Non-Biological Parental Rights Support & Navigation
Resolve WNY provides comprehensive support for individuals who have acted as a child’s parent but lack formal biological or adoptive status. We guide you through role assessments, documentation coaching, and attorney-preparedness so you can present a clear, organized picture of your caregiving history. This service empowers you to pursue next steps whether that be in a family court or matrimonial proceeding to maintain stability for the child you’ve been raising. This service provides educational coaching and documentation support to organize your caregiving history and related records. Document organization can be given to your attorney so they can present an organized history of your caregiver role to a court. We do not provide legal strategy or court representation.
A Resolve WNY Signature Non-Legal Service. There is no other organization that provides this for New Yorker's.
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
Resolve WNY is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. We are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice, interpret the law, or advocate on your behalf in court. The services we provide are strictly limited to assisting individuals in document transcription, mediation, uncontested divorces, coaching, and the other services listed on this website, with legally appropriate language based on the information and decisions you provide to us. We are not therapists. Everything is client-directed. All information, forms, and documents provided through Resolve WNY are intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel. If you require legal advice, case-specific interpretation of the law, or representation in any legal matter, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. Clients are encouraged to seek licensed legal counsel for matters requiring legal interpretation or strategy. By using our services, you acknowledge and agree that Resolve WNY is not engaging in the practice of law and no attorney-client relationship is created.
DISCLAIMER: Resolve WNY is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. We are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice, interpret the law, or advocate on your behalf in court. The services we provide are strictly limited to assisting parties in document drafting, mediation, uncontested divorces, divorce coaching, and divorce financial analysis, with legally appropriate language based on the information and decisions you provide to us. All information, forms, and documents provided through Resolve WNY are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel. If you require legal advice, case-specific interpretation of the law, or representation in any legal matter, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. By using our services, you acknowledge and agree that Resolve WNY is not engaging in the practice of law and no attorney-client relationship is created.
Let's Connect
We appreciate your interest in Resolve WNY.
The next step is a brief, confidential inquiry call to understand what you're looking for support with and to explain appropriate next steps.
You do not need to share sensitive details. Its purpose is to make sure you are guided to the right service safely and intentionally.