Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
New York Child Custody Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: I am in an abusive marriage with two little kids and no financial means to pay a retainer, I need help and advice, thank

I need a protective order and divorce help please

Carmen M. Rodriguez
Carmen M. Rodriguez
answered on Feb 26, 2023

If you are in immediate danger call 911

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233

Safe Horizon contact is 1-800-621-HOPE (4673)

There is also Freedom House (domestic violence shelter for victims of domestic violence and their families)

212-400-6470...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: Hi, I hired a lawyer in my family court child custody case and now the judge says I am eligible for a court assigned

my attorney says he can't represent me anymore because the court pays little.

Can I pay the difference (credit card debt) if I want to keep her as my attorney

Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on Jan 31, 2023

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Assigned lawyers are not allowed to accept money from the client. Aside from that, based upon what you have said, your current lawyer is not on the panel for assigned lawyers. You will have to decide between paying your current lawyer the full hourly rate or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: Received Emergency Custody of 16 year old son. Court suggested I retain an attorney. How do I find the right attorney?

Son was in presence of mother when she overdosed. He had to call an ambulance. CPS contacted me and said file for emergency custody.

Mary Theresa Colwell
PREMIUM
Mary Theresa Colwell
answered on Jan 30, 2023

Finding the right attorney is important. First, you should google Family Law attorneys who practice in the place where the custody is to take place. From there, look at their websites and learn more about the mission and vision of the firm. You should meet with different firms to determine if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: I have temporary custody of my 21-month-old son. His mother is allowed visitation that is supervised by a CPS twice week

the mother saw the child on 1/24/2022 and was actively using strong drugs. She was tested and tested positive and now is in a rehab. This has been her MOA since she lost custody in 1/2022. We would like legal advice on getting full permanent custody of the toddler. She has an extensive history of... View More

Sandra M. Colatosti
Sandra M. Colatosti
answered on Jan 29, 2023

If the child was placed with you under neglect proceedings against the mother, the court will decide if you should be placed with you permanently during the dispositional phase. You also could file a custody petition.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Libel & Slander for New York on
Q: Custody against an Abuser

I have a custody case coming up at the end of January my child's mother is suspected to be a narcissist I can prove with text messages and recorded phone calls of the abuse she jumps in to relationship to relationship to relationship immediately allowing the new partner to meet our child in... View More

Sandra M. Colatosti
Sandra M. Colatosti
answered on Jan 6, 2023

You can ask the judge to include a provision in an order that neither parent is to introduce the child to a new paramour until at least six months after beginning the relationship. You would benefit by consulting with a lawyer regarding your case if you wish to obtain custody.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: If mom had custody of my son and she recently passed away who has custody of the child
Mary Theresa Colwell
PREMIUM
Mary Theresa Colwell
answered on Jan 3, 2023

That depends upon what the order says. If mom had sole legal custody then the person seeking custody, such as yourself or one of her relatives, would need to file in Family Court for a modification based upon this change in circumstances. If necessary, an Order to Show Cause can be filed for... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody for New York on
Q: If my mom had custody of my child and she recently passed away does the custody go back to me
Sandra M. Colatosti
Sandra M. Colatosti
answered on Dec 29, 2022

If there was an order giving your mother custody, you must file a modification petition in Family Court stating your mother’s passing as a change in circumstances. If she was awarded custody on your consent or per court order because, for some reason, you were unable to care for your child at... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: We have questions about relinquishing custody of a 14 year old nephew to his adult siblings.

In August of 2020, my husband and I were given primary physical and joint legal custody of our 12 year old nephew. Both parents were deceased and his two adult siblings asked us to take him as they did not feel equipped to raise him. After two and a half years we feel as though it is time for his... View More

Sandra M. Colatosti
Sandra M. Colatosti
answered on Dec 27, 2022

His siblings must be willing to assume custody of your nephew. If they are not, the Court cannot force them to take custody. If one of them is willing to assume custody he/she should file a custody petition. If you know longer wish to maintain custody of your nephew and neither of the siblings... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for New York on
Q: Child custody and child support

I had my children since June of this year. I have filed for sole custody of my children and a restraining order against mother. I was granted a temporary restraining order and my lawyer has already filed for modification of child support. My ex has been resetting the hearing for child custody and... View More

David Ivan Bliven
David Ivan Bliven
answered on Dec 17, 2022

In theory, you could file an order to show cause with the Court ion the child support case, requesting that the court issue a preliminary order suspending the child support. It's questionable whether the magistrate will grant same in advance of your regular return date & in advance of an... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for New York on
Q: Child custody and child support

I had my children since June of this year. I have filed for sole custody of my children and a restraining order against mother. I was granted a temporary restraining order and my lawyer has already filed for modification of child support. My ex has been resetting the hearing for child custody and... View More

Howard E. Knispel
PREMIUM
Howard E. Knispel
answered on Nov 30, 2022

The child support matter, once it is resolved, will be retroactive to the date of filing. Your attorney should demand the cases be put on for trial. There is no reason a case should be adjourned that many times.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: Can I request a Lincoln Hearing on a custody modification petition appeal??

Father got full custody of children in August. I’m in the process of filing an appeal on that. Last month, I filed a custody modification due to ongoing reports of alleged abuse by the father. CPS was called by the ER and by the school. CPS worker blamed me for the calls and accused me of... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 11, 2022

In New York, the appellate division's authority over custody of children is equal to that of either the Supreme or the Family Court. This means the appellate division can assign attorneys for the children, hold hearings, conferences and decide on both facts and law. The asker can request, and... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: Can I request a Lincoln Hearing on a custody modification petition appeal??

Father got full custody of children in August. I’m in the process of filing an appeal on that. Last month, I filed a custody modification due to ongoing reports of alleged abuse by the father. CPS was called by the ER and by the school. CPS worker blamed me for the calls and accused me of... View More

Sandra M. Colatosti
Sandra M. Colatosti
answered on Nov 24, 2022

No, the appeal is based on the evidence presented at trial or information presented to the Family Court judge. You cannot present new evidence on appeal. You could try making a motion to reargue or renew in Family Court.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Constitutional Law for New York on
Q: What is case law on a non-custodial parents girlfriend being requested to give a hair follicle after already submitting

Drug test by an oasis State facility

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 22, 2022

This is one of those questions that lack all of the detail needed to properly respond to. There is also missing an issue except to the extent that a "non-custodial parent's "girlfriend" already submitted to a hair follicle test.

There is a considerable body of case law...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: New petitions have been filed change of circumstances have been filed no initial hearing date for first appearance was

That was postponed to a trial continues to get postponed have not subpoenaed my girlfriend into court but want to question her they have no witnesses they have nobody to testify my girlfriend is supply drug test reference letters certificates custody orders in regards to her own children and they... View More

Mary Theresa Colwell
PREMIUM
Mary Theresa Colwell
answered on Nov 21, 2022

If you are not represented by an attorney, I strongly suggest you consult with one immediately. If you are preparing for a custody trial where certified documents may need to be submitted, it is essential that they are done properly. An attorney can also move the process forward for you. You are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for New York on
Q: Judge who signed order was my attorney for a different case and knew the both parties involved. Conflict? Invalid order?

My daughter’s grandmother filed for custody and was granted temporary relief many of reasons given in petition were false. The judge who signed the Show For Cause granting the temporary reliefs, including custody of my daughter, was previously my attorney as a district attorney who represented me... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 5, 2022

There are many convoluted questions here on Justia that give answering attorneys pause, and this is certainly one of them. The call of the question is whether the judge's order is ineffective given the facts of the question. Let's unpack the facts.

The asker's mother lied on...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: Is there a 3rd party in NY that can supervise a supervised visit with ex & child? Don't trust ex to complete paperwork

TX Custody order, ex moved out of state before supervised visits could be done.

Mary Theresa Colwell
PREMIUM
Mary Theresa Colwell
answered on Oct 21, 2022

Yes there are agencies or individuals who supervise parenting time at least in the upstate region. Depending upon where you live, options are available but some charge for each visit. The benefit is that they provide an unbiased report of the visits if you need for court purposes.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Divorce for New York on
Q: Can a divorce be voided because of a typo?

I went to court and we finalized our divorce. Both parties signed in the court room. There was a typo or error in the custody order/ divorce agreement and I had to resign new papers recently and my exhusband hasn't signed them. Does that mean we are not divorced? Does that mean there is no new... View More

David P. Badanes
PREMIUM
David P. Badanes
answered on Apr 18, 2024

Without seeing the actual Judgment of Divorce, I can't definitely answer your question. However, most likely you are still divorced. It seems that you may have to go back to court with a Motion to get your husband to sign the correct papers.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New York on
Q: Can a copy of transcripts of previous proceedings be used as evidence exhibit/reference in response/answering papers?

Can i use what was said on the record in a previous hearing of my case? The relevance is what opp counsel stated in their affirmation or lack thereof and what was said on the record are conflicting. I’ve already paid for & received the transcripts; writing response papers i have cited the... View More

Lawrence Allen Weinreich
Lawrence Allen Weinreich
answered on Mar 21, 2024

The short answer to your question is yes they may be used as exhibits

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for New York on
Q: how to file child custody for the first time? is it legal to hold on to visitation while filing for custody?

when there is conflicts and threats can I hold on to the visitation right until resolved by court.

Howard E. Knispel
PREMIUM
Howard E. Knispel
answered on Feb 16, 2024

If there are no court orders of custody or visitation then both parents have equal rights to both. If there is a dangerous or unhealthy sitiuation then withholding visitation, if in the child's best interst, might be advisable but a custody petition should be immediatly filed.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: one parent moved out of state (New York) before the custody filing. How does this affect any custody arraignments?

How does one parent request a home study of one parent living outside of New York if it's suspected that the living arrangements are unacceptable and there may be child to child abuse?

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 16, 2024

There is not enough information here to cogently answer this question. We are not told when the child left state #1 to state #2. We are not told which of the two states the custody filing occurred.

The duration of the child's absence from a state makes all the difference to the success...
View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.