Expanding Access to Family Offense Petitions: How “Melanie’s Law” Reflects Modern Family Relationships in New York
In 2024, New York lawmakers passed a landmark amendment known as “Melanie’s Law”—a reform that fundamentally expands who may seek an order of protection in Family Court. By amending Family Court Act §812, the Legislature recognized that family today comes in many forms, and the law must adapt to protect people connected...
Protecting Your Daycare License in New York: A Daycare Defense Attorney’s Complete Guide to OCFS & DOH Violations
Running a daycare in New York means balancing the joy of caring for children with the constant pressure of compliance. The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the Department of Health (DOH) impose exacting standards on every program—from home-based care to group centers. One inspection, one anonymous complaint, or one...
Received an OCFS or DOH Violation in New York? What Daycare Providers Should Do Next
If you’ve just received a Notice of Violation or Summons from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) or the Department of Health (DOH), the situation can feel overwhelming.
Even minor infractions—like missing documentation or expired training—can snowball into license suspension or revocation if not...
Parenting a Child While in Foster Care: Understanding Your Rights and the Support Available in New York City
At The Gilmer Law Firm, PLLC, we know that parenting is a challenging responsibility for anyone — and for young parents in foster care, it can be especially complex. Fortunately, New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) has developed extensive policies to ensure that expectant and parenting youth in foster care...
What 2025 New York Custody Cases Teach Parents About Stability, Safety, and Second Chances
Custody cases in New York can be emotionally exhausting. Parents often feel that one mistake or a bad chapter in life could cost them their children forever. But recent appellate decisions from 2025 tell a more balanced story—one focused on safety, stability, and the possibility of second chances.
At The Gilmer Law Firm,...
Why You Need a Brooklyn Custody Attorney: How Neglect, Drug Use, and Domestic Violence Affect Custody in New York
At The Gilmer Law Firm, PLLC, our Brooklyn Custody Attorney and Brooklyn Family Law Attorney team has represented parents throughout New York City in complex custody and visitation cases. Custody disputes often involve allegations of neglect, domestic violence, or substance abuse. Understanding how these factors influence the court’s decision under New...
When Grandparents Seek Visitation in New York: Lessons from Matter of Bell v. Bell (2025)
At The Gilmer Law Firm, PLLC, we often receive calls from grandparents who have been cut off from their grandchildren. New York law does recognize the right of grandparents to petition for visitation — but it’s not automatic. The recent Appellate Division decision in Matter of Bell v. Bell (2025 NY Slip...
The “Fair Preponderance” Standard: What ACS Must Prove to Indicate or Unfound a Child Abuse or Maltreatment Report in New York
When the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) investigates a report of child abuse or maltreatment, it must decide whether the report should be indicated or unfounded. That decision depends on a strict legal standard of proof.
Since January 1, 2022, ACS has been required to use a “fair...
Understanding Temporary Orders of Protection in New York Family Court
If you or someone you love has been served with a temporary order of protection in Family Court, it’s essential to know what it means, what it doesn’t mean, and how to respond strategically. A temporary order of protection is not a finding of wrongdoing. It’s a preventive measure designed to protect...
When Accused Under Public Health Law § 2803-d: How New York Administrative Law Attorneys Protect Health-Care Workers
When a nurse, aide, or facility employee is accused of abuse or neglect in a New York residential health-care setting, the stakes could not be higher.
Under Public Health Law § 2803-d, even an allegation of mistreatment can trigger an administrative investigation by the Department of Health (DOH), possible...