Last Updated on: 15th October 2023, 10:23 am

Manhattan Child Visitation Lawyers: A Helpful Guide for Parents

Going through a divorce or separation can be an incredibly difficult and emotional time, especially when children are involved. Establishing a visitation schedule that allows your child to have a close relationship with both parents is crucial, but disputes over custody and visitation issues are common. In these stressful situations, it is wise to have an experienced Manhattan child visitation lawyer on your side to protect your rights as a parent. This article provides an overview of child visitation laws in New York and how an attorney can help navigate this complex process.

Understanding Child Visitation in New York

New York courts determine child custody and visitation based on the “best interests of the child.” This means evaluating what schedule would be most beneficial for the child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs. The court will consider factors like:

• Which parent has been the primary caretaker
• The child’s relationship with each parent
• The mental and physical health of each parent
• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
• The child’s preferences, depending on age and maturity[1]

In most cases, the noncustodial parent will receive “reasonable visitation rights” – generally defined as every other weekend and one night per week. The schedule may vary based on the child’s age, the distance between parents’ homes, and level of conflict between the parents[2].

While it’s best if parents can agree on a visitation schedule, the court will create one if they cannot. The court can also impose additional restrictions like supervised visitation or neutral pickup/dropoff locations if there are concerns about parental fitness or high conflict. It’s important to have an attorney to advocate for a fair arrangement.

How a Manhattan Child Visitation Lawyer Can Help

A Manhattan child visitation lawyer can provide invaluable legal guidance and support during this difficult process. An attorney can:

• Advise you on your legal rights and options under New York law
• Represent your interests in negotiating a visitation agreement with your ex
• Draft proposed visitation schedules to present to the court
• Argue for the schedule you believe is best for your child
• Gather evidence and call witnesses to support your case
• Cross-examine witnesses hired by your ex
• Help ensure visitation restrictions are fair if imposed by the court
• Modify custody orders later if circumstances change substantially

Having a knowledgeable family law attorney on your side levels the playing field and gives you the strongest chance of getting a favorable visitation arrangement. They can also provide objective advice to avoid decisions based on emotion.

Choosing the Right Manhattan Child Visitation Attorney

• An attorney who specializes in family law, not one who dabbles
• Substantial expertise handling complex custody disputes
• Someone who is a zealous advocate but also pragmatic
• Avoid lawyers who lack trial experience if your case may go to court
• Consider hiring a seasoned litigator used to high-conflict cases

What to Expect During Your Child Visitation Case

Once you hire a Manhattan child visitation attorney, here are some things you can expect as your case progresses:

• Your lawyer will gather background facts about your family and marriage history. Be prepared to provide documents like tax returns, pay stubs, school/medical records, and evidence of parenting responsibilities.
• You’ll work with your attorney to create a proposed visitation schedule that suits your needs. They can advise if your expectations are realistic legally.
• Your lawyer will attempt to negotiate an agreement with your ex’s attorney. They may exchange several draft proposals before reaching a compromise.
• If you cannot agree, your case will go to trial. Your attorney will gather evidence, find witnesses, hire any needed experts, file motions, and fully prepare your case.
• At trial, your lawyer will zealously argue for the visitation schedule you believe is best and try to rebut your ex’s case.

Going through the court process for determining child visitation can be long and grueling. Having an experienced attorney in your corner makes the process smoother and helps achieve the best outcome for you and your child.