A Resolve WNY Signature Non-Legal Service

Every day, loving adults step into the role of parent long before courts ever recognize them as one. Whether you are a step-parent, same-sex partner, long-term caregiver, or the person who has been raising a child as your own — the law doesn’t always keep up with the reality of family life.

Resolve WNY bridges that gap.

This service is for individuals who have acted as a child’s parent emotionally, financially, and practically, but lack formal biological or adoptive status. Especially for those seeking custody, visitation, or stability for a child they have raised.

What We Provide (Non-Legal Support Only)

–A comprehensive intake + role assessment
–A clear, accessible overview of your options (non-legal, educational support only)
–Document preparation coaching:
––> Caregiving history
––> Communication logs
––> Parenting timelines
––> Evidence organization
––> School records, health-care involvement, etc.
–Strategy development for selecting and preparing to work with an attorney
–A fully organized attorney-ready briefing packet
–Practical boundary scripts and communication tools
–Non-legal advocacy & emotional navigation support

Resolve WNY is the leader in this field because it isn’t theory — it’s lived experience. Michelle Pelletier, founder of Resolve WNY, is a non-biological parent who fought for custody of her daughter and won in a landmark legal situation. Her case remains one of the few known cases in the state to date.

She knows the emotional stakes.
She knows the roadblocks.
She knows how overwhelming it is to prove what you already are — a parent.

Packages Available:

(1) Foundation Session – Assessment + documentation checklist
(2) Preparation Package – Full preparation + evidence organization
(3) Comprehensive Advocacy Support – 3-month coaching + attorney dossier + communication scripts