Best Child Visitation Lawyers in New York

About Child Visitation Law in New York, United States:

Child visitation law in New York, United States, focuses on establishing and regulating the time spent between non-custodial parents or grandparents and their children. It aims to ensure that children have regular and meaningful contact with their non-custodial parent or grandparent, while also considering the best interests of the child.

Why You May Need a Lawyer:

You may need a lawyer when dealing with child visitation matters in New York if:

• You are going through a divorce or separation and need to establish a visitation schedule
• Your ex-partner is not following the agreed-upon visitation schedule
• You believe the current visitation arrangement is not in the best interest of your child
• You want to modify an existing visitation order
• You need assistance in enforcing visitation rights
• You want to explore visitation options as a grandparent

Local Laws Overview:

In New York, the two key laws related to child visitation are:

• New York Domestic Relations Law Section 70: This law addresses child custody and visitation rights, considering the best interests of the child as the primary factor in determining visitation arrangements.
• New York Family Court Act Section 108: This law grants grandparents the right to petition the court for visitation rights if the child's parents deny them access.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can visitation rights be modified?

Yes, visitation rights can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances or if it is in the best interest of the child. However, any modifications must be approved by the court.

2. Can grandparents seek visitation rights?

Yes, under New York law, grandparents may petition the court for visitation rights if they can demonstrate that it is in the child's best interest to maintain a relationship with them.

3. What should I do if my ex-spouse is not following the visitation schedule?

If your ex-spouse is not following the visitation schedule, it is advisable to first try to resolve the issue through communication. If this fails, you can file a petition with the family court to enforce the visitation order.

4. Can visitation rights be denied?

In certain circumstances, visitation rights may be denied if it is determined that allowing visitation would be detrimental to the child's well-being or safety. However, this decision is made by the court based on evidence presented.

5. How long does it take to establish visitation rights?

The time it takes to establish visitation rights can vary. It depends on the complexity of the case, the cooperation of the parties involved, and the court's workload. It typically takes several weeks to several months.

Additional Resources:

For further information and assistance regarding child visitation in New York, you may find the following resources helpful:

• New York State Unified Court System - Family Court: www.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/family
• LawHelpNY - Child Custody and Visitation: www.lawhelpny.org/issues/families-and-kids/child-custody-and-visitation
• New York State Bar Association - Family Law Section: nysba.org/sections/family-law

Next Steps:

If you require legal assistance with child visitation matters in New York, it is recommended to:

• Consult an experienced family law attorney who specializes in child visitation cases.
• Gather all relevant documents and information related to your situation.
• Prepare a list of concerns or questions you have for the attorney.
• Schedule a consultation to discuss your case and evaluate your options.