Bronx Parental Rights Attorney

Comprehensive Child Custody, Support and Visitation Guidance in the Bronx

Parentage comes with rights, especially the right of being able to spend time with one’s children. Being a parent also carries great legal responsibilities—namely, the financial support of one’s offspring. Whether it’s a father looking to establish custody rights or a mother who needs child support, our Bronx parental rights lawyer can help them work within the system to get what they deserve. 

Our family law firm has a real family atmosphere. With a tight-knit staff and a thorough understanding of the law, customer satisfaction and positive outcomes are the top priorities. Attorney Jayson Lutzky, with thousands of cases in an award-winning career that goes back to 1985, leads a talented team that includes an associate attorney, three dedicated paralegals, and helpful partnerships with other lawyers if your case goes to trial.

Trust our passionate, educated, and fully bilingual staff to take care of you. Call us at (718) 550-2881 or fill out our online contact form to set up a free consultation. 

Establishing Paternity in New York: Your Legal Guide

When the parents are married, the paternity of the husband is assumed unless proven otherwise. When parents are unmarried, but in agreement on the lineage of the child and ready to embrace both rights and responsibilities, the easiest path is to sign an Acknowledgment of Parentage form. This can be done right at the hospital after the child is born. The AOP form can still be signed by both parents at any point to when the child is 21 years old. 

Disputed Fatherhood: Legal Steps in the Bronx

It's when fatherhood is disputed that a Bronx parental rights attorney may need to step in. A petition will have to be filed, either with a child support agency or a family court. Whether it’s the mother or the father making the claim, the process is still essentially the same. An order will be made for a DNA swab of the potential father. If it proves that he is indeed the parent of the child in question, then all of his parental rights and responsibilities go into effect.

Parental Rights and Responsibilities for Fathers in New York

Once paternity is legally established, fathers gain the same rights as mothers, including the right to seek custody and visitation, make important decisions about their child’s upbringing, and be involved in their child’s life. However, establishing paternity is just the first step. 

Below is an overview of the rights and responsibilities that fathers have once paternity has been legally acknowledged in New York:

• Custody Rights: The father of a child will have a right to some level of custody, both physical and legal. Physical custody refers to their right to spend time with the child. Whether this is through a structured visitation program (i.e., every other weekend) or an equal sharing of time with the mother will be decided based on each individual situation. Legal custody means the father will get at least some say in key decisions in the child’s life, from education to healthcare to religion, and more. In New York, both parents have the right to seek custody, but the court’s decision will ultimately depend on what is in the best interests of the child. 
• Visitation Rights: If a father is not awarded physical custody, he may still have visitation rights. Visitation refers to the time that a parent spends with their child. In New York, visitation can be negotiated between parents or, if an agreement cannot be reached, the court will intervene to establish a visitation schedule. 
• Child Support: Once paternity is established, fathers are legally obligated to financially support their children. In New York, child support is calculated based on the income of both parents and the time each parent spends with the child. If the father has custody, the mother may be required to pay child support, and vice versa. Child support is typically paid until the child reaches 21, unless certain exceptions apply.
• Decision-Making Rights: When legal custody is granted to both parents, they share decision-making rights regarding the child’s health care, education, and general welfare. This means that both parents must consult one another and agree on significant decisions, such as choosing schools, medical treatments, and extracurricular activities.

Protecting Your Parental Rights in New York

As a parent, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities under New York State law. Our experienced Bronx parental rights attorney at the Law Offices of Jayson Lutzky is dedicated to helping parents navigate the complex legal system to secure their parental rights.

Legal Action for Custody or Visitation

If a father wants to be more involved in their child’s life, they may need to take legal action to establish or modify a custody or visitation arrangement. The court’s decision will be based on what is in the child’s best interest, which includes evaluating the relationship between the father and child, as well as the father’s ability to provide a stable environment.

Modifying Existing Custody or Visitation Orders

In certain circumstances, a father may seek to modify an existing custody or visitation order. This could be due to a change in the father’s living situation, the child’s needs, or other factors that impact the child’s welfare. Modifying a custody or visitation order requires demonstrating that there has been a significant change in circumstances that warrants a change in the custody arrangement.

Enforcing Paternity Rights

If a mother is preventing a father from having contact with his child, or if she refuses to allow the father to exercise his visitation rights, the father may need to take legal action to enforce his rights. The court can issue orders to ensure that the father has access to the child and that visitation or custody agreements are followed.

Secure Your Rights with a Trusted Bronx Parental Rights Lawyer

Attorney Jayson Lutzky understands that parental rights cases have a huge impact on his client's lives, that is why our legal team doesn't rest until your case is resolved with the best possible outcome. With a reputation for excellent service, as well as a thorough knowledge of New York family law, you can be confident that your case is in expert hands.

Whether you are facing issues related to paternity, child support, custody, or visitation, our team is here to provide you with knowledgeable guidance and representation. We will work tirelessly to protect your relationship with your child and ensure that your rights are upheld.

When you choose our trusted Bronx parental rights lawyer, you can expect:

• Compassionate and personalized legal representation
• Thorough understanding of New York family law
• Strategic advocacy in and out of the courtroom
• Clear communication and guidance throughout the legal process

Don't navigate the complexities of parental rights on your own. If you are a mother or father wanting to establish paternity in New York, please contact our team today or call (718) 550-2881 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your rights as a parent.