Determining who gets custody of the children can be among the most sensitive issues a couple must address when getting a divorce. Additionally, even unmarried couples might have to navigate disputes involving parental rights if they have children together.
In New York City, parents may be granted custody or visitation rights. If you believe you should have the right to see your children despite not being the parent who will be most involved in raising them, you must build a strong case demonstrating why your child would benefit from your presence in their life.
This is easier to do with assistance from a qualified legal professional who has experience handling cases like yours. At Randi L. Karmel, PLLC, an experienced Manhattan visitation attorney is prepared to help you show why you deserve to see your kids regularly.
What You Need to Know About Child Visitation in Manhattan
Visitation is not the same as custody in New York. Someone who has custody of a child in NYC is legally responsible for their care. Someone with visitation rights is permitted to spend a certain amount of meaningful time with a child.
Several parties may request visitation rights in Manhattan. They include:
- Non-custodial parent: Although a court may not grant one parent primary physical custody of their child, the court might nevertheless determine it is still in the child’s best interests to spend time with their non-custodial parent.
- Legal father: A father who never married his child’s mother could still be granted visitation rights if he takes such steps as signing an official Acknowledgment of Paternity. A Manhattan visitation rights lawyer can help a father establish paternity if necessary.
- Certain nonparents: Close loved ones who are not a child’s parents may sometimes have visitation rights. Common examples include grandparents and siblings.
- Parents of children in foster care: A parent whose child is currently in foster care can usually request visitation rights if the court has not fully terminated their parental rights.
How a Manhattan Visitation Attorney Can Help
The experts at a reputable Manhattan visitation law firm can:
- Craft an argument explaining why someone (potentially including a nonparent) is entitled to visitation rights
- Enforce the terms of an existing visitation rights agreement if a parent won’t allow someone with visitation rights to see their child
- Assist in the modification of an existing visitation rights agreement or schedule if necessary
- Provide guidance when a parent’s desire to relocate conflicts with the terms of a visitation rights agreement
Fighting for the right to spend time with a child can be an emotionally-fraught experience. However, if you coordinate with a lawyer who regularly handles cases involving visitation rights in Manhattan, you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing an expert is on your side.
Contact a Manhattan Visitation Attorney
At Randi L. Karmel, PLLC, you will find a Manhattan visitation lawyer who is dedicated to ensuring visitation rights agreements are fair, enforced, and ideal for a child. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting us online or calling us at 212-755-0224.