The case of Peggy RR. v. Jenell RR. 2023 N.Y. Slip Op. 23252 (N.Y. Fam. Ct. 2023) is a complex child custody case. Not only does it involve a grandparent seeking access to her grandchild, it also has interstate elements. The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is…
In custody disputes, courts prioritize the child’s best interests, considering circumstances that may necessitate modifications to prior agreements. This case addresses a post-divorce dispute where both parents sought modifications to their custody and parental access arrangements. The Supreme Court initially ruled without a hearing, but the appellate court reversed and…
Permanency hearings are critical in child welfare cases, ensuring that children placed in the care of social services have stable and appropriate long-term plans. In Matter of Malazah W. and Malikah W., the Family Court addressed the permanency goal for two children removed from their mother’s care due to neglect.…
Common law marriage is a legal concept that recognizes a couple as married without the need for a formal ceremony or marriage license. It typically arises when a couple lives together for a certain period of time and holds themselves out as married, presenting themselves to others as spouses. In…
In a case concerning the custody of a minor child, the Family Court of Kings County addressed a petition to modify the custody arrangement outlined in a Florida judgment of divorce. The court considered whether a change in circumstances warranted granting the mother sole legal and physical custody of the…
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978 is a federal law designed to protect the best interests of Native American children and preserve the stability and security of Indian tribes and families. While originally enacted to address the alarming rate of Native American children being removed from their families…
In Hendershot v. Hendershot, 187 A.D.3d 1584 (N.Y. App. Div. 2020), a father appealed against a court order that increased the mother’s visitation rights with their children. Under New York law, in order for there to be a custody modification, there must be a change in circumstances. A “change in…
In Linda UU. v. Dana VV. 212 A.D.3d 906 (N.Y. App. Div. 2023), the Family Court of Schenectady County dealt with a custody dispute involving a grandmother’s right to custody against the child’s mother. In New York, courts generally uphold the principle that a parent’s right to custody of their children…
A Final Order of Visitation (FOV) in New York is a legal document issued by the court that establishes the specific rights of a non-custodial parent or other party to have visitation with a child. This order outlines the schedule, duration, and conditions under which visitation will occur, aiming to…
When a parent wants to relocate with their child, they must get the permission of the other parent or of the court. The court will approve such a request to relocate and modification of a custody order if it is in the best interests of the child. In Betts v.…