Fathers’ Rights

History
For many years it has been a “given”, in cases of divorce or legal separation, that custody of the children would automatically be granted to the mother.  The notion was that children belong with their mother, regardless of the circumstances that led to the marital breakup.  Even in cases where the mother was believed to be unfit, child custody was awarded to her. 

In all but the most extreme cases, Family and Matrimonial Court Judges have interpreted laws regarding child custody and monetary awards in favor of the mother.  This meant that the Father would have to pay most of the family’s bills and shoulder the bulk of the child support expenses.

It is no secret that in matters of divorce or legal separation, the Courts were inordinately sympathetic to the mother’s wishes.  Fathers’ rights were dismissed and considered irrelevant.  In many cases, Fathers’ rights were not acknowledged at all!

Our Role
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition that this legal arrangement is inherently unfair.  The law firm of Law Offices of Martin K. Lang, P.C. is determined to confront this injustice head-on.  We made the decision to limit our practice exclusively to family and matrimonial law, and to concentrate on Fathers’ Rights and Divorce.

With family law as our specialty, we have handled thousands of child custody, child support, visitation, separation agreements, orders of protection, grandparents’ rights, pre- and postnuptial agreements, paternity issues, and modification of divorce judgment, and maintenance (formerly referred to as Alimony)  issues.

Our Goal
Fathers care about their children – a lot.  For a caring father, both the lasting emotional bonds with his children and their time together are of paramount importance.  As compassionate family law attorneys, we respect and truly listen to your aims and your wishes.  Our firm will spare no effort to secure the parenting rights guaranteed to you, as a father, under New York State laws.

Our Record
At The Law Offices of Martin K. Lang, we are proud of our record of success in enforcing the rights of fathers.  This ensures that children will have the richness and nourishment that come from a healthy relationship with their dads.  We are committed to helping families – both before and after breakup – find the best solutions to their problems, so that all members can not only get on with their lives, but also thrive.

Divorce is the end of an adult relationship.  But it should never be the end of a father’s relationship with his children.  If a divorce is handled amicably and fairly in negotiations – or vigorously and zealously if it comes to trial – it can even become a new beginning.  A divorce that is handled well will ultimately help children avoid the trauma they incur when they see hostility between those they love most.

Your Next Step
If you’re contemplating divorce, or have already made the decision, you should place your trust in our competence and experience.  The Law Offices of Martin K. Lang, P.C. is knowledgeable in all aspects of New York law as it relates to divorce, legal separation, and dependent children and their custody.

Sometimes a caring father, in the midst of marital breakdown, will “jump through hoops” to keep from involving his children in an adverse way.  Often, he may even surrender his rights in a misguided attempt to spare his children the agony of pain and self-blame that children often feel in circumstances such as these.

The law firm of The Law Offices of Martin K. Lang, P.C. is intimately familiar with these kinds of circumstances and this kind of instinct.  We have successfully negotiated countless difficult situations to the satisfaction of all parties involved, and we have done it without sacrificing the legitimate claims of the father, or exposing the children to the emotionally painful details of the decision-making process.

While divorce and child custody issues can be very difficult, we encourage fathers not to give up!  If you are seeking custody of your children, seeking to establish your rights as a father, or just trying to get more parenting time with your kids, please call us at 516-227-2255 or 631-226-4200 for a free consultation.

Family Law Attorneys Serving Long Island | Suffolk | Garden City | Nassau County | New York