Best Child Custody Lawyers in Buffalo, NY

In New York, the Supreme Court is the exclusive jurisdiction for divorce and other family law issues which can include custody, support or visitation. From there appeals are handled in the Appellate Division and then the Court of Appeals in Albany. Family court hears cases regarding child or spousal support, paternity, visitation and custody as well as domestic violence, child protective services, persons in need of supervision and juvenile delinquency.

The length of time varies from court to court and case to case. If the parties quickly handle all their paperwork and already have signed agreements, the process can take as little as six weeks. If the courts are backed up, or the spouses drag their feet, it could take six months or longer. Divorce litigation can take much longer.

No. When someone files for divorce, the other party has a certain amount of time to respond. Regardless of whether they respond, divorce can still be granted.

Each side needs a lawyer to review the documentation, draft binding agreements and represent the interests of the client. Lawyers on each side may work collaboratively to make this process go smoothly as they attain an equitable agreement. If divorce papers were served, you must hire a lawyer. A knowledgeable family law lawyer is a tremendous asset even when this is not the case.

Christopher S. Mattingly has more than 25 years of family law experience, and he often works on divorce cases involving high-value clients. Melissa A. Cavagnaro has more than 10 years of divorce and family law experience. Together, they have a working knowledge of the value of various assets, but we also work with forensic accountants, finance people and those who can put an accurate value on a company, stocks and bonds. We can even call upon experts who can put a value on art collections and other unique assets.