Advocating for Nurturing Custody, Healing & Ongoing Relationships
ANCHOR for Fathers is building comprehensive support for fathers navigating NYC Family Court — legal assistance, group counseling, parenting development, and advocacy for systemic reform. We are not open yet. We are doing something first: listening.
ANCHOR for Fathers was founded on a simple conviction: that the bond between a father and his child is sacred, necessary, and worth fighting for. We serve fathers navigating New York City's Family Court system, providing the legal support, emotional grounding, and community they need to stay present in their children's lives.
We believe children thrive when they have healthy, loving relationships with both parents — and with all the family, community, and resources that surround them. ANCHOR helps fathers focus on what matters most — not winning a case, but strengthening the relationship with their child. We honor the role of mothers and promote cooperation, co-parenting, and mutual respect as the foundation for every child's wellbeing.
Too many fathers walk into court alone, overwhelmed, and unprepared. We exist to change that — one father, one family, one case at a time.
Every father is treated with respect and recognized as essential to his child's life.
Fair treatment in the courts, grounded in law and the best interests of the child.
Respect for both parents and commitment to co-parenting as the foundation of a child's wellbeing.
Addressing the emotional toll of custody conflict with real support and honest self-reflection.
Navigating Family Court is more than a legal challenge — it tests your patience, your mental health, your sense of self. The services below are what ANCHOR is developing, informed by father voices and the realities of the court system.
Court preparation, case review, guidance on custody and visitation rights, document assistance, and referrals to family law attorneys who understand our community's needs.
Facilitated groups where fathers share experiences, build solidarity, and develop strategies together. You are not alone in this — and hearing other fathers' stories changes everything.
Classes and workshops that strengthen your parenting skills and demonstrate your commitment. Courts notice fathers who invest in growth — and your children will, too.
Evidence-based programs that give you tools to manage the intense emotions custody battles produce. Staying grounded is both a personal necessity and a legal strategy.
Education, documentation support, and advocacy for fathers experiencing alienating behaviors. We help you name it, understand it, and address it — in and out of court.
Connection to housing, employment, mental health services, and other resources that stabilize your life and strengthen your custody position.
Parental alienation occurs when one parent systematically undermines a child's relationship with the other parent — through manipulation, false narratives, interference with visitation, and emotional coercion. The child, caught in the middle, is turned against a parent who loves them.
ANCHOR takes this issue seriously — and takes it honestly. We recognize that alienating behavior causes profound harm to children and targeted parents. We also recognize that alienation claims can be complex, that legitimate concerns about a child's safety must always be heard, and that the best interests of the child must remain the guiding principle in every case.
Read our full guide to understanding parental alienation →The law recognizes your importance in your child's life. Understanding your rights is the first step to protecting them.
New York law does not presume that mothers are better custodial parents. Both parents start on equal legal footing in custody proceedings.
You have the right to petition for custody or visitation at any time — even if you were never married to the child's other parent.
Custody and visitation orders can be modified when circumstances change. An existing order is not permanent if it no longer serves the child's best interests.
You have the right to present evidence, call witnesses, and testify in your own custody proceeding. You have the right to legal representation.
If the other parent violates a court order — including denying visitation — you have the right to file a violation petition. Courts take this seriously.
Courts are increasingly recognizing parental alienation as a factor in custody decisions. Documenting alienating behaviors is essential and admissible.
Whether you are a father, a family member, a legal professional, or someone who believes in justice — there is a place for you at ANCHOR.
Take our survey, join the community discussion, or tell us your story. Everything ANCHOR builds is grounded in father experiences.
Take the survey →Mentors, legal professionals, counselors, and community organizers — we need your skills and your time as we build.
Get in touch →Join our campaign for legislative reform — supporting children's safety, fair treatment of fathers, and courts that serve families.
Follow the legislation →Leave your information and we will keep you updated as ANCHOR develops — new resources, survey findings, legislative updates, and announcements about service launch. We respect your privacy and will not share your information.
ANCHOR is in its foundational phase — surveying fathers, building partnerships, developing programs, and advocating for systemic reform. Direct services are coming. In the meantime, your voice, your experience, and your connection matter.
Understanding Parental Alienation — our educational guide
Articles & Resources — research, analysis, and perspectives
Legal & Legislative Updates — tracking reform in Albany
Community Discussion — connect with other fathers
Father Voices Survey — help shape what we build
ANCHOR is open to all fathers in New York City navigating custody, visitation, or family court challenges. We also support grandfathers, stepfathers, and other father figures in caregiving roles.