Resolving issues related to children is often the most emotionally challenging aspect of any family law matter. Custody and support agreements are essential tools that establish clear, legally enforceable guidelines for co-parenting, whether the parents are going through a divorce or were never married. The goal of these agreements is to prioritize the well-being and best interests of the children while providing stability for the entire family.

A comprehensive parenting plan will detail both legal custody—the authority to make major decisions regarding the child's health, education, and religion—and physical custody, which outlines the day-to-day schedule of where the children will live. Additionally, child support agreements are negotiated to ensure that the financial needs of the children are met, utilizing New York State guidelines to calculate a fair arrangement based on both parents' incomes.

Elena Jaffe Tastensen has extensive experience helping families in the Capital District navigate these complex issues. She empowers parents to step outside of the adversarial court system and utilize mediation or collaborative law to build customized agreements that work for their unique family dynamics. If circumstances significantly change over time, she also assists clients in successfully modifying existing custody and support orders.

If you would like more information about custody and support agreements, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

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