Child Custody and Modification

Drawing on her experience as an Attorney for Children, Melissa Studin Young provides a unique prospective to her clients when representing a parent in a custody dispute. Ms. Young has spoken with over one hundred children whose parents are splitting, she has appeared before many judges wherein she has represented children and litigants, and she has participated in mediation sessions assisting parents come to a resolution. In all these situations, there is one constant- to ensure the BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILDREN.

Not all custody arrangements have to be rigid and decided by courts. In fact, it is this law firm’s strong position that both parents should arrive at a flexible custody arrangement and parenting schedule that is truly in the best interest of their child and family. There are many options for achieving this goal. Our firm can help you and your co-parent achieve these results.

Unfortunately, not all custody matters can be settled by the parties’ amicably, and court intervention is necessary. That is where it is essential to have an experienced trial lawyer, well versed in family law, on your side to represent you, fight for you, and “hold your hand” through an extremely emotional time.

Our firm has vigorously protected the rights of both mothers and fathers divorcing, unmarried parents, same-sex partners, grandparents seeking visitation and other family members seeking custody.

We encourage every parent to read New York State’s Bill of Children’s Rights and adhere to it:

For Children Whose Parents Are Separated

  1. The right not to be asked to “choose sides” between their parents.
  2. The right not to be told the details of bitter or nasty legal proceedings going on between their parents.
  3. The right not to be told “bad things” about the other parent’s personality or character.
  4. The right to privacy when talking to either parent on the telephone.
  5. The right not to be cross-examined by one parent after spending time with the other parent.
  6. The right not to be asked to be a messenger from one parent to the other.
  7. The right not to be asked by one parent to tell the other parent untruths.
  8. The right not to be used as a confidant regarding the legal proceedings between the parties.
  9. The right to express feelings, whatever those feelings may be.
  10. The right to choose not to express certain feelings.
  11. The right to be protected from parental warfare.
  12. The right not to be made to feel guilty for loving both parents.