Buffalo Family Court Lawyers Provide Tenacious Advocacy
Skilled Western New York attorneys pursue effective family law solutions
Family law is a sensitive field that deals with the needs of troubled children and other difficult issues. The New York court system includes family courts that are composed of judges experienced in handling such matters. As a law firm that exclusively handles family law issues, the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis is fully familiar with the practical functioning of the family courts and works tirelessly to obtain the best possible results for our clients throughout Western New York.
Family court jurisdiction
In New York, the family court is a specialized county-level court. It does not handle divorce cases, which are decided in the state Supreme Court. The family court’s jurisdiction includes the following matters:
- Domestic violence — The court has authority to issue and enforce orders of protection to people abused by members of their family, their former spouses or co-parents of their children.
- Child protective proceedings — If minor children are victims of abuse or neglect by their parents or guardians, the court may order the children removed for their protection.
- Paternity — The court resolves disputes over the identity of a child’s father and may order the child and alleged father to undergo tests to answer that question.
- Child custody and visitation rights — The court decides on granting custody of children to one or both of their parents and on the non-custodial parent’s visitation rights, all based on an evaluation of the best interests of the children.
- Guardianship — The court may appoint a non-parent as the legal guardian of a child if doing so is found to be in the best interests of the child.
- Support — The court decides requests for financial support made by or in behalf of children, spouses or other relatives and issues orders to compel delinquent payments.
- Adoptions and termination of parental rights — The court has the power to terminate the rights of parents who abandon or severely abuse their children or who are mentally ill. The court also decides adoption cases.
- Voluntary placement and foster care reviews — The court decides whether to approve or terminate the placement of children in the custody of a social services agency or foster care.
- Juvenile delinquency — The court adjudicates whether children under the age of 16 are guilty of crimes or other social infractions and, if so, what corrective measures should be taken.
If you are considering bringing any of these types of cases or are a party to a case brought by someone else, we have the knowledge and experience to give you trustworthy advice and representation on all issues.
How the family court litigation process works
A family court case begins when one party files a petition describing the case and the relief they want the court to provide. The other party involved may then file an answer. The parties may hire their own attorneys or sometimes may be assigned one by the judge, such as when they can’t afford an attorney. The judge will hold a fact-finding hearing, where the parties present evidence. If the court finds that the charges alleged in the petition are true, it will then hold another hearing to decide on the remedies to be ordered. We work hard to prepare hearing strategies and provide determined advocacy that are tailored to our clients’ individual needs.
Contact a thorough Buffalo area separation lawyer
The Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis represents Western New York clients in a full range of family court matters. Call 716-886-9600 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at our Williamsville or downtown Buffalo office.