For the Sake of the Children:
Creating Workable Parenting Agreements
Amherst/Williamsville/Clarence • Buffalo/Erie County/Niagara County
You and the other parent may not agree on what are "the best interests" of your kids. However, if you consider the alternative — a judge who doesn't know your family making that decision — there is extra incentive to work it out.
Although you are divorcing, you will continue as co-parents for years to come. What tone is set for that relationship by a bitter and costly child custody battle? What impact on the children? With 19 years as a divorce and family law attorney, I can help negotiate a workable solution.
Call the law office of Keith B. Schulefand, Esq., at 716-632-5919. Based in Williamsville, New York, I protect the parental rights of men and women in the Northtown suburbs and the Greater Buffalo area.
Child Custody Solutions
In most cases, both of you will have joint legal custody — sharing in decision-making about your child's health, education and upbringing. The primary issue is where the child will live:
- One of you will be the primary residential parent (custodial parent). The noncustodial parent will have scheduled access (visitation) and typically child support obligations.
- Shared custody, an approximate fifty-fifty split in parenting time, is increasingly popular. The higher-earning parent will often pay child support, but at a reduced rate.
If you have agreed on who gets custody: I can help negotiate and draft the specifics regarding pickup/drop-off schedules, vacations and holidays, school, day care, etc. This is incorporated into the property settlement and separation agreement and submitted for court approval.
If custody is contested: I am a strong and capable advocate throughout your legal proceedings. In Erie County, the majority of custodial disputes are resolved through the expedited matrimonial system. I can either negotiate on your behalf or prepare you for (voluntary) mediation. If the other parent continues to be unreasonable and no settlement is reached, I will vigorously protect your interests and those of your child in superior court litigation.
If you want a child custody lawyer who will take the time to listen to your dilemma and explore practical solutions, arrange a free initial consultation at 716-632-5919. I am a solo attorney, and I strive to be accessible and give every client my full attention.
