Can a Parent Be Denied Child Visitation?

There is a presumption under New York law that continued contact with both parents is in the best interests of the child after a divorce. So, even when one parent receives full custody of the child, the other parent is almost always entitled to visitation. 

Nonpayment of child support is not grounds for denial of visitation rights. Even when a parent has a history of domestic violence or substance abuse, the courts try to preserve the relationship between the child and the noncustodial parent. This may include supervised visits and court-ordered therapy. 

Only in extremely rare situations will a court completely deny a parent visitation with the child. To do so, the court must determine that any contact with the noncustodial parent would be detrimental to the child’s health or safety. 

Nevertheless, some parents go to great lengths to try to deny their former spouses or partners visitation — some going so far as to fabricate allegations of abuse. When parents face such accusations during custody and visitation disputes, they need representation from Suffolk County child custody attorneys with many years of experience. Bryan L. Salamone and his team are prepared to tackle even the most challenging custody disputes.