Child custody decisions are among the most critical aspects of family law. They require careful consideration and a focus on the child's best interests. At the Law Offices of Stacy Sabatini, Esq., we provide compassionate and experienced representation to guide you through this process.

Understanding Child Custody:
Child custody involves determining where a child will live and how decisions about their upbringing will be made. It can be a complex process, but with the right guidance, it can lead to positive outcomes for all involved.

Our Approach:

Child custody arrangements can be managed without long court battles. With guidance from an experienced New York child custody mediator, parents can create a practical and fair plan using these four key steps:

Step 1: Select the Right Mediator and Attend Your Initial Meeting
Choosing the right mediator is essential. For example, if you and your co-parent have difficulty communicating, consider a mediator who has experience with high-conflict situations. During your first meeting, the mediator will explain the structure of future sessions and answer questions. For instance, if you’re worried about confidentiality, the mediator will clarify that discussions are private and can’t be used in court if mediation breaks down.

The 4 Essential Stages in New York’s Child Custody Mediation Process Child custody arrangements need not involve acrimonious court battles. With the guidance of a skilled child custody mediator in New York, crafting a suitable custody and visitation schedule for your family can be achieved through a straightforward 4-step process.

Step 1: Selecting the Appropriate Mediator and Initiating the Initial Meeting Begin by choosing the most suitable mediator for your specific requirements. Your mediator should possess expertise in mediating child custody cases akin to yours, offer clear information and address queries effectively, and excel in both collaborative negotiation and communication.

You may have heard that a child can choose the parent with which they would like to live. It’s true, they can—when they turn 18. Many people believe that children can choose at a younger age, but that belief is nothing more than an urban myth.

Prior to age 18, New York children are subject to a custody order, and they have little or no say in the matter. Much depends on the circumstances of both parents, and the relationship the child has with both of them. The judge will hear what a child has to say on the matter, but it is not the sole determining factor.

After a relationship ends, children benefit best from an uninterrupted relationship with both of their parents. If one parent violates the visitation and/or custody agreement, it can change the child’s relationship with the parent.

Arrangements can occasionally become an obstacle when it is time for visits. It’s always important to be on time when meeting your children for scheduled visitation, whether you’re picking them up or returning them to their other parent. Even with a valid reason, the other parent will likely take notes of occasional tardiness.