Child Custody in Rochester, NY

We understand that a child custody battle is a personal and highly emotional issue. This is why we’re so passionate about connecting you with Rochester, New York professionals that will help you fight for your rights as a parent.

What Is Child Custody?

When two parents separate, they must decide on how their children spend time between them. Child custody refers to the right of either or both parents to provide a home for their children and exercise parental rights. In Rochester, NY not all child custody cases go to court, but when they do, courts make their decisions based on what they think is most beneficial for the child.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Rochester, New York

There are three main types of arrangements that can occur. These include full custody, sole custody, and joint custody. Child custody disputes in New York State fall under the jurisdiction of Family Courts. The Monroe County Family Court is where you’ll find yourself during a child custody dispute in Rochester.

What Is Full Custody?

In a full custody arrangement, one parent receives the majority of the parenting time and maintains physical custody. In most instances, this person also makes the majority of the decisions about the child’s upbringing and has control over decisions related to health, education, and religion. The parent awarded full custody is the primary custodial parent.

Modifying court arranged custody is more common than most people understand. A parent could have a change in hours they work, or a change in occupations altogether. They could also have a conflict with responsibilities for a different child, or even have completed a court-mandated class or therapy that certifies them for more time with the child. Any of these could be presented as reasons for the court to revisit the terms of the custody agreement. The New York Courts provide online forms that allow you to petition the court.

Even when children only live with one parent, the other parent still has the opportunity to be a part of their lives. The custodial parent may allow visiting time or the children may spend a few weekends with the non-custodial parent. In some instances, a parent awarded full custody might still maintain joint custody in practice with their partner for the benefit of the children.

What Is Sole Custody?

Most people do not differentiate between one parent getting the overwhelming majority of the parenting time or rights and sole custody. However, it is important to note the possibility of some parents getting no parenting time or rights at all. The court will provide one parent with sole physical custody if the other parent is deemed an unfit parent.

In some cases, the court may go as far as to terminate the rights of the other parent. This may occur if the parent gets convicted of particular crimes that might endanger a child. An example is child abuse or inappropriate sexual conduct with a child. New York state laws vary on what might result in parental termination.

What Is Joint Custody?

Joint custody describes the arrangement where both parents of the child split physical custody. When parents share equal custody, the child may spend a week or two on and off with either parent. Some families in Rochester, New York also practice “nesting”, where both parents move in and out of the home the child lives in when it is their turn to have custody.

Courts in New York, including the courts in Rochester, prefer to grant joint custody. This is seen as being in the best interest of the child as it offers the least amount of disruption to the child’s life. However, the Legal Assistance of Western New York correctly makes the distinction between joint legal custody and joint physical custody. Joint physical custody allows both parents to spend an equal amount of time with the child. Whereas joint legal custody allows both parents to be active in making decisions for the child, but does not grant both parents equal time or access to the child. An experienced attorney in Rochester can best help guide you through this process.

In many joint custody arrangements, one parent may retain complete responsibility. This is for any major decisions that have to be made in regard to the well-being of the child. Also, joint custody does not always mean an equal sharing of time. In most instances, one parent still retains primary custody. In these cases, they may hold the larger portion of a 60/40 time split.

The Factors Courts Consider When Making a Decision

In Rochester, New York full custody is often awarded when one parent isn’t able to contribute to the responsibilities with raising the child. For example, if a parent is physically incarcerated, doesn’t have financial stability, or is involved in situations that may potentially hurt the child, the court may grant one parent full or sole custody due to the circumstances.

On the other hand, joint custody is often provided to the parents. Both parents assume the responsibilities that are required to raise a healthy and happy child. Both parents need to be able to work together to maintain consistent communication and follow the directions of the court. Sometimes parents do not work well together. Then the court is sometimes more likely to award one parent the majority of the parenting time to reduce friction.

With Rochester joint custody cases, both parents need to coordinate resources and activities to support the needs of the child. The situation of your custody arrangements might vary. There may be supervised custody arrangements for one parent. Another option is a public meeting place for the child to be picked up and dropped off with the other parent.

The Basics of the Child Custody Process 

Custody arrangements in Rochester, New York are often subject to family court orders and decisions. However, this is not always the case. Even when the split is amicable, hiring a child custody lawyer can help. Navigate the troubled waters of your custody battle with legal help. Many parents are able to come together to find a solution that works well for the child. Oftentimes without needing to involve the court system.

The New York Courts declare that mediation is a voluntary process that must be agreed upon by both individuals. However, this process should be taken seriously as it gives both parties the opportunity to have their disputes settled by a neutral third party. Oftentimes in situations with a former partner, emotions run high and can cloud good judgement. A mediator helps to take that out of the equation and can generally help both parties come to a fair and amicable resolution to their disputes.

Working with a Rochester custody lawyer as a mediator can help to advise you on the best type of custody arrangement that would work for the unique requirements and needs of your child. Hire an experienced child custody lawyer to help you better understand your rights as a parent and avoid costly mistakes.

Work With an Experienced Rochester, New York Child Custody Lawyer 

A child custody battle is a difficult and frustrating process. This is worse when there is animosity between you and the other parent. A Rochester lawyer that specializes in this area can help to explain the entire process of the child custody battle and can help to make a positive impact on your case whether they mediate the arrangement or defend one party.

Hire a dedicated and passionate child custody attorney in Rochester, New York.  Your chances of  seeing a custody agreement and visitation rights that are favorable for you will be much more likely. If you’re looking to hire an experienced child custody lawyer to help you understand your rights as a parent, you’ve come to the right place.

The attorneys we connect people with can increase your chances of getting the arrangement you seek, even in complex cases. Connect with an experienced lawyer in your area today. We can even help you connect with an attorney across New York state lines. 

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!