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534 Delaware Ave, Suite 433 | Buffalo, New York 14202
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Child Custody

Buffalo Child Custody Lawyers

Dedicated to protecting your child’s best interests

Although a divorce ends the relationship between husband and wife, it should not end the relationship between parents and their children. Child custody disputes are often the most hotly contested issues in a divorce. Whereas parents may be willing to compromise on alimony and property division, most refuse to compromise when it comes to their children. If you are involved in a custody dispute, it is important to have an experienced family law attorney on your side.

At the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis, we help parents throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area with child custody, relocation and visitation issues. Our attorneys understand how much pain, anger and frustration these matters can cause, and are dedicated to providing you with the legal support and representation you need to resolve these issues. With 28 years of experience as a family law attorney, we have the knowledge and skill to protect your rights as a parent and the best interests of your child.

Understanding child custody in New York

In New York , there are two aspects of custody— legal and physical custody. Legal custody refers to which parent has the authority to make decisions involving the child, such as education choices, medical treatment and religious affiliations. A parent can have sole legal custody, or both parents can have joint legal custody.

Physical custody refers to where the child lives after a divorce or separation.  Courts rely on a “best interests of the child” standard to determine which parent should be awarded primary physical custody of his or her children. Custody determinations consider a number of different factors, including:

  • The child’s preference, if the child is old enough to have and express a preference
  • Any existing custody arrangements
  • The financial standing of each parent
  • Any history of child abuse or drug/alcohol use
  • The emotional bond between parent and child
  • Custody agreements in prenuptial agreements
  • Each parent’s lifestyle
  • The child’s regular routine
  • Stability of the home environment
  • Interference with the other parent’s right to visitation
  • Age of the child
  • Mental and physical health of the parents
  • The effect of a separation of siblings
  • Quality of the child’s education

When handling your case, we design strategies which consider these factors to persuade the courts to find in your favor.  We also have extensive experience helping parents secure temporary custody of their children during divorce proceedings and enforcing visitation rights after custody arrangements have been established.  Let us put our experience and skill to work for you today.

Effective representation. Proven results.

Call the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis today at 716.886.9600 or contact our firm online to schedule an initial consultation.  From our offices conveniently located in Williamsville and downtown Buffalo, we represent clients living throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area and Western New York, including:

  • Akron
  • Amherst
  • Batavia
  • Cheektowaga
  • Clarence
  • Depew
  • Elma
  • Grand Island
  • Hamburg
  • Kenmore
  • Lancaster
  • Lewiston
  • Lockport
  • Orchard Park
  • Niagara Falls
  • Snyder
  • West Seneca
  • Tonawanda
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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AWARDS
BUFFALO / WESTERN NY
  • Niagara
  • Tonawanda
  • Amherst
  • Cheektowaga
  • Hamburg
  • Lancaster
  • Orchard Park
  • West Seneca
  • Akron
  • Batavia
  • Clarence
  • Kenmore
  • Lockport
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