Rochester, New York Child Custody Lawyer
By the letter of the law, mothers and fathers have equal rights to child custody. We encourage you to contact us to discuss the legal and practical considerations in your situation with experienced attorney Alan L. Offen.
Examining All Child Custody Options and Obligations
Alan L. Offen is familiar with all legal options and potential arrangements concerning child custody. In addition to his decades of experience in representing fathers and mothers in divorce and other family law matters, he serves frequently as a court-designated law guardian, now referred to as "lawyer for the child."
Child custody and visitation decisions affect where your children will live, how important decisions about their upbringing will be made, and how much time each parent will spend with them. Mr. Offen will help you evaluate arrangements such as:
- Joint custody — which means both parents will have a voice in decision-making, but does not imply equal time with both parents
- Sole custody — for one parent, with the other having specific, enforceable visitation rights but more limited decision-making input
- Shared custody — a possibility when parents can agree on how to divide time between two homes and demonstrate the ability to cooperate
- Split custody is a situation involving more than one child, where one child's primary residence is with one parent and another child's is with the other parent
Building the Best Case for You as a Parent
In divorce or any family law matter involving minor children, the obligation of New York courts is to protect the best interest of the child. It is difficult for some divorcing men and women to accept that the courts do not make decisions based on what is "fair" to either parent.
If child custody is critical to you, you cannot afford to take anything for granted. It is important to develop a clear picture of how active you have been in your children's lives. If custody is disputed, details matter. Mr. Offen can help ensure your contributions are effectively and convincingly presented.
Child Support — Paternity Issues — Relocation — Stepparent Adoption
Attorney Alan L. Often is also well equipped to advise and represent you on other parenting matters, including:
- Child support, whether your issues involve a current divorce case, a modification after your divorce, or the obligations of unmarried parents
- Questions and disputes involving paternity
- Issues surrounding parental relocation/move-aways — an area where judges have substantial latitude and discretion
- Stepparent adoptions
For an informative consultation on your child custody concerns, please contact us today.
