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New York Child Custody Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Civil Litigation and Family Law for New York on
Q: Child visitation order violation and child's well-being concerns in New York.

I am involved in court proceedings with my child's other parent in New York. The other parent has temporary visitation and is supposed to contact my child through a specific parental app at a set time, as directed by the court order. However, they frequently call at different times and use... View More

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

You should file a combined contempt and enforcement petition coupled with a change of custody It is not in the best interests of the child to sleep with her father. I’d contact the attorney for the child because if there is one a pitiful. For change coming from the attorney for the child... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: Can a former foster parent obtain parental rights or access to a child now returned to their biological parents?

I fostered a child for over a year, but the child has now been returned to their biological parents. During the fostering period, there were no legal proceedings to terminate the biological parents' rights, and I haven’t tried to adopt the child. I would like to know if I can obtain parental... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 25, 2025

I understand that this is likely a very emotional situation for you, especially after forming a strong bond with the child during the foster placement. In New York, however, the law gives significant weight to the rights of biological parents, particularly when those rights have not been terminated... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: How to regain full custody in NY after losing temporary custody?

I am involved in a child custody case where the other parent currently has temporary custody, although I had full custody of our child until January this year. I have had custody for our child's entire life, largely due to the other parent's long history of neglect and abuse. I would like... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 25, 2025

I understand how upsetting it must be to lose temporary custody, especially after having been the primary caregiver for your child's entire life. Regaining full custody in New York after a temporary order has been issued involves demonstrating to the court that a change is in the child's... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: How to regain full custody in NY after losing temporary custody?

I am involved in a child custody case where the other parent currently has temporary custody, although I had full custody of our child until January this year. I have had custody for our child's entire life, largely due to the other parent's long history of neglect and abuse. I would like... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Mar 27, 2025

We have no idea what happened to this asker. Another parent entered the picture in January, and poof, the child's custody is flipped and the question is how to unflip. We need more information: the facts, the age of the child, the living details of the parents (incomes), copies of transcripts... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: Can criminal charges arise from receiving child support after losing custody in NY?

In one county, a woman lost custody and parental rights to her child, who was then moved to another county. Despite this, she continued to receive child support from the father in the first county, as the court was unaware of the custody change. The child support order continued for over 17 years,... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Mar 16, 2025

A person can not go to jail simply for receiving child support under a valid child support order. However if the person lied under oath in court about where the child lives, whether the child was emancipated or if service of process was validly effectual, those are criminal perjury.

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Libel & Slander and Appeals / Appellate Law for New York on
Q: False abuse claims affect my custody in NY. How to report perjury?

I am going through a messy divorce in New York, where my ex-spouse took our child and made false statements against me in family court, claiming abuse and deprivation of basic rights, which were untrue. I have text messages and social media pictures proving otherwise, but I discovered this evidence... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 13, 2025

I understand how difficult and frustrating this situation must be, especially when you feel that false allegations have negatively impacted your custody arrangement. In New York, false abuse claims can significantly affect custody decisions, and it’s important to address any perjury or defamation... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: Can I gain legal rights to a child I've raised, not biologically mine, in NY?

I have been raising a child since birth who is not biologically mine and is now 7 years old. The father has never been involved, and I have the child on weekends with the mother's agreement. There are no formal legal arrangements currently. I believe the mother's house is not safe for the... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Apr 1, 2025

While we are prohibited from dispensing legal advice given the anonymous nature of this web site and the lack of knowledge of the facts, some situations are too important for us to stay silent.

In general terms, New York as well as a majority of the states of the United States push for...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Child Support for New York on
Q: I'm 16 right now, turning 17 on August 4th of this year. Can I leave on August 5th?

The police and CPS have not been able to help my family situation, and it's to the point where I will go insane if I can't get out. I have a safe place to go, and jobs lined up, and I know that in New York, sometimes 17 year olds have more freedom than in other states. My only other... View More

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Feb 13, 2025

The simple answer is yes The law in New York I. Parent child family Court proceedings is a person in need of Supervision or a PINS petition. The court does not have PINS jurisdiction over a 17 year old. Therefore no mechanism exists to supervise a 17 year old by his parents. Thus you can move... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for New York on
Q: I’m being garnished for child support, leaving me with $150/week (40 hours/wk). I’ve been overcharged & manipulated

I was overcharged $2000 in one 3-week period and have been paying for child care my daughters whole life, despite her not having received child care for years. I now have judgements I’m paying and feel I’ve been misrepresented by my lawyers. My last lawyer had me sign a document stating that my... View More

Marco Caviglia
Marco Caviglia
answered on Feb 7, 2025

To be found as wilfully refusing to pay child support, especially by admission, means you repeatedly and unjustifiably were not paying your full child support. You may file for changed circumstances and get the support amount reduced if you are successful, but that will only apply to future... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: I’m in Nassau county for divorce. My appointed lawyer doesn’t answer anything. How to get rid of him

He won’t answer anything. Failed me on trial. Spoke to me once in 7 months. The kids attorney is appointed as well. She is bias and ruining my kids. She hasn’t done one thing in the best interest of the kids. My ex continues to harass and abuse me asked for an order of protection my attorney... View More

Marco Caviglia
Marco Caviglia
answered on Feb 7, 2025

The law provides that up to your full attorney fees could be paid by your spouse if she is sufficiently "monied" to do so in the discretion of the court. I am not sure how you got appointed counsel on a divorce, but absent your hiring one you like, you can represent yourself or raise the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: Can I adjourn a trial case if my court appointed attorney hasn’t responded back to my calls or emails?
David P. Badanes
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David P. Badanes
answered on Jan 28, 2025

You need to contact both the Judge and the court appointed attorney to explain your situation. If their is sufficient time, the Court may grant you an adjournment. However, the Court may state that it is too late to get an adjournment. A lot of this depends on the Judge and all the circumstances.

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can my wife legally throw away my possessions if we separate but aren't divorced?

Me And my wife separated in october. I decided to stay at my parents because it was easier on our daughter. We rented from her parents and I had most of my possessions at the house still. They decided to either throw everything away and her father kept my tools and other things. Is this legal? I... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Jan 20, 2025

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're facing. Understanding your rights in this situation is essential to addressing the loss of your possessions and any potential legal remedies.

In New York, separation does not dissolve the marital relationship. While you and your wife...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can my wife legally throw away my possessions if we separate but aren't divorced?

Me And my wife separated in october. I decided to stay at my parents because it was easier on our daughter. We rented from her parents and I had most of my possessions at the house still. They decided to either throw everything away and her father kept my tools and other things. Is this legal? I... View More

David P. Badanes
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David P. Badanes
answered on Jan 28, 2025

The short answer is "no", your wife and/or her parents do not have the legal right to throw away your personal property (possessions). However, in a practical sense, you need to prove to the court exactly what personal property you had and what it was worth. Most of the time, personal... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: Me and my godchilds mom wanna know about joint custody on my godchild
Marco Caviglia
Marco Caviglia
answered on Jan 8, 2025

You are presumably not a grandparent of the child. It is unknown who has custody of the child now. If you, as a non-parent were actually eligible for "joint custody" with a parent, that would have to be sanctionedy by a superior court, such as Family Court. It is also not known what it... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: My question is ..i jst won full custody of child..mother has no visitation rights....do i allow her to talk on phone
Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Dec 30, 2024

This is a superb question rarely seen here on Justia. This question asks what is the effect of an order of custody and visitation, and the answer requires some explaining.

The order of custody and visitation is not an order for a parent to see his child. To the contrary, the order applies...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: I want to take my kid and visit our relatives on Christmas but my husband doesn’t let me ,we’re legally still married

Can he accuse me if I take our kid to this trip in other state (7 hours from home)without his consent?

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Dec 19, 2024

Accuse you of what? I assume there is no court order forbidding this. You are returning with the children. You are doing nothing "illegal" or "unethical". You are their parent. Unless your relatives are a danger to the children I see nothing wrong legally.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New York on
Q: can your wife take your children and establish residency in another state if you do not want your kids to live there?

What recourse do you have to ensure you still have access to your children?

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Sep 27, 2024

Dependent on the state. In New York the case of Tropea v Tropea requires judicial intervention The standard for relocation is the “ best interests of the child”’ She cannot remove the child on a whim. Like she wants to go to Florida because she wants to enjoy sunshine. There must be a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: I and my spouse have custody of my nephews and we split up do I automatically get joint custody with primary residency

Of my nephews since they are legally my blood relatives

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Aug 31, 2024

Nothing is "automatic". Do you have a court order granting you custody? Does it grant it to you, or to you and your spouse? If there is no court order then you do not have legal custody and should go to court to seek custody or guardianship, whichever is appropriate in your case. Talk... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: I need to remove my husband's parental rights, he disappeared from our lives 10 months ago, but I'm currently in Europe.

My husband decided to go AWOL 10 months ago, our kids are still minors and we had signed (via notaries in NY) a mutual separation agreement where he gave me full legal custody, prior to us leaving the US. I just need to legalize that with a court decree and remove his parental rights, since I... View More

Said Ibrahim
Said Ibrahim
answered on Jul 23, 2024

Were you married in New York? Based upon your answer there are several jurisdictional and service issues that will likely require you to hire a lawyer to help consult with on the best state, county, and court to file in, and how to properly serve your husband either personally, or with alternative... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New York on
Q: Are parents required to pay out of pocket for their child's college tuition? This was not in the custody agreement

At the time of the agreement, I was the custodial parent. There has been no changes to the agreement. My daughter has moved to FL with her mother and she is threatening legal if I don't pay her (the mother) cash for college she has claimed to pay for. This was not in the agreement . My... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

This is not the simplest question to answer because it involves an "agreement" and an out of state issue regarding educational expenses. Rephrasing the question, does the asker have to pay education costs for his child if there is a New York agreement while the child is in Florida. The... View More

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