On August 30th, the state’s highest court overruled its prior holdings and expanded the definition of parent to grant a standing to seek custody to a domestic partner who agreed with the biological parent to the conception of a child and the raising of the child together. That decision in Matter of Brooke S.B. v Elizabeth A.C.C. was quickly followed by the decision of the Appellate Division, Second Department in Matter of Frank G. v Renee P.-F. 

In the September 6th decision of the Second Department, Joseph and Frank were domestic partners who lived together for some five years. Together they asked Joseph’s sister, Renee, to act as a surrogate and give birth to the child resulting from Renee’s being impregnated with Frank’s sperm. The surrogacy contract contemplated that Renee would surrender her parental rights in order for Joseph to adopt the child. The understanding contemplated that Renee would remain a part of the child’s life.Continue Reading Domestic Partner of Biological Father May Seek Custody

In two decisions this month, appellate courts reversed Family Court orders and dismissed petitions for grandparent visitation.

In Pinsky v. Botnick, the petitioner was the paternal grandmother. Her son had died at the age of 35, survived by his widow and 4 children, then ages 9, 7, 5, and 3. Her Family Court petition for visitation was filed approximately six weeks after her son’s death.

At the hearing, the grandmother testified that she had a close relationship with the children. The grandmother also acknowledged that the mother was a fit parent. However, according to the mother, the children were hysterical about the court proceeding, fearful that the grandmother would take them away from their mother. The attorney for the children informed the Family Court that the children did not wish to see their grandparents.

Nassau County Family Court J.H.O. (and former Judge) Elaine Jackson Stack denied the mother’s application to appoint a neutral forensic evaluator. The mother retained Peter J. Favaro, Ph.D., whose report was received in evidence. Dr. Favaro reported that the children were experiencing a “complicated bereavement”: the three older children had reported having bad dreams about seeing their grandmother and that she would take them away. Dr. Favaro concluded that forcing interaction between the children and grandparents would only strengthen those fears.Continue Reading Grandmothers Denied Visitation in Two Recent Appellate Reversals