Parental Access – Preserving Bonds, Protecting Rights

Parental access is one of the most emotionally charged and legally delicate areas of family law. At Paucek & Lage Law Firm, we understand how vital it is for parents to maintain a meaningful presence in their child’s life—even after divorce, separation, or disputes. We’re committed to helping parents navigate the legal system with clarity and compassion to secure fair, reliable, and enforceable access to their children. In New York, parental access (also referred to as visitation or parenting time) can take many forms depending on the family’s circumstances. Whether you're a non-custodial parent seeking structured time with your child, a custodial parent responding to access requests, or an unmarried parent pursuing legal standing, our firm is here to protect your parental bond. We work with clients to negotiate, draft, and if necessary, litigate access agreements that reflect the child’s best interests while honoring the parent's legal rights. Our attorneys bring a deep understanding of New York family law, including how courts view stability, safety, parental fitness, and emotional well-being. We carefully consider the child’s age, school schedule, holidays, transportation needs, and the parent’s availability in designing realistic and sustainable access arrangements. We help our clients move beyond adversarial thinking—focusing instead on building parenting plans that are respectful, predictable, and child-focused. We also understand that conflict around parental access doesn’t end after a court order. Disagreements over holidays, communication boundaries, or last-minute changes can quickly escalate. That’s why we take a proactive approach—crafting access agreements that include dispute resolution processes, co-parenting communication protocols, and clauses to address future contingencies. We aim to minimize future court involvement and provide peace of mind. In cases where one parent is being unfairly denied access, we advocate firmly to restore visitation through legal enforcement. Conversely, when legitimate concerns such as neglect, abuse, or instability arise, we work to modify access rights to prioritize the child's safety and well-being. Our team is experienced in addressing sensitive issues, including supervised visitation, relocation requests, and parental alienation claims. Every family is different, and we never apply a one-size-fits-all solution. At Paucek & Lage, we listen carefully, guide you through every option, and develop a strategy aligned with your values and your child’s needs. Whether you're seeking shared parenting, weekend visitation, or complex custody modifications, we are here to help you move forward with dignity, clarity, and strength. If you are currently facing a parental access issue, reach out to us today for a private consultation. Let our team stand with you to protect what matters most—your relationship with your child.