Long Island Child Custody Attorneys Fight for Disabled Parents

Aggressive representation for medical marijuana patients

Since Governor Cuomo signed legislation making medical marijuana legal in New York State, more than 21,000 patients have availed themselves of this safe and effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, seizures, nausea from chemotherapy, muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease. Unfortunately, medical marijuana use has become a bone of contention in custody disputes in which many parents have lost custody and visitation rights simply for accessing a legal and effective medical treatment. At Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C., we believe you should not have to make a false choice between your health and your children. We fight for our clients’ parental rights, and we fight to win.

Eligible medical marijuana patients should not lose custody rights

Medical marijuana is highly regulated in New York to prevent abuse. Prospective patients must consult a practitioner who is registered with the New York State Department of Health's Medical Marijuana Program. If the practitioner believes medical marijuana is appropriate for the condition, only then can a patient receive a certification for medical marijuana. Eligible conditions are not mild, transient illnesses; they include severely debilitating or life-threatening conditions such as:

  • Cancer
  • HIV infection or AIDS
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Spinal cord injury with spasticity
  • Epilepsy
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Neuropathy
  • Huntington's disease
  • Chronic pain (as defined by 10 NYCRR §1004.2(a)(8)(xi))

Moreover, the severe condition must be associated with or complicated by one of the following:

  • Cachexia, or wasting syndrome
  • Severe, chronic pain
  • Severe nausea
  • Seizures
  • Severe or persistent muscle spasms

These are serious conditions. But if your illness is not a reason to deny you child custody, neither should your treatment be. The courts in New York decide child custody issues on the best interest of the child. That is a finding that requires a thorough examination of all relevant factors and cannot depend solely on a prescription for medical marijuana.

At our firm, we litigate child custody disputes aggressively. We will not allow your case to be unduly prejudiced by ignorant, antiquated attitudes toward medical marijuana use. We are prepared to present the court with the full picture of how you cope with your disability, adhere to your treatment program, and retain your ability to be an effective parent and a positive presence in your child’s life.

Hire determined lawyers who fight for the rights of disabled parents. Call us now.

If you have a loving relationship with your child, your medical disability should not be an automatic bar to custody. Trust Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C. to make a compelling case that your relationship with your child is essential to your child’s welfare and happiness.  Contact us online for a free initial consultation with our skilled custody attorneys. If your case is urgent, do not email. Call us immediately at 1.631.479.3839.