Custody is often one of the most difficult issues couples face when they separate. A Bronx Child Custody Lawyer can help you resolve your custody matter, whether it is a new case, a contested divorce, or a modification to an existing order. Our office cares deeply about parental rights and will fight hard to get you the results you deserve.
The first step in resolving a custody dispute is filing for Court review. The Judge will review all the facts and decide what is in the best interests of the children. Generally the Judge will want both parents to participate in the child’s upbringing. This may involve joint legal custody where the parents make decisions on behalf of the child together, shared physical custody where both parents have the child for significant time periods, and/or sole physical custody where one parent has the child for the major portion of the child’s life. The Court may also decide to award Visitation rights in some cases.
In determining what is in the best interests of the children the Judge will consider many factors such as each parent’s ability to communicate with the other, each parent’s relationship with the child, each parent’s home environment and lifestyle, each parent’s work schedule, each parent’s health and fitness, and the child’s preference if he or she is old enough to express one. The Judge will usually prefer a situation where the child lives with the parent who is the primary caregiver. This is usually the mother, but not always.
If the Judge decides to award either full or joint legal custody, then a parenting time (visitation) schedule will be created. Typically, the mother will have primary parenting time unless there is some reason why this should not happen such as abuse or neglect. During the initial custody hearing the Judge will also order a Court Ordered Investigation where a caseworker will visit both parents, observe the child in each home, interview the child and perhaps other family members, and write a report for the Judge.
If you are considering becoming a Family Lawyer you should begin your research by taking a look at law schools with programs in Family Law. Most have websites with useful information such as course offerings, externships, and contact information for family law faculty and students. You can also learn more about this career by visiting the websites of professional organizations that specialize in Family Law. These organizations offer conferences and webinars, magazines, and email updates on recent Family Law cases. You can also contact an attorney to see if they would be interested in mentoring you as you pursue this career. You can use this mentoring as an opportunity to ask questions and learn from an experienced family law attorney. The law in this area can be complex and the result of your actions can have profound effects on your life. A competent Manhattan Family Lawyer Custody can help you navigate these waters.
