When Children’s Voices Matter — How Teens Influence Custody Modifications in New York
1) A Growing Voice in the Courtroom
As children get older, their opinions start to matter more when parents return to court to change a custody order. New York judges won’t let a teenager decide entirely, but they will listen closely. The goal is always to understand what arrangement...
Why Custody Modification Petitions Sometimes Fail — and How to Avoid the Common Traps
1) Why Some Parents Lose Their Cases
Filing to change a custody order can feel like a fresh start — but for many parents, the case ends before it really begins. The most common reason isn’t bad parenting or bias; it’s lack of evidence.
Judges need...
How to File a Custody Modification in New York — and What Are Your Chances?
1) Why people ask to change a custody order
Life changes. Jobs shift, housing moves, health improves (or dips), kids grow, and what worked two years ago may not work now. New York lets you ask the court to modify a custody or visitation order when there’s been a...
When Can a Foster Child Be Removed from a Home? Understanding Your Rights with a New York Foster Care Removal Attorney
Under 18 NYCRR § 443.5, “whenever a social services official or another authorized agency acting on his or her behalf proposes to remove a child in foster family care from the foster family home, he/she … must notify the foster...
Regaining Custody of Your Children After Recovery from Drugs or Alcohol: A Message of Hope for Brooklyn Parents
There is life—and love—after addiction.
For many Brooklyn parents, recovery begins as a whisper of hope after years of struggle. At The Gilmer Law Firm, PLLC, we see that hope come alive in Brooklyn Family Court every day....
Do Allegations of Parental Alienation Affect Custody in Brooklyn Family Court?
One of the most challenging issues in custody cases is when one parent claims the other is engaging in parental alienation. This behavior, often described as intentional attempts to damage the child’s relationship with the other parent, can directly influence the outcome of custody decisions. Parents frequently ask: If the other parent...
Can a Parent Relocate With a Child Without Court Permission in Brooklyn?
Parents often ask: Can I move with my child without first obtaining approval from Brooklyn Family Court? This is one of the most common questions after separation or divorce, especially when a parent wants to change residence for a new job, to be closer to family, or to start a new chapter...
Can Custody Be Changed If a Parent Abuses Drugs or Alcohol in Brooklyn?
One of the most pressing questions parents ask is:
“If the other parent abuses drugs or alcohol, can custody be changed in Brooklyn Family Court?”
The answer is yes. In New York, substance abuse is considered a serious risk to children’s safety and well-being. Judges place...
What Happens if a Parent Files for Emergency Custody in Brooklyn?
When a child is in immediate danger, courts don’t wait for the usual timeline. Brooklyn Family Court can issue emergency custody orders—often through an Order to Show Cause—to protect a child right away. These are temporary measures that stabilize the situation until the court can hold a fuller hearing where both sides...
Can Custody Be Changed If a Parent Interferes With Visitation in Brooklyn?
Parents often ask: Can custody be changed if the other parent interferes with visitation in Brooklyn Family Court?
The answer is yes. Interfering with visitation is a serious matter under New York law. Courts expect parents to follow schedules and respect the child’s relationship with both parents. When interference...