Divorce & Family Law

Divorce mediation is a process where the parties involved in a divorce sit down with an impartial third party whose goal is to assist them in talking through the issues of the situation and arriving at an agreement that both sides can accept.

The parties, with the mediator's assistance, make all decisions about how to resolve the issues - the mediator acts as a guide, helping the parties negotiate in a healthier, more productive and collaborative manner than they might without a mediator at the table.

The law firm of Pusatier, Abbott, Sugarman & Martin, LLP has trained attorney mediators who teach couples about divorce laws so they can make informed decisions. Mediation is typically less expensive and less time-consuming and a more fulfilling dispute resolution mechanism.

In cases where people like the advantages of mediation, but are concerned that they do not have a lawyer present helping to advocate on their behalf, collaborative family law may be the solution.

Whether due to an insurmountable power imbalance that may lead to an unequal playing field in mediation, or because emotions may be running so high that a person is just not comfortable sitting alone with their spouse and the mediator, the collaborative law model gives you an alternative choice.

Collaborative family law is a method of approaching a divorce or separation in which each spouse has his or her own attorney. Both spouses and their attorneys meet together in a series of settlement meetings which often take place in a neutral location or alternative visits to each lawyer's office.

At Pusatier, Abbott, Sugarman & Martin, LLP, we offer collaborative divorce services to help you sort through the complex and emotional issues of a divorce without the time and expense of a lengthy legal battle.

Since 1976, the attorneys at Pusatier, Abbott, Sugarman & Martin, LLP have represented clients in matters of divorce, separation, post-divorce enforcement and modification applications and many types of family court petitions involving:

• Child custody,
• Custodial access (visitation)
• Paternity,
• Child support
• Domestic violence

The Pusatier, Abbott, Sugarman & Martin, LLP law firm has been helping clients throughout the Buffalo, NY area with divorce litigation for more than 46 years. If you want to hire an attorney with a wealth of experience and in-depth legal knowledge, there's no better choice than us.

Divorce litigation can be stressful, but we're here to help resolve the situation so that both parties can walk away happy. We'll advocate for your needs every step of the way to help achieve the best possible outcome.

When it comes to divorce litigation, experience matters. Don't take risks with a less knowledgeable firm. Contact us today for an initial consultation and we'll set up a time to discuss the next steps.

Pusatier, Abbott, Sugarman & Martin, LLP recognizes that family law requires a special touch. Because there can be so much at stake in divorce and family law cases, our attorneys deliver strong representation and expertise in these areas of the law. At the same time, clients need to feel heard. We pride ourselves in taking the time to understand our clients' needs and give them the confidence and assurance that they are in good hands.

Our goals are to:

• Vigorously protect your rights at trial
• Or negotiate a settlement before trial in your best interest
• Provide peace of mind
• Achieve the results you desire
• Help you navigate through this difficult time in your life.

CHILD CUSTODY
Since 1976, Pusatier, Abbott, Sugarman & Martin, LLP has served the people of Erie and Niagara counties in obtaining the best results for complex child custody issues. Our job as your attorneys is to provide you with advice and guidance so you can effectively decide what outcome is in your children's best interest in a separation, divorce or other custody dispute. We then advocate on your behalf and focus on the achievement of that outcome, whether in Supreme or Family Court.

Child custody is made up of two separate concepts:

Physical custody, which is where the child will reside.
Legal custody, which involves decision making about significant issues in a child's life (for example, decisions having to do with a child's health, education and welfare).

Joint legal custody is encouraged where you and your co-parent can successfully communicate and problem-solve. If parents have joint custody and yet are poor communicators and problem solvers, decision making to maximize a child's best interest is difficult and joint custody is often not recommended.

Whether there will be joint or sole custody, which parent will have physical custody and what the custodial access schedule will be are all issues that are often negotiated and agreed upon. However if the parties cannot agree, our attorneys can successfully represent many parents who need a judge to make a ruling on these issues.