Kyra’s Law and Custody Safety: Why New York Parents Should Treat Safety Evidence Like the Main Event
Kyra’s Law passed both houses of the New York Legislature in June 2026, but publication should treat it carefully until final gubernatorial action is confirmed. The bill is designed to push custody and visitation courts to focus sharply on child safety, including allegations involving domestic violence, child abuse, stalking, coercive control,...
What Happens When a Child Refuses Visitation in a New York Custody Case?
When a child refuses visitation in New York, the existing custody or parenting time order does not automatically change. Courts expect both parents to follow the order unless it is formally modified, even if a child says they do not want to go.
That said, the child’s age,...
Can My Ex Keep Our Child Away From Me Without a Court Order?
In most situations, no. Without a court order granting sole custody or limiting your parenting time, one parent generally does not have the legal right to block the other parent from seeing their child. Still, real life is rarely that simple, especially when emotions are high, and no formal custody arrangement is...
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)