New York Fathers’ Rights Attorney

What to Expect

A father may expect to face various obstacles in handling an issue related to a divorce and child custody in New York. This will vary depending on the unique circumstances of his case, however, so it is important to discuss your particular case with a skilled lawyer to find out what you may be faced with.

If your child is still an infant and is breastfeeding, he or she will rely heavily upon the mother. This may present a particular challenge for a father who is seeking joint or sole custody. As the child grows older, however, this will change.

There are many families where the father is the primary wage earner in the family, meaning the mother typically spends more time with the child or children. When a father seeks custody of his child, this may present another difficulty. He may have to change his work schedule or show that he can be flexible to be home and care for the child just as the mother did.

In making a determination regarding child custody, child support, visitation or any other issue related to a child in a New York divorce, the court will look to make a decision that is in the child’s best interests based upon each parent’s relationship with the child, ability to care for the child, living situation and various other factors. The child’s preference may even be taken into account in some situations.

Keeping Both Parents Involved in a Child’s Life

Another important issue to note is that the family courts and judges in New York strive to treat mothers and fathers with equal rights, particularly in recent years. While in the past fathers could almost expect not to receive custody, the focus today is on “shared parenting” or “shared parental responsibilities” that keep both parents actively involved in a child’s life.

Find out more about what to expect by contacting a New York Fathers’ Rights Attorney at our law firm can help you.