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Family Court

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.

Randy  S.  Margulis Attorney Photo
Randy S. Margulis
Member

As a Buffalo divorce lawyer for 28 years, I have devoted myself to solving the problems that affect families throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area and Western New York. As a family law attorney, I make it my goal to create a partnership of trust with my clients. People put their trust in me to handle cases that can potentially have a long-lasting impact on not only their lives, but the lives of their family as well.

Alexandra M. Rockwood Attorney Photo
Alexandra M. Rockwood
Senior Associate

Alexandra M. Rockwood is a Senior Associate Attorney with the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis & Associates and has been with the firm since early 2020. She primarily practices in the areas of matrimonial and family law, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Alexandra is a practicing matrimonial and family law attorney as…

Reviews & Ratings
  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...

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    Client

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...

    Read more

    Client

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Randy Margulis is knowledgable of Domestic Law, dedicated, responsive, personable, aggressive and effective. I came to him on a friend's recommendation as well as Randy's reputation, and during the initial consultation I liked his approach and track ...

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    Client

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Found Mr. Margulis to be a very organized and professional individual to work with. He is well-respected by his peers and is spoken of highly, I believe this helped with my divorce and made things go smoothly. I would highly recommend his services ...

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    Client

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Randy is very firm and effective in court while empathetic to his clients. I am a domestic violence victim, and Randy made me feel safe and protected. My financial award was more than I envisioned it to be when I started my divorce. I can't thank ...

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    Client

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