New York Child Custody Mediation

Trained Buffalo mediator helps parents settle differences through negotiation

Parents who are going through a divorce or ending a nonmarital relationship want what is best for their children. An adversarial court proceeding where each party must promote their position while tearing down the other side’s arguments is usually not the best way to promote harmony and cooperation as parents and children start the next phase of their lives. Not surprisingly, mediation is a popular alternative to litigation among parents as they seek to establish appropriate child custody and visitation terms. With offices in Williamsville and downtown Buffalo, the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis & Associates gives mothers and fathers the chance to resolve parenting arrangements in a private, supportive environment. Attorney Alexandra Rockwood is trained under the standards of the Academy of Professional Family Mediators and uses her background in both law and social work to help everyone focus on what is best for young people when their parents break up.

Reasons why mediation works for custody and visitation disputes

Though New York judges are required to make decisions on child custody that are in the best interests of the child, no one has better insight as to what that really means than a young person’s parents. Mediation ensures that mothers and fathers are in control of the factors that will affect the ultimate parenting plan. Other considerations that heavily favor alternative dispute resolution in these matters include the following:

• Saving time — Divorce is disruptive enough to a son or daughter, and uncertainty about their living arrangements can make things even worse. Rather than waiting through a packed court docket, discovery practice and other delays associated with a trial, mediation can get started right away, giving parents and children a reliable, enforceable custody and visitation schedule sooner rather than later.
• Affordability — Raising a child is very expensive. Funds spent on attorney’s fees or court costs cannot pay for braces or ballet lessons. Our firm focuses on delivering affordable solutions through mediation so that parties already dealing with a financial transition don’t have to cut back on supporting their children.
• Family harmony — Going forward, parents of children who are no longer together might have to cooperate on crucial decisions, such as urgent medical treatment or college choices. Even if parents only want to be cordial at graduations and other events, it is best to avoid adversarial litigation where each side has to attack the other’s proposed parenting arrangement. Through a mediated settlement, both parties have approved the parenting plan without tearing each other down in a public court.

Whether you simply need to resolve a question about visitation or are looking to negotiate terms relating to legal custody, primary residence and child support issues, our mediation services can meet your needs.

Speak with a Buffalo-area mediator regarding your child custody issues

The Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis & Associates works with parents throughout Western New York to reach agreement on child custody and visitation terms through the mediation process. Please call 716-886-9600 or contact us online for a consultation about your specific situation. We have offices located in Williamsville and downtown Buffalo, and also offer virtual consultations