Category Archives: Child custody
New York’s High Court Holds That Child Placement Compact Does Not Apply When an Out-of-State Parent Seeks Custody
Custody issues involving an out-of-state parent can be very complicated. In some cases, rules designed to protect young people can hinder a parent’s ability to reunite with their child. One example of this is the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC). This agreement, signed by all 50 states and the District of Columbia,… Read More »
New York Parental Equity Act Signed Into Law
Outdated attitudes about the importance of fathers in a child’s life still affect child custody matters in numerous ways. It might sound shocking to hear that an unmarried father’s financial difficulty could prevent him from reuniting with a son or daughter in foster care, but until a recently enacted law, this was the case. In… Read More »
New York Survey Shows Strong Support for Joint Parenting
Changes in American society over the past 50 years have upended the old standard used in child custody determinations, which favored the mother. Polls show that an overwhelming majority of parents feel that joint parenting works best following a divorce or a breakup between parents who were never married. Numerous states have enacted laws that… Read More »
Relocations Caused by COVID-19 Still Complicate Custody Arrangements
For more than two and a half years, COVID-19 has wrought havoc on individuals and families in countless ways. Many divorced parents have experienced serious challenges due to the effect of school closures, remote work and quarantines on custody arrangements. During the “two weeks to stop the spread” period, most parents were willing to make… Read More »
Your Parenting Plan Needs to Reflect the Times
A well-conceived parenting plan is the foundation of a successful relationship between former partners and the sons and daughters they share. Hammering out the details regarding custody and visitation during separation or divorce might seem hard, but a strong framework can avert serious problems down the road. When done right, a parenting plan facilitates communication… Read More »
The Impact of Parents’ Finances on Custody Issues
In child custody cases, the parent who makes less money than the other might believe they are at a disadvantage. When evaluating what is in a young person’s best interests, a judge could favor the parent who has a fancier home in a better neighborhood. However, it’s important to remember that New York custody decisions… Read More »
What Is the Difference Between Joint Custody and Joint Shared Parenting?
Parents of minor children have numerous options when it comes to creating a child custody and visitation framework. However, finding the right solution can be stressful and confusing. Terms describing different types of arrangements can sound similar. For example, “joint custody” and “joint shared parenting” are not synonymous. Understanding the distinction between these terms and… Read More »
Divorcing a Narcissist and Getting Child Custody
If you don’t have minor children, a divorce will let you walk away from a spouse with a narcissistic personality once the financial details are worked out. However, a parent in the process of divorcing a narcissist should take active steps to protect their son or daughter. Someone’s personality problem not only affects the well-being… Read More »
What a Father Should Know About Seeking Full Custody
Most fathers do not envision needing to fight to prove they can provide the best home for their child. Yet, every day fathers across the country must go to court to seek full custody. Preparation, follow-through and consistency are keys to success. Family courts prioritize the best interests of the child, not the wishes of… Read More »
Questions You Will Need to Answer at a Child Custody Hearing
New York courts hold child custody hearings when parents cannot reach agreements on parenting plans. The hearing can be monumentally stressful, since emotions are likely to run high where parent-child relationships are involved. Going over the questions you are likely to be asked — and knowing your answers — may provide you with valuable peace… Read More »