When Can a Non-Parent Get Custody in New York? Extraordinary Circumstances, Explained with Real-Life Scenarios
Note: This article is general information, not legal advice. Every custody/visitation case turns on its facts. If you need advice about your situation, talk to a lawyer.
The situation people don’t plan for: you’re raising a child who isn’t legally yoursThis is one of...
Relocation in New York Before Tropea: The Old ‘Exceptional Circumstances’ Test (Weiss & Daghir) and the Lessons Parents Still Need
Note: This article is general information, not legal advice. Every custody/visitation case turns on its facts. If you need advice about your situation, talk to a lawyer.
The move-away case starts as a life decision—and becomes a legal problem overnightRelocation cases rarely begin with...
How New York Decides Custody: The ‘Best Interests’ Engine in Finlay and Eschbach
Not just for lawyers: how judges actually think about custody when both parents love the child.
Quick takeaways
New York's custody standard is 'best interests,' but judges translate that into stability, caregiving history, and a workable co-parenting structure.Who Counts as a Parent? What Stanley and Lehr Teach About Custody and Visitation
A practical guide for people who love a child, but are being told they are 'not the parent.'
Quick takeaways (for real life)
Custody and visitation are hard enough. They are harder when the other side says you do not...Best Interests Has Limits: Troxel, Bennett, and Palmore (NY Custody and Visitation)
A real-world custody and visitation guide for New York parents (and the people who love their kids).
Quick takeaways (plain English)
Courts talk about the child's best interests, but it is not a blank check to override a fit parent's...How to Prepare for a Child Custody Case (What Judges Look For + A Practical Checklist)
Custody disputes can feel personal — but courts usually focus on one question: what arrangement best supports the child’s stability, safety, and long-term wellbeing.
If you’re still sorting out the basics, start with legal custody vs. physical custody and common 50/50 custody schedules. Then come back here for a practical, court-ready...
Where Do I File for Custody If We Live in Different States? UCCJEA “Home State” Rule + Emergency Options (New York)
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal advice. Interstate custody cases are fact-specific. If you need help with a Brooklyn or New York custody issue, start here: Child Custody (Gilmer Legal).
If you're panicking because your co-parent moved (or is about to move)Right of First Refusal in New York Custody Orders
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal advice. Parenting plan language is fact-specific and enforceability depends on the wording in your order. If you need help with a Brooklyn or New York custody or visitation schedule, start here: Child Custody (Gilmer Legal) and Child Visitation (Gilmer Legal).
How to Get an Affordable Custody Attorney in Brooklyn With a Payment Plan
You can find an affordable custody attorney in Brooklyn by focusing on attorneys who offer payment plans, transparent pricing, and early strategy discussions that control costs. The right approach can help you protect your parental rights without paying everything upfront or sacrificing quality representation.
Custody disputes move fast, and...
Can I Have an Attorney if I’m a Non-Respondent Parent in a New York Neglect Proceeding?
By George M. Gilmer, Esq. | Gilmer Law Firm PLLC | New York City Family Court / ACS Cases
January 31, 2026
Disclaimer: This post is general information about New York Family Court practice. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.