide for you. When awarding custody, the court always considers the best interests of the child.
Below are some of the factors that affect the court’s child custody decision:
- The mental and physical health of both parents.
- If there has been a history of domestic violence by either parent.
- Depending on the age of the child, his or her preference of parent.
- Work schedules of each parent.
- Whether one parent has been the primary caregiver or nurturer of the child.
- The child’s relationship with siblings and members of the rest of the family.
- Each parent’s ability to encourage and foster the child’s relationship with the other parent.
If you are going through a divorce, our dedicated Buffalo Child Custody and Visitation Attorneys can review your case and suggest a course of action that best suits your needs. Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Let our experience work for you.
Types of Child Custody
In New York, there are several different types of child custody. Depending on your relationship with your spouse and the best interests of your child, the court awards one of the following custody orders:
- Joint Custody: Under a joint custody order, both parents share legal responsibility for the child.
- Physical Custody: Physical custody means that the parent has the right to have his or her child reside with him or her.
- Legal Custody: If one parent has legal custody, he or she is responsible for making major decisions pertaining to the child’s life, including those regarding education, religion and health.
Visitation
Whenever possible, the court seeks a decision wherein both parents can remain involved in a child’s life. As a result, it is often possible for the non-custodial parent to gain visitation to his or her child. However, if the court determines that the non-custodial parent poses a danger to the child, or that visiting the child is not in his or her best interests, visitation may be denied. At the Law Offices of Randy H. Gugino, we clarify the complexities of visitation laws and guidelines and ensure your parental rights are protected.
Child Custody and Visitation Lawyers in Buffalo, NY
If you need assistance with a child custody matter, contact Buffalo Child Custody and Visitation Lawyer Randy H. Gugino. He can provide you with experienced advice and dedicated representation regarding all child custody and visitation matters. To schedule a no obligation, initial consultation, contact us by phone at (716) 833-8455.