Tag Archives: parental rights

Is it Ever Advisable to Give Up Your Parental Rights in New York?

“If you give up all your rights and never bother us again we won’t ask you for anything!” We often receive calls from noncustodial parents who say they’ve been offered that proposition during heated arguments with their exes. However attractive that deal may seem, be aware that giving up your parental rights does not end… Read More »

Can You Represent Yourself in New York Family Court?

Family Court in New York handles petitions to modify custody, visitation and child support orders established during divorce proceedings in the state Supreme Court. In addition, unmarried parents go to Family Court when seeking to establish support obligations and custody rights. Though you have the right to initiate and proceed through a case in Family… Read More »

Factors Involved in Relinquishing Parental Rights and Adoption

Relinquishment of parental rights can occur forcibly or voluntarily. It most commonly occurs during an adoption process, in which birth parents relinquish their parental rights to give an adoptive family full legal custody over the child. While that does not necessarily mean the birth parents can never again have contact with the child, there are… Read More »

What to Do When Visitation Rights are Violated

Visitation terms are included in divorce settlements so that noncustodial parents have a legal right to spend time with their children. It is important to know that visitation terms are court orders that must be upheld. If your visitation rights are being violated, consider the following suggestions: Keep track: Maintain a written account of each… Read More »

Proposed Changes to State Custody Laws Strengthen Fathers’ Rights

For many years, fathers have argued for more parity in custody arrangements. But instead of making their case to a judge, they are now helping promote bills that would alter state laws pertaining to custody arrangements. As recently reported by the Wall Street Journal, 20 states are currently considering legislation regarding shared parenting. The proposals… Read More »

The Termination of Parental Rights in New York

In some circumstances, parental rights can be terminated to provide full custody to one parent or guardian. This is a common issue in cases of adoption or in cases where one of the natural parents is clearly not in the picture. As such, there are several situations in which termination can occur, and it can… Read More »

Do Sperm Donors Have Parental Rights?

Known as the heartthrob of the 1987 vampire flick Lost Boys, actor Jason Patric wants to be known as a dad to a child named Gus. Danielle Schreiber and Jason Patric were romantically involved for over a decade. Their on-again, off-again relationship included a period where they attempted to become pregnant but did not succeed…. Read More »

Beware the Happy Meal: It May Be Used Against You in a Court of Law

Parenting young children is not easy. Children throw tantrums, make a fuss and generally need guidance to keep their behavior in line. Parenting young children during a bitter divorce battle is no easier, as one New York man recently found out.  In a story told in headlines across the country, David Schorr, involved in a… Read More »

Mothers’ Rights: The Bode Miller Case

Alpine skiing veteran Bode Miller has garnered headlines lately that have little to do with downhill racing. In a case playing out on both coasts, the custodial setting of the son of Mr. Miller and an ex-girlfriend has provoked heated discussion about parental rights.  In addition to a high-profile quest for Olympic gold at Sochi,… Read More »