New York Family Law Attorney Handling Child Custody And Grandparent Visitation
The law firm of Elisabeth A. Barker, Attorney at Law, is an ideal starting place for divorcing or separated parents to reach an agreement about child custody and visitation matters. Attorney Barker works with clients to help them reach resolution on child custody and visitation issues that are in the best interests of the children. Creative plans can be devised that are beneficial for the children and the entire family.
“Parenting time” for separated or divorced parents is a new term for the age-old concepts of child custody and visitation. What may be different in 2009 is that society is much more open, than in generations past, about the need for adequate amounts of time for non-custodial parents. Time together is the most reliable way for parents to preserve meaningful bonds with their children despite a divorce or parents living separately.
Contact the law offices of Elisabeth A. Barker, Attorney at Law, to schedule a consultation if you are anticipating a divorce, are already divorced or have had a child out of wedlock and need guidance regarding the custody of your child and devising a parenting plan that works for everyone involved.
Issues To Consider For Custody And Visitation Agreements
- Joint Legal versus Sole Legal Custody involves who will make the major decisions regarding educational, medical, religious and behavioral issues.
- Physical Custody involves where the child will live the majority of the time. Parents can be creative in devising a parenting schedule that takes into consideration activities of the child and can include provisions for holidays, school breaks and summers.
- Relocation and Transportation such as when one parent wants to move the child’s permanent residence to a distant location.
- School district issues when parents live in different districts.
- Activities such as sports, camps and after school activities beckon for a flexible schedule.
The Best Interests Of The Children Are Of The Utmost Importance
If you and your spouse have children under the age of 18 years old, custody and visitation may become an issue in your divorce. A child-centered approach to resolving custody, visitation and a parenting schedule is best for the whole family, unless abuse, neglect or domestic violence is involved. A child who is involved in sports and/or outside activities may have a hard time meeting the “physical presence obligations” of a child custody schedule that parents are bound to by court orders. It is important to place the child’s needs first. Divorcing or divorced parents and parents who were never married to each other who make their children’s overall well-being a top priority will find that a flexible schedule is preferable and in the best interest of the children. This type of schedule allows the child to maintain a healthy relationship with both parents.
Modification And Violation Of A Child Custody Order
A child custody decision is not necessarily set in stone forever. Changes in circumstances within the family or with the child may dictate a change in the custodial arrangement. Access to better schools, a child getting older, parental neglect or abuse, the child’s preferences and parental alienation may dictate that the arrangement should be changed.
Interference by one parent with the other parent’s visitation and contact with the child may warrant the filing of a violation petition to insure continued contact between the child and parents.
Syracuse child custody lawyer Elisabeth A. Barker listens closely to her client’s needs, values and desires and works with each client to develop an approach that works for the entire family.
Grandparent Visitation And Contact With Grandchildren
Perhaps “grandparenting” time is an issue after separation of the parents of your minor grandchildren. There are a number of ways to tackle this problem and any other corollary problem that is associated with a divorce or separation affecting your underage grandchildren. We look forward to discussing your situation and devising a strategy intended to keep you in contact with your grandchildren.
Take steps to understand the law as it will impact your life during and after divorce. In New York contact attorney Elisabeth A. Barker, to schedule a consultation regarding child custody or a grandparent visitation issue.